Subaru Outback vs Toyota Kluger

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Subaru Outback and Toyota Kluger hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2021. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 90% for the Toyota Kluger.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Outback, against 5 on the Toyota Kluger.

Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Outback and 7 in the Toyota Kluger.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Kluger gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Outback stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota Kluger. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Subaru Outback gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Kluger offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Subaru Outback and 3-zone in the Toyota Kluger.

Drivetrain

The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.

The Toyota Kluger responds with a 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid making 184kW and 242Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The Toyota Kluger has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Subaru Outback measures 4,880mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 86mm shorter than the Toyota Kluger at 4,966mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Kluger generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 530L in the Subaru Outback and 241L in the Toyota Kluger, giving the Subaru Outback a 289L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1267L vs 1150L. The Toyota Kluger seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Toyota Kluger leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Outback's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 11.1 m against 11.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Outback costs about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km) and fuel for the Toyota Kluger about $1,596 a year (5.6 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $713 a year less for the Toyota Kluger.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback) and 5 years / Unlimited (Toyota Kluger). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Subaru Outback), no data (Toyota Kluger).

Where each one leads

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $62,410) and the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 241L).

The Toyota Kluger: more power (184kW against 137kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,596 a year against $2,309).

The Verdict

Toyota Kluger scores higher, 78 vs 76

The Toyota Kluger scores 78 to the Subaru Outback's 76 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Toyota Kluger ahead by 22 points), performance (Toyota Kluger ahead by 12 points), practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 6 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Toyota Kluger costs about $713 less (5.6 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 530L in the Subaru Outback, 241L in the Toyota Kluger.

Common questions