Subaru Outback vs Toyota Yaris Cross

Price and cost per week

Standard features per $10,000: not ranked, too few features are known for both cars. Price per kW: level ($358 per kW on RRP for the Subaru Outback; $374 per kW on RRP for the Toyota Yaris Cross). On the rated figures, the Toyota Yaris Cross leads on price per litre of boot: $92 per litre of boot on RRP for the Subaru Outback; $82 per litre of boot on RRP for the Toyota Yaris Cross. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.

Safety Rundown

Both the Subaru Outback and Toyota Yaris Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2021. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 86% for the Toyota Yaris Cross.

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 Yaris Cross.

Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Outback and 8 in the Toyota Yaris Cross.

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 Yaris Cross 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 Yaris Cross. 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 Yaris Cross offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Subaru Outback and 1-zone in the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Drivetrain

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

The Toyota Yaris Cross responds with a 1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid making 85kW and 120Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.

The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 85kW. 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, 700mm longer than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 530L in the Subaru Outback and 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross, giving the Subaru Outback a 140L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 1,600kg 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 Toyota Yaris Cross's turning circle is 0.5 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.1 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 $2,369 a year (8.1 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol) and fuel for the Toyota Yaris Cross about $1,112 a year (3.8 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol). That is $1,257 a year less for the Toyota Yaris Cross.

The weekly and 5-year figures in the price section above add repayments, rego, servicing and tyres to this; use our Fuel Cost Calculator for your own driving.

Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km (Subaru Outback) and 5 years / unlimited km (Toyota Yaris Cross). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Subaru Outback), no data (Toyota Yaris Cross).

Where each one leads

The Subaru Outback: more power (137kW against 85kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 390L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 400kg).

The Toyota Yaris Cross: the lower starting price ($31,790 against $48,990) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,112 a year against $2,369).

The Verdict

Toyota Yaris Cross scores higher, 77 vs 76

The Toyota Yaris Cross scores 77 to the Subaru Outback's 76 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Toyota Yaris Cross ahead by 37 points), technology (Subaru Outback ahead by 23 points), practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 20 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Toyota Yaris Cross costs about $1,257 less (3.8 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol). Boot space with the seats up: 530L in the Subaru Outback, 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Common questions