Subaru Outback vs Volkswagen Caddy
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 11 Sep 2026, price 8 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Volkswagen Caddy: we're still completing kerb weight, 0-100km/h and ground clearance.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Track the Subaru Outback & Volkswagen Caddy
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Caddy opens at $49,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $53,889 and $54,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Caddy by roughly $4,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Caddy hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 84% for the Volkswagen Caddy.
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 Volkswagen Caddy.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Outback and 7 in the Volkswagen Caddy.
Recalls on our record
Subaru Outback
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005485 · published 3 Aug 2022Due to a manufacturing issue, the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2018
- REC-001697 · published 24 Aug 2021The fuel pump impeller may not meet manufacturing specifications, as a result it may become deformed.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- 11 more on the model page.
Volkswagen Caddy
- REC-005864 · published 12 Jan 2024An airbag deactivation switch may have been incorrectly fitted instead of a blanking plug.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- REC-005575 · published 5 Dec 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the transverse link bushes fitted to the front axle may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-001375 · published 2 Apr 2020Vehicles fitted with a 7 speed dual clutch gearbox have a fluid leak that can lead to pressure loss in the gearbox.Year range on the notice: 2011 - 2015
- 7 more on the model page.
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 Volkswagen Caddy gets a 8.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Outback stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof and heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Caddy. The Volkswagen Caddy counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru Outback gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Caddy offers cloth (trialog).
Drivetrain
The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.
The Volkswagen Caddy responds with a Diesel I4 Turbo TDI making 90kW and 320Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 90kW. 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, 27mm longer than the Volkswagen Caddy at 4,853mm (2,970mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Caddy generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the Subaru Outback and 446L in the Volkswagen Caddy, giving the Subaru Outback a 84L advantage. The Volkswagen Caddy seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 12.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Subaru Outback and $1,397/year for the Volkswagen Caddy. That is a $912 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Caddy.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Caddy). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Caddy if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Volkswagen Caddy: Top CarSorted Score, 78 vs 76, but the Subaru Outback is $1,000 cheaper
The Volkswagen Caddy comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (78 vs 76), taking 1 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Volkswagen Caddy ahead by 29), reliability (Subaru Outback ahead by 7), value (Volkswagen Caddy ahead by 6). The Volkswagen Caddy will save you roughly $912 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Caddy?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Caddy by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Caddy uses the least fuel at 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Caddy all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 530L with the seats up (1,267L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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