Subaru Outback vs Volkswagen Tayron

The Subaru Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tayron opens at $48,290. That makes the Volkswagen Tayron the more affordable entry point by $700.

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 $53,119 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Tayron hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 87% for the Volkswagen Tayron.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

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 9 in the Volkswagen Tayron.

The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tayron gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Outback stands out with panoramic roof and heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Tayron. The Volkswagen Tayron counters with 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 Tayron offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Subaru Outback and 3-zone in the Volkswagen Tayron.

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

The Volkswagen Tayron responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels.

The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Subaru Outback measures 4,880mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 88mm longer than the Volkswagen Tayron at 4,792mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Tayron generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 530L in the Subaru Outback and 345L in the Volkswagen Tayron, giving the Subaru Outback a 185L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1267L vs 1905L. The Volkswagen Tayron seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Subaru Outback and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tayron. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Tayron.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tayron). Both match on warranty length.