Subaru Outback vs Zeekr X
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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 29 Jul 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.
$48,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$49,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Zeekr X opens at $49,900. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $910.
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 $54,890 respectively.
The Zeekr X currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Outback does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Outback and Zeekr X hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 91% for the Zeekr X.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Zeekr X, against 6 on the Subaru Outback.
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 Zeekr X.
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.
Zeekr X
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
66kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 230kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 230kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Zeekr X gets a 14.6-inch display and 8.8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Outback stands out with heated front seats and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Zeekr X. The Zeekr X counters with wireless charging, V2L, Yamaha audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru Outback gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Zeekr X offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.
The Zeekr X responds with a Electric making 200kW, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The Zeekr X has the clear power advantage at 200kW 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, 448mm longer than the Zeekr X at 4,432mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Zeekr X generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the Subaru Outback and 404L in the Zeekr X, giving the Subaru Outback a 126L advantage.
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.
10.6m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback) vs 5 years / 200,000km (Zeekr X). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Zeekr X if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Zeekr's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Zeekr X: Top CarSorted Score, 77 vs 76, but the Subaru Outback is $910 cheaper
The Zeekr X comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (77 vs 76), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: performance (Zeekr X ahead by 22), fuel economy (Zeekr X ahead by 20), practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 13). 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Outback and Zeekr X?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Zeekr X by $910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Outback uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Subaru Outback and Zeekr X 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 Zeekr X makes the most power at 200kW.
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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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