Volkswagen Tiguan vs Subaru Outback
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.
Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Tiguan starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $58,289 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Tiguan by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan and 88% for the Subaru Outback.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volkswagen Tiguan and 9 in the Subaru Outback. The Volkswagen Tiguan adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru Outback misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Tiguan features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Tiguan stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Tiguan uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tiguan is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Tiguan measures 4,539mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 331mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 615L in the Volkswagen Tiguan and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 360L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Volkswagen Tiguan) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The Volkswagen Tiguan saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Tiguan if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Outback takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Tiguan will save you roughly $285 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Tiguan and Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by $4,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Tiguan uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Tiguan and Subaru Outback 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 975L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW. The Volkswagen Tiguan is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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