Subaru Outback vs Ford Everest
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 Subaru Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Ford Everest opens at $59,490. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $10,500.
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 $65,439 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Everest by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Outback and Ford Everest hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 86% for the Ford Everest.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Ford Everest packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in 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 9 in the Ford Everest.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Everest gets a 10.1-inch display and 8-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 that you will not find on the Ford Everest. The Ford Everest counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The Ford Everest responds with a Diesel Bi-Turbo making 154kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.
The Ford Everest has the clear power advantage at 154kW vs 137kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Outback is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Outback measures 4,870mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 108mm shorter than the Ford Everest at 4,978mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Everest generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 975L in the Subaru Outback and 259L in the Ford Everest, giving the Subaru Outback a 716L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1267L vs 1818L.
For towing, the Ford Everest leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg 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 11.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback and $2,052/year for the Ford Everest. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Ford Everest.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (Subaru Outback) vs $2,052 (Ford Everest). The Ford Everest saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Everest). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Everest if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Subaru Outback and Ford Everest trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ford Everest will save you roughly $399 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, Subaru Outback and Ford Everest?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Everest by $10,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Everest uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Outback and Ford Everest 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 Ford Everest has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Everest makes the most power at 154kW. The Subaru Outback is quickest to 100km/h in 9.9s.
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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