Subaru Outback vs CUPRA Formentor
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 CUPRA Formentor opens at $54,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
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 $60,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the CUPRA Formentor by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Outback and CUPRA Formentor hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 93% for the CUPRA Formentor.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Formentor packs more ADAS features with 8 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 7 in the CUPRA Formentor.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen, while the CUPRA Formentor 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 that you will not find on the CUPRA Formentor. The CUPRA Formentor counters with wireless charging and ambient lighting. 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 CUPRA Formentor responds with a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol making 140kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The CUPRA Formentor has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 137kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Formentor is 2.9s 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, 420mm longer than the CUPRA Formentor at 4,450mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 975L in the Subaru Outback and 420L in the CUPRA Formentor, giving the Subaru Outback a 555L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,700kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m 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 $1,995/year for the CUPRA Formentor. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the CUPRA Formentor.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (Subaru Outback) vs $1,995 (CUPRA Formentor). The CUPRA Formentor saves you roughly $456 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 (CUPRA Formentor). 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 CUPRA Formentor if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Subaru Outback and CUPRA Formentor trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The CUPRA Formentor will save you roughly $456 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 CUPRA Formentor?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the CUPRA Formentor by $6,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The CUPRA Formentor uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Outback and CUPRA Formentor 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 Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The CUPRA Formentor makes the most power at 140kW. The CUPRA Formentor is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
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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