Ford Ranger vs Subaru Outback
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Ford Ranger starts from $37,130 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Ford Ranger the more affordable entry point by $11,860.
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 $40,843 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Ranger by roughly $2,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Ranger and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Ford Ranger and 88% for the Subaru Outback.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Outback packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Ford Ranger.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Ford Ranger and 9 in the Subaru Outback.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Ranger features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that the Ford Ranger does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Ranger uses a Diesel Turbo producing 125kW and 405Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 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 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Outback is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Ranger measures 5,225mm long on a 3,270mm wheelbase, 355mm longer than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Ranger generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Ford Ranger 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 12.9m
Based on 12.9m 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 $1,967/year for the Ford Ranger and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $484 annual difference in favour of the Ford Ranger.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Ford Ranger) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The Ford Ranger saves you roughly $484 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Ranger) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Ranger if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Ford Ranger and Subaru Outback trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ford Ranger will save you roughly $484 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Ranger and Subaru Outback?
The Ford Ranger is the cheapest at $37,130 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $11,860.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Ranger uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Ford Ranger 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 Ford Ranger has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW. 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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