Subaru Outback vs. Tesla Model Y
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Outback and Tesla Model Y contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru Outback and the Tesla Model Y.
When we compare the Subaru Outback's and the Tesla Model Y's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback has the advantage in the area of resale value. The Tesla Model Y has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Outback's and the Tesla Model Y's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value and the Tesla Model Y loses 60.8 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 17.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model Y.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Outback’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Tesla Model Y base engine makes 295 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Outback and the Tesla Model Y have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
34995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
44990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
54633
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
44990 - 64380
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
49191
Price Range:
42990 - 57950
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
49191
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
49191 - 49191
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Tesla Model Y Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model Y
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 54Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 18Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 54Tesla Model Y Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 52Ranking
2 out of / 40Ranking
3 out of / 82Ranking
5 out of / 52Ranking
6 out of / 82Ranking
6 out of / 52Ranking
6 out of / 52Ranking
8 out of / 82Ranking
8 out of / 52Ranking
11 out of / 82Ranking
11 out of / 82Ranking
12 out of / 52Ranking
13 out of / 52Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 82Ranking
18 out of / 82Ranking
22 out of / 52Ranking
23 out of / 52Ranking
26 out of / 82Ranking
29 out of / 82Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Summary Review
The Tesla Model Y is a two-row, five-passenger crossover. An optional third row with two jump seats is also available in some trims. Like every Tesla, it offers great performance bang for the buck, with acceleration that surpasses most gas-powered crossovers in its price range.
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Pros and Cons
- Roomier than its sibling the Model 3
- Optional third row
- Segment-leading range
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- No spare tire on any trim
- Few luxury features
- Some early reliability issues
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Limited, Limited XT, Premium
Tesla Model Y Trim Levels
Launch Series, Long Range, Performance
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp
Torque:
309 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
357 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
81 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
12 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
34.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.2 inches
Cargo Space:
33.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3741 lbs
Width:
82.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
191.7 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4184 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
63.9 inches
Length:
188.6 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Exterior Colors
Beige
River Rock Pearl
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Deep Emerald Green Pearl
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Diamond Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Green
Not available
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Quicksilver
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Titanium Gray
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
White
Black and White
