Subaru Outback vs. Volkswagen Passat
In comparing the Subaru Outback to the Volkswagen Passat, the Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Passat have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Outback versus the Volkswagen Passat, the Subaru Outback is a better car than the Volkswagen Passat.
Subaru Outback versus Volkswagen Passat Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Subaru Outback ranges from $23,499 to $34,488 while a used Volkswagen Passat from the same model year range is priced between $18,989 to $26,552. For a new model, the Subaru Outback's price is between $32,795 and $44,141, with the Volkswagen Passat priced between $24,675 and $32,409.
Subaru Outback versus Volkswagen Passat Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Outback being ranked 2 out of 61 Best Crossover SUVs and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 10 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Subaru Outback’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. Both the Outback and the Passat are rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 592 and 666 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and trunk space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Outback has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Passat, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.75 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Subaru Outback has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$32,795 - $44,141
Used Asking Price:
$23,499 - $34,488
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
39.5%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$24,675 - $32,409
Used Asking Price:
$18,989 - $26,552
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
9.5 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 61Ranking
2 out of / 61Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 24Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 24Ranking
15 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
8 out of / 8Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Summary 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
Not yet available
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
Not yet available
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, Touring XT, Wilderness, Base
Trim Levels
R-Line, SE, Limited Edition
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
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.75 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
206 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not applicable
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):
26 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 36 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
444 / 666 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Cargo Space:
15.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
102.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3369 lbs
Width:
72.6 inches
Height:
58.7 inches
Length:
193.6 inches
Wheelbase:
110.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted alloy
Tire Size:
P235/45R18
