Omoda Jaecoo J8 vs Subaru Outback
Verdict
The Omoda Jaecoo J8 is the cheaper, stronger front-drive SUV: 246 hp and 385 Nm against the Subaru Outback’s 185 hp and 245 Nm, with a slightly quicker 9.0-second 0-100 km/h time. The Subaru fights back as the practical all-wheel-drive wagon, with 522 litres of boot space versus just 200 litres, plus a marginally higher 206 km/h top speed. For Malaysia, the RM101,590 gap is hard to ignore, especially with the J8’s RM439 annual road tax and seven-year warranty.
Pick the Omoda Jaecoo J8 if you want more power, lower road tax, a longer warranty and a much lower entry price.
Pick the Subaru Outback if all-wheel drive and a far bigger 522-litre boot matter more than outright power or price.
Key differences
- Price: Omoda Jaecoo J8 RM178,800; Subaru Outback RM280,390
- Power and torque: Omoda Jaecoo J8 246 hp/385 Nm; Subaru Outback 185 hp/245 Nm
- Driven wheels: Omoda Jaecoo J8 front-wheel drive; Subaru Outback all-wheel drive
- Boot space: Omoda Jaecoo J8 200 litres; Subaru Outback 522 litres
- Road tax: Omoda Jaecoo J8 RM439/year; Subaru Outback RM878/year
- Warranty: Omoda Jaecoo J8 7 years; Subaru Outback 5 years
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 178,800✓ | RM 280,390 |
| Body type | SUV | Wagon |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Power | 246 hp✓ | 185 hp |
| Torque | 385 Nm✓ | 245 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 9.0 s✓ | 9.6 s |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | 206 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,820 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Width | 1,930 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,699 mm | 1,682 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,820 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Boot space | 200 L | 522 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 65 L | 63 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 7✓ | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 439✓ | RM 878 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
J8
- Stronger 246 hp and 385 Nm output
- Lower RM439 annual road tax
- Longer seven-year warranty
- Small 200-litre boot
- Front-wheel drive only
- Lower 200 km/h top speed
Outback
- All-wheel drive as standard
- Much larger 522-litre boot
- Seven airbags versus six
- Costs RM101,590 more
- Less powerful at 185 hp and 245 Nm
- Higher RM878 annual road tax
J8 vs Outback FAQ
Is the Omoda Jaecoo J8 or Subaru Outback better?
The Omoda Jaecoo J8 is better for power, warranty cover and running-cost basics. The Subaru Outback is better for luggage space and all-wheel-drive traction. If you carry more gear often, the Outback’s 522-litre boot is the clincher.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Outback costs RM101,590 more than the Omoda Jaecoo J8. That extra money buys all-wheel drive, a 522-litre boot and seven airbags, but not more power or a longer warranty.
Which car has more boot space?
The Subaru Outback has far more boot space: 522 litres versus the Omoda Jaecoo J8’s 200 litres. For family trips, airport runs or bulky items, that is the clearest practical advantage here.