Verdict
The Lexus RZ costs RM150,888 more, but its 308 hp, 435 Nm dual-motor AWD system cuts the 0-100 km/h run to 5.3 seconds, against 9.6 seconds for the Subaru Outback’s 185 hp petrol boxer. Its 71.4 kWh battery is rated for 440 km and accepts 11 kW AC or 150 kW DC charging, while annual road tax is RM335 versus RM878. The Outback counters with a 206 km/h top speed, sunroof and space-saver spare tyre. Both carry five people and swallow the same 522 litres of luggage.
Pick the Lexus RZ if you want 440 km EV range, 5.3-second acceleration and a wider spread of parking and cabin technology.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you want to spend RM150,888 less, retain AWD and have a sunroof plus a space-saver spare tyre.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus RZ RM429,888; Subaru Outback RM279,000.
- Power and torque: Lexus RZ 308 hp and 435 Nm; Subaru Outback 185 hp and 245 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus RZ 5.3 seconds; Subaru Outback 9.6 seconds.
- Top speed: Lexus RZ 160 km/h; Subaru Outback 206 km/h.
- Road tax per year: Lexus RZ RM335; Subaru Outback RM878.
- Wheelbase: Lexus RZ 2,850 mm; Subaru Outback 2,745 mm.
RZ
- 308 hp and 435 Nm dual-motor AWD
- 440 km range with 150 kW DC charging
- Head-up display, auto parking and 64-colour ambient lighting
- RM150,888 more expensive
- 160 km/h top speed versus 206 km/h
- No sunroof or space-saver spare tyre
Outback
- RM150,888 lower purchase price
- 206 km/h top speed
- Sunroof and space-saver spare tyre
- 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.3 seconds
- No head-up display or auto parking
- 100,000 km manufacturer warranty versus unlimited mileage
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM429,888 | RM279,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Wagon |
| Segment | Compact Executive | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM335✓ | RM878 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | Direct Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine |
| Capacity | — | 2,498 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 185 hp |
| Torque | — | 245 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 12 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 308 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 435 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 71.4 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 440 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | Lineartronic CVT |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Subaru |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.3 seconds✓ | 9.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 206 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,805 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Width | 1,895 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,682 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Weight | 2,125 kg | 1,756 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 522 litres | 522 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | 225.60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Bridgestone Alenza H/L33 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 20" Aluminium in Black and Bright Machined Finish | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Aluminium in Black and Bright Machined Finish | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack And Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam and Sequential Indicators | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Sequential Indicators | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Lexus Climate Concierge | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | — | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 14" EMV Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Wired Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay and 12-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation (with Smart Card Key) | Keyless Operation and PIN Code Access |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year, unlimited mileage warranty on EV battery | — |
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.
Used RZ & Outback for sale
RZ vs Outback FAQ
Is the Lexus RZ or Subaru Outback better?
The Lexus RZ is better for EV driving, performance and driver-assistance equipment, with 308 hp, 440 km range and auto parking. The Subaru Outback is the lower-cost AWD choice, and adds a sunroof and space-saver spare tyre.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus RZ costs RM150,888 more than the Subaru Outback. That gap brings dual-motor EV power, a 71.4 kWh battery, 440 km claimed range, a head-up display and auto parking.
Which one is quicker and cheaper to tax each year?
The Lexus RZ is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds versus 9.6 seconds for the Outback. Its annual road tax is also lower at RM335, compared with RM878 for the petrol Subaru.