Subaru Outback vs Toyota Camry
Verdict
At RM280,390 against RM221,800, the Subaru Outback asks RM58,590 more than the Toyota Camry. The money buys a wagon body and all-wheel drive, useful if your driving takes in rougher kampung roads or wet hill routes. The Camry counters with the cleaner numbers for regular Malaysian use: 201 hp versus 185 hp, 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds versus 9.6 seconds, and a longer 2,825 mm wheelbase. Boot space is basically even, 524 litres to 522 litres. Both are CBU petrol D-segment five-seaters with seven airbags, AEB and a five-year warranty.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you want all-wheel drive, a taller wagon body and do not mind paying extra for that format.
Pick the Toyota Camry if you want the quicker, cheaper D-segment petrol sedan with more power and a longer wheelbase.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Outback RM280,390; Toyota Camry RM221,800
- Driven wheels: Subaru Outback all-wheel drive; Toyota Camry front-wheel drive
- Power and torque: Subaru Outback 185 hp/245 Nm; Toyota Camry 201 hp/246 Nm
- Acceleration: Subaru Outback 0-100 km/h in 9.6 s; Toyota Camry 0-100 km/h in 8.9 s
- Size: Subaru Outback 4,870 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, 1,682 mm tall; Toyota Camry 4,920 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, 1,445 mm tall
- Boot space: Subaru Outback 522 litres; Toyota Camry 524 litres
Outback
- All-wheel drive, unlike the Camry’s front-wheel drive
- Taller 1,682 mm wagon body
- Larger 63-litre fuel tank
- Costs RM58,590 more
- Slower 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- Shorter 2,745 mm wheelbase
Camry
- More powerful 201 hp engine
- Quicker 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- Longer 2,825 mm wheelbase
- Front-wheel drive only
- Lower 1,445 mm sedan body
- Smaller 60-litre fuel tank
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 280,390 | RM 221,800✓ |
| Body type | Wagon | Sedan |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | Direct Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with dual variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,498 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Horsepower | 185 hp | 201 hp✓ |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 246 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 94 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12 | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic CVT | Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.6 seconds | 8.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 206 km/h | 210 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,870 mm | 4,920 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,682 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,745 mm | 2,825 mm |
| Weight | 1,756 kg | 1,565 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 60 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 522 litres | 524 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225.60R18 | Space Saver |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza H/L33 | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, 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 for Two Rear Passenger Seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory Function, Power Adjustable 4-way Ottoman Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Fixed Rear Seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Front, Tilt and Slide | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 3 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | Manual Rear Sun Shades |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System | 12.3" Touchscreen with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 9-speaker JBL 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 Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation and PIN Code Access | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 878 | RM 867✓ |
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.
Outback vs Camry FAQ
Is the Subaru Outback or Toyota Camry better?
The Toyota Camry is better for most buyers on paper: it is cheaper, more powerful and quicker. The Subaru Outback is the better fit if all-wheel drive and a taller wagon body matter more than acceleration and price.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Outback costs RM280,390, while the Toyota Camry costs RM221,800. That makes the Outback RM58,590 more expensive.
Which has more boot space?
The Toyota Camry has a tiny advantage at 524 litres. The Subaru Outback is just behind at 522 litres, so boot capacity is effectively a draw.