Subaru Outback vs Toyota Harrier
Verdict
The Subaru Outback is the more practical, harder-hitting car here: RM280,390 buys AWD, 185 hp, 245 Nm and a 522-litre boot, all in a longer wagon body. The Toyota Harrier costs RM289,000 and counters with a petrol hybrid/REV drivetrain, eCVT and lower RM830 road tax, but it is front-wheel drive and has just 396 litres of boot space. For Malaysian buyers, the Subaru’s extra space and traction matter more if you travel loaded; the Toyota is the hybrid pick.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you want AWD, the bigger boot and stronger outputs for less money.
Pick the Toyota Harrier if you specifically want the petrol hybrid/REV drivetrain and are fine with front-wheel drive.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Outback RM280,390; Toyota Harrier RM289,000
- Drivetrain: Subaru Outback petrol AWD; Toyota Harrier petrol hybrid/REV FWD
- Power and torque: Subaru Outback 185 hp/245 Nm; Toyota Harrier 175 hp/221 Nm
- Boot space: Subaru Outback 522 litres; Toyota Harrier 396 litres
- Size: Subaru Outback 4,870 mm long/1,875 mm wide; Toyota Harrier 4,740 mm long/1,855 mm wide
- Top speed: Subaru Outback 206 km/h; Toyota Harrier 180 km/h
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 280,390✓ | RM 289,000 |
| Body type | Wagon | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 2,498 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Power | 185 hp✓ | 175 hp |
| Torque | 245 Nm✓ | 221 Nm |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 9.6 s | — |
| Top speed | 206 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,870 mm | 4,740 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,682 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,745 mm | 2,690 mm |
| Boot space | 522 L✓ | 396 L |
| Fuel tank | 63 L | 55 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 878 | RM 830✓ |
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
- AWD as standard
- Bigger 522-litre boot
- More power and torque
- Petrol only, no hybrid drivetrain
- Higher RM878 yearly road tax
- Longer and wider body
Harrier
- Petrol hybrid/REV drivetrain
- Lower RM830 yearly road tax
- Same 7 airbags and AEB as the Subaru
- Front-wheel drive only
- Smaller 396-litre boot
- Less power and torque
Outback vs Harrier FAQ
Is the Subaru Outback or Toyota Harrier better?
The Subaru Outback is the stronger all-rounder on the numbers, with AWD, more power, more torque and 126 litres more boot space. Pick the Toyota Harrier only if the petrol hybrid/REV drivetrain is the main draw.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Harrier is RM8,610 dearer than the Subaru Outback. On paper, the Subaru gives you AWD, more output and a larger boot for the lower price.
Which one has more luggage space?
The Subaru Outback has the bigger boot at 522 litres, compared with 396 litres in the Toyota Harrier. That is a useful 126-litre advantage for balik kampung luggage or a stroller.