Car Buyer's Guide

Subaru Outback vs Toyota Hilux

Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback

Verdict

For RM52,700 less, the Toyota Hilux brings a 59.2-kWh battery, twin motors rated at 193 hp and 473 Nm, plus a quoted 257-km EV range. That makes its RM160 annual road tax markedly easier to swallow than the Subaru Outback’s RM878, while both use all-wheel drive and have five seats. The Outback answers with a 522-litre boot, 185-hp 2.5-litre boxer petrol engine and a 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time, alongside a sunroof and 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio. Choose by use: wagon practicality and cabin kit, or electric pickup format and lower entry cost.

Outback

Pick the Subaru Outback if you want a five-door wagon with a 522-litre boot, sunroof and powered front passenger seat.

Hilux

Pick the Toyota Hilux if you want the RM226,300 electric option with 473 Nm from two motors, 257 km of quoted range and RM160 annual road tax.

Key differences

  • Price: Subaru Outback RM279,000; Toyota Hilux RM226,300.
  • Powertrain: Outback 2.5-litre, 185-hp petrol boxer; Hilux two electric motors, 193 hp and 473 Nm.
  • Energy storage: Outback 63-litre fuel tank; Hilux 59.2-kWh battery with 257-km EV range.
  • Dimensions: Outback is 4,870 mm long with a 2,745-mm wheelbase; Hilux is 5,320 mm long with a 3,085-mm wheelbase.
  • Weight: Outback 1,756 kg; Hilux 2,455 kg.
  • Audio: Outback 11.6-inch screen and 11 speakers; Hilux 12.3-inch screen and eight speakers.

Outback

  • 522-litre boot and five doors
  • Sunroof plus powered front seats
  • 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio
  • Costs RM52,700 more
  • RM878 annual road tax versus RM160
  • No front parking sensors, where the Hilux has four

Hilux

  • 473 Nm from two electric motors
  • 59.2-kWh battery and 257-km EV range
  • 150,000-km vehicle warranty and eight-year unlimited-mileage battery warranty
  • No sunroof
  • Manual front passenger-seat adjustment
  • Eight-speaker audio versus the Outback’s 11-speaker Harman Kardon system
Price & overview
PriceRM279,000RM226,300
Body typeWagonPickup
SegmentD-SegmentTruck/4X4
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM878RM160
Powertrain
Engine TechDirect Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine400V architecture
Capacity2,498 cc
Horsepower185 hp
Torque245 Nm
FuelPetrolElectric
Bore94 mm
Compression Ratio12
Number of Motors2
Motor Horsepower193 hp
Motor Torque473 Nm
Battery Capacity59.2 kWh
EV Range257 km
Charging Rate (AC)10 kW
Charging Rate (DC)125 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionCVT AutomaticSingle Ratio Automatic
Transmission NameLineartronic CVT
Transmission ManufacturerSubaru
DrivelineAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h9.6 seconds
Top Speed206 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,870 mm5,320 mm
Width1,875 mm1,855 mm
Height1,682 mm1,845 mm
Wheelbase2,745 mm3,085 mm
Weight1,756 kg2,455 kg
Fuel Tank63 litres
Doors54
Seats55
Boot Space522 litres
Front Tyre225/60R18265/65R17
Rear Tyre225.60R18265/65R17
Spare TyreSpace SaverFull-size 17" Alloy
Factory TyresBridgestone Alenza H/L33Bridgestone Dueler A/T
Chassis
AssemblyJapan (CBU)Thailand (CBU)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionDouble WishbonesDe Dion Rear Axle
Front Wheels18" Alloy17" Aero Alloy
Rear Wheels18" Alloy17" Aero Alloy
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear CurtainDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Child Safety LockManual for rear doorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable for Two Rear Passenger SeatsAvailable for two outer rear passenger seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes, Pre-collision Braking
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorLED Projector
TaillampsLED CombinationLED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights
Front Foglamps
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front Seats10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding60:40 Tip-up base
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conRear AC ventsRear AC Vents
SunroofFront, Tilt and Slide
Power Sockets1 Front, 1 USB Front, 2 USB Rear
Interior LightingMap LightsMap Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Sun ShadeSunroof Shade
Audio11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System12.3" Touchscreen with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 8-speaker Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless Operation and PIN Code AccessKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control
Tiptronic
Paddle Shift
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationPowered Boot
Parking Sensor Front4 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear4 Sensors4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, 360-degree View MonitorYes, With 360 Degree Camera
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterBacklit AnalogueFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer100,000 km150,000 km
Warranty Manufacturer5 years5 years
Warranty Notes8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for 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.

Outback vs Hilux FAQ

Is the Subaru Outback or Toyota Hilux better?

The Hilux is the stronger financial and EV choice at RM226,300, with 473 Nm, 257 km of quoted range and RM160 road tax. The Outback suits buyers needing a 522-litre enclosed boot, sunroof and more front-seat adjustment.

What is the price difference?

The Subaru Outback costs RM279,000 and the Toyota Hilux costs RM226,300, so the Outback is RM52,700 more expensive.

Which has the better warranty?

Both have a five-year manufacturer warranty, but the Hilux extends vehicle mileage cover to 150,000 km versus 100,000 km for the Outback. Its battery also has an eight-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

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