Subaru Outback vs Toyota Hilux
Verdict
This is less a like-for-like fight than a lifestyle split. The Subaru Outback is a five-seat petrol wagon with 185 hp, 245 Nm, a CVT, 522 litres of boot space and a 63-litre tank, so it suits long-distance family use. The Toyota Hilux is a five-seat electric pick-up with dual motors, 193 hp, a 59.2 kWh battery and 257 km of range, plus a much longer 5,320 mm body. Both get AWD, seven airbags, AEB and a five-year warranty.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you want a petrol AWD wagon with a proper 522-litre boot, known performance figures and easier long-distance refuelling.
Pick the Toyota Hilux if you want a larger AWD electric pick-up with 193 hp, a 257 km EV range and lower annual road tax.
Key differences
- Powertrain: Subaru Outback 2,498 cc petrol; Toyota Hilux dual-motor electric
- Power: Subaru Outback 185 hp; Toyota Hilux 193 hp
- Length: Subaru Outback 4,870 mm; Toyota Hilux 5,320 mm
- Height: Subaru Outback 1,682 mm; Toyota Hilux 1,845 mm
- Energy storage: Subaru Outback 63-litre fuel tank; Toyota Hilux 59.2 kWh battery
- Road tax: Subaru Outback RM878 a year; Toyota Hilux RM160 a year
Outback
- 522-litre boot is stated and useful
- 245 Nm torque figure is provided
- 206 km/h top speed and 9.6-second century sprint are known
- Costs RM54,090 more than the Toyota Hilux
- Higher RM878 annual road tax
- Less power at 185 hp versus 193 hp
Hilux
- Lower RM226,300 price
- 193 hp beats the Subaru’s 185 hp
- Longer 3,085 mm wheelbase
- 257 km EV range needs planning on longer drives
- No torque figure listed
- No boot or load capacity figure listed
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 280,390 | RM 226,300✓ |
| Body type | Wagon | Pickup |
| Segment | D-Segment | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | Direct Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine | — |
| Capacity | 2,498 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 185 hp | — |
| Torque | 245 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer | — |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 94 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 12 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 193 hp |
| Battery Type | — | Nickel Manganese Cobalt |
| Battery Capacity | — | 59.2 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 257 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 10 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 125 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic CVT | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.6 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 206 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,870 mm | 5,320 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,682 mm | 1,845 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,745 mm | 3,085 mm |
| Weight | 1,756 kg | 2,455 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 522 litres | — |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 265/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225.60R18 | 265/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza H/L33 | Bridgestone Dueler A/T |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Ladder-frame |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | De Dion Rear Axle |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Aero Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 17" Aero Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs |
| 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 | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| 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, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Tip-up base |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Front, Tilt and Slide | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 1 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 | — |
| 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, 8-speaker 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Battery |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 878 | RM 160✓ |
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 Subaru Outback is better for buyers wanting a petrol AWD wagon with a stated boot, torque and performance figures. The Toyota Hilux is better if you want an electric AWD pick-up with more power and lower road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Outback costs RM280,390, while the Toyota Hilux costs RM226,300. That makes the Subaru RM54,090 dearer.
Which is easier to plan for long-distance use?
The Subaru Outback is easier to read on paper for long trips because it has a 63-litre petrol tank and stated 0-100 km/h and top speed figures. The Toyota Hilux has a 59.2 kWh battery and 257 km EV range.