Subaru Outback vs Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric
Verdict
For Malaysian buyers, the Subaru Outback offers a robust petrol engine with 185 hp and a spacious 522 L boot, making it a practical choice for families. In contrast, the Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric boasts a powerful 402 hp electric motor with a remarkable 0-100 km/h time of just 4.9 seconds, alongside a 418 km EV range, appealing to those prioritising performance and sustainability.
Pick the Outback if you prefer a traditional petrol engine with more cargo space.
Pick the XC40 Recharge Electric if you want a high-performance electric SUV with impressive acceleration and range.
Key differences
- Price: RM 280,390 (Outback) | RM 278,888 (XC40 Recharge Electric)
- Power: 185 hp (Outback) | 402 hp (XC40 Recharge Electric)
- 0–100 km/h: 9.6 s (Outback) | 4.9 s (XC40 Recharge Electric)
- Boot space: 522 L (Outback) | 460 L (XC40 Recharge Electric)
- Fuel tank: 63 L (Outback) | 49 L (XC40 Recharge Electric)
- Assembly: CBU (Outback) | CKD (XC40 Recharge Electric)
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 280,390 | RM 278,888✓ |
| Body type | Wagon | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Engine | 2,498 cc | Electric |
| Power | 185 hp | 402 hp✓ |
| Torque | 245 Nm | — |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 9.6 s | 4.9 s✓ |
| Top speed | 206 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 78.0 kWh |
| EV range | — | 418 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,870 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,863 mm |
| Height | 1,682 mm | 1,658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,745 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Boot space | 522 L✓ | 460 L |
| Fuel tank | 63 L | 49 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 878 | RM 545✓ |
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
- Spacious boot for family use
- Proven all-wheel drive capability
- Competitive pricing for a C-segment wagon
- Slower acceleration compared to rivals
- Less advanced tech features than some competitors
XC40 Recharge Electric
- Impressive electric range of 418 km
- Rapid acceleration with 0-100 km/h in 4.9 s
- Eco-friendly with zero emissions
- Smaller boot space compared to Outback
- Higher initial cost for electric technology
Outback vs XC40 Recharge Electric FAQ
Is the Outback or XC40 Recharge Electric better?
It depends on your priorities; choose the Outback for practicality and space, or the XC40 Recharge for performance and eco-friendliness.
What is the price difference?
The Outback is priced at RM 280,390, while the XC40 Recharge Electric is slightly cheaper at RM 278,888.
How does the performance compare?
The Outback has 185 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 9.6 seconds, whereas the XC40 Recharge boasts 402 hp with a swift 4.9 seconds for the same sprint.