Subaru Outback vs Xpeng X9
Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, this fight is almost not about price: the Outback costs RM280,390 and the X9 costs RM281,073, a gap of just RM683. Subaru gives you a 2.5-litre petrol wagon with AWD, five seats and a 522-litre boot, while Xpeng goes full electric MPV with seven seats, 315 hp, a 94.8 kWh battery, 535 km range and 721 litres. The X9 is quicker to 100 km/h at 8.2 seconds, but the Outback is smaller and has a 206 km/h top speed.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you want petrol, all-wheel drive and a smaller five-seat wagon rather than a 5.3-metre electric MPV.
Pick the Xpeng X9 if you need seven seats, a much bigger boot and EV running with 535 km of stated range.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Outback RM280,390; Xpeng X9 RM281,073
- Seats: Subaru Outback 5; Xpeng X9 7
- Power: Subaru Outback 185 hp; Xpeng X9 315 hp
- 0-100 km/h: Subaru Outback 9.6 seconds; Xpeng X9 8.2 seconds
- Boot space: Subaru Outback 522 litres; Xpeng X9 721 litres
- Length and wheelbase: Subaru Outback 4,870 mm/2,745 mm; Xpeng X9 5,316 mm/3,160 mm
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 280,390✓ | RM 281,073 |
| Body type | Wagon | MPV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Engine | 2,498 cc | Single motor |
| Power | 185 hp | 315 hp✓ |
| Torque | 245 Nm | — |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 9.6 s | 8.2 s✓ |
| Top speed | 206 km/h✓ | 200 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 94.8 kWh |
| EV range | — | 535 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,870 mm | 5,316 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,988 mm |
| Height | 1,682 mm | 1,785 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,745 mm | 3,160 mm |
| Boot space | 522 L | 721 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 63 L | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 9✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 878 | RM 365✓ |
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
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Smaller body than the X9
- Slightly higher 206 km/h top speed
- Only five seats
- Slower 9.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- Smaller 522-litre boot
X9
- Seven-seat cabin
- 315 hp electric motor
- 721-litre boot and 535 km EV range
- Front-wheel drive only
- Larger 5,316 mm body to park
- Slightly lower 200 km/h top speed
Outback vs X9 FAQ
Is the Subaru Outback or Xpeng X9 better?
The Xpeng X9 is better for space, seats and acceleration, with seven seats, 721 litres and an 8.2-second 0-100 km/h time. The Subaru Outback suits buyers who want petrol power, all-wheel drive and a smaller wagon body.
What is the price difference?
The Xpeng X9 costs RM281,073, while the Subaru Outback costs RM280,390. The difference is RM683, so the choice is driven more by body style, seating, drivetrain and EV versus petrol than by price.
Which one is more practical for a family?
The Xpeng X9 is the more practical family hauler on paper, with seven seats, a 721-litre boot and a 3,160 mm wheelbase. The Subaru Outback has five seats, 522 litres and a shorter 2,745 mm wheelbase.