Subaru Outback: BN vs BT
Verdict
The BN is the cheaper outgoing Outback at RM218,488, while the BT is RM280,390, a RM61,902 step up. Mechanically they stay close: both use a 2,498 cc petrol engine, CVT and all-wheel drive, but the BT gets 185 hp/245 Nm against 173 hp/235 Nm, trimming 0–100 km/h from 9.9 to 9.6 seconds. It is also longer and wider, with 522 litres of boot space versus 512 litres, plus AEB. For Malaysia, the BT buys safety and modest gains, not a night-and-day jump.
Pick the Subaru Outback BN if you want the Outback formula for less money and can live with 173 hp, 512 litres of boot space and no listed AEB.
Pick the Subaru Outback BT if you want the newer car’s 185 hp, larger body, 522-litre boot and standard auto emergency braking.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Outback BN RM218,488; Subaru Outback BT RM280,390
- Output: Subaru Outback BN 173 hp and 235 Nm; Subaru Outback BT 185 hp and 245 Nm
- Performance: Subaru Outback BN 0–100 km/h in 9.9 s and 198 km/h; Subaru Outback BT 9.6 s and 206 km/h
- Size: Subaru Outback BN 4,815 mm long and 1,840 mm wide; Subaru Outback BT 4,870 mm long and 1,875 mm wide
- Boot and tank: Subaru Outback BN 512 L and 60 L; Subaru Outback BT 522 L and 63 L
- Safety: Subaru Outback BN has 7 airbags and no listed AEB; Subaru Outback BT has 7 airbags and AEB
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 218,488✓ | RM 280,390 |
| Body type | Wagon | Wagon |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 2,498 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Power | 173 hp | 185 hp✓ |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 245 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 9.9 s | 9.6 s✓ |
| Top speed | 198 km/h | 206 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 7.6 L/100km | — |
| EV range | 0 km | — |
| CO₂ | 175 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,815 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,682 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,745 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Boot space | 512 L | 522 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 63 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 878 | RM 878 |
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.
BN
- Much lower entry price
- Same 2,745 mm wheelbase as the BT
- Listed 7.6 L/100 km fuel economy
- Lower 173 hp and 235 Nm output
- No listed auto emergency braking
- Smaller 512-litre boot
BT
- Stronger 185 hp and 245 Nm output
- Standard auto emergency braking
- Larger 522-litre boot
- Costs RM61,902 more
- Fuel economy and CO₂ figures not listed
- Only 0.3 s quicker to 100 km/h
BN vs BT FAQ
Is the Subaru Outback BN or Subaru Outback BT better?
The Subaru Outback BT is better on paper, with more power, more torque, a bigger boot and AEB. The Subaru Outback BN is the smarter spend if the lower price matters more than those modest gains.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Outback BT costs RM61,902 more than the Subaru Outback BN, based on RM280,390 versus RM218,488.
Do both Subaru Outback generations use the same engine and drivetrain?
Yes. Both use a 2,498 cc petrol engine, CVT automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The BT is tuned higher at 185 hp and 245 Nm, compared with the BN’s 173 hp and 235 Nm.