Renault Captur vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?

Renault Captur

$15,500 - $23,950

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2023 Renault Captur

2026 Subaru Outback

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.3L

Turbo 4, 2.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.6L/100km (combined)

9.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Appealing design
Premium cabin
Invigorating driving experience

Maintains Outback spirit
All-around drivability
Off-road capability

Dislikes

Expensive
Fiddly gear selector
Requires 95 RON premium petrol

Gold edging
Needs better all-terrain tyres
More off-road goodies would add to the appeal

2023 Renault Captur Summary

One of Renault’s most successful models globally with over 1.5 million sales of the original, the Captur has nevertheless struggled in Australia since its 2015 launch.

Last year, it was Europe’s 11th bestseller outright, outselling stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. Only the Peugeot 2008 and VW T-Roc were more popular amongst SUVs. In contrast, only 533 found homes over here in 2011.

However, with the largely all-new second-generation Captur launched locally last year now gaining market traction with a 200 per cent-plus sales spike, the 123-year-old brand’s VW T-Cross rival may yet finally fly Down Under.

We take a look at the recently-released RS Line range-topper, to see just how well the Captur shapes up in urban Australia.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Subaru Outback Summary

The Subaru Outback holds a special place in the hearts of adventurers everywhere. It’s long been regarded by its fans as a genuine mix of decent on-road manners, family-friendly practicality and sound off-road capability. Just right for light-duty off-roading.

Now, Subaru claims, it has made the Outback even better and a new off-road-focussed variant called the all-wheel-drive Wilderness now sits near the top of the line-up.

The Wilderness is equipped with a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine, 240mm of ground clearance, improved approach/departure angles and electronically controlled dampers.

But is this new Outback all it’s cracked up to be? Read on.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 Renault Captur 2026 Subaru Outback

Verdict

There’s no denying the Captur RS Line is expensive.

But it’s also sophisticated, cultured, comfy, friendly and fun, possessing a quality and capability normally expected – but rarely delivered as roundly – in more premium-branded small SUVs. Seen in this light, the Renault’s value is relative.

Better still, if the price is just too rich for you, there are three cheaper grades offering equal promise. Which is why the charming Captur deserves to succeed in Australia.

$40,800 before on-road costs

Based on new car retail price

Verdict

If you’re a Subaru fan chances are the Wilderness will float your boat. It’s an appealing mix of on-road refinement and more than satisfactory capability on bush tracks.

The Wilderness engine-and-CVT combination helps to make this Subaru well refined and highly responsive on-road and it benefits from punchier low-rev output in off-road scenarios.

Subaru has made a habit of producing practical vehicles and this new addition to the upgraded Outback line-up doesn’t disappoint.

Does anyone need a Wilderness version of the Outback? Probably not. Will anyone want a Wilderness edition Outback? I reckon a lot of Outback fans would fall over themselves to get their hands on one of these.

Renault Captur vs Subaru Outback What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Renault Captur vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?