Subaru Outback vs LDV D90
What's the difference?

Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

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LDV D90

$19,980 - $27,999

2020 price

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Summary

2026 Subaru Outback

2020 LDV D90

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Flat 4, 2.5L

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

8.1L/100km (combined)

9.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Makes more sense as a diesel
People-mover practicality
Affordable

Dislikes

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option

Terrible software
Cheap interior
A bit unwieldy to drive

2026 Subaru Outback Summary

It’s 2026 and over 30 years and through six generations the Subaru Outback as we knew it… is gone.

Gone is the defiantly wagon-esque crossover style that was one of the first, as well as likely the most-successful, for the boxy beast you see here.

RIP, original Subaru Outback.

But, don’t worry, folks, because, except for a couple of issues, things only get better by and large, with the big new seventh-gen model.

And, in the most important ways, the 2026 Outback is a true Subaru at heart, so let’s dive straight in!

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2020 LDV D90 Summary

It’s pretty hard to miss the LDV D90.

Mainly because it is gigantic; it's one of the biggest SUVs you can buy. In fact, I’d say what’s drawn you to this review is maybe you’ve seen one of these behemoths trucking past, and you’re wondering what the LDV badge is all about and how this relatively unknown SUV stands up against popular rivals and other notable newcomers.

To get one confusing thing out of the way, LDV once stood for Leyland DAF Vans, a now-defunct British company which has been brought back to life by none other than China’s SAIC Motor – yes, the same one which also resurrected MG.

So, is this MG big brother worth looking into? We took the recently released diesel version of the D90 on test for a week to seek some answers…

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Outback 2020 LDV D90

Verdict

Over 30 years and seven generations of Outback in Australia, the latest might just be the best.

It's great to drive, even better to sit in, very easy to live and willing to go further than most equivalent large SUVs at its price point.

The styling is definitely divisive, with purists unhappy that the long, crossover wagon silhouette is now gone, but what we have instead is a family-friendly vehicle that pleases on so many fronts.

We’d go as far as saying the latest Outback might be the most-rounded Subaru currently available, and great value to boot. And the base AWD is all the SUV most people will ever need.

That’s not bad for something this square!

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

Looking for a cheap, powerful diesel SUV with huge cabin space and a humane third row for adults? The D90 is a really sound offering, especially considering the price of entry for this top-spec diesel which should resonate with Aussies a bit better than the petrol version.

It has plenty of issues that could be ironed out, but they’re all so small and not sale-breaking it’s almost annoying how much better the D90 could be with just a little work. Rivals should be looking over their shoulder for what comes next.

Subaru Outback vs LDV D90 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Outback vs LDV D90
What's the difference?