Volkswagen Tayron vs Subaru Outback

What's the difference?

VS
Volkswagen Tayron
Volkswagen Tayron

$48,950 - $76,550

2026 price

Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Tayron
2026 Subaru Outback
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.4L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
8.6L/100km (combined)

9.7L/100km (combined)
Seating
7

5
Dislikes
  • Lacks the finesse and power of Touareg
  • Third row is still a 'sometimes seat'
  • Expensive ownership

  • Gold edging
  • Needs better all-terrain tyres
  • More off-road goodies would add to the appeal
2026 Volkswagen Tayron Summary

Volkswagen has a new large SUV in the Tayron (pronounced TIE-ron), and it arrives with a fair bit riding on it. Replacing the Tiguan Allspace and taking on some of the duties left by the departing Touareg, it’s now the brand’s key seven-seat family offering.

We’re testing the flagship 195TSI R-Line with established petrol rivals like the Kia Sorento GT-Line, Skoda Kodiaq RS and Toyota Kluger Grande in mind. After a few weeks of school-holiday mayhem, complete with feral kids, does it sink or swim?

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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.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Tayron 2026 Subaru Outback

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