Zeekr X vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?

Zeekr X

$48,900 - $64,900

2026 price

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Subaru Outback

$48,990 - $62,690

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Zeekr X

2026 Subaru Outback

By Andrew Chesterton

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Flat 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Engaging driving dynamics
High-end equipment
Luxurious-feeling cabin

Brilliant packaging
Dynamic sophistication
Ease, comfort and fun

Dislikes

Tech still fiddly in places
Ride might be too firm for some
Still a sizeable ask for a not-so-sizeable SUV

Average warranty
Divisive design
No manual option

2026 Zeekr X Summary

Zeekr is making waves in Australia at the moment but it's not because of the car you see before you.

Nope, it’s the 7X mid-size SUV that’s captured a heap of attention and a whole lot of sales. In fact, of the 1832 sales the brand has managed over the first three months of 2026, just 54 were for the X.

But that was the old X and this is the new one. With more power, more performance, faster charging and a whole heap of pretty special equipment, especially for the small SUV segment.

So, is that enough to finally put the X on the map?

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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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Deep dive comparison

2026 Zeekr X 2026 Subaru Outback

Verdict

It's a good thing in a small package, this Zeekr X, and there are a lot of things I like about it. In fact, the only sticking point for me is the price. But that's all about perspective. If you see this as a newcomer Chinese brand, then yes, there are a lot of more affordable options out there. But if you see it as a premium player, it's really a more affordable version of a Volvo.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

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.

Zeekr X vs Subaru Outback What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Zeekr X vs Subaru Outback
What's the difference?