Comparison - Subaru Outback 2017 - vs - Volkswagen Touareg V6 Executive 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

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Also called:

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Average Price: 
28,298
Updated: 
01 Dec 2016
60,195
Updated: 
02 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2017
Total Seating: 
5
5
Transmission: 
Continuously Variable-speed Automatic
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
no
yes
Navigation: 
yes
no
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.50gals
26.40gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Carbide Gray Metallic
#505666
Crystal Black Silica
#000000
Crystal Black Silica
#000000
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Ice Silver Metallic
#B7B8C5
Lapis Blue Pearl
#294989
Tungsten Metallic
#BAB690
Twilight Blue Metallic
#566B99
Venetian Red Pearl
#8D1111
Wilderness Green Metallic
#97A497
Color: 
Black Oak Brown Metallic
#281F1A
Canyon Gray Metallic
#595B58
Dark Flint Metallic
#374142
Deep Black Metallic
#000000
Moonlight Blue
#202E37
Pure White
#FFFFFF
Reflex Silver Metallic
#D8D8D8
Sand Gold Metallic
#A69F95
Reef Blue Metallic
#243551

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

There are vehicles roughly in the same ballpark as the 2017 Subaru Outback, but nothing plays the same position. The Outback is a midsize wagon with standard all-wheel drive and about the same ground clearance as a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's definitely an alternative choice but also checks so many practical boxes that it's a must-drive for anyone looking for a reasonably priced crossover SUV.

The Outback has the interior space of midsize models such as the Ford Edge and Kia Sorento, but its lower roof makes it easier to load gear, and its higher ground clearance gets it over rocks and through deep snow without a snag. The Outback holds similar advantages over smaller SUVs including the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru's own Forester, with the further benefit of greater comfort and refinement. And with fuel economy rated at 28 mpg combined (with the four-cylinder) and 22 mpg combined (six-cylinder), the Outback offers good efficiency for its size and purpose. If you like wagons, the 2017 Outback offers a just-right mix of attributes that could make your vehicle search a one-stop affair.

For 2017, the Subaru Outback gets a new, snazzier Touring model that trades some utility for added style. The Outback's excellent safety credentials are further burnished with the addition of reverse automatic braking and automatic high beams to the well-regarded Eyesight suite of accident avoidance tech.

Pros
More spacious and comfortable cabin than many of its competitors
Roof and cargo loading heights are lower than those of most SUVs
Excellent visibility in all directions
Off-road ability is above average

Cons
Acceleration is lackluster, especially with four-cylinder engine
Gas and brake pedal feel make it hard to drive four-cylinder smoothly

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Subaru Outback two-row midsize crossover features exclusive all-wheel drive, two engine options, and six trim levels.

The 2017 Subaru Outback features a new, top-of-the-line trim Touring Trim model, adding exterior and interior enhancements, as well as an updated EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite.

The Subaru Outback crossover adds a new range-topping model to the lineup, featuring a dark gray grille, 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish with dark gray accents, along with silver-finish roof rails, lower body side cladding, and Outback badges in a chrome finish. Subaru has also adds Brilliant Brown to its list of exterior color options.

Inside, the new Touring model adds a new Java Brown perforated leather trim with contrasting ivory stitching on the seats, door panels, and armrests. It also features a unique woodgrain trim with piano-black panel accents. Standard features on the newest edition to the Outback lineup include a heated steering wheel and the automaker’s StarLink infotainment system on a 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation.

Power for all 2017 Subaru Outback models comes from a 175-hp 2.5-liter flat-four that delivers 174 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder that pumps out 256 hp and 247 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a CVT with a manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Pros
New Touring trim level
Comfortable, high-quality interior
Good fuel economy

Cons
Engine computer takes time to shift from using paddle shifters to Drive
Navigation screen subject to glare
2.5 models could be quicker

By: 
motortrend.com

Subaru enjoys a reputation for off road-capable cars, but I still managed to get the 2017 Outback stuck in the snow. Although its crossover SUVs still come standard with all-wheel-drive, Subaru made some changes to its drivetrains over the past couple of years, such as replacing gearboxes with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and adding what it calls X-Mode, a traction control and throttle program designed for slippery surfaces.

Amongst five-passenger crossover SUVs, the 2017 Subaru Outback stands out for its standard all-wheel drive and unique culture around the brand. Advanced safety is on par with competitors, but dashboard electronics lag the market a little. The new Touring trim gives the Outback premium style.

The Outback vies with the Forester for the top sales spot in Subaru's line-up, achieving success with its crossover functionality, giving it a high riding position, seating for five and useful cargo space. Subaru reliability and standard all-wheel drive are points in its favor. This practical car serves well as a family vehicle.

Pros
Standard all-wheel drive and good ground clearance make the 2017 Subaru Outback more capable than the typical crossover SUV, and its EyeSight system adds collision prevention. The new Touring trim brings premium cabin appointments.

Cons
Buyers will have to wait another model year or two for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The adaptive cruise control feature, enabled by the EyeSight system, brakes a little too abruptly when approaching stopped traffic.

By: 
cnet.com

The 2017 Subaru Outback ranking is based on its score within the Wagons category. Currently the Subaru Outback has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 33 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

The 2017 Subaru Outback has class-leading cargo capacity, excellent passenger space, and a well-built, durable cabin that makes it a good fit for families on the go

The Outback’s intuitive standard features, like an easy-to-use infotainment system and a rearview camera, make it an attractive choice. You can also opt for all the latest advanced safety technologies so you can feel confident and protected every time you go for a drive.

The Subaru Outback combines the comfortable cabin and composed handling of a car with the country-road readiness of an SUV. It will be a great wagon to take you to your next camp site, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and generous cargo room. Still, if you spend most of your time around town, you might be better off with the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. The Honda CR-V is another option worth a look since it has more features and an even larger cargo area than the Outback

Pros
Roomy interior and back seat
Best-in-class cargo capacity
Good capability on slippery roads

Cons
Underpowered base engine

By: 
cars.usnews.com

Although it might be sold alongside pedestrian Jettas, the Volkswagen Touareg looks and feels nearly like a full-on luxury SUV at a (slightly) cut-rate price.

The Touareg is attractive inside and out, but it is very conservative and cautious.

With just one engine on offer, Touareg is down on power compared to rivals. However, it rides and handles very well.

The Touareg's interior is a massive step above other VWs, but not quite luxury-grade.

Expanded availability of Touareg's collision avoidance tech is a plus, but it has not been tested by NHTSA.

Although it lacks some things buyers might expect at this price, the VW Touareg impresses with an overall high-end feel.

At just 19 mpg combined, VW's Touareg pales against many rivals.

Pros
Over-engineered feel inside and out
Composed, refined driving experience
Rarity; you won't see yourself coming or going

Cons
Mercedes money, VW warranty
Light on high-tech options
No third row

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The only thing missing from the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is a luxury badge. If you appreciate a well-crafted cabin and lots of convenience and luxury features, you'll surely enjoy the Touareg. But this level of refinement doesn't come cheap

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is largely unchanged, though the base Sport trim level gets the previously optional Technology package as standard equipment this year. Also, the previous Lux trim level is now referred to as the Wolfsburg Edition.

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg's V6 engine can feel strained during hard acceleration, and many rival crossovers are notably quicker. On the bright side, the eight-speed automatic transmission provides almost imperceptible upshifts along with responsive downshifts on demand. In general, the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is pretty enjoyable to drive. It has responsive steering with plenty of road feel, and it stays stable and secure when you're going around turns. Luckily, none of this means it's uncomfortable on the highway. It's also quiet, smooth and confident over bumpy roads, all of which contribute to its luxury feel.

The Touareg is similarly competent off-road thanks to a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. That system makes up for most of the capability gap with competitors that have traditional low-range gearing. With a respectable amount of ground clearance and a compliant suspension, the Touareg powers over washboard roads and light-duty trails without breaking a sweat.

Pros
Classy interior is near-luxury; impressive handling when going around turns; high towing capacity could be useful for large trailers; huge amount of standard features

Cons
Pricier than the typical crossover SUV; no third-row seat available; limited cargo capacity; unremarkable performance from V6 engine.

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is the German brand's flagship SUV, but its $50,000 starting price makes it as awkward a fit in its segment as its name is to pronounce (try "tour-egg"). Ostensibly this 5-passenger SUV is more luxurious than a Ford Edge or Jeep Grand Cherokee but not quite as fancy as a BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE or even its cousins the Audi Q5 and Q7, and Porsche Cayenne. In reality, we'd recommend just about any competitor over the Touareg. This VW SUV has much going against it beyond a high price and aging platform. The Touareg's brightest aspect -- a strong and efficient diesel engine -- is gone due to VW's emissions-cheating scandal, leaving a tired and overburdened V6 as its only motivation.

A year after the hybrid powertrain was put out to pasture, the once-loved diesel option is gone, too, in the wake of VW's scandal. Base models get active safety features and driving aids like active cruise control, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The mid-trim Wolfsburg model replaces the Lux trim.

Pros
Reasons to buy a Touareg in light of far better rivals are few. But this VW does offer some premium appeal and active safety features even in its base model, and there's no arguing that it is ruggedly handsome and offers confident traction on snow and dirt thanks to its full-time all-wheel-drive system.

Cons
The Touareg offers only one engine, and its $50,000-plus starting price is hardly a value. You can do far better in everything ranging from a Ford Edge or Lincoln MKX to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Lexus RX or Mercedes-Benz GLE.

By: 
kbb.com

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg ranks 20 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg offers a compelling mix of standard equipment, refinement, and advanced safety features. However, subpar engine performance moves this Volkswagen toward the bottom of the class.

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Volkswagen Touareg has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 51 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg offers a compelling mix of standard equipment, refinement, and advanced safety features. However, subpar engine performance moves this Volkswagen toward the bottom of the class.

"The only thing missing from the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is a luxury badge. If you appreciate a well-crafted cabin and lots of convenience and luxury features, you'll surely enjoy the Touareg. But this level of refinement doesn't come cheap." -- Edmunds

"Unlike most other Volkswagen models, which have become less expensive and less sophisticated in order to gain mass-market appeal, the Touareg midsize SUV is a genuine luxury... -- Left Lane News

“Reasons to buy a Touareg in light of far better rivals are few. But this VW does offer some premium appeal and active safety features even in its base model, and there's no arguing that it is ruggedly handsome and offers confident traction on snow and dirt thanks to its full-time all-wheel-drive system.” -- Kelley Blue Book

Pros
Plenty of standard advanced safety features
User-friendly infotainment system

Cons
Underpowered V6 engine
High starting price for a nonluxury brand

By: 
cars.usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Premium Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
25.00mpg
17.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
32.00mpg
23.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
16
24
Cylinders: 
4
Flat
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
2.50L
3.60L
Torque: 
174ft-lbs
at 4 000rpm
266ft-lbs
at 2 500rpm
Horsepower: 
175hp
at 5 800rpm
280hp
at 6 200rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
36.10Feet
39.00Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
yes
Side view Camera: 
no
yes
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Electric power steering
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Keyless Ignition
Driver Assisted Parking Assist
Electric Power Steering
Cooled Storage Compartment
Extended Cabin Heating

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
189.60in
188.80in
Width: 
72.40in
76.40in
Height: 
66.50in
68.20in
Ground Clearance: 
8.70in
7.90in
Front Track: 
65.00in
Rear Track: 
66.00in
Wheel Base: 
108.10in
113.90in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
40.80
39.60
Rear Head Room: 
38.90
38.90
Front Leg Room: 
42.90in
41.40in
Rear leg room: 
38.10in
36.70in
Front Hip Room: 
55.50in
58.30in
Front Shoulder Room: 
58.10in
59.80in
Rear Hip Room: 
55.00in
57.40in
Rear Shoulder room: 
57.30in
56.70in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
73.30cu.ft
64.00cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
2700lbs
7716lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
35.50cu.ft
32.10cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
26.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
26.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
4696.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Heated mirrors
Heated Mirrors
2 One-Touch Power Windows

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Bucket front seats
Cloth
Height adjustable driver seat
10-way power passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable driver seat
Leatherette
10 -way power driver seat
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback
Reclining rear seats
Split-folding rear seatback
Rear ventilation ducts
Reclining Rear Seats
Folding center armrest
Heated

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear stabilizer bar
rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
no
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Air conditioning
Extended cabin heating
Leather steering wheel
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors
Cooled storage compartment

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
yes
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
yes
More Entertainment: 
12 total speakers
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
STARLINK Multimedia
7-inch high-resolution touch screen
576-watt-equivalent amplifier
USB connection
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
Speed sensitive volume control
10 total speakers
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Memory card slot
620 Watts Stereo Output
Dynaudio Premium Brand Speakers

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
no
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Intermittent rear wiper
Roof rack
Variable intermittent wipers
Privacy glass
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
17 x 7.0
21 X 9.5 In
Wheels more: 
All season tires
Fullsize non-matching spare tire
Inside mounted spare tire
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
65
Width: 
275.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
45
Diameter: 
R21

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated front disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
rear ventilated disc brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
no
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Rear height adjustable headrests
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Brake drying
Self-leveling headlights
Post-collision safety system
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Turn signal mirrors
Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
Rear center 3-point belt
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Pre-Collision Safety System
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Cornering Lights

Options

Packages: 
Standard Model - 2.5i
Exterior Options: 
Roof Rack
Roof Edge Spoiler
Splash Guards
Trailer Hitch Extras
Interior Options: 
Roadside Assistance Kit
Rubber Mat Kit
Luggage Net
First Aid Kit

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Slate Black Cloth, cloth
#29292B
Warm Ivory Cloth, cloth
#8C867E
Color: 
#101010
Black Anthracite, leatherette
#B4A599
Cornsilk Beige, leatherette