The Ultimate Showdown: Subaru Outback Vs Skoda Scout – Who Wins In The Great Outdoors?

When it comes to adventure-ready vehicles that seamlessly blend rugged capability with everyday practicality, the Subaru Outback and Skoda Scout stand out as top choices. Both models offer a blend of all-wheel drive, spacious interiors, and impressive performance, making them ideal companions for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking adventure. But which one truly excels in the realm of off-road prowess and overall versatility? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key aspects of the Subaru Outback and Skoda Scout, uncovering their strengths, weaknesses, and distinctive features to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Capability: Unraveling the Power Dynamics

1. Engine Options and Performance:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback offers a range of engine options, including a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout comes equipped with a single engine option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.

2. All-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Subaru Outback: Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction and control in various conditions, aided by X-Mode with Dual Function X-Mode for enhanced off-road performance.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout features a sophisticated all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled center differential and a locking rear differential, ensuring optimal grip and stability on challenging terrain.

3. Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with approach and departure angles of 18.6 degrees and 21.7 degrees, respectively.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout offers slightly less ground clearance at 7.9 inches, with approach and departure angles of 16.7 degrees and 14.5 degrees, respectively.

4. Towing and Payload Capacity:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback can tow up to 2,700 pounds and has a payload capacity of up to 1,300 pounds.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout has a slightly higher towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,400 pounds.

Interior and Practicality: Exploring Comfort and Versatility

1. Cabin Design and Features:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback’s interior is well-designed and spacious, with comfortable seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and plenty of storage compartments.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout’s cabin is equally spacious and practical, featuring a clean and functional design, intuitive controls, and a panoramic sunroof.

2. Cargo Space and Flexibility:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback offers a generous 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout provides slightly less cargo space, with 27.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

3. Seating and Passenger Comfort:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout also provides comfortable seating for five, with slightly more headroom and legroom in the front row but less in the rear compared to the Outback.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features: Ensuring Peace of Mind

1. Standard Safety Features:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout also offers a range of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

2. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback can be equipped with additional driver-assistance features such as reverse automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout offers similar advanced driver-assistance systems, including a rearview camera, a blind-spot monitoring system, and a parking assist system.

Fuel Efficiency and Cost: Balancing Performance and Economy

1. Fuel Efficiency:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback delivers an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the 2.5-liter engine and 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout offers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

2. Pricing:

• Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback starts at an MSRP of $27,845 for the base trim level.
• Skoda Scout: The Skoda Scout starts at an MSRP of $32,995 for the base trim level.

Off-Road Prowess: Conquering Rugged Terrain

1. Suspension and Ground Clearance:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback’s standard suspension provides a balance of comfort and off-road capability, while the available X-Mode with Dual Function X-Mode enhances traction and control in challenging conditions.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout’s rugged suspension and slightly higher ground clearance make it well-suited for tackling rough terrain, complemented by the locking rear differential for improved traction.

2. All-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Subaru Outback: Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction and control on various surfaces, aided by X-Mode with Dual Function X-Mode for enhanced off-road performance.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout’s sophisticated all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled center differential and a locking rear differential ensures optimal grip and stability on challenging terrain.

3. Approach and Departure Angles:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback’s approach and departure angles of 18.6 degrees and 21.7 degrees, respectively, allow it to tackle steep inclines and declines with confidence.
• Skoda Scout: The Scout’s slightly less impressive approach and departure angles of 16.7 degrees and 14.5 degrees, respectively, may limit its ability in certain off-road situations.

Key Points: Deciding the Ultimate Adventure Companion

The Subaru Outback and Skoda Scout are both capable and versatile vehicles that offer a blend of rugged capability and everyday practicality. The Outback excels in terms of fuel efficiency, standard safety features, and off-road prowess, making it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded adventure companion. On the other hand, the Scout offers a more spacious cabin, a higher towing capacity, and a slightly lower starting price, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing space and affordability. Ultimately, the choice between these two vehicles depends on individual preferences, budget, and the specific needs and priorities of the buyer.

Answers to Your Questions

1. Which vehicle has a better warranty?

• Both the Subaru Outback and Skoda Scout come with a comprehensive warranty package, including a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2. Is the Subaru Outback more reliable than the Skoda Scout?

• The Subaru Outback generally has a higher reliability rating compared to the Skoda Scout, with fewer reported issues and better overall performance in long-term ownership studies.

3. Which vehicle offers a better infotainment system?

• Both the Subaru Outback and Skoda Scout feature user-friendly infotainment systems with a range of features, including touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and navigation. However, the Outback’s infotainment system is generally regarded as being more intuitive and easier to use.