The Ultimate Showdown: Subaru Outback Vs Vw Passat Alltrack: Which One Reigns Supreme In 2023?
What To Know
- The Outback gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the Passat Alltrack gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the same engine.
- The Outback’s V6 gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Passat Alltrack’s V6 gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The Outback, on the other hand, has a few unique features that the Passat Alltrack doesn’t offer, such as a standard roof rack and a hill descent control system.
With their rugged good looks, spacious interiors, and capable all-wheel-drive systems, the Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Passat Alltrack are two of the most popular all-around adventure wagons on the market. But which one is the best choice for you?
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll take a close look at the Subaru Outback and VW Passat Alltrack, comparing their performance, fuel efficiency, features, and more. We’ll also provide our expert recommendation on which one is the better choice for most buyers.
Performance
The Subaru Outback and VW Passat Alltrack both offer a choice of two engines: a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V6. The turbocharged four-cylinder is the more fuel-efficient option, while the V6 provides more power.
In terms of performance, the Subaru Outback has a slight edge over the VW Passat Alltrack. The Outback’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Passat Alltrack’s 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This gives the Outback a slightly quicker acceleration time and a higher top speed.
However, the VW Passat Alltrack has a more refined driving experience. The Passat Alltrack’s suspension is better at absorbing bumps and road imperfections, and the cabin is quieter than the Outback’s.
Fuel Efficiency
The Subaru Outback and VW Passat Alltrack are both relatively fuel-efficient for their size. The Outback gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the Passat Alltrack gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the same engine.
The V6 engines in both vehicles are less fuel-efficient, but they still offer respectable fuel economy for their power output. The Outback’s V6 gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Passat Alltrack’s V6 gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Features
The Subaru Outback and VW Passat Alltrack both come standard with a generous list of features, including all-wheel drive, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a rearview camera. However, the Passat Alltrack offers a few more standard features than the Outback, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a power liftgate.
The Outback, on the other hand, has a few unique features that the Passat Alltrack doesn‘t offer, such as a standard roof rack and a hill descent control system.
Interior
The Subaru Outback and VW Passat Alltrack both have spacious and comfortable interiors. The Outback has a slightly larger interior than the Passat Alltrack, but both vehicles offer plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
The Outback’s interior is more rugged and utilitarian than the Passat Alltrack‘s. The Passat Alltrack’s interior is more refined and luxurious, with higher-quality materials and a more upscale design.
Safety
The Subaru Outback and VW Passat Alltrack both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a full suite of airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control.
The Outback offers a few more standard safety features than the Passat Alltrack, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Passat Alltrack, on the other hand, offers a few more advanced safety features than the Outback, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Which One is Right for You?
The Subaru Outback and VW Passat Alltrack are both excellent choices for buyers who are looking for a versatile and capable all-around adventure wagon. The Outback is the better choice for buyers who prioritize performance and fuel efficiency, while the Passat Alltrack is the better choice for buyers who prioritize refinement and luxury.
Expert Recommendation
If we had to choose one, we would recommend the Subaru Outback over the VW Passat Alltrack. The Outback offers a better combination of performance, fuel efficiency, features, and safety. It’s also a more affordable vehicle than the Passat Alltrack.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space, the Subaru Outback or the VW Passat Alltrack?
A: The Subaru Outback has more cargo space than the VW Passat Alltrack. The Outback offers 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the Passat Alltrack offers 30.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty, the Subaru Outback or the VW Passat Alltrack?
A: The Subaru Outback has a better warranty than the VW Passat Alltrack. The Outback comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Passat Alltrack comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/72,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Which vehicle is more reliable, the Subaru Outback or the VW Passat Alltrack?
A: The Subaru Outback is more reliable than the VW Passat Alltrack. The Outback has a higher reliability rating from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power than the Passat Alltrack.
