@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
@ Subaru Corporation
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Ford Ranger vs Subaru Outback – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Ford Ranger or Subaru Outback?

Ranger @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Ford Ranger vs Subaru Outback: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the automotive world, versatility and performance are valued attributes, especially when comparing two iconic models like the Ford Ranger and the Subaru Outback. Both vehicles have carved out strong niches in the market, yet they cater to slightly different kinds of riders. Here, we delve into their technical aspects and innovative features to see what sets them apart.

Outback @ Subaru Corporation

Body Type and Design

The Ford Ranger is designed as a robust pickup truck, appealing to those who need a reliable workhorse on and off the road. Its commanding presence is defined by its length, ranging from 5370mm to 5420mm, and it stands tall at heights between 1868mm and 1922mm, complemented by a width up to 1968mm.

Contrastingly, the Subaru Outback serves as a wagon, favored for its balance between practical daily driving and adventurous excursions. Sleek and stylish, the Outback measures a length of 4870mm with a height of up to 1675mm, making it slightly more compact compared to the Ranger, offering easier maneuverability in urban settings.

Ranger @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Engine Performance and Efficiency

Diversification in engine choices gives the Ranger a broad appeal. It offers both diesel and petrol engines, with power outputs ranging from 170 HP to 292 HP. This robust power is matched by torque figures as high as 600 Nm. Despite its power orientation, fuel consumption ranges from 8.4 to 13.8 L/100km, depending on engine choice, which can impact fuel economy.

Meanwhile, the Outback sticks to a petrol engine, delivering 169 HP with a torque of 252 Nm. Its smoother CVT transmission aids in maintaining an 8.6 L/100km consumption rate, making it more fuel-efficient for longer trips while still bringing ample power to the driving experience.

Drive Type and Off-Road Capability

Both vehicles proudly feature All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, promising enhanced traction and stability. The Ranger, with its pickup design, excels in off-road capabilities, being well-suited for rough terrains and challenging conditions. Its payload capacity varies extensively, maxing out at 1108 kg, a testament to its practical utility.

Subaru's Outback appeals more to those needing reliable performance on light off-road tracks, everyday roads, and in varied weather conditions. Its trunk capacity of 561 L assures generous space for both adventure gear and daily necessities.

Comfort and Innovation

The Ford Ranger offers configurations with up to 5 seats, focusing on combining utility and comfort in its cabin layout, which can similarly host two or four doors based on variant preference.

The Outback, on the other hand, accommodates 5 passengers across the board with a strong emphasis on comfort and convenience, accessible through its five-door setup.

Emissions and Efficiency

Both vehicles fall into the CO2 Efficiency Class G, reflecting their performance engines. For eco-conscious drivers, it's essential to note the variable CO2 emissions, with the Ranger ranging up to 315 g/km compared to the Outback's 193 g/km.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Ford Ranger and the Subaru Outback largely depends on your lifestyle needs. If a powerful, rugged workhorse with diverse configurations is what you seek, the Ranger is unrivaled. However, for those inclined towards a versatile, comfortable, and fuel-efficient ride perfect for both city streets and camping getaways, the Outback stands as a superb choice. Either way, both vehicles represent formidable engineering with a focus on reliability and performance.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Subaru Outback has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 37200 £, while the Ford Ranger costs 37500 £. That’s a price difference of around 291 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Ford Ranger manages with 3.10 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Subaru Outback with 8.60 L. The difference is about 5.50 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Ford Ranger has a convincingly edge – offering 292 HP compared to 169 HP. That’s roughly 123 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Ranger is distinct quicker – completing the sprint in 7.90 s, while the Subaru Outback takes 10.20 s. That’s about 2.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Subaru Outback performs slight better – reaching 193 km/h, while the Ford Ranger tops out at 190 km/h. The difference is around 3 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Ford Ranger pulls significantly stronger with 697 Nm compared to 252 Nm. That’s about 445 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Subaru Outback is distinct lighter – 1643 kg compared to 2082 kg. The difference is around 439 kg.

When it comes to payload, Ford Ranger convincingly takes the win – 1108 kg compared to 557 kg. That’s a difference of about 551 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Ford Ranger shows itself to be leaves the rival little chance and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £37,500
Ranger @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Ford Ranger

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 170 - 292 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 3.1 - 13.8 L
  • Electric Range : 42 km

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger stands out in the pickup market with its robust build and versatile capabilities, making it a popular choice for both work and leisure. Its modern design is complemented by a well-equipped interior, providing comfort and advanced technology. Whether tackling challenging terrains or cruising through the city, the Ranger delivers a reliable and dynamic driving experience.

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Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback offers a perfect blend of rugged capability and modern comfort, making it an ideal choice for those who love adventure without compromising on convenience. Its robust design is complemented by advanced safety features and a spacious interior, ensuring a relaxed and secure driving experience. With a reputation for reliability and versatility, the Outback continues to stand out in its class, appealing to drivers who appreciate both performance and practicality.

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Ford Ranger
Subaru Outback
Ranger @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Outback @ Subaru Corporation

Costs and Consumption

Price
37500 - 71900 £
Price
37200 - 41600 £
Consumption L/100km
3.1 - 13.8 L
Consumption L/100km
8.60 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
42 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
11.80 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
70 - 315 g/km
co2
193 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
80 L
Fuel tank capacity
63 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Pickup
Body Type
Estate
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
2 - 4
Doors
5
Curb weight
2082 - 2511 kg
Curb weight
1643 - 1676 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
561 L
Length
5370 - 5420 mm
Length
4870 mm
Width
1918 - 1968 mm
Width
1875 mm
Height
1868 - 1922 mm
Height
1670 - 1675 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1822 L
Payload
676 - 1108 kg
Payload
524 - 557 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
170 - 292 HP
Power HP
169 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.9 - 12.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.20 s
Max Speed
180 - 190 km/h
Max Speed
193 km/h
Torque
405 - 697 Nm
Torque
252 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
125 - 215 kW
Power kW
124 kW
Engine capacity
1996 - 2993 cm3
Engine capacity
2498 cm3

General

Model Year
2022 - 2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Ford
Brand
Subaru
What drive types are available for the Ford Ranger?

The Ford Ranger is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.