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Subaru Outback vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (169 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (40,000 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Outback or VW Golf?

Subaru Outback vs VW Golf: Key differences

Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more trunk space
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VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • considerably more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Outback

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Golf is considerably cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the Subaru Outback costs 40,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,739 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Subaru Outback with 8.6 L/100km. The difference is about 7.5 L/100km.

Golf

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 VW Golf offers considerably more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 169 HP. That’s roughly 156 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the Subaru Outback takes 10.2 s. That’s about 4.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers markedly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 252 Nm. That’s about 168 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is visibly lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,643 kg. The difference is around 336 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Outback offers clearly more boot space – 561 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 180 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Outback carries only slightly more – 557 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 49 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 131 - 143 km
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Frequently compared as well

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Subaru Outback
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the do-it-all wagon for buyers who want SUV capability without the SUV bulk, blending rugged confidence with everyday civility. It's practical, dependable, and built to shrug off rough gravel tracks or rainy commutes with a grin — ideal for buyers who actually use their vehicles, not just park them for show.

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Reviews Subaru Outback

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

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DB2019AU02105_medium

Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Subaru Outback
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
40,000 - 44,400 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
8.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
193 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Estate
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,643 - 1,676 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
561 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,875 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
524 - 557 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
169 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
252 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
124 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
2,498 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
Subaru
Brand
VW
Is the Subaru Outback offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.