Subaru Outback v Volkswagen Passat Alltrack review: Anti-SUVs go head to head

Families that want the same space, practicality and off-road ability of an SUV but without the drawbacks should consider these two options.

Few cars are as unfashionable to the broader motoring public as station wagons. Beloved by a small cadre of enthusiasts who wouldn’t consider a wobbly SUV or tractor-like diesel ute, the modern wagon is worth a closer look for folks who want a comfortable car with a dollop of cross-country ability.

Both the Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Passat show why you don’t need an SUV.

SUBARU OUTBACK SPORT

Subaru once had a wide range of wagons in its line-up but with the recent axing of the Liberty, the Outback is the sole survivor.

We tested the Outback in mid-grade Sport trim, priced from $49,500 drive-away. It’s a well-equipped machine with what might be the most comprehensive safety suite in this class thanks to a range of driver aids including front and rear auto emergency braking and a driver monitoring system. Eight airbags provide additional protection.

A lower ride height compared to SUVs make for a better drive.

Standard fare includes 18-inch alloy wheels with rugged tyres and a full-size spare, a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, LED headlights and other niceties.

The new Outback has an enormous 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen with satnav, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and six speakers.

Sport models get dark exterior elements in place of silver or chrome, a handful of eye-catching green highlights and interesting wetsuit-like interior trim.

The Subaru is well equipped with a huge a central screen.

The cabin is a strong point, with that enormous touchscreen, loads of room for passengers in the front and rear, plus heated back seats with twin USB power outlets.

While American customers have a turbo option, Australians have to make do with an underwhelming 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that uses a claimed 7.3L/100km of regular unleaded to make 138kW and 245Nm.

As is the case with almost all modern Subarus, power goes to all four wheels through a rugged all-wheel-drive system linked to a continuously variable automatic transmission.

The Subaru offers outstanding traction off-road, helped by 213mm ground clearance – a whopping 40mm more than the Volkswagen.

It’s less impressive on the road, with a vocal engine that lacks punch compared to turbocharged alternatives.

The Subaru is more confident off-road than the VW.

The Outback’s composure on bumps rivals limousines, with a truly impressive ride that leaves some luxury cars wanting. The trade-off is that it doesn’t feel as tight in the bends, with heavy steering and pronounced body roll that make it a less alluring option for keen drivers.

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ALLTRACK

The Volkswagen is the sportier option here, thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic pinched from the previous-generation Golf GTI.

Well-bolstered seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel contribute to the Passat’s more driver-focused theme.

The VW has a punchy engine borrowed from the previous gen Golf GTI hot hatch.

Priced from about $52,000 drive-away as a high-riding Passat Alltrack wagon, the Volkswagen is a little more expensive than the Subaru. And that’s before you consider that metallic paint is free to Subaru customers, while Volkswagen charges $800. Servicing is also expensive. Five years’ coverage costs $3500 – $1050 more than the Subaru. Both have five-year warranties.

The VW misses a few items you’d expect at $50,000-plus.

There’s a bit of give-and-take to the Passat’s equipment list. It has three-zone airconditioning with rear controls, multi-mode shock absorbers and a turbo engine offering superior performance to the Outback. But you don’t get heated seats, a powered tailgate, a 360-degree parking camera or quite as much safety kit. The VW’s 8-inch touchscreen with satnav and smartphone mirroring is a little underwhelming, and the flip side to that 162kW/350Nm punch is an 8.1L/100km thirst for premium fuel.

You can have the Passat with a digital dash, leather and heated seats, but it will cost about $65,000 drive-away.

If you love driving, the Passat is the right choice. It feels lighter and tauter, with quicker reactions to steering input and effortless thrust from the turbo engine.

VW’s dual-clutch auto is also sportier and the ability to customise driving modes is a boon for enthusiasts.

The Passat isn’t as useful off-road, though, with less ground clearance and variable all-wheel-drive that doesn’t inspire confidence.

VERDICT

The names say it all. If you want to head Outback, choose the Subaru, if you want it for all roads, pick the Passat. The Volkswagen is a much nicer drive on the bitumen but the Subaru wins because it is more spacious, offers better value and comes better prepared for those off-road adventures.

SUBARU OUTBACK SPORT VITALS

Price: From $49,500 drive-away

Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl, 138kW/245Nm

Warranty/servicing: 5-yr/unl’td km, about $2450 for 5 years

Safety: Not yet rated, 8 airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert.

Thirst: 7.3L/100km

Boot space: 522 litres

Spare: Full-size

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ALLTRACK VITALS

Price: About $52,000 drive-away

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 162kW/350Nm

Warranty/servicing: 5-yr/unl’td km, about $3500 for 5 years

Safety: Not yet rated. 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert.

Thirst: 8.1L/100km

Boot space: 650 litres

Spare: Full size