The Subaru Outback finds itself rather alone in the South African market. Styled as a 5-door estate or station-wagon, it has very few, if any, rivals in the local market. Avant versions of the Audi A4 proved to be unpopular with the masses and BMW estates, while volume sellers in other markets, failed to capture the imagination of the South African public.
With two models on offer, and prices ranging from R651 000 to R726 000, there really isn't much that compares with the Subaru Outback. It's key selling points have always been its practicality, ease-of-use, car-like ride quality and of course, the lauded Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Related: Subaru Outback 3.6 R-S Premium - Video Review
We've chosen two seemingly unlikely candidates to pit it against, vehicles that fall more into the SUV category than the estate category. While its competitors hail from the same parent firm, their individual executions differ drastically.
Subaru Outback 3.6 R-S ES Premium
R726 000
Our rating: 4/5
The Subaru Legacy that is made available to South Africa is the fifth-generation Outback, based off of the sixth-generation Subaru Legacy. While the sixth-generation Subaru Outback has been released internationally, we're yet to receive it. Our version was first released in 2015 and then updated in 2018 to include a host of new technological advancements, including updates to the infotainment system.
The Outback uses an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a native operating system, Starlink. The touch interface is complemented by two rotary knobs in the top corners of the fascia and six touch-sensitive 'buttons', three on either side of the screen. These controls allow for volume/power, tuning, Home, Map, Apps, Radio and skip shortcuts. Above the screen is a single CD slot for compact disc playback. A multifunction steering wheel houses additional audio controls.
This system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a USB connection and will accept input from USB, Bluetooth and Auxiliary sources. Two USB ports are provided. The system also has AM/FM radio support and plumbs audio through an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, replete with subwoofer. Navigation is standard in both models.
The Starlink operating system uses a colour-coded, icon-based home screen that allows for quick access to the primary functions. The system is acceptably quick to respond and intuitive to use. Some vehicle settings and status readouts are also available through the infotainment system.
Lexus NX 300 EX
R751 800
Our rating: 2/5
The Lexus NX 300 EX is slightly more expensive than the Subaru Outback 3.6 but offers similar in the way of features and performance. It's built to Lexus' usual high standard and is equipped with the Lexus Premium EMV infotainment system.
This system has the largest screen of the three, measuring in at a sizeable 10.3-inches. It's mounted high up, on top of the sloping centre fascia with the simplified HVAC controls below it. The system itself is controlled by touch-pad in the centre console with three shortcut buttons for basic functions just above it. This system, unfortunately, is rather tricky to use, especially on the move and is much lamented by all. While pointer sensitivity is adjustable, it still remains complex to use while seated, particularly in right-hand drive models where one is forced to use their non-dominant left hand. Volume and tuning knobs, as well as several shortcut buttons and the DVD slot, are positioned in the centre fascia, below the HVAC system control.
Things are further complicated by the complex operating system and confusing menu hierarchy that requires intimate knowledge in order to extract the most from the system. The system does feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and will accept input from Bluetooth, USB (x2) and Aux. Audio is plumbed through an 8-speaker audio system and the system comes standard with a reverse camera and navigation.
Toyota Rav4 2.5 AWD VX
R630 800
Our rating: 3.5/5
The Toyota Rav4 scores some points in the overall comparison by coming in at almost R100 000 cheaper than the Subaru Outback 3.6 (and is more comparable with the Subaru Outback 2.5i-S ES Premium with a list price of R651 000). Once again, the Rav4 is more SUV than estate but it too offers AWD capabilities and a generous amount of space.
The Toyota Rav4 is fitted with the Toyota Display Audio infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen. This system was updated in 2020 to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and will also accept input from Bluetooth, USB (x3), Aux and DVD. It has AM/FM radio capabilities and a reverse camera is standard fitment. It plumbs audio through a 6-speaker setup.
The controls interface consists of the touchscreen as well as a much-appreciated upgrade to physical buttons and knobs with two rotary knobs on either side for volume and tuning and eight buttons, four on either side of the screen, for accessing basic functions. A DVD slot rests above the screen that is placed high up on top of the centre fascia.
The menu hierarchy is a simple and easy-to-use one with an icon-based selection offering and a three-way split home screen design. The colour screen offers up a monochromatic menu for a simple, uncluttered look that ties in with the rest of the Rav4's interior design.
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice*
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