2016 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack 2.0TDI v 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Comparison

Australian buyers have been bashing down the doors at dealers, rushing madly to secure the keys (or keyless fobs) to large SUVs over the past decade without so much as a backward glance. The harsh reality, though, is most of those buyers don’t really need a large SUV. Remember, ‘want’ is vastly different to ‘need’ and these two all-wheel-drive wagons illustrate the flexibility that can be had, not to mention the vastly superior car-like driving experience, by making a more considered, sensible decision.
For many years, Subaru effectively had this segment all to itself in Australia. There were various pretenders to the throne over the years, but the concept of a useful AWD wagon, with bulletproof reliability and genuine dirt road chops was pretty much a one-horse race. The 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R certainly benefits from decades of ingrained legacy around the now legendary robustness of the Brumby and the Leone, especially in rural areas.
Perception can often be key, especially in relation to an emotional purchase like a family vehicle and Subaru has well and truly earned its reputation in Australia. Now though, Volkswagen stakes its claim for some of that cross-country territory with 2016 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack - and with pricing so close to that of the Outback, it’s a seriously tough decision.
"car advice" car "car review" caradvice.com.au "car comparisons" "new car review" "car reviews" australia
-------------------------------------------------------------
CarAdvice.com.au is focused on getting people into the right car for them. We understand the different needs buyers face when making the decision to purchase a car, and our comprehensive reviews aim to help you make the right decision.
Our videos and articles are created by expert and unbiased journalists who are passionate about their work.
We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and encourage discussion. Don’t hesitate to ask us a question about a car and we will try to guide you to the right car for you.
Subscribe to CarAdvice for the latest reviews, road tests, comparisons, news and opinions in the automotive world.
SUBSCRIBE HERE
kzbin.info...
CONNECT WITH US
- / caradvice
- / car_advice
- plus.google.co...
www.caradvice.c... - Read the article here.

[@mo-215]

I actually appreciated this approach. Each driver having a strong preference. It felt like a reasonable debate pointing out strengths and weaknesses of each. Better than some videos where everyone is a winner. Good presentation.

[@moo3658]

Loved this! I would definitely choose the Outback, but I just bought the 3.6R Outback so I may be a bit biased... I feel even better about my purchase now. Thanks guys!

[@Bluesfreak1]

great video, i would take the Subaru, the passat is much too expensive for what u get, i think get more car for youre money. Greetings from germany

[@Drivecomau]

+Bluesfreak1 - thanks for watching!

[@amoshousworth5568]

Bluesfreak1 I wish they would have mentioned the mileage they were getting. The Passat is known for its incredible mileage 50-60MPG. Where the outback is getting 25-30.

[@MrLathor]

The big understressed NA flat 6 is a big selling point. Lovely sound, excellent refinement, and reliability.

[@maximderim]

For the price, the Subaru is the the perfect balance. But you haven't shown a real off-road capabilities for those in the video ? There the Subaru is clearly superior.

[@browngirlwhiteboy4043]

I have a year 2000 outback. Drive it everywhere. Tow the boat.Does everything. It does not have a single rattle and has never broken down once in nearly 400,000 km..looks a bit rough on the outside now but inside is still like a luxury car. Amazing!

[@sigmundsound]

The Subaru uses twice as much fuel. 10 years behind the competition for anyone with the ability to compare specs.

[@mogulsman]

Subaru hands down... they are much more reliable, safer, and more capable. Just wish we could get the diesel here in the US. Grab the Subaru and you will be pleased!

[@edwardlaw797]

Better AWD with x-mode, lower center of gravity, better safety score, reliability, better room/more rear legroom... And 8.7 inch ground clearance, and it stops the car completely/awesome eyesight system. I considered xc70 & Audi allroad but I go offroad. So the choice is pretty clear if you go offroad.

[@edwardlaw797]

One caveat... Subaru using acoustic windshield like all other manufactures so unless the windshield thickness stays the same...

[@test143000]

+Edward Law xc 70 and Audi allroad is a luxury class, you can't change your mind, you simple don't have funds

[@edwardlaw797]

+test143000 wrong. Subaru Outback for H6 buyers paying 38k + 3k 100k 7 years extended warranty can afford much more expensive cars. Just google and you will find lots of doctors, outdoor enthusiast and unpretentious, family oriented ( look up rear leg room for Audi, Volvo and outback) outdoor oriented families drive this car. Most people pay cash for them... Like me I have 2. I am a lawyer btw don't fit a typical outback buyer profile but then again not every BMW, Porsche driver are divorced or single and perceived as parvenu that never use blinkers. ;)

[@test143000]

Edward Law Visit your local AUDI or Volvo dealer to get quote for A6 Allroad or XC 70. Outback competitor is VW Passat Alltrack not AUDI or Volvo. These are disjoint price ranges and positioned for different byres. VW Passat doesn't compete with AUDI A6 as they are both VW Group. AUDI is a luxury VW Group brand.

[@edwardlaw797]

+test143000 my wife drives a xc70 and we DO take it to the highway more often. But for mountain drives we take the outback no brainer. In u.s. For offroad wagon it's just the outback, xc 60/70 and allroad. Allroad's ride is too stiff I noticed when shopping for my parents car... I end up getting a MB c300 for them. To me, I would pay cash up to 50k for a car and I would never consider leasing. Outback limited buyers DO cross shop with xc 70 and allroad. For lower trim level I agree it's not the case.

[@siowkiat]

The VW is a normal tarmac sedan/wagon with some soft off-road abilities with it slightly lifted suspension. As a primary road car, it has a stiffer suspension to sharpen the steering feel.The outback is a do-it-all vehicle with relatively sharp and precise handling if you compare with other SUVs. If you want a sportier drive than the outback, should consider the Forester XT turbo. It has more sporty suspension setup for aggressive and fast driving.

[@sierrahotel1137]

We've got the Subaru 2.5lt 2015 Outback ,great car ,very comfortable,good fuel economy ,cabin is very quiet, VW great car better with DSG ,built solid like a tank, but very happy with Subaru.

[@michiel75]

who in his right mind would even consider a VW Passat TDI if less money would buy an Outback with that super smooth 3.6 6 cylinder boxer?

[@Mububban23]

“The Subaru is more comfortable and I think that actually rates a mention (for the family car segment)” No kidding! Nobody wants to drive a dead boring marshmallow car, but let’s be honest, thee things take kids to school and sport and do the shopping and to visit the grandparents. To lug small people and stuff around, comfort is much more important than a hard ride that gives kids car sickness. Also, Subaru = reliability. VW owner forums are FULL of owners with horror stories. I'd rather have the Subaru for a long term ownership prospect.

[@JOHN42TD]

2.5 premium over 3.6 any day

[@thatmatty231guy]

Noooo you can't top the good old EZ36 motor! 2.5's doesn't have as good track history.

[@axellundqvist9473]

Before this video I would have choose the Passat, but the Subaru seems kinda awesome

[@quong1]

fantastic high value independent assessment without the typical bias..... I love both cars.....I had outbacks before....and was I felt underpowered...and the rolly polly soft suspension was not my cup of tea...with 3 children,,,,in the back,., i really want to have a drive in both,.....thanks again....loved your views...but in the end...it will be driver's choice... One element that you could cover...would be...." the service and maintenance costs" for the families...wanting a reliable low maintenance low cost ownership vehicle... I subscribed

[@kenlloyd3078]

Great review! I would go for the Subaru. The comment about the "big lazy six" getting the car up to highway speed quickly is music to the ears of this old school driver. Also the soft ride - as a 70 yr old, I'm totally over hard riding vehicles. The term "sports suspension" is the kiss of death for me. Regarding long term upkeep, I'd put my money (less of it) on an understressed na six versus a small turbo diesel any day of the week.

[@danielthomas7747]

Nice review. It is one point that both of you have avoided to mention. It is the residual value of the Passat vs the Subaru. 😉 This is why I have the Passat 2018 it is because of a better resale value.

[@ur2slob724]

after 5 years onwards let's see what car keeps working, owned a mkv gti never going VW again

[@cjdacka]

Imagine a Modern day Holden Adventra, that would be a beast.

[@turdbomitch9007]

Im guessing the all track didn't come with the r-line spec in Australia then? I'm a huge subaru fan and owner but the r-line 178kw alltrack is the absolute bees knees

[@MantaProx2]

Subaru Outback hands down

[@karimmohsen8290]

I suggest doing the review when both vehicles has a similar powertrain. E.g. Both diesel. Also do a feature comparison.

[@saauuzza]

The passat is using a haldex. Its basically FWD. The subaru is proper AWD. Subaru will last forever.... VW well....

[@David645207]

i loved reading some of the passat owner reviews on product review, first 5 owners or so 10 out of 10 best vehicle than the 6th the parking brake came on while on ethe highway and we crashed. um don't know about you but I don't even want to take that risk, subaru all the way.

[@MaZEEZaM]

I think I would pick the Subaru Outback as I prefer comfort and safety tech.

[@simonwilkinson211]

Fantastic video guys!!

[@bertie50]

Nice idea for the comparo. Great review.

[@andrewthepanda95]

I bought a used 2001 subaru outback and love it tons of room but i really want a new 2016 subaru outback.

[@johneldho4434]

loved this review:)

[@ioancharger1871]

Only Subaru , only Hardcore

[@tonychestnut904]

Great review! Thanks for the 'fairness'...

[@frozenragu]

7:48 - nice slide. Shame the guthega road is rough

[@awdlover7621]

Great cars both. Here in Italy the outback is available only with cvt and 2.0 Boxer Diesel or 2.5 pretrol (no 3.6R), but nobody buys the petrol version beacuse it's a to big and thursty engine for italy (tax and fuel cost). Instead the Passat alltrack is avaliable only diesel with 2.0 TDI 150hp manual, 2.0 TDI 190hp DSG, or 2.0 BiTDI 240hp dsg. A petrol version is avaliable in other contries (German or Swiss) and it's a 2.0 TSI 220hp. I think Passat is a more premium car but it costs a lot, expecially with the double turbo diesel engine (BiTDI), the outback is cheaper and has a lot of things that in passat are optional, in italy Outback has standards led headligths, cvt and eyesight and is cheaper than the chapest alltrack that hasn't all that.

[@gamag792]

The outback is all over the Passat for interior space, feels a size bigger in the back. The Passat feels smaller than the better packaged Octavia as well.

[@gustavofujimori2526]

Subaru Outback for me...! Reliability is what you expect from a car in PATAGONIA, exta of that, good ground clearance. Greetings from Chubut

[@unintentionallyfire]

No comments about practicality? Which boot was bigger and by how much?

[@americanstylefreak]

The Passat, no doubt about it, is a beautiful, super fuel effcient, practical, comfortable and well made car. But I think if you beat it around gravel roads, it won't last near as long as a Subaru would. German cars are just not made for the outback, they are made for cities and paved country roads. It may do just fine driving it carefully through a non paved european road in the forest, but I think in the end, relibility wise, the subaru will have the upper hand. Subarus are just really tough cars, and VWs are nice cars, but not tough cars.

[@monirmualla]

VW Cannot compete with outback that has more value for the money you pay and heavy duty chasie

[@rybucket1667]

Subaru all day! I work on both and own both

[@stefanromanescu724]

I don't know the argument of him saying that dsg with diesel hasn't been great at times, all though i like the Subaru more, you can't beat the comfort and responsiveness of a DSG with turbodiesel let's be serious

[@manuelmikewa388]

I don't understand why you didn't include the Octavia Scout in this comparison! 🤔

[@nstipet]

How can you test diesel vs petrol???? Very stupid...

[@renatooliva7964]

Well, in my family we have an old 2006 H6R and now it is time to replace it Wv looks nice but to own one...forget it.It is a nightmare....diesel...no way.Flat six baby, smooth like an electric motor, pulls like a diesel loco. I never had any issue with the old H6R, I will give the chance again for Subaru. I think 450000 kilometer is more than enough ..and if I have a chance I use the power.... Passat is nice...but not in my garage.

[@YourLocalUkrainianGerman]

Ich liebe Deutsche Autos wie den Passat oder VOLKSWAGEN im Allgemeinen! Aber ich verstehe ja nun mal nicht, Warum ihr alle unsere Diesel haben wollt? Das verstehe ja mal ja so gar nicht. Allerdings finde Ich, Dass der SUBARU oder SUBARU im Allgemeinen Eine wirklich einmalig gute Gelegenheit ist, Sich einen SUV, Und / Oder Einen Crossover zu kaufen, Der sich nicht nur wie ein Echter Offroader anfühlt, Sondern auch Einer ist. Denn er ist schon mit dem Allradantrieb ausreichend ausgestattet. 👍👍👍🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪 Trotzdem tolles Video! 👌👌👌 (English: Thanks for the Perfect review! 👍👍👍👌👌👌).

[@wecanallski]

nice review. Just bought the Outback and would again anyways day over VW. One thing you guys didn't mention (not sure about Aus) but the Subaru has 5 year 100k miles warranty. unbelievable. I used to own VW and would never buy another one. Quality just isn't there anymore. Thanks for your video.

[@peterdang7505]

so which one is better vw or subaru

[@peterdang7505]

so which one is better vw or subaru

[@christiann6350]

How about comparing the VW Alltrack to the Skoda Octavia Scout? Though they are similar, would be a fairly nicmereview on who did better with the same engine, etc.

[@unintentionallyfire]

+Flying Bigfoot A Superb Scout would be a better comparison if they made one.

[@christiann6350]

+Zachary Ong True, then the octavia scout goes with golf alltrack.

[@Ubermeisteryyy]

You talk about these as alternatives to SUV's, to get to hard to reach locations. Why not try them offroad? I'm confident in which car would win..

[@stevecrocker6904]

the Passat Alltrack might very well be a nice vehicle. But I buy my Subarus to keep 8-10 years. And they cost me virtually nothing but servicing in that time

[@Drivecomau]

Thanks for sharing!

[@humushumus2219]

I was surprised to find this combination reviewed. I got both. My wife own the Alltrack, both of us drive both cars but mostly the Alltrack, because it's in a completely different league in terms of comfort. It's ten yearsahed of the outback. The Subaru more reliable? Not that we have noticed, maybe lessexpensive parts... Not sure. Also all the stats I can find about this cars in Norway, the Alltrack have about twice (not joking) expected milage in it's life cycle. That's significant. I read "German cars bad..." often said on the internet(by Americans with little/no experience with them), and it's clear this is one of these things repeated often, therefore true. And only therefore. Also the Subaru use a lot of fuel!

[@blakeloomer6091]

The Outback feels at home on those tracks, the Alltrack has proven worthy but cant top the Subaru.

[@waynegriffith2402]

How do you compare a diesel to a gasoline?

[@evanlandry7271]

Question. Does the Alltrack have less leg room than the Outback?

[@GluboGrine]

id say the difference in fuel consumption is massive? isnt it?

[@dreamertt5164]

Is there any noise in the cabin?

[@JohnAvantiBK]

Didn't VW try to compete with the Audi All Road and Subaru left it in the dust? The FWD little turbo VW is no match for the H4 or H6 Subaru's...

[@jasonnguyen680]

Franco Vision No vw is not trying to compete with Audi because vw owns Audi

[@arlofs]

I'd take the Outback any time of the day.

[@shipwrek4533]

All track dude keeps talking about looks, subarus ground clearance and sitting room makes the difference, go off-road and watch the vw fall behind. I live in the snow and ground clearance is huge on unplowed roads. Also the subi is safer.

[@sergekhmur9361]

I only wish Subaru exterior and interior styling was done by VW. Subaru HVAC is also just a shame

[@nurbsenvi]

VWs are great until it eventually fails soon outside the warranty.

[@Giobemo]

You guys got a diesel version OB?! Not fair! (Oh, and you got a wagon version of the Passat?!! Meh...)

[@HyperBlueZYZ]

no more VW's for me after they cheated on MPG statements. Traded my GTI for a Maxed out Outback 3.6R Limited and haven't looked back. Added 2" lift kit with smaller wheels and larger offroad tires. It's no Jeep, but it's damn close and much more comfortable. Vids on my channel.

[@ryanchampagne1]

Does that VW have the 4motion?

[@bozidar.dimovski]

Why does Trent look at the centre console whilst on the phone.....keep your eyes on the road...car advice driver

[@Macavellic]

Scania R730 vs Axiam 500

[@allanriches9381]

Safe spot too pull over, At a tee intersection

[@antoniosegura9570]

Interesting video.

[@theddygrumo]

is it the same as the golf alltrack?

[@Drivecomau]

Passat is bigger than Golf

[@radomillion]

What an utterly useless review. As a former 3.6r owner I can say for the money it's the best car I've ever had! Subaru have the heritage when it comes to AWD, they only ever built AWD (with the exception of the BRZ, due to toyota). If your buying this type of car you will most likely be driving on rougher terrain than just typical unsealed roads. They should of been testing these cars on step rocky tracks and yes every inch of lift matters! The outback ain't built for rock crawling but I seen them go up some really step sketcky tracks which I'm sure the passat altrack wouldnt handle due to it's lift height. When it comes to looks inside and out the Subaru wins as well. Volkswagon pretty much built the alltrack just to capture some of the small AWD wagon market share which Subaru created.

[@bjcliving386]

the information is so subjective!!! I am struggling to find what is correct information or what is purely the opinion of the other driver!?

[@Jayden-sq1km]

I like the Subaru outback

[@p9r4ex8dyk]

I have not heard of this other vehicle Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, what is it, anymore info?

[@Drivecomau]

+Vo L - The Alltrack is a VW Passat crossover wagon. Same engines as normal Passat wagon but with 4x4 driveline and higher ride.

[@p9r4ex8dyk]

The Outback was recently recalled for a steering loss issue. I have lost all my respect for that vehicle.

[@p9r4ex8dyk]

+CarAdvice.com Do you think I should get the Outback or get a Toyota Corolla?

[@JOHN42TD]

Dsg is dual shaft gearbox not dual clutch

[@BC-cp5vr]

2 years late, but anyway: DSG stands for Direkt-Schalt-Getriebe or direct shift gearbox. One can essentially treat it as two manual gearboxes working alternatively but packed inside one housing and therefore it uses two clutches and two gear shafts (one for each 'box, so to speak) to deliver power to the wheels.

[@andrewkim6037]

Really cool video. Thanks guys.

[@hugdeath929]

Great reciew👍🏿

[@zdenekslepicka6818]

Subaru!

[@scoopermg8226]

no mention of soft touch materials?? British reviewers are fucking obsessed by them.

[@Drivecomau]

They also thought it was a smart idea to leave the EU so.... But you are right, we'll ensure more attention is made to the cabin materials. VW are always good in this space though. Subaru is nice but can feel a bit 'cheap' in spots.

[@mikeforce1890]

and they were right to leave the eu, soooo......

[@rodneyjones290]

Yep it absolutely was smart.

[@shmarr7218]

It absolutely wasn't.

[@MatrixDiscovery]

European quality = paying the car 3 times over in maintainence.

[@sourwords1808]

passat? pass that mate. save your hard earn and probably another lawsuit. just saying.

[@lamborghini0610]

+No Way Cant beat that European quality

[@Kvasiir]

+Matt Smith Like their failed DSGs quality? mass perto Turbo engine failure quality? lol

[@lamborghini0610]

+RD0403 I guess it just depends on the experience you have with them. I have owned my VW for 5 years and its been AMAZING.

[@Robert--cm2nf]

There is no substitute for a Subaru the VW is only trying to get a part of the market without a good a of road car The VW are to complicated for Australia's outback here in Europe there is every 3o km a garage ( and you will need it) but in the outback you are lost

[@caoYB]

haha just the video i need, VW just released the price for the Variant in China, its base 1.4T 2WD model is more expensive than the Outback 2.0DIT(top outback model here). What a joke.

[@TheJamesavatar]

it's not a passat bro!! it's vw sport wagons alltrack

[@jakubg3144]

The only 3,6 subaru has got standard automatic gear box ,not CVT! Am I right?

[@cu2peueu]

it is clear that the germans do some nice things, but the subaru are good all around.... the engines from VW are tricky, the transmisions are good but not the best. On top of all that, the VW is not what was before anymore and they aren't reliable on the electronics that controls everything allaround. i am from Europe and i know what i am talking about. We do have these cars allover but i am going to move on to a subaru or mitsubishi soon, for good.

[@Walter-hg2nr]

I would take a Subaru if they would have a diesel in Canada. 👎👎👎👎👎

[@boboutelama5748]

No mention of the Dieselgate ? No mention of the inconsistent quality of Volkswagen ? No mention of the reliability on 200k km ? No mention of the very bad V.A.G. group aftersale service ?

[@KingThallion]

classier? look at that thing its a damn mini-mini-van!

[@truthandjustice6838]

Japanese over German any day. That Passat will be rattling before its first service, and look for oil on your garage floor. That Scooby will last a lifetime. Honda CRV anyone?

[@humushumus2219]

I was surprised to find this combination reviewed. I got both. My wife own the Alltrack, both of us drive both cars but mostly the Alltrack, because it's in a completely different league in terms of comfort. It's ten yearsahed of the outback. The Subaru more reliable? Not that we have noticed, maybe lessexpensive parts... Not sure. Also all the stats I can find about this cars in Norway, the Alltrack have about twice (not joking) expected milage in it's life cycle. That's significant. I read "German cars bad..." often said on the internet(by Americans with little/no experience with them), and it's clear this is one of these things repeated often, therefore true. And only therefore. Also the Subaru use a lot of fuel!

[@eggbirdtherooster]

The VW lookin classy, modern and handsome.. The Subaru dont...

[@neirboca]

+EGGBIRDTHEROOSTER passat looks boring, especially in white.

[@martingr12365]

I’ll stick with my 2017 (cough, cough) 3.6 Outback (cough) thanks, good grief that VW Diesel kicks some toxic gases out.

[@albatraoz1473]

I would take the new Passat.

[@demihani5062]

Haven't driven the Passat so I myself can't compare but for me, the 3.6 outback was absolutely atrocious in performance. It handle averagely although rode nicely but when it came to putting the foot down (even in sports sharp mode) I disagree with your point. It did not move whatsoever and the 3.6 did not feel like going anywhere anytime. They need a 3.0turbo to help it move along with a proper gearbox

[@ZobedRevolution]

+Cv02 I don't know what you're talking about... I own one, and it is MORE than capable and MORE than what anyone would ever need on the road. It is has a lot of power, granted, it could have more for what it is but it is a powerful car.

[@peterwelsh6975]

You're wanting a 500hp family car?

[@JoshuaMuzaaya]

The VW is high maintenance with a high failure rate and high repair costs.

[@xumu4]

Wtf is happenning with subaru in the corners, look at the weels: 3-4 times they had to correct the course. No sh..t like this with VW. And they dont even mention the interiors which is plain rubbish in the subaru

[@conorjackson5360]

optima vs commodore

[@christiann6350]

Commordore omega?

[@Drivecomau]

+Draxler Munoz - coming soon!

[@conorjackson5360]

CarAdvice.com.au fuck yes!

[@Игорь-г8о1м]

Passat the best!!!!

[@super_slav91]

Disgusting CVT gearbox, I will take the DSG any day, If I was after a auto car, I hate any automatic transmission but CVT is by far the most boring to drive and annoying to listen to.

[@51StPi]

+Super_Slav I drive a Superb 4x4 with DSG, after driving a mountain pass it can have difficulty engaging drive after coming to a halt, it will take a couple of attempts, this I have read is to do with gearbox oil temperature and this is in the UK in the winter, luckily it is a lease, so not my problem after a couple of years.I'd rather have boring than wondering if it will engage drive after taking my foot off the brake and rolling away from a junction into traffic.

[@super_slav91]

Puy Lentil That superb probably has a faulty transmission cooler, needs to be replaced since they have no problem here even while towing in 45 degree heat, I rather have a smooth DSG than a shuddering CVT that whines under acceleration, I still rather have a manual, but I have driven many DSG's and they have all performed beautifully.

[@johnp-h8896]

More fun every time...sorry Subaru.

[@justy5944]

Typical car journos... no mention of reliability.

[@kelvpoon]

Mate mate mate... mate

[@metaframe2k]

Passat - for women or people with brain women.

[@Y10Q]

there is no quality in a vw

[@nismotech]

No dignity either.....*cough* Diesel scandal *cough*