VS
At a Glance
Power
260hp @ 5600
282hp
Torque
277lb-ft @ 2000
402lb-ft
Fuel
24 mpg est.
—
Towing
3500lbs
2200lbs
Engine
2.4 L/146ci
—
Choosing between the Subaru Outback and the Volkswagen Id 4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru Outback delivers 260hp @ 5600 while the Volkswagen Id 4 produces 282hp. Pricing starts at $44,995 for the Outback and $45,095 for the Id 4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Subaru OutbackWilderness AWD 2026 - From $44,995
Volkswagen Id 4Pro RWD 2026 - From $45,095
Performance
Power Output (hp)
260hp @ 5600
282hp
Torque (lb-ft)
277lb-ft @ 2000
402lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.4 L/146ci
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Electric
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
1
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
—
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
—
Dimensions
Length (in)
191.7in
180.5in
Width (in)
74in
72.9in
Height (in)
67.5in
64.6in
Wheelbase (in)
108.1in
108.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3973lbs
4575lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
2200lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Id 4
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
Outback
Pros & Cons
Subaru Outback
Lower starting price ($44,995)
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Id 4
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Outback or Id 4?
The Outback produces 260hp @ 5600 and 277lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the Id 4 delivers 282hp and 402lb-ft of torque. The Id 4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Outback and Id 4?
The Outback starts from $44,995 and the Id 4 from $45,095, a difference of just $100, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Outback or Id 4?
The Outback has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Id 4 can tow 2200lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Outback or the Id 4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.