More conventional in form, Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Passat Alltrack today constitute a real alternative to the SUV. Capacity and performance, large arguments.

Long before they were in the market today called SUV, the Japanese brand Subaru already had a pioneering model in this field. It is true that, except for the Subaru Forester, with clearer forms in their Campero approach, the Subaru Outback SUV seemed more familiar than use cars. But Subaru’s vocation has always been focused on versatility and ease of movement on and off road and although his image has evolved over the years, the jacket essence of the model has never lost.

Volkswagen, meanwhile, he has taken advantage of the resources that will be the parent gives a giant automotive group to experience new projects and provide more options to customers. The formula was clear and relatively simple to implement, it was sufficient from a good base, such as the VW Passat, and add all-wheel drive to enhance the dynamic capability on low grip surfaces. With a little more ground clearance, and with the addition of some aesthetic details that mark differences with the rest of the range, and had thus prepared his family to better run on tracks in good condition. Thus he was born this VW Passat Alltrack.

Subaru Outback vs VW Passat Alltrack: more height

This solution has already been used by other manufacturers quite successfully, as in the case of Volvo XC70 with, Audi Allroad with its range, Peugeot 508 RXH with, Skoda with Scout, Seat with León X-perience and Opel with the variant Country Tourer Insignia. In the case of Volkswagen, the body Passat 2.7 centimeters rises Alltrack relative to the ground, achieving a height of 17 centimeters, Meanwhile he Subaru Outback, with 20 cm, improves distance to other competitors such as SUVs Hyundai Tucson, 17 cm, or CR-V, with just over 16 cm in height, and also familiar Audi A4 Allroad, 18 cm.

This increased ground clearance body, with a more specialized tires, with greater profile- and Symmetrical AWD effective traction allow the Subaru Outback circulation by field much looser that which is achieved with the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, which includes some attractive alloy wheels with 18-inch road tires with a profile so low that it is too risky to too many adventures … beyond a road in good condition and without stones .

It is true that the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack has a specific management mode “off road”, which facilitates the movement on surfaces with low grip, such as areas of mud, snow or wet grass, but that does not mean you are ready to move on much more hostile conditions. Its drive system influences the management of automatic and becomes more progressive acceleration, easing movement in gear and activating a specific mode of ABS that is more effective in stopping the car on slippery surfaces. Also its towing capacity is superior, thinking that this model may be ideal for pulling a caravan, a shopping motorcycle or boat: It supports 60 kg more weight than conventional versions Passat, obtaining a total towing capacity to 2260 kg.

Subaru Outback vs VW Passat Alltrack: very comfortable

So much Subaru Outback as Volkswagen Passat Alltrack are especially nice for everyday use, either by their position somewhat higher than usual driving or for its automatic or complete standard equipment, which allows better off and driving pleasure. The solutions adopted by manufacturers have been very different. First, the Subaru Outback engine uses a four-cylinder diesel bóxer architecture and 150 hp power, associated with an automatic gearbox continuously variable, called Lineartronic. Its operation is quite soft and pleasant, but not achieved a level of very remarkable performance. Configuration change in manual mode use, when the steering wheel paddles are used or when a pressure on the pedal more than two thirds of its route accelerator is exercised, allows you to use the gearbox with seven interlocks, as if it were a manual box, so that no slippage occurs uncomfortable and acceleration is favored. He Subaru Outback system has no automatic stop-start engine, which affects fuel consumption in urban use, to be up excessive 9,1 l / 100 km. Actual consumption is road 6.2 l / 100 km.

In the case of Volkswagen Passat Alltrack It has used a automatic gearbox DSG double clutch, faster transitions, although more complex use torn in costs or when parking maneuvers. Yes system has automatic start-stop, but in some circumstances not very nice (when it stops automatically when you approach a yield sign or traffic circle, etc.). Consumption of this variant 2.0 TDI, here the top of 190 hp, We also have similar content, although achieving a more bearable than those of a lower power Outback figures with averages environment 7 l / 100 km actual spending if we take care carefully pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Subaru Outback vs VW Passat Alltrack: road and field

So much Subaru Outback as Volkswagen Passat Alltrack feature efficient transmission systems, but with very different approaches. He Subaru Outback offers a softer suspensions, more travel and less limited in extent. Well absorbed imperfections and do not punish its occupants, allowing greater capacity to undertake tracks or roads in poor condition.

He Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, in return, it has a variable damping serial and with more travel that of a conventional Variant without reaching levels Subaru as to free run. This greater height does not adversely affect the body roll, as it goes very subject and hardness suspension is charged further. What field it loses efficiency gains in the road, because at all times you have good control of the situation. If he use that we will give is more oriented to the road, he Volkswagen Passat Alltrack It is, ultimately, faster, more accurate and consumes less. But yes our focus is on the field, certainly the Subaru Outback is our car.

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