BYD Atto 3 VS Subaru Outback
BYD Atto 3
Likes
- Good value for an SUV
- Very good value for an EV
- Decent driving range for both models
Dislikes
- The interior design is polarising
- Long-term BYD prospects still unclear
- No spare tyre
Subaru Outback
Likes
- Well priced for a special-edition model
- Packed with features
- Superb on-road driving experience
Dislikes
- No 360-degree camera despite grade level
- Exclusive blue paintwork will polarise some
- Thirsty
Summary
BYD Atto 3
We appear to have reached a tipping point in the acceptance of electric vehicles in this country. The early adopters have made their switch but the technology has become more widely accepted, so now carmakers need to woo buyers with conventional means.Â
That means the tried and tested methods for making any car more appealing to a customer - lower cost and more equipment.
No car demonstrates this better than the BYD Atto 3, which is one of the most popular electric vehicles in Australia. But after an initial surge of buyers happy for a more affordable EV, BYD needs to find fresh ways to attract new customers.
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So, for this updated 2024 Atto 3, BYD has made it cheaper and added some key new equipment, while retaining its previous strengths in terms of value and technology.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | — |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Fuel Efficiency | —L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has long been a fan favourite and this year sees a special-edition model grade ushered into the ranks.
The AWD Sport Touring XT has all of the bells and whistles of the top Touring XT grade but see's a distinct design difference, at least externally.
So it begs the question, do we need this special-edition model? We're family testing it this week to find out.
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- Is this the end of the Subaru Outback? Limited Edition celebrates 30 years of Skoda Superb, Volvo V60 Cross Country alternative in Japan but wagon will live on in Australia
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.4L |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
BYD Atto 37/10
BYD hasn’t made dramatic changes to the Atto 3 for 2024, but has it done enough to lure in more buyers?Â
The additional equipment, namely the larger infotainment screen and new tyres, will certainly help make the Atto 3 more appealing. And the technology behind EVs is more understood by the average motorists, so the barriers to making the switch to electrification are dropping.
But the single biggest factor is likely to be the price. At a time when inflation (and other reasons) is driving the cost of new vehicles up, having your updated model go in the wrong direction will only help make potential buyers take notice.
Especially when you consider Toyota’s closest rival to the Atto 3, the bZ4X, starts at $66,000, while the Tesla Model Y is priced from $55,900, making both significantly more expensive propositions. Heck, the cheapest Toyota RAV4 hybrid model starts at $42,260, only marginally cheaper than the Atto 3 Standard Range.
So, if BYD can make its value argument strongly it will help lure more new buyers to take the plunge into the world of EVs.
Subaru Outback8.5/10
The Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT is what you get when you want a beefed-up station wagon masquerading as an SUV that can handle adventuring and haul the family around in comfort. The limited edition has all of the great features you'd expect from a top model and a reasonable price tag but its fuel thirst will turn some people off.
Design
BYD Atto 3
In a couple of words, not really. At least when it comes to the exterior design.
In fact, the biggest design change for 2024 is actually the colour of our test car, the new Cosmos Black. Apart from that, the rest of the Atto 3 is unchanged visually, which is becoming something of a trademark for EVs, at least from newer brands like BYD and Tesla.Â
Instead of worrying about adding a new grille, different headlights or an alternative alloy wheel design, brands like BYD are focusing on updating batteries, the technology and other software enhancements to keep their models fresh.
The only exterior change is at the rear, where the previous 'Build Your Dreams' lettering has been replaced by a simple 'BYD' badge.
As for the interior design, kudos to BYD for not following Tesla down the cost-saving-disguised-as-minimalist-design path, but personally the design aesthetic and the variety of colours and trims used aren’t to my taste, but I can see why others may love it. The ‘guitar string’ door pockets are likely a particularly polarsing design choice.
BYD has added a new interior option, with a black/blue trim for the examples finished with grey and black exteriors, while white and blue painted cars get a blue/grey interior.
Subaru Outback
The Sport Touring XT model is only available in the exclusive Geyser Blue paintwork (you'll either love it or hate it), has green accents scattered across the body and sports sharply styled and dark 18-inch alloy wheels.
The rear gets black badging and a spoiler but the black plastic moulding that Subaru is well known for is well and truly present.
There are some small design differences between the limited edition and it's siblings but at the end of the day it looks like an Outback.
Head inside and you'll find a solid and well-built cabin. The dashboard features a flashy 11.6-inch tech screen but the instrument cluster is still mostly analogue with a small 4.2-inch screen.
There are heaps of buttons and dials to play with and you also get a proper gear-shifter. The design will make this a winner for folks who want a car to look like a car, with its controls where they expect them to be.
Overall, the cabin feels premium but isn't fussy.
Practicality
BYD Atto 3
The Atto 3 remains classified as a ‘Medium SUV’ but blurs the line between mid-size and small in terms of dimensions, especially inside. It’s not in the same size game as the Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Outlander, but is close in size to the likes of the Honda ZR-V and Mazda CX-5.
While there’s a few key practical storage spaces, there aren’t as many as some newer rivals, which does suggest the Atto 3 design is starting to date or just wasn’t well thought-out enough in the first place; such as putting all the switchgear in the centre console rather than on the dashboard.
This was probably done, at least in part, to accommodate the rotating touchscreen, which seems like a poor design and practicality choice to me. Especially the new one, which at 15.8-inches when rotated to the portrait mode it starts to interfere with your vision and the layout is more user-friendly in landscape mode - both when using the native multimedia system or your smartphone connection.
Space is respectable in the back seats, and there’s both a USB-A and USB-C port for charging devices. While out the back the boot measures 440 litres, which is a respectable amount of space for an SUV this size, but there’s only a tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel.
Subaru Outback
The cabin of the Outback has always been practical but the premium features this grade comes with ensures proper comfort for all occupants.
Seat comfort is high with the powered front seats that have heat and ventilation functions but the driver benefits the most with the extendable lumbar- and under-thigh supports.
The rear row is almost as comfortable as the front where passengers feel secured by the padded side bolsters, while taller occupants will love the head and legroom on offer. The heat function for the outboards is appreciated and the directional air vents are easy to position.
The 213mm ground clearance means it's easy getting in and out of the model but access to the back row is a little annoying. The footwell lip sits high and catches unsuspecting feet but it's the doors that made my eight-year-old grumble this week because they're heavy to operate.
Storage up front isn't class-leading but you get a glovebox that fits a manual, a dual-opening middle console, two cupholders and drink bottle holders, as well as a sunglasses holder and small cubby in front of the gear-shifter (which is annoying to access).
Storage is much better in the rear with four map pockets, storage bins in each door, two cupholders and two drink bottle holders to choose from.
The boot has 522 litres of capacity available, which is plenty of room for a road trip or a big grocery haul and the level loading space makes it easy to slide things in and out. You get a proper full-size spare tyre, which is rare nowadays and the powered tailgate is always a handy feature.
Technology feels well rounded and the touchscreen multimedia system is responsive and easy to use. However, the portrait position makes the icons and text on the wireless Apple CarPlay look small and I may have made a few accidental calls this week because of it.
The satellite navigation is easy to use and there's also wireless Android Auto. Charging options are decent with each row getting a single USB-A and C port but the front misses out on a wireless charging pad.
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Price and features
BYD Atto 3
As we just mentioned, price has been a critical tool for carmakers looking to keep demand for EVs rolling along as the early adopters fade, and BYD is not immune from this. Earlier in 2024 the Atto 3 Extended Range, the model we’re testing here, started at $50,011 before on-road costs. Then in April 2024, BYD announced a drive-away deal for $45,990 for pre-registered demos.Â
Now this updated model is priced from $47,499 (plus on-road costs), which is a jump up from the sale price, but is more than $3500 cheaper than the Atto 3 was at the start of 2024. Meanwhile, the Standard model is priced from $44,990 (plus on-road costs), which is also a saving of more than $3000 on the previous model.
The key difference between the Standard and Extended Range models are the batteries, so the specification is similar. Both variants are equipped with LED headlights, power tailgate, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, 5.0-inch digital instrument panel and in-built satellite navigation.
One of the big ticket item changes for 2024 is the upgraded 15.8-inch multimedia touchscreen, which comes with BYD’s signature trick - rotating between portrait and landscape modes. This is upsized from 12.8-inch in the old model. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard too.
Subaru Outback
There are usually five variants available for the Subaru Outback but the model on test for this review is a special edition that blends the qualities and features of the top Touring XT but with some exclusive design changes.
Did we need it? Probably not but Subaru has wisely kept the price increase to a minimum, so the AWD Sport Touring XT is $57,490 before on-road costs, just $500 dearer than the usual top grade.
Despite looking more like a station wagon, the Outback sits in the large SUV segment and when it comes to an 'apples to apple' comparison, there's nothing really to compare it to.
With that in mind, the Skoda Superb Sportline wagon costs $74,990 drive-away, and a more traditional SUV like the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI R-Line is priced from $60,590 MSRP.
The standard premium equipment for the Sport Touring XT model includes Nappa leather upholstery, eight-way powered front seats with the driver enjoying additional lumbar and under-thigh support, as well as two-position memory function.
Also included are heating and ventilation functions for the front seats, heat function for the rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel and sunroof with manual blind.
Technology is well-rounded with an 11.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system with satellite navigation, dual climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, AM/FM radio, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, two 12-volt sockets, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Practical features include dusk-sensing LED headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, keyless entry/ start, a full-size spare tyre and hands-free powered tailgate.
The limited-edition model is well-specified and while it lacks the extra two-seats that its rivals have, it still offers solid value.
Under the bonnet
BYD Atto 3
As with the design there isn’t much to say about what’s powering the Atto 3 because it’s the same as the 2023 model. Both the Standard and Extended Range use the same front-mounted electric motor, which makes 150kW/310Nm and drives the front wheels through a single speed transmission. Â
With 0-100km/h times of 7.9 seconds and 7.3 seconds respectively for the Standard and Extended Range, the Atto 3 won’t shove you back in your seat, but it has adequate performance for a mid-size SUV.Â
Subaru Outback
The Sport Touring XT gets a 2.4L four-cylinder turbo-petrol boxer engine that produces a hefty 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
The re-tuned continuously variable transmission (CVT) system feels like it is changing gears but it's smooth and punctual, no matter the speed.
Efficiency
BYD Atto 3
The Standard Range has a rated driving range of 345km (WLTP) from a 49.92kWh ‘Blade’ lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery while the Extended Range’s bigger 60.48kWh unit increases that to 420km.
Charging is capped at 70kW (DC) for the Standard and 80kW (DC) for the Extended.Â
One of the major hurdles for EV brands is convincing people that they won’t run out of charge every day. At 420km the Extended Range Atto 3 will get most people through multiple days of commuting, so even with public charging you shouldn’t worry about range anxiety.Â
Those drivers with commutes longer than 420km per day should be looking at something other than an electric car (and probably a job closer to home).
Subaru Outback
Unfortunately, the turbo-petrol engine is thirsty and the official combined fuel cycle figure is 9.0L/100km.
With its 63L fuel tank, you have a theoretical driving range of up to 700km, which is best-case scenario but expect less range if you’re a city dweller.
After doing a mix of open road and city driving this week, my real-world usage came out at 9.3L, which is better than I expected.
Driving
BYD Atto 3
Driving the updated Atto 3 feels… fine. Nothing special or class-leading, but within the expectations buyers should look for in a mid-size SUV. Which is meant as a compliment to BYD, as it is still a relatively new brand in this very competitive market and there are certainly some noticeably worse rivals in this same segment.Â
The Atto 3 may not be the most comfortable, most powerful or most dynamic mid-size SUV, but it’s a perfectly nice thing to drive and it will get you from Point A to Point B quietly and smoothly.
Another of the major changes for 2024 is BYD’s decision to ditch the fantastically named, but not very good Atlas Batman tyres, replacing them with Continental rubber. The Atlas tyres were a major drawback on the old model, lacking grip and detracting from the driving experience, with the new ‘Contis’ solving those problems.Â
Subaru Outback
The Sport Touring XT model is nice to drive. The best word to describe the on-road experience is ‘smooth’.
Power delivery is prompt and getting up to speed feels effortless. It's a great open roader but also feels spritely in the city.
The ride comfort is excellent and it’s only when you hit the highway that the wind noise starts to creep up, otherwise, the cabin is quiet and you can chat with back passengers without raising your voice.
The higher ride doesn’t translate to a bumpy suspension and while you’re aware of the road, you’re never bothered by it.
The steering is on the right side of firm for it to feel agile and competent no matter what you’re throwing at it. Visibility is also pretty good but the headrests in the back seat, when up, can hinder your rear-view vision.
The Outback sits at 4870mm long and 1875mm wide, so it fills out a car space but the higher ground clearance means you’re not worried about scraping on ramps and it’s relatively easy to park.
However, it feels cheeky to not have a 360-degree view camera system at this grade level. The reversing camera it comes with is sufficient, but you miss out on front parking sensors.
Safety
BYD Atto 3
In terms of safety, both Atto 3 variants get a comprehensive list of both passive and active safety features, enough to score a five-star ANCAP rating.
There’s airbag coverage for all occupants, 360-degree parking cameras, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, forward and rear collision warning, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear cross-traffic brake and door open warning.
Most of these systems behaved themselves during our testing, although the forward collision warning did seem overly sensitive at times, and sounded alarms over potential accidents that simply weren’t a problem. Still, compared to some modern brands, the BYD systems performed well.
Subaru Outback
The Outback has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2021 and features eight airbags which includes a front centre airbag.
It also scored highly across its individual assessment scores with ANCAP. It got 88 per cent for adult protection, 91 per cent for child protection, 84 per cent for vulnerable road users, and 96 per cent for its safety assist systems.
Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, LED daytime running lights, rear and forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, emergency lane keeping aid, emergency autonomous steering, lead vehicle start alert, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera and front parking sensors.
The driver monitoring system has been improved from previous models and while still sensitive, it no longer chimes at you all the time, which is a welcomed change.
The Outback has two ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top-tether anchor points. The rear seat is wide enough to accommodate three child seats if they're not too large.
The auto emergency braking (AEB) has car, pedestrian, cyclist and back-over detection and is operational from 1.0 to 160km/h but it's usual to see this system operate from 5.0km/h, which is excellent.
Ownership
BYD Atto 3
BYD offers a six-year/150,000km warrant for the vehicle, with eight years/160,000km coverage for the batteries.
Service intervals are every 12 months of 20,000km and while a minor service is only $165, every second visit is more expensive, ranging from $498 to more than $600. There may be less oily bits under the bonnet but there’s still a cost to owning an electric car.
Subaru Outback
Subaru offers the Sport Touring XT model with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty but it’s becoming more common to see longer warranty periods being offered now.
You can pre-purchase a three- or five-year servicing program and the three-year program costs $1406.57 (average of $469).
The five-year option costs $2646.17 (average $529 per service) which is reasonable for the class.
Servicing intervals are good at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.