Compare cars
Pick up to 3 cars to see how they stack up on score, price and specs.
Subaru Outback
The definitive estate tourer featuring 213–220 mm ground clearance, exceptional long-distance ride comfort, and sub-2,500 cc duty savings.
Highest ratedBest value
Subaru OutbackMercedes-Benz GLC250
Mandai score
8.5/10
8/10
Typical price
KSh 4,150,000
KSh 4,800,000
Years
2017-2023
2017-2023
Body type
Mid-size SUV
Mid-size SUV
Fuel
Petrol
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
Doors
5
5
Most popular trim
Outback Limited / Touring / X-Break / XT 2.4 Turbo
GLC250 4MATIC AMG Line
Dealer listings
None listed
None listed
Fuel and running cost
Trim
Subaru Outback 2.5L / 2.4T
Fuel consumption
14.0 km/L7.1 L/100km combined · about 882 km a tank
13.5 km/L7.4 L/100km combined · about 891 km a tank
Running cost
KSh 1,621 / 100 kmKSh 16 a km · KSh 16,211 for 1,000 km · petrol
KSh 1,681 / 100 kmKSh 17 a km · KSh 16,812 for 1,000 km · petrol
Dimensions
Length
4,870 mm
4,656 mm
Width
1,875 mm
1,890 mm
Height
1,675 mm
1,644 mm
Wheelbase
2,745 mm
2,873 mm
Ground clearance
213 mm (BS) / 220 mm (BT)
180 mm
Boot space
522 L (1,800 L folded)
550 L (1,600 L with seats folded)
Kerb weight
1,620 kg
1,735 kg
Seats
5
5
Specifications
Engine
2.5L FB25 Direct Injection Boxer / 2.4L FA24 Turbo
2.0L M274 Turbocharged Inline-4
Power
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (2.5L) / 260 hp (2.4T)
211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque
239 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (2.5L) / 376 Nm (2.4T)
350 Nm @ 1,200–4,000 rpm
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
4MATIC Permanent AWD
0–100 km/h
8.6 sec (2.5L) / 6.3 sec (2.4T)
7.3 sec
Top speed
210 km/h
222 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
14.0 km/L (2.5L) / 11.8 km/L (2.4T)
13.5 km/L
City
11.2 km/L (2.5L) / 9.2 km/L (2.4T)
11.0 km/L
Highway
16.5 km/L (2.5L) / 14.5 km/L (2.4T)
16.0 km/L
Tank size
63 L
66 L
CO₂ emissions
161 g/km
152 g/km
At a glance
Model
Subaru Outback (BS / BT Series)
Mercedes-Benz GLC250 4MATIC (X253 Series)
Production years
2017–2023
2017–2023
Body type
Estate Crossover Tourer
5-Door Executive Compact SUV
Seating capacity
5
5
Fuel types
Petrol
Petrol (Turbocharged Direct Injection)
Engine sizes
2,498 cc (2.5L FB25) / 2,387 cc (2.4T FA24)
1,991 cc
Transmission
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive
Ground clearance
213 mm (BS) / 220 mm (BT)
180 mm
Source market
Japan / UK (RHD)
Japan (RHD)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- Exceptional long-distance ride comfort: Plush suspension absorbs upcountry road ripples effortlessly.
- High 213–220 mm ground clearance: Easily tackles unpaved murram roads, ruts, and deep puddles.
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: Both 2.5L and 2.4T engines qualify for 25% excise tax bracket.
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: 2.0L engine qualifies for 25% excise tax bracket, saving huge customs duties.
- Refined 9G-TRONIC transmission: 9 gear ratios deliver smooth acceleration and quiet 1,400 rpm highway cruising.
- Prestige cabin craftsmanship: Artico leather upholstery, Burmester surround audio, and MBUX infotainment.
What’s not so good
- Long 4.87-meter overall length: Requires care when parallel parking in tight Nairobi streets.
- Lineartronic CVT under towing: Demands auxiliary CVT fluid cooler for heavy trailer towing.
- Firmer ride on 19/20-inch AMG rims: AMG Line low-profile tires transmit road firmness over unpaved estate roads.
- Specialized Mercedes maintenance: Demands MB 229.5 spec synthetic oil and specialized Star Diagnostic scanners.