Subaru Outback vs Skoda Superb Outdoor - pictures

Off-road estates are growing in popularity, with Subaru looking to take back a piece of the market with the new Outback. Here it takes on the Skoda Superb Outdoor. 

In this test, we've got the Outback in 2.0D SE Premium guise, with the Lineartronic automatic gearbox. It costs £32,995. 

It has plenty of presence, but the front certainly has sharper design the rear. 

The interior is a vast improvement over the previous model. The touchscreen is relatively easy to use, but the glossy finish reflects light badly. There's plenty of kit on offer, though, and quality feels good enough to deal with knock

Cabin is roomy, with plenty of legroom helping rear passengers get comfortable. A standard-fit sunroof adds to the airy feel. 

Subaru has an impressive 1,848-litre load space with the seats folded down, but this trails the Superb. It does, however, come with an electric tailgate in SE Premium spec. 

Subaru's EyeSight set-up uses two cameras mounted above the rear view mirror to detect objects ahead. The lenses can even recognise the colour of brake lights to slow the car down earlier. 

Even at normal speeds the car rolls around in corners, and the tall, squidgy tyres mean the steering isn't very precise. Still, plant your foot in a bend and you can feel the four-wheel drive system shuffling power around to maximise a

"Compared to the Subaru, the Skoda is faster, cheaper and more economical. If your off-road needs aren't that great, then the Superb Outdoor arguably offers more - especially if you're selective with the options." - Sean Carson, senior

Large 18-inch wheels, low-profile tyres and a lower ride height might limit the Skoda's all-terrain ability, but they mean it's reassuring and more composed on the road; 4x4 drivetrain gives excellent wet grip. 

The quality Superb has a more logical layout and uses better materials than the Subaru, although the infotainment system is showing its age. 

With large, wide-opening rear doors and a lot of back seat space, the Skoda is family friendly. Hard-wearing finish will stand up to rigours of life, too. 

There's an incredible amount of space on offer in the Superb's load bay - 633 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,865 if you drop them. 

Thanks to a lower ride height, the Superb is better to drive on the road than the Superb. Away from the tarmac, though, and the Subaru has the Skoda beaten.