Passat Alltrack vs Subaru Liberty X

[VAG newbie]

Subaru is quick in responding to the threat of VW. Tough choices now. Here are some of the pros and cons I can think of with each:

Alltrack bettered Liberty X with:
- Diesel engine
- Wagon
- Parking sensors
- Contiseal mobility tyres with ? full size spare
- European "prestige"

Liberty X bettered Alltrack with:
- $3000 cheaper
- Slightly higher clearance (200mm vs 165mm)
- Electric seat
- Bixenon
- "EyeSight" technology = Passta's ACC and EB option, worth $2000.
- Constant 4WD
- Sunroof
- Better sound system
- Better reliability record

In terms of value for money, Subaru wins. With all these options added to Passat, you will be looking at mid-$50's before on road. But with 2.4L CVT on the Liberty, it's gonna be a slugger. Wagon also provide that extra versatility. Hmm......tough choices. Which one would you pick?

[R36er]

Personally I would choose the Alltrack. Yes it is more, but I am a firm believer in this instance that you get what you pay for….plus the Alltrack is a much better looking car in my opinion. I think the interior of the Alltrack is a much nicer place to be.

When I purchased my R36 I was comparing it to the Subaru Liberty GT Spec B. To me there was a big difference between the two. In this instance – yes the R36 was more expensive – but it was a much better car – it was faster, better gearbox, handled better, better styling and again a much better interior with a great driving position. It was a clear choice for me.

I guess it all comes down to what price you are chasing and your personal opinion in the end. Good luck with the decision process.

[Inego]

Alltrack all the way. I switched from a Gen4 Outback to my current Scout. Of things you've outlined as positives on the Subaru only the lights and sound (which was more than atrocious on the Outback and couldn't be readily upgraded) as well as the $3k difference matter.

And not enough to switch back to the pig ugly with average interior Subaru, which would be an Outback for me.

[Jake02]

VAW Newbie is the Liberty X really the Alltrack competitor? I would think it's still the Outback as the X is the Liberty saloon, not the Liberty wagon. I'm not much for the new Passat's styling, but it's hard to describe how much nicer it is compared to the current generation Liberty (this coming from a former Subaru owner before our Skoda), a shame when you consider how nice the last two generations of Liberty have been.

[FSI 220]

I know the Alltrack isnt exactly the Mona Lisa ... but I am sure as heck not prepared to drive a Picasso.

(And i used to bleed Subaru Blue)

[Amalgam]

(And i used to bleed Subaru Blue)[/QUOTE]

+1 Me too

Seem like there are lots of ex Subaru driver esp outbacks driver now driving VW.

[pologti18t]

Some of the base difference in price can be attributed to the Subaru being a sedan and the Passat a wagon. A wagon Liberty is $2000 more than the sedan.

Not sure how the Liberty X is a response to the Passat.

[VAG newbie]

Some of the base difference in price can be attributed to the Subaru being a sedan and the Passat a wagon. A wagon Liberty is $2000 more than the sedan.

Not sure how the Liberty X is a response to the Passat.

Both are based on their "luxury" flagships with raised height. Both are not genuine off-roader. The extra height just provide that extra bit of off road ability, but most people who buy them won't really get off road that much.

The market they are targeting, IMHO, is on those people who wants a luxury car, but wants a bit of extra height for ease of getting in and out of the car and loading kids, a higher driving height to have that bit of extra security. ie. the majority of SUV buyers.

That makes liberty X a legitimate rival to Alltrack. However, it being a sedan, it already lost the "versatility" that most SUV buyers wants because of a smaller boot space compare to a wagon, although many of the SUVs have smaller boot than Liberty.

[Marakai]

The market they are targeting, IMHO, is on those people who wants a luxury car, but wants a bit of extra height for ease of getting in and out of the car and loading kids, a higher driving height to have that bit of extra security. ie. the majority of SUV buyers.

Don't quite agree with that assessment, but without statistics it's hard to know what the real focus market turns out to be. Time will tell.

For us, it's a definite perfect "lifestyle" vehicle. We're moving to the country, many unsealed roads - including on our property - but not truly off-road. We still want and need to get to the city or drive other longer distances in comfort. We have tons of horse gear to carry, a wagon is a must. But we want a well-designed German vehicle that fits into our budget (the money is going into horses... ).

[brad]

My wife drives a 2 year old Outback Premium 2.5 CVT. I think it's the most under-appointed, overpriced eyesore to grace our roads. The only thing it's got going for it is the drivetrain & a fantastic ability on dirt roads (not offroad just country dirt roads. That's when the GeoSquealers finally stop screaming & aquaplaning.

The sound system is rubbish, the projector headlights are just halogens (and pretty lousy), the seats are uncomfortable.

Renowned Subaru reliability? Oh please! I had a Gen2 2.5DOHC. What a piece of underpowered, unreliable rubbish. I know more than a a couple of handfuls of Gen4 owners too. So many engine rebuilds in both 4cyl & 6cyl types. Faffed out LCAs, unfixable creaky back windows, dampers like marshmallows, not enough cogs in the gearbox, sound systems that stop working & no aftermarket available, etc