Car Buyer's Guide

Denza Z9 GT vs Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback

Verdict

At RM368,690, the Denza Z9 GT costs RM89,690 more than the RM279,000 Subaru Outback, and its RM9,140 annual road tax is RM8,262 higher. That buys extreme performance: three motors produce 1,140 hp and 1,210 Nm for 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, against the Outback’s 185 hp, 245 Nm and 9.6 seconds. The Denza also brings a 122.49-kWh battery with 600 km range, air suspension and a far richer cabin. The Subaru counters with a 522-litre boot, 27 litres more than the Denza, plus petrol refuelling practicality.

Z9 GT

Pick the Denza Z9 GT if you want 1,140 hp, a quoted 600 km EV range and lavish rear-seat equipment, and can absorb RM368,690 pricing plus RM9,140 yearly road tax.

Outback

Pick the Subaru Outback if RM279,000 pricing, RM878 annual road tax, a 522-litre boot and petrol refuelling suit your use better than outright speed and luxury kit.

Key differences

  • Price: Denza Z9 GT RM368,690; Subaru Outback RM279,000.
  • Performance: Denza Z9 GT 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds; Subaru Outback in 9.6 seconds.
  • Output: Denza Z9 GT has 1,140 hp and 1,210 Nm; Subaru Outback has 185 hp and 245 Nm.
  • Energy storage: Denza Z9 GT has a 122.49-kWh battery and 600 km range; Subaru Outback has a 63-litre petrol tank.
  • Dimensions: Denza Z9 GT is 5,180 mm long on a 3,125 mm wheelbase; Subaru Outback is 4,870 mm long on a 2,745 mm wheelbase.
  • Boot space: Denza Z9 GT 495 litres; Subaru Outback 522 litres.

Z9 GT

  • 1,140 hp, 1,210 Nm and a 2.7-second 0-100 km/h time.
  • 122.49-kWh battery, quoted 600 km range and 1,500 kW DC charging rate.
  • Air suspension, powered rear seats with leg rests and 20-speaker Devialet audio.
  • Costs RM89,690 more and carries RM9,140 annual road tax versus RM878.
  • 495-litre boot is 27 litres smaller.
  • At 2,895 kg, it is 1,139 kg heavier.

Outback

  • RM279,000 price and RM878 annual road tax.
  • 522-litre boot is larger than the Denza’s.
  • Space-saver spare tyre and front foglamps are fitted.
  • 185 hp and 245 Nm trail the Denza’s 1,140 hp and 1,210 Nm.
  • 0-100 km/h takes 9.6 seconds, 6.9 seconds behind the Denza.
  • It lacks the Denza’s air suspension, powered rear seats and rear-seat leg rests.
Price & overview
PriceRM368,690RM279,000✓
Body typeWagonWagon
SegmentExecutiveD-Segment
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM9,140RM878✓
Powertrain
Engine Tech1,000V architecture (e3 Platform)Direct Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine
Capacity—2,498 cc
Horsepower—185 hp at 5,800 rpm
Torque—245 Nm at 3,400 rpm
Cylinder Arrangement—Boxer 4
FuelElectricPetrol
Bore × Stroke—94 mm × 90 mm
Compression Ratio—12
Number of Motors3—
Motor Horsepower1,140 hp—
Motor Torque1,210 Nm—
Battery Capacity122.49 kWh—
EV Range600 km—
Charging Rate (AC)11 kW—
Charging Rate (DC)1,500 kW—
V2L4 kW—
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticCVT Automatic
Transmission Name—Lineartronic CVT
Transmission Manufacturer—Subaru
DrivelineAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h2.7 seconds✓9.6 seconds
Top Speed240 km/h✓206 km/h
Dimensions
Length5,180 mm4,870 mm
Width1,990 mm1,875 mm
Height1,490 mm1,682 mm
Wheelbase3,125 mm2,745 mm
Weight2,895 kg1,756 kg
Fuel Tank—63 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space495 litres522 litres✓
Front Tyre225/45R20225/60R18
Rear Tyre225/45R20225.60R18
Spare Tyre—Space Saver
Factory TyresContinental EcoContact 7Bridgestone Alenza H/L33
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)Japan (CBU)
Front SuspensionDouble Wishbones with Air SuspensionMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionMulti-link with Air SuspensionDouble Wishbones
Front Wheels20" Y-spoke Alloys18" Alloy
Rear Wheels20" Y-spoke Alloys18" Alloy
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)
Chassis NotesDiSus-A Intelligent Dual Chamber Air Suspension—
Safety
Airbags9 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag)7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer✓✓
Airbag Disable Function✓—
Child Safety LockElectric for Rear DoorsManual for rear doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 three-point
Blind Spot Info System✓✓
ISOFIXAvailable on Outer Two Rear SeatsAvailable for Two Rear Passenger Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning✓✓
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorsLED Projector
TaillampsFull LEDLED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Front Foglamps—✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsPowered Front Seats with Ventilation, Memory and Massaging10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger
Rear SeatsPowered Rear Seats with Extendable Leg Rests60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlRear AC vents
SunroofPanoramic SunroofFront, Tilt and Slide
Power Sockets1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 Wireless Charger Front, 1 Wireless Chargers Rear, 2 USB Rear—
Interior LightingMap Lights, Ambient LightingMap Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Sun ShadeSunroof ShadeSunroof Shade
Audio17.3" Touchscreen with Google Automotive Services Built-in, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 20-speaker Devialet Sound System, 13.2" Front Passenger Touchscreen11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Button
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation and PIN Code Access
Auto Start/Stop—✓
Auto Headlamps✓✓
Auto Wipers✓✓
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control
Tiptronic—✓
Paddle Shift—✓
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Electric Steering Adjustment✓—
Boot OperationPowered BootPowered Boot
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors—
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, 360-degree CameraYes, 360-degree View Monitor
Auto ParkingYes, e3 Parking—
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation✓—
Head-up Display✓—
Power DoorAll Doors—
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorBacklit Analogue
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Convenience NotesFront and Rear Fridges—
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer150,000 km✓100,000 km
Warranty Manufacturer6 years✓5 years
Warranty Notes8-years/160,000 km Drivetrain and High Voltage Battery Warranty—

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

Z9 GT vs Outback FAQ

Is the Denza Z9 GT or Subaru Outback better?

The Denza Z9 GT is the stronger choice for acceleration, EV range and cabin equipment, with 1,140 hp and a quoted 600 km range. The Subaru Outback makes more sense for lower purchase cost, much lower annual road tax and its 522-litre boot.

What is the price difference?

The Denza Z9 GT costs RM368,690 and the Subaru Outback costs RM279,000, so the Denza is RM89,690 more expensive.

Which has the larger boot?

The Subaru Outback has the larger boot at 522 litres. The Denza Z9 GT has 495 litres, a 27-litre deficit.

More comparisons

Buying one of these? Sell your old car, get paid in 24 hours

Related PaulTan.org Content: Reviews: Reviews | Malaysia: Malaysia | News: News | Motorsports | Electric: Electric | 2025