Focus estate III vs Outback IV (BR): which is better?
Ford Focus estate III (2010–2019) vs Subaru Outback IV (BR) (2009–2014): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Ford Focus estate III
Subaru Outback IV (BR)Specifications
| Ford Focus estate III | Subaru Outback IV (BR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2010–2019 | 2009–2014 |
| Body | estate | estate |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 Ti-VCT | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 125 hp | 167 hp |
| Torque, up to | 159 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Gearbox | dual-clutch (DCT) | CVT |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 556 mm | 4 775 mm |
| Width | 1 823 mm | 1 820 mm |
| Height | 1 505 mm | 1 670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 648 mm | 2 745 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 213 mm |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 65 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Ford Focus estate III
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost engine: Duratec suffers timing belt and ignition coil wear
- Ford PowerShift DPS6 gearbox: dry clutch vibration and jerking
Engine (Ford Duratec/Zetec/EcoBoost): on Duratec — timing belt and ignition coil wear; on EcoBoost — overheating and coolant leaks on the 1.6.
Gearbox (Ford PowerShift DPS6): dry clutch vibration and jerks; axle seal leaks onto the clutch; control unit failure.
Subaru Outback IV (BR)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 213 mm
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru FB20/FB25 engine: oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines
- Subaru Lineartronic gearbox (CVT): torque converter and chain wear
Engine (Subaru FB20/FB25): oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Subaru Lineartronic (CVT)): torque converter and chain wear; overheating when wheels spin.
Which one to choose
- Focus estate III — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Outback IV (BR) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Focus estate III or Outback IV (BR)?
Focus estate III: up to 125 hp, Outback IV (BR): up to 167 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Focus estate III — about 13 675 ₸, Outback IV (BR) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.