The 2009 Subaru Outback lasts around 250,000 miles with only some relatively minor oil consumption and headlight issues. At $7,595 to $17,721, it’s a good value for an SUV that handles well in the snow.
Is the 2009 Subaru Outback a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2009 is a good year for the Outback. Owner reviews praise the upscale cabin, comfortable suspension, and excellent all-wheel-drive system.
- Interior quality is above average offering very durable materials throughout the cabin, and the infotainment system is easy to use.
- Reliability ratings are above average. We recommend Outback models from 2006-2009, with more mechanical problems showing up in models from 2010–2018.
- Performance is average from the standard 4-cylinder, however the turbo 4-cylinder and V6 offer great power.
- The 2009 Outback is an extremely safe vehicle, getting a perfect 5-star rating in all frontal and side impact crash tests, with the lowest score being 4-stars in the rollover risk test.
- Fuel economy is better than many other SUVs, getting around 22 MPG, giving owners about 370 miles of range out of the 16.9 gallon gas tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Outback?
- Consumer Reports says the 2009 Outback rides and handles comfortably compared to rivals, and has average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the 2009 Outback a 4.3/5 praising the excellent handling, but doesn’t like the lack of a third row.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Outback 4.3/5 and enjoy the up-to-date safety features, but owners don’t like the lower than average cargo space.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Subaru Outback Have?
The most common problems found on the 2009 Subaru Outback include excessive oil consumption, the hatch failing to latch, and burnt out headlights. Overall, the issues are similar to other SUVs from 2009, but repair costs are a bit higher than many rivals.
Excessive oil consumption is the most frequent issue reported by owners at around 100,000 miles. You should check your oil levels regularly and add oil as needed to prevent excessive wear on the engine. Some owners replace gaskets throughout the engine, costing around $2,000.
The rear hatch failing to latch and lock is another problem mentioned by owners at around 115,000 miles. The latch and lock assembly wears out as the vehicle gets older, and costs about $450 to replace.
Burnt-out headlights also show up on Outback models at around 30,000 miles, and are more frequent than other vehicles. Changing out the bulbs is a relatively easy process, and costs under $100.
There are 14 recalls, which is much worse than on other vehicles in the class. The most serious recall is for brake lines that fail due to corrosion and can cause increased braking distances. Most of the other recalls are for airbags, which is a common problem across all used vehicles and not an issue once they’ve been replaced.
How Long Will the 2009 Subaru Outback Last?
A well-maintained 2009 Subaru Outback should be able to last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles worse than top-rated competitors like the Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other SUVs, according to Repair Pal, at $813 per year.
Since most 2009 Outback models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to change items including the brake pads for $300, brake master cylinder costing $550, and the A/C condenser which costs around $1,000.
None that I have found out. I have had it for two years now and everything runs well. I would like to have the cover for the back.
No. I keep up with the maintenance so I have never had a problem with it yet. And even if I do it is not expensive.
It is very reliable. It has had a timing belt replaced and the usual repairs most cars have we do all the basic maintenance on it.
It is extremely reliable runs great and has not any problems since I have owned it. Never had any engine issues.
It is very reliable. It doesn't have any problems yet, and I got it used. It has been problem free for the last 7 months.
It is very reliable. Stars in the coldest weather. Over the years we have had to replace a head gasket and timing belt.
Mostly reliable. Parts are not cheap so when it does have problems which they all do that is rough on the bank account
Yes, it is very reliable. Almost has 200,000 miles on it and it's still going. The engine is small, so going up hills can be difficult, but it always makes it!
How Much Is the 2009 Subaru Outback Worth?
Blue book values range from $7,597 to $17,721, which makes the 2009 Subaru Outback thousands of dollars cheaper than the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. When new, the price range was $22,295 to $34,795. Depreciation is average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Outback?
There are five models of the Subaru Outback offered for the 2009 model year. The third generation of the Outback was introduced in 2003, and replaced by the fourth generation in 2010.
2.5i is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Power Locks & Mirrors
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Input
2.5i Special Edition adds features such as:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Limited Slip Differential
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Premium 9-Speaker Harmon Kardon Stereo System
2.5i Limited is next in the lineup, adding:
- Leather Seating
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- 6-CD In-Dash Changer
- Sunroof
2.5 XT Limited offers some additional items including:
- Turbocharged Engine
- Hood Scoop
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Lumbar Support
3.0 R Limited is the luxury model and has:
- V6 Engine
- Real Mahogany Wood Trim
- Premium Leather Seating
- Optional Navigation System
What Engines Come In the Subaru Outback?
- The base engine is an average 2.5L-4-cylinder making 170 horsepower and gets up to 22 MPG combined.
- A step up is the stronger turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder which produces 243 horsepower and gets around 20 MPG combined.
- The biggest engine is the larger 3.0L V6 which offers 245 horsepower and averages about 20 MPG combined as well. Performance is good, taking about 7.1 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Outback Come In?
How Big Is the Subaru Outback?
The 2009 Subaru Outback is smaller than other midsize SUVs on the market including the Ford Edge and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Passenger room is good in the front seats, but legroom is a bit tight in the backseats for taller adults.
Cargo space is lower than average and will fit 5-6 suitcases behind the seats, and around 10 suitcases with the rear seats folded flat.
How Does the Subaru Outback Compare to the Competition?
The Subaru Outback is a well-made wagon that’s larger than compact SUVs, but slightly smaller than midsize rivals. Reliability ratings are better than average, and if you need all-wheel-drive for dirt and snow, it’s a good choice.
The Subaru Forester is another competitor from Subaru, which costs about $1,500 less. Off-road performance is a bit better in the Subaru Forester with its higher ground clearance, but the Subaru Outback has more room for passengers. We recommend the Subaru Outback for 2009 since there are fewer mechanical problems.
The Honda CR-V is a rival which costs about $1,000 more. Technology is more up-to-date in the Honda CR-V, but the Subaru Outback’s all-wheel-drive system is stronger than the one found in the CR-V. We recommend the Honda CR-V since it has lower long-term ownership costs.
Do Owners Recommend the MAKE Subaru Outback?
Yes, it is one of the best vehicles I have had in a decade. It has the things I need to do more than just get me from one point to the other.
Yes it is wonderful. It makes it easy to haul anything you need. It is a long lasting car and I would recommend it to anyone.
Yes it is a great car. It is great in snow and bad weather. It has heated seats which is nice in cold weather.
Yes it suits my needs for driving to and from work and small road trips with my family it also gets great gas mileage.
It's great, super reliable and easy to fix. It is super good on gas mileage and handles great in any kind of weather.
This is a very good car wonderful in the snow gets about 27 miles to the gallon it is still running well we do all the maintenance when it is needed
Yes, although mine had problems starting at 140,000 miles. I bought it used from a dealer with 97,000 miles. Parts are expensive for it.
It's reliable, but the engine is small, so going up hills can be difficult. Other than that, it is a good safe car.