2014 Subaru Outback Review: Unreliable & Weak Midsize SUV Buyers Should Avoid

Oct 6, 2022

The 2014 Subaru Outback only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine and transmission problems. At $12,575 to $16,025 it’s cheaper than average, but not worth the money when you’ll spend thousands on repairs.

The Good

Standard all-wheel-drive system works well, passenger room is good for an SUV its size and the safety technology is great.

The Bad

Suspension is overly firm, interior material quality is lower than average and the stereo system is difficult to use.

Is the 2014 Subaru Outback a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 5/10 – 2014 is a bad year for the Outback, earning its low overall rating since there are so many mechanical problems. Owner reviews complain about high ownership costs, limited cargo space, and mechanical breakdowns.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are cheap for a midsize SUV, the seats are supportive, but unfortunately cargo space is lower than average.
Reliability 4/10 – There are a lot of engine problems reported on the 2014 Outback. Buyers should avoid models from 2013–2018 for serious problems. We recommend 2019–2022 models, which are more reliable.
Performance 6/10 – The base 4-cylinder engine is slow, while the V6 offers good power for the size of the Outback.
Safety 8/10 – The Outback gets a perfect 5-star rating in all government crash tests. Optional safety equipment includes a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, as well as lane departure warning.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is excellent at up to 26 MPG, giving 480 miles of range from the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $46 cheaper than average at $192 per month.
Value 6/10 – Expensive repair costs make the 2014 Subaru Outback a bad long-term value proposition when you’ll spend thousands on repairs.

Positive Owner Reviews

Anu B

All-wheel drive and a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

My vehicle has been a great so far. No problems. Love the wagon. Everything works smoothly. It has a generous cargo capacity and offers a commendable off-road performance. It is a great option for families, especially those who enjoy the great outdoors.

Shannon M

Mountain mama loves her Subaru!

I will only drive Subaru's. 3 of my 4 cars have been Subaru's in my lifetime. They are the absolute best car for extreme snowy weather, and I know my kids will be safe and well protected while traveling in it. It is also a great family car, and our dog loves it too!

Angela S

Subaru Outback: Great Family Vehicle

The Subaru Outback is a very reliable family vehicle. It is spacious enough, with plenty of leg room and ample trunk space. It is especially great for driving in snow and ice because of the four-wheel drive.

Sue B

All wheel drive handles great in inclement weather. Also great for off road terrain.

This is a very reliable car. I wish it had even better fuel economy.

Jenna H

Reliable! Safe! Dependable! And Smooth!

It is one of the best vehicles out there! It is one of the safest on the roads and has all wheel drive! There is plenty of room for sports equipment and recreational fun!

Anne M

The most important thing about my car is that i feel it keep my and my family safe

I love the safety of my vehicle. The back seat is roomy enough. The trunk is easily accessible and large enough to fit a stroller with plenty of room left over for luggage or groceries as needed. I don't like that my windshield wipers don't go faster.

Jack C

My trusted travel companion.

Good mileage per gallon, handles exceptionally well in bad weather, sits slightly higher than the average car (easier to get in and out), love the hatchback and all the carrying room in back. Like my previous Subarus, this one has aged remarkably well.

Erin H

That it handles well in snow, ice and other inclement weather.

I like the size of my Outback - it's bigger and rides higher than a normal car and has lots of storage space, but isn't a huge SUV. It's a comfortable ride. I feel safe driving in icy or snowy weather. My only complaint is that I get door dings frequently - it seems to be not a durable exterior.

Negative Owner Reviews

John Levis

Failed transmission

No. 131k miles and transmission failed. $11,000 in repairs per the dealer. Obviously very disappointed, my second Subaru. First one, 2006 Outback, blew the engine at 150k.

T S

It has a very bad acceleration problem, the dealer said it drives like any other Subaru, unacceptable

It has a very bad acceleration problem...

ONLY 61,OOO MILES HAVE TO REPLACE STEERING PUMP. NOT A GOOD SIGN

Never had a vehicle that needed a part replaced at 61,000 miles

A Chastain

Way too many issues for it's age.

I bought my 2014 Outback new. It's now 2020. This car has been loved, babied and always garaged. But it's not aging well at all. Think Keith Richards! The paint is junk, the seals, hoses, lights and filters are an ongoing issue and require constant monitoring and/or replacement among other things. I have enjoyed it for a long time and do consider it to be a very safe car. However, at just under 80,000 miles it's starting to develop a lot of problems. I don't drive much at all and probably take it out twice a week. I've had issues with oil in that somehow it's burning or losing oil and I've had three dealerships look at it to no avail. I just have to check it and keep it full. The CVT is not beginning to hesitate and I imagine that will need repair. I have constant noise issues that my husband is always having to seek out and shore up. The latest, although not the only, issue is water leakage. The entire tailgate area was full of water. My husband did a water test and resealed around the third brake light. That seemed to fix that drip. Today, we found that there are pools of water underneath the carpets in the rest of the car. It's serious. The foam is wet, junction box is wet.... Puddles of water. We tore it all up because now the car smells like mold. So that's amazing. I don't even want this car anymore. But, it's a Subaru with under 80,000 miles on it! Isn't it supposed to be down for 4 times that? But I can't even make it to 100,000 without it becoming a toxic environment to drive in. I can't put my new grand daughter in it. Hell, I don't want to be in there. I miss the old ones. We began in the 70s with a little toy Subaru. That's what it looked like. The only issue we ever had was with the head gasket on our 90s Outback. This car is a mess. This will definitely be the last one. Hell, if I thought someone would buy it, I'd cut my losses now.

Justin Pratt

Power steering is s**t

Power steering pump replaced multiple times same labored problem keeps coming back. Never buying another Subaru

Martha

When companies took pride and didn't wait for recall before selling auto

Loved my car when i got it. Not even ine yr old got hit by a pebble on the freeway and chipped the paint. I had a 1984 nissan maxima until this April. Not one single chip even though for the last 20 yrs it was parked out in front of home. Original Japanese parts beautiful quality paint. I was very disappointed in the cheap quality of paint for the price i paid of $33,000+ i paid. Also not as quiet as expected. Went from having a 2002 subaru forrester to the outback. Maybe bad luck cause the 2002 blew gasket(s) due to faulty temp control and i would have to replace entire engine!

Jessica S

Subaru outback 2014 PZEV reliable car.

It is reliable but has its issues, some of which began almost right away. There is no a/c in the back which is a huge downside. Would never purchase another vehicle without backseat a/c. This model does not come standard with a backup cam and there is no smart screen. Bluetooth hookup with phone works well probably 90% of the time.

Crystal P

The Subaru outback is the perfect vehicle with all wheel drive.

The Subaru outback is a wonderful SUV. It is all wheel drive and one of the safest on the market. I wish I would have got leather because the light color interior gets warn looking pretty quickly. We have enjoyed how comfortable the Subaru is and it also has heated seats. Everything about the Subaru outback is amazing.

What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Outback?

Consumer Reports says the Outback isn’t really a pleasure to drive with a rough suspension and lower owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds rates the Outback at 4.1/5 praising the spacious interior for its size, but doesn’t like the button-heavy dash.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Outback a 4.3/5 enjoying the great all-wheel-drive system, however, owners don’t like the low towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.

What Common Problems Does the 2014 Subaru Outback Have?

Common problems found on the 2014 Subaru Outback include excessive oil consumption, headlight issues, as well as shuddering while shifting gears. Overall, these problems are more severe than other SUVs from 2014, with higher repair costs too.

Excessive oil consumption is a widespread issue reported by owners in the first 30,000 miles. There are issues with the gaskets along with internal engine components which cause oil to be burnt more than on other SUVs. Some people add oil regularly, while others repair and replace parts in the engine for around $1,800.

Burnt out headlights show up on a lot of Outback models in the first 50,000 miles. They continue to burn out every 10,000 miles as well. Some aftermarket bulbs last longer than the original ones. There could also be a problem with the headlight ballast. Replacing the headlight bulbs costs about $110, while a new ballast is roughly $400.

Shuddering while shifting between gears is another serious problem mentioned by owners in the first 20,000 miles. When the transmission shifts rough or shudders, there’s usually broken parts. Changing it out for a new transmission costs around $3,500, depending on local labor rates.

There are 10 recalls, which is more than other SUVs from 2010, and nearly all of them are just for airbags which are common. The most serious recall is for the parking brake, which can let the SUV roll away. Subaru will replace the electronic parking brake actuator assembly for free on affected models.

How Long Will the 2014 Subaru Outback Last?

A well-maintained 2014 Subaru Outback may last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as the top-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $586 per year.

Since nearly all used 2014 Outback models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the fuel pump for $1,150, ABS controller costing $1,300, along with the front control arms which cost $480.

Joshua P

Slight shifting issues when decelerating . Makes me think there could transmission issues later on in the life of the vehicle.

Emily M

So far my vehicle has been extremely reliable. I recently had to get new tires, but those were about due.

Brooke R

This vehicle is very reliable I have had very minimal problems. Routine maintenance and you will not have problems with this vehicle.

Kiffany R

In the 6 years we have had the vehicle, we haven't had any major issues. The vehicle has been very reliable. There have been a couple recalls, on the transmission and airbag, but were taken care of before we had any problems.

Ellen M

It is very reliable. There hasn't been many problems with the exception of the steering column. Other than that it is an awesome car to have.

Susan T

I think it is pretty reliable, the only issue is with some of the models (before 2014) have had engine issues. If you buy 2014 or later, you'd be getting a pretty reliable vehicle.

Danielle B

Yes very reliable. The only problem is the headlights burn out quickly and some of the taillights otherwise it's a great car

Nikki H

It is reliable in the sense that it is very safe. We have never had any problems with the brakes or any other component

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is average on the base model, however, the upgraded versions have nice features including a 7-inch touchscreen display with smartphone apps. Safety technology is very advanced for an SUV its age with the optional Subaru EyeSight system, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, as well as lane departure warming.

Is the 2014 Subaru Outback a Good Value?

No, the 2014 Outback is not a good value since there are engine problems. Blue book prices range from $12,575 to $16,025, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $23,495 to $32,095. Depreciation is similar to average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Subaru Outback?

There are four models of the Subaru Outback offered for 2014 from the base 2.5i all the way up to the top-of-the-line 3.6R Limited.

2.5i is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Cruise Control
Bluetooth Connectivity
4-Speaker Stereo System With USB & 3.5mm AUX

2.5i Premium is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Power Driver’s Seat
Heated Front Seats
Leather Steering Wheel
Rear Privacy Glass
Optional EyeSight Safety System

2.5i Limited is next in the lineup with:

Leather Seating
Dual-Zone Climate Control
9-Speaker Harmon Kardon Stereo System
Optional Navigation System

3.6R Limited is the flagship model which adds:

Larger V6 Engine
Premium Leather Seating
Wood Interior Trim

2.5i

173 HP 26 MPG

View Details

2.5i Premium

173 HP 26 MPG

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2.5i Limited

173 HP 26 MPG

View Details

3.6R Limited

256 HP 20 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Subaru Outback?

The standard engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 173 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG.
An available upgrade is the stronger 3.6L V6, which generates 256 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Subaru Outback Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Subaru Outback?

The 2014 Subaru Outback offers very comfortable seats which are supportive for long drives. There’s room for up to 5 people, which is less than some other midsize SUVs.

Passenger room is good throughout the cabin with enough legroom in the backseats for adults. Taller adults may feel a little cramped, though, since the roofline is lower than the competition.

How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Outback Have?

Cargo space is smaller than average with enough room for 5-6 suitcases behind the second row and 10-12 with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fourth generation of the Subaru Outback was introduced in 2010, which was replaced by the fifth generation in 2015.

2012: Improved entertainment system with Bluetooth, optional 9-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo.

2013: Updated front bumper, more efficient 4-cylinder, more safety technology including adaptive cruise control.

2014: Minor equipment changes, 3.6R model discontinued.

2015: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with a nicer interior and more storage space.

2016: Subaru Starlink app connectivity added, steering improvements.

2017: Luxurious Touring model and automatic braking added.

2018: Mid-cycle refresh with updated front bumpers, Apple CarPlay added.

How Does the Subaru Outback Compare to the Competition?

The Subaru Outback is on the list of worst SUVs of 2014. Buyers should avoid the Outback since there are a lot of widespread mechanical problems, making them more expensive to own long-term.

The Subaru Forester is a smaller SUV offered by Subaru which is available in the same price range. Performance is a bit better in the Subaru Forester, however, the Subaru Outback offers more passenger room. We recommend avoiding both for 2014 since they suffer from the same engine problems.

The Honda CR-V is another SUV which costs about $2,000 more. Passenger room is slightly better in the Honda CR-V since there’s more headroom, while the safety technology is more advanced in the Subaru Outback. We recommend the Honda CR-V since they last longer and have lower ownership costs.

Ranks #6 Midsize SUV by Owners

2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser

4.78

2014 Toyota 4Runner

4.73

Tie

2014 Subaru Outback

4.58

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Outback?

Joshua P

Yes, it is spacious and can turn into a camping out vehicle while also being a comfortable ride. Heated seats make it even better in winter weather and other accommodations like abs and traction control add to the safety.

Emily M

Yes, it is been a solid vehicle for me that has helped support my hobbies such as hiking, camping, and skiing.

Brooke R

Yes best vehicle I have ever owned I feel safe with my daughter in this vehicle. There is also great visibility.

Kiffany R

It is an amazing vehicle. Roomy enough for a family and a very safe vehicle. The all wheel drive system allows for getting around in bad weather. Lots of room for storage with a row of seats that fold down.

Lori E

Yes this is the second Subaru Outback in my family. This car gets great gas mileage and is great for road trips.

Jennifer B

I love my outback, it is a safe, capable, and reliable vehicle. I consider it a great family and adventure car.

Tessa S

Yes, easy and fun to drive, it's all wheel drive and great when it snows. Holds a lot in the cargo area.

Sarah R

Yes, it is good, safe, and easy for beginner drivers. It is a small car that is good for parallel parking, and the wheel is not so sensitive that one accidentally makes a bad turn.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Loki on October 18, 2023

You are wrong..V6?

Well, this site is very uneducated in Subaru Engines, so I amninclined to ignore everything else it talks about! "The V6!, V6?, is a better engine? Really, a V6? Even if you were talking about the H6, you'd still be wrong, what with it's known frailties!

MariLyn S on June 25, 2021

Our Subaru outback gets great mileage and requires minimal maintenance.

Our Subaru has needed only regular maintenance and a couple of recall fixes. It performs well in the pacific NW rain and snow. We've driven it through several states and it gets great mileage both highway and rural roads and mountain passes. We love our Subaru vehicles!

Glenn S on June 25, 2021

2014 outback has outstanding values at an affordable price.

The Subaru outback is dependable, versatile, roomy, with good pickup and a decent ride. Primary advantage for older people (and new drivers) is its safety features such as 'eyesight.' Its fuel economy is better than average, and uses the lowest grade of gas. Seats are extremely comfortable for long trips and front and rear visibility is great.

Michael V on June 12, 2021

The Subaru outback perfect for a family!

Very roomy, enough power to do a little off-roading has sport mode. No trailer hitch but can easily find one and have it mounted. Running daytime lights. Seat warmers. Warms up really fast in winter. Goes through snow really well. The safety ratings are excellent.

La K on June 10, 2021

It grew on me, now I love it.

It took a little while for the outback to grow on me but now I love it. The design is comfortable and convenient—buttons and things are intuitive, seats are spacious, etc. I have had to replace quite a few light bulbs and they're very hard to get to and therefore expensive. The drain from my sunroof has clogged twice causing water to pool in the footwell.

Toni G on June 8, 2021

It is Dog tested, dog approved. This is really stupid.

Reliable, Bluetooth, leather seats. I wish it had rear climate control

Mary C on May 22, 2021

Good family-friendly vehicle.

No problems. Great gas mileage. Reliable. Lots of cargo space. Great family car. Comfortable, pretty quiet ride. Nice safety features including lane departure notifications. Feel safe driving it with my family as passengers. Good handling in the winter months in the Midwest.

Jessica S on May 20, 2021

Subaru outback 2014 PZEV reliable car.

Erica F on May 7, 2021

Subaru outback- favorite car ever!

I have been an owner of VW, Acura, BMW, Chevrolet and now a Subaru. It is by far my favorite car I have ever purchased! When driving this outback, I feel safe and I feel like my family is safe. I enjoy driving it on short and extremely long trips. It is comfortable and feels quite luxurious.

Kate L on April 13, 2021

Comfortable family vehicle for trips.

Vehicle is very comfortable, especially for long trips with the whole family. The ac works well, we love the seat heaters, and the hauling capacity is great. Things we do not like - it needs frequent alignment so that it does not shimmy, and we'd prefer that it have better gas mileage. Also, the front windshield cracked out of nowhere as a result of a combo of cold weather and heating inside the car.

Danielle C on April 10, 2021

Safety and comfort in our Subaru.

Wish it had a bigger engine but love the safety features and general comfort. It is highly reliable and comfortable for our family. We also appreciate the trunk space for the dogs. I am looking forward to handing this vehicle down to my son knowing it is safe.

Sierra S on April 2, 2021

2014 green Subaru outback.

This is honestly the best vehicle that I have owned so far. It is comfortable and very reliable. It drives so smoothly. I am not a car person, but this car is so easy. I feel very safe driving in it. I would definitely recommend this car or any other Subaru to my friends.

David D on March 24, 2021

3.6 liter engine and the vehicle is reliable.

Leather seats sunroof all of the bells and whistles for that year including a 3.6 liter engine. Love it would not trade it. Very solid and reliable. 1 issue was the draining tubes for the sunroof became clogged which lead to water entering the car and causing a flood. The flood ultimately destroyed the amplifier under the seat. A new amp is very expensive.

VV V on March 21, 2021

Subaru - easy & reliable driving.

Reliable and easy to drive. Its spacious enough for adventures and moving things back and forth. The screen is not that updated but it works for our needs. We have the leather seats and that is easy to keep clean as well. Subaru are reliable cars and perfect for all type of weather.

CARROLL O on March 20, 2021

I love how well it does in the rain and snow.

The hatch back sticks sometimes and freezes. I do not like where the pull in for opening the hood. I don't like I have to replace the catalytic converter and the car is only six years old. I had it for 11 yrs and never replaced it. These are the only problems I have had with my Subaru.

pam l on March 19, 2021

I think the most attractive thing to any carbuyer despite their preferences for options or brand is that this is my third subaru and each of them have had excellent resale value. One of them I essentially drove "free" for two years as I sold it for what I paid for it.

COMFORTABLE RIDE, AWD, MY SUBARUS ALWAYS HOLD THEIR VALUE. NO COMPLAINTS.

Julia M on March 17, 2021

The Subaru outback is very stylish and has great features.

The backup camera is great. The blind spots are kind of bad. The seats are really comfy and the driving is smooth. I really like the look of the car it looks really luxurious. The space in the trunk is also really nice, the back seats even go down for extra storage. I wish it had more modern features like a USB port for playing music.

Renee L on March 16, 2021

We take it camping, sometimes on rough roads and have never had a problem.

I love my outback. It is a great car for camping, hunting, long distance vacations. It can do it all. It is perfect for a family and very spacious. We have had it for two years and have not had any major problems. It does burn oil though so we have to get oil changes more frequently than advised.

Diana T on March 7, 2021

Space, handling, and mpg.

I thought this would be easier to get in and out of because it sits higher on the road, but that is not the case. Love the 4wd though. Very reliable car. Plenty of cargo space. Back seats fold down and make even more. It can carry enough for a long haul. Gets decent mpg as well.

Paige W on March 7, 2021

Why I'll never buy another brand again.

I have taken my car out of state serval times. It handles being on the road for long hours well. I like the amount of space outbacks provide. They are great road trip cars and I do not think I'll buy another brand of car again. The only thing I do not like is that I do not have a back up cam.

Michaela F on March 3, 2021

Other potential buyers should know that this car fits a small family well.

Vehicle is fuel efficient, roomy for my family of soon to be four. Model works well for both me and my husband despite being very different in height and size.

Jack C on March 1, 2021

My trusted travel companion.

Laura m on February 27, 2021

My car is a very safe car and I know my family will be protected in the event of an accident.

I like that is roomy and can fit 5 people. I like the cargo space and heated seats. It also has really good pick up when merging onto the highway. I know it is a very safe car.

Jill B on February 26, 2021

You Can drive it forever as it's reliable and a long lasting car. Holds its value well

Drives smoothly Reliable Lasts forever No complaints at all

Will M on February 19, 2021

Versatile and comfortable.

We love the flexibility of our Subaru outback. We use it for going camping, bringing food to caters, picking up lumber for woodworking, and visiting family on long hauls. It is just a great all around vehicle. It gets decent mileage and is comfortable. It is spacious enough for our baby and car seat.

Chi P on February 14, 2021

Good gas mileage compared to other cars I have driven

It's very reliable and easy to drive. I feel safe in it. Will buy Subaru again.

Jessica D on February 14, 2021

Perfect car for me, great for all aspects of life.

Love the comfort of my outback. Also love the use of the back and being able to haul large things or lots of stuff in the back. The capacity is quite large. It is a great car for a family, use it to take trips, also doubles as my work car and I frequently drive long distances and haul things. It is a great alternative to an SUV, good gas mileage. This is my second outback and I would continue with this model when I need to upgrade.

Steve J on February 13, 2021

Just keeps on going and going.

Over 100,000 miles and never a problem. All wheel drive and very reliable. This is a go anywhere, any season vehicle. My second Subaru and yes there will be a third. Replaced the fog lights after about 24 months which I thought was a very short time for lights you really do not use that much. Other than fog lights only performed routine maintenance.

Allison C on February 11, 2021

Reliable and comfortable!

The Subaru outback is reliable in all-weather terrain. It is especially good with snow and rain. It is comfortable to ride in and has had very few maintenance issues compared to other vehicles that I have owned. It has perfect seating for up to 5 people and plenty of space in the back.

Sam M on February 9, 2021

Love my Subaru but not in snow.

I love how my car performs and it drives well. It is really comfortable to drive for long road trips or also just in town. It is very reliable. I have had the vehicle for 6 years and have not had any major problems with it. One problem is that if you are driving the vehicle in snow, the wheel wells are not very big and therefore I always get snow caught and this gets my vehicle stuck a lot more often.

Ellie A on February 6, 2021

Subaru outback: neutral and satisfactory.

The Subaru outback model in my house is navy. The heater and air conditioner works well even after six years, however, my preference for more comfortable seating still stands in place. I do not remember how the payment and discussion went on a couple years ago when my parents bought the car, but they seemed satisfied.

Jay M on February 3, 2021

Comfortable, but expensive to maintain.

I find that the interior is very comfortable, and I love the sound system. However, with the amount of maintenance it often requires I am always worried that my car may fall apart at any time. I have had to take my car in far too many times for service in the six years I have owned it.

A Chastain on February 3, 2021

Way too many issues for it's age.

Kathy M on January 30, 2021

Dependability, Reliability

It has plenty of storage space in the back. It drives well. I like where the cup holders are placed. Little maintenance and dependable.

George S on January 30, 2021

Great vehicle, safe, efficient and fun to drive!

This has been a great car for us. It is quite reliable, we've had minimal issues. We bought it a few years ago because it was a safe option for our growing family, it is fuel efficient and fun to drive. I'd definitely purchase another Subaru in the future.

Liz G on January 29, 2021

This car will probably last me forever.

I bought my car used. Has a lot of room inside, but does not have that big car feel. I can maneuver it wonderfully. Runs smoothly, great break reactions and timing. I do not drive often, but I have to make sure that I run multiple errands at a time, to make sure my battery is staying in best condition. I have to get it tested every time my oil gets changed because my driving habits do not allow for my battery to stay charged. I am really happy I have a four wheel drive because I live in Wisconsin. The roads get very icy in the winter, and the plows have a hard time making it everywhere in a timely manner. I can just do a quick shovel and head off. The only complaint I have is it takes a while to warm up. If you have the option, get a remote starter so you can stay warm inside for five minutes while your car gets going. Overall, I am very happy with my car.

Krissy C on January 25, 2021

The only thing I'd change about my Subaru.

Smooth ride, so great in the snow, tons of ground clearance, visibility, great gas mileage and such a good looking car! I absolutely love mine! The only thing I'd change is the location of the USB and aux ports, and I have had a couple issues with phone charger adaptors shorting out a fuse a couple times. Other than that, love my car!

Carlos G on January 23, 2021

Story of my great Subaru outback!

Great gas mileage. The car also has great storage space, clean interior, and a sleek modern exterior. The car takes regular gas, so you are saving by not having to put premium gas in the car. A whole tank of gas will last me about 1.5-2 weeks. Interior is nice, and quiet while driving, you do not hear the road noise.

Jodi R on January 22, 2021

Great car with a few minor issues.

Overall the car is fantastic. The downside is the v4 engine, which is for fuel economy but decreases 0 to 60 to about 8 seconds. The other problem is the passenger seat belt sensor goes off randomly even if there is no front passenger. The only way to correct it is to turn off the car and restart it.

Kate L on January 20, 2021

It is a good car and drives nicely.

One of the problems with the car is that the drivers side window does not always work. When it is cold outside the window often gets stuck and recently you have to click the window up button to get it to move. Overall the car is very reliable and comfortable to drive. The interior is classy with leather seats, and cools off pretty fast in the winter and warms quickly in the summer.

Leigh L on January 20, 2021

Best family car ever, fan for life!

Best car I've ever owned. Great gas mileage both in town and on highway, comfortable for a family and dog, drives like a dream, no maintenance issues, and extremely versatile. I will never own another make or model of vehicle, as Subaru has stolen my heart!

Geoff S on January 19, 2021

A great all-around vehicle for the city or country.

Has a great ride and feel, and gets good gas mileage for Its class. It has enough storage capacity to allow us to take it on family outings and trips without feeling cramped.

Elena C on January 19, 2021

Great space! Lots of adventures to be had with this car.

Great vehicle, I do a lot of activities that use a lot of gear/heavy gear and my car has never let me down space wise. She handles well and I feel comfortable driving is bad conditions, such as sleet/blizzard. The gas mileage is decent on it (26 mpg).

Katie B on January 15, 2021

2014 outback: reliable and comfortable.

It is getting old, but it gets good mileage, is comfortable, and the technology is not yet out of date. The car is spacious and has a big trunk, and the color has not faded at all in the last 6 years. It is very reliable and safe, as all Subaru products are.

Jack H on January 10, 2021

2014 Subaru outback review.

Extremely reliable car to drive in the summer as well as in heavy snow and icy conditions. It is a manual transmission. There is ample cargo space and can comfortably carry 4 passengers and a driver. There is Bluetooth connectivity and heated seats.

Lyn D on January 8, 2021

That's the most important thing I don't think people should know about my cars and it's super safe.

I love my vehicle. I love having a Subaru because they're safe and they can drive anywhere. I don't really have any complaints about my Subaru. I think I like everything. You guys are still going

Lenae C on January 7, 2021

Great car for families and pets.

We have never had an issue with the car. Even on slick roads. Holds very well to the road. Great for families and pets. Rides very smooth and quiet. Loads of room for groceries and people and pets. It is very reliable for travelers. Once we want a new one it will be a Subaru once again.

Robert M on January 5, 2021

2014 Subaru outback hunting machine.

Vehicle has been properly maintained and I have not had to repair anything extra! It goes hunting all fall, to the cabin all year (250 miles) and performs great in the snow. The all wheel drive is the best you can get, it will not let me spin out on purpose or not. I purchased the base model as my dog hauler, didn't want them scratching leather, etc.

Judith C on January 5, 2021

How dependable it is and affordable.

I like: the way it drives. The safety factor. The way it looks. The compliments I get... I dislike: the light-colored seats..

MaryBeth W on January 3, 2021

Good mileage even though it's a pretty good size car.

I like that it gets good mileage. It's easy for me to drive. It's very safe. It will hold me and my husband and our dogs and my husband's upright bass. He's a musician.

Katie M on January 3, 2021

Versatile car; great for families or individuals!

This car is spacious inside and very comfortable; it's a great family car! It has AWD and paddle shifting with an optional manual mode. It has a rear A/C vent for the backseat and dual A/C controls for the front seats. Gets good gas mileage and has an appealing dashboard setup and a good sound system!

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.