2015 Subaru Outback Review: Unreliable Midsize SUV With Serious Engine Problems

Oct 25, 2022

The 2015 Subaru Outback only lasts around 150,000 miles with widespread engine and electrical issues. At $14,975 to $18,725, it’s cheaper than average, but still not worth it when you’ll spend a lot of money on repairs as it ages.

The Good

The standard all-wheel-drive system works well, interior materials are nice and the suspension is comfortable.

The Bad

The base 4-cylinder engine is weak, ownership costs are higher than average and there’s less cargo space than other midsize SUVs.

Is the 2015 Subaru Outback a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 6/10 – 2015 is a bad year for the Subaru Outback since there are serious reliability issues with the engine, giving it a low overall score. Owner reviews complain about high engine repair costs, brake issues, as well as worn-out wheel bearings.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice, the seats are comfortable & hold up well over time, while cargo space is less than other midsize SUVs.
Reliability 4/10 – There are widespread engine & electrical problems on the 2015 Outback. Buyers should avoid models from 2013–2018 which all have issues. Models from 2019–2022 are more reliable choices.
Performance 6/10 – The base 4-cylinder engine is extremely weak for a midsize SUV while the V6 has decent power, although the towing capacity is still low.
Safety 9/10 – The 2015 Outback is a safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include Subaru EyeSight with adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, along with collision warning systems.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG giving 518 miles of range from the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $60 lower than average at $199 per month.
Value 6/10 – Although the Outback is cheaper than some other midsize SUVs, the high ownership costs make it a bad long-term value.

Positive Owner Reviews

Amy C

Outback Owner Loves Her Vehicle!

Very Comfortable, sturdy and well made car. Make sure you service your transmission every other oil change or shifting gears is slow. Leather seats show no signs of wear after 4 years. Excellent in the snow. Plenty of space for pets, groceries, travel, etc

Gerianne S

It is very safe in the winter snow and ice and doesn't slide all over.

It gets great gas mileage. My car is a beautiful shade of blue. The car is easy to load and can hold everything I need.

Brandon C

Subaru's are very reliable. They are around for a long time and there is not a lot of maintenance for the car.

I have had my Subaru for a little over 3 years now and I have not had any big mechanic issues with it. I have had to change the battery once and replace breaks but that is it. I drive a lot too. I put a lot of wear and tear on the car because of my job and it still runs like it is brand new. Very reliable.

Maureen B

It has everything you need and the space for your family

I like the space and ability to fit everything my family needs. I wish it got better mileage with gas. It has a lot of great useful features.

Christopher K

Subaru outback: Vermont's vehicle of choice.

The confidence of the extra height of the chasse, all-wheel-drive, large trunk space, and built-in roof-rack make it the perfect car for Vermont activities during all seasons. The gas-mileage and smoothness of the ride actually help make getting from place to place a treat instead of a chore.

Tom T

It is very reliable, requires little maintenance, and is enjoyable to drive.

Requires little maintenance, comfortable, has good mileage

Wazhma P

Amazing buy, will keep its value. Will be another one in a heartbeat.

I love my Subaru outback. This car is amazing. We have driven it thru rain and snow and never felt safer. It is practical inside and out. I love the backup camera and the safety features. The eyesight is one of my favorite safety features. It is also quite and comfortable. The cargo area is another good feature in my SUV.

Nels B

The Subaru Outback is a tremendous value for a station wagon

A very comfortable car. Great value for the money spent. Minimal maintenance required fo the first three years of ownership

Negative Owner Reviews

Joh smith

3rd windshield almost killed me

Secret of windshields cracking due to poor engineering. 3rd replacement. The wipers don't match the windshield design we almost got killed in snowstorm due to lack of visibility

Wildtil9pm

BEST AND WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED

I drive a 2015 Subaru outback which I loved for the 1st 2 years and hated for the next 2. It has had 3 defective wheel bearings at around 60000 miles, will not hold a constant temperature in the cabin, and now the Actuator arm for the rear hatch door Is defective making a significant clunking noise. This is my 1st and last Subaru.

S. Davies

Cold feet and bad brakes.

I bought this vehicle after a lease expiry at 50 000 KM. One month later the front brakes needed to be replaced to the tune of $900 CAD. Two years later, to the day, am having to replace the rear brakes. There is barely any heat to the driver's feet. I live in Quebec. This is the coldest vehicle I have ever owned in 20 + years.

Steve landreth

Owner

I bought new. Things good till about 50,000 mile. Now I have 65000 and both rear wheel bearing are out- $500-600. Subaru retool them in 2017/18. Subaru says u are on your own fr poor engineering. Also, circuit controlling remote door opener, clock, dome lights vanity mirror light etc shorted and can’t find problem! I give my vehicle a 2 on 5 scale.

Susie B

Me and my 2015 outback. Overall not a bad car.

My vehicle is reliable and comfortable to ride in. However, when there is an issue with the battery not holding a charge it becomes a bigger problem than it should be. Most times you cannot simply jump it, to restart it. If you replace the battery it will not start. I have had to have it towed twice because of this issue. I live out in the country and it is frustrating. I have never experienced this with any other vehicle before. Recently a former Subaru mechanic told me, when I try to start it turn the key three times and then it should start. Subaru’s are roomy to ride in for the driver and the passengers. The visual field of the car is excellent no real blind spots. The car is safe and handles well on snow and ice.

Andrew S

Subaru, the mountain peoples car.

My Subaru is a good running car, strong, reliable, comfortable. Interior has a great design and all the options are great and useful. I am still getting gusto the centrifugal clutch system. I have been a Subaru owner for the last 22 years and over all I am pleased.

mike p

It shakes a lot with any strong winds

I like the design of the car. I do not like the fact that you feel the wind on the car, which makes it vibrate

James W

Subaru Outback: a review.

Car has very good oil mileage and is very durable. Have had it for a few years. I have had to have it checked on a few times for minor repairs, which cost a lot. Would not recommend if you do not like having to go to repair shops often. Pretty expensive car to keep up with but it is very good with mileage and is dependable.

What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Outback?

Consumer Reports says the 2015 Outback is a nice middle ground between an SUV and a wagon, although it has lower than average owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Outback a 3.9/5 enjoying the spacious interior, but doesn’t like the weaker 4-cylinder engine.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Outback at 4.5/5, praising the excellent all-wheel-drive system, however, owners don’t like the lower than average towing capacity.

What Common Problems Does the 2015 Subaru Outback Have?

Common problems found on the 2015 Subaru Outback include excessive oil consumption, the engine failing to start, as well as cracked windshields. Overall, these problems are more severe than other midsize SUVs, leading to larger repair bills as they age.

Excessive oil consumption is a widespread complaint from Outback owners at around 85,000 miles. There are gaskets which wear out throughout the engine. Other owners have had problems with the pistons, valves, and connecting rods. Fixing the problem can cost around $600 for new gaskets to over $3,000 for a complete engine rebuild.

The engine failing to start shows up on a lot of Outback models in the first 35,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a bad starter relay. Changing out the starter relay costs around $250, depending on local labor rates. Other owners have replaced the stock battery with a larger one costing about $300.

Cracked windshields are another frequent problem mentioned by owners at around 20,000 miles. The original glass in the Outback is weaker than in other midsize SUVs, making it more susceptible to cracking with small stone chips. Replacing the windshield costs $500 to $700.

There are 5 serious recalls on the 2015 Subaru Outback, leading the NHTSA to issue a “do not drive” warning. The most serious recall covers the steering column which can fail, leading to a complete loss of steering. Subaru will replace the column for free on affected models. Other recalls cover the stability control system, as well as collision mitigation technology.

How Long Will the 2015 Subaru Outback Last?

A well-maintained 2015 Subaru Outback should last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $577 per year.

Since nearly all 2015 Outback models on the market have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the A/C compressor for $800, injectors which cost around $450, as well as the body control module, which can cost over $1,100.

Kelly G

Yes, it is reliable. No major fixes. I am very happy with it. Only have 36,000 miles but expect to get over 150,000.

Chris I

So far, my Subaru has been very reliable. I have not had any major issues, aside from a dead battery that was my own fault (interior light left on, with a battery that was likely needing to be replaced anyway due to age).

Kaes B

So far it is very reliable and safe. We have had no major problems but keep up with required maintenance.

Melanie T

Very reliable. Use for uber. Comfortable back seating and Like the console between the front seats. The back area is spacious enough for several large dogs

Diane L

I've had some minor electronic issues that I've been told are common to Subarus (my car insisting that the cruise control is on when it isn't)

Kathy B

Yes, very reliable. It drives very securely in any type of bad weather like snow, ice, heavy rain. I haven't not any mechanical issues up until this point in time.

Stephanie S

The 2015 Subaru Outback is very reliable; there are no problems to report. All special gimmicks work 100% of the time and well.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is great in the 2015 Subaru Outback with a standard 6.2-inch touchscreen stereo system as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Safety technology is much better than average with a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include Subaru EyeSight which has collision warning, automatic braking, along with adaptive cruise control systems.

Is the 2015 Subaru Outback a Good Value?

No, the 2015 Subaru Outback is not a good value since there are costly engine problems. Blue book prices range from $14,975 to $18,725, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $24,895 to $32,995. Depreciation is worse than average, losing 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Subaru Outback?

There are four models of the Subaru Outback offered in 2015, from the base 2.5i all the way to the more powerful 3.6R Limited.

2.5i is the entry-level model with:

17-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Cruise Control
Bluetooth Connectivity
2-Inch Touchscreen
4-Speaker Stereo System

2.5i Premium is a step up, adding:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Driver’s Seat
Dual Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
7-Inch Touchscreen
6-Speaker Stereo

2.5i Limited has more features such as:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seating
Power Liftgate
Blind Spot Monitoring
Heated Rear Seats
9-Speaker Harmon Kardon Stereo

3.6R Limited is the flagship model with:

Xenon Headlights
Premium Leather Seating
Wood Interior Trim
Optional Subaru EyeSight Safety System

2.5i

175 HP 28 MPG

View Details

2.5i Premium

175 HP 28 MPG

View Details

2.5i Limited

175 HP 28 MPG

View Details

3.6R Limited

256 HP 22 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Subaru Outback?

The base engine in the 2015 Subaru Outback is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 175 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG.
An available upgrade is the stronger 3.6L 6-cylinder which produces 256 horsepower at up to 22 MPG. Performance is okay, taking 7.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Subaru Outback Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Subaru Outback?

The 2015 Subaru Outback is a comfortable midsize SUV with seating for up to 5 people. Seating is very nice, offering supportive cushions as well as high-quality cloth and leather options.

Passenger room is excellent throughout the cabin with enough space for adults in the back seats, although some taller passengers may find the legroom to be limited.

How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Outback Have?

Cargo space is a bit lower than some other midsize SUVs with enough room for 5-6 suitcases behind the second row, and around 10 with the seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fifth generation of the Subaru Outback was introduced in 2015, and replaced by the sixth generation in 2020.

2013: Front end bumper redesign, more efficient engine, as well as better CVT transmission.

2014: Standard heated seats on 2.5i Premium and higher models.

2015: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new technology & styling.

2016: Subaru Starlink app connectivity added, improved steering feel.

2017: New Touring model with additional luxury features.

2018: Minor exterior styling changes, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto added.

2019: Standard EyeSight driver assistance on all models.

2020: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new technology, engines, and styling.

How Does the Subaru Outback Compare to the Competition?

The Subaru Outback is one of the worst midsize SUVs of 2015 since it suffers from more expensive mechanical problems than the competition.

The Subaru Forester is a smaller SUV made by Subaru which costs about $2,000 less. Performance is a bit better with the Subaru Forester, while there’s more passenger room in the Subaru Outback. We recommend avoiding both SUVs for 2015 since they suffer from the same engine issues.

The Honda CR-V is another SUV which is available in the same price range. Reliability ratings are higher on the Honda CR-V, while the Subaru Outback has better safety technology available. We recommend the Honda CR-V since they last longer and are more affordable to own long-term.

Ranks #8 Midsize SUV by Owners

2015 Jeep Wrangler

4.74

2015 Toyota 4Runner

4.71

2015 Subaru Outback

4.61

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Outback?

Kelly G

Yes. It rides well and feels safe. Lots of storage room. Pretty good gas mileage. Nice back up camera.

Chris I

Yes, the outback is a great vehicle. I had previously owned jeep SUVs and while I really liked those vehicles, the outback is much more enjoyable to drive, has more interior space and handles great in the snow.

Kennedy B

Yes. It is great in winter weather and snow. It has great gas mileage and is very reliable. There is plenty of room for people and anything you need to carry

Lily R

Reliable, easy to find people to work on it..seems sturdy if accident. Have had several previous Subaru vehicles. My sedan is 22 years old and ok

Juan B

I think so, yes! It gets excellent gas mileage, and the back seats can be folded downward so a whole full sized blow up mattress can be fit into the back. I've been able to move without the aid of a trailer.

Erin M

Yes. Handles greatly in bad weather like snow and ice. Great on gas mileage. I feel very safe when driving this car.

Erika T

Yes! It has many safety features to make one feel secure on the road regardless of conditions, and is very intuitive/ comes with many 'bells and whistles' to aide driving. It is spacious, feels good, and looks good.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Kay Deakyne on March 13, 2024

Lemon car from day 1

Lemon car. First lots of nuisance issues - cup holders loose, rear hatch shocks failed, battery replaced every 30 months, windshield replaced 3X, voice commands never worked, too many to remember. Then larger issues - all four wheel bearings by 50K, window control sporadic @ 60K, CAM carrriers failed @ 70K( that's about $4000 repair _ Subu picked up that tab), now at $135K radiator cracked. Pretty well done with this lemon - looking to dump and move on

Steve landreth on October 11, 2021

Owner

Carol Z on June 25, 2021

Reliable and comfortable Subaru outback is a great vehicle to own.

I like the way it is easy to steer my Subaru outback. It has a good turning radius. I also like that the seats are comfortable and it is an easy vehicle to get in and out of unlike my Acura which is high. I like that it runs well on regular gas so it is economical.

Eunice E on June 13, 2021

It is a good four wheel drive.

A good car it runs well and very comfortable, the care is great during snow, the only this is the battery but you can change the battery for a new battery, I like it because it is a truck, Colorado weather can change anytime, and I think adding a Subaru to your family car is great.

Dayna S on June 12, 2021

Hatchback is key for families.

I have owned this vehicle for 5 years with no issues or problems. It has been a very reliable vehicle with lots of passenger seat and floor space. There is also a lot of storage space. The hatchback trunk is great for people who travel a lot or people with young children.

Marissa B on June 11, 2021

My vehicle is a white SUV that I adore.

I bought it at a discounted price because it had some interior flaws. Otherwise it is an excellent vehicle that runs great. It does not get as good of gas mileage as was promised, but it gets me to where I need to be every day. It is driven me all the way from the Midwest to the west coast with no problems. I did have to replace the rear brakes and left rear brake pad, despite only having the car for about four months, but as is expected.

Cole C on June 8, 2021

All around good car! Would buy.

I love this car! Took it on a trip across the United States and it held 4 people and a lot of stuff very comfortably. Great for hiking, dogs, families and road trips! I also love the sunroof. My whole family has subaru’s and this one is definitely a great one! The size is not to big as well as being just big enough. The racks are compatible with so many things. Like attachments for thules and other devices to have kayaks or other stuff. Honestly a great car and will last you more than 10 years.

Katherine F on May 22, 2021

Powerful, reliable, part of the family.

Subaru outbacks are the bomb. In terms of power, mine made the journey across country fully laden (plus a thule on top) and kept us feeling safe even through winding Idaho passes. What I like most about the vehicle is its maneuverability; wide range of motion plus all-wheel power even up to that tightest turn make it a great car for off-roads. Although the length can be a drawback for parking, the extended trunk makes car camping actually comfortable rather than just possible. As for criticism in the comfort category, sometimes I feel there is not much space between the bottom of the steering wheel and the driver's knee. I am short, and it bugs me even at the wheel's highest setting. Also perhaps a shorter person thing, but I feel the center console could be lowered to allow for elbow room. Minor details aside, the outback offers reliability, power, and fuel economy all of which have exceeded my expectations.

Heather H on May 18, 2021

Outback does not disappoint!

I adore my Subaru outback! It is super reliable, even starting in -40 temps. I consistently get 27-30 mpg. I have had zero mechanical problems, and my vehicle currently has about 140,000 miles on it. My husband and two children fit very comfortably. No complaints here; I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a reliable vehicle.

John D on May 14, 2021

Perfect for all purposes!

It is a good price. It is design is very sleek, luxurious, and comfortable which at the same time being perfect for outdoor adventures. Even on rainy and snowy days, I can drive confidently with my family. The seats very comfortable and the trunk of sufficient size.

Kate T on May 14, 2021

Subaru outback really got back.

Drives very nicely, no problems so far. Cloth seats are very comfortable. Interior is roomy and stereo/Bluetooth both work very well. Engine starts nicely and is not too loud. Dealership was also very supportive and cooperative to work with. Overall very sturdy car with solid exterior and interior.

Christine J on May 13, 2021

Comfortable and plenty of room for everyone! A great family car!

I love how reliable my car is. I have it serviced on time to keep it running smooth. I love the sound system. I listen to country and rap and the beat hits! It handles well in the snow, which is super important because I live in a ski resort town and it is winter just about 6 months out of the year.

Haiden D on May 5, 2021

2015 Subaru outback limited edition.

My experience with the Subaru outback has been great! Hardly any problems or major issues to fix. Excellent gas mileage and it's always a smooth drive. Maintenance is fairly affordable as long as you keep up with it. The puddle lights feature underneath the car is really cool too.

Evan B on May 4, 2021

Why I love the Subaru outback.

The Subaru outback is a very comfortable car that has lots of room on the front and back row. It also has lots of trunk space too. It is high enough so head room will not be an issue and overall is a great and comfortable car. I highly suggest getting a Subaru outback.

Kathryn F on April 28, 2021

2015 Subaru outback: strong, dependable, home on the road.

This car features an intuitive, adaptive steering system and a stable frame. The back up camera is incredibly helpful and allows me to park with ease. I have never had any issues with the transmission or any other parts of this vehicle. I always drive with peace, knowing that, wherever I am going, my Subaru will get me there safely.

Darin C on April 27, 2021

Great environmental friendly auto.

I love the mileage that I get with it. The amount of interior space is great. The fact that all Subaru are all wheel drive makes them wonderful to drive in all road conditions. They are not the plushies of automobiles but are very reliable and long lasting.

Claire M on April 20, 2021

2015 leather interior Subaru outback.

The excellent safety ratings, crossover type body style, paired with adequate space to haul the gear, and/or pets I need along with enough space to hold two car seats. Keeps me coming back to the Subaru outback. With comfortable multi position, heated, leather seats, sunroof, and reliability that will get you through cold winters or hot summers it's a sure choice.

Kristen L on April 9, 2021

Huge cargo area when the back seats are down.

Love my subbie. Decent gas mileage. 17-25 a gallon. No mechanical issues so far at 75k comfortable and takes me wherever I want to go. Tons of room to haul stuff. I swear I could put a twin mattress in the back of the seats are down. Only issue is she is a little gutless in a cold morning until she warms up.

Nicole H on April 4, 2021

I will be with Subaru for life.

I do not have anything bad to say about this car. It handles like a dream, even on rough terrain. The x mode and hill assist are great features. The gas mileage is fantastic. This is my second Subaru and I am never leaving them. I will say it seems to burn through oil, but that is really not a big deal for me, all things considered.

Elle M on April 4, 2021

Subaru outback 2015 black.

It has roomy seats, plenty of cargo space, high-quality cabin materials, lots of standard safety tech, and solid off-road prowess. But the base engine is not as powerful as those of some rivals and it has a less user-friendly infotainment system than competitors.

Victoria C on March 30, 2021

Wonderful kind of SUV to own.

It is a nice SUV for in town travel or out of town travel, good gas mileage. It's a nice red color, nice, tires, comfy, reliable, except when there's some recalls, that is the only down side. Performs real well in all kinds of weather. Nothing more to say about this car.

Kimberly U on March 26, 2021

The touchscreen works flawlessly and even displays song album covers when playing.

The car is spacious especially with having to keep a stroller with us all the time. The trunk allows space for the stroller plus everything else that we need. The touch screen allows for easy access to the car's radio, information, cell phone options etc. The middle console has an additional USB port and the lid to close it has a little divet to allow for the cord not to be kinked when in use. The bluetooth enabled options are amazing allowing you to switch between songs on one of my phone's apps with the steering wheel. This car was perfectly designed and the back up camera and heated seats are definitely a plus.

Nickolas O on March 23, 2021

Overall amazing older man car lol!!

The GPS navigation system is barely visible in sun. It drives very well and has all the features I need (lane assistance, object ahead/object ahead is moving ). I like how it runs on the highway best as I used to own a VW and this car is much slower getting up to speed, however this car is safe and very reliable.

Logan B on March 21, 2021

An excellent, and reliable car.

It has 108k miles on it and has not had a single issue with it. It is been extremely reliable. We love the hatch and the roof rack because we can fit so much gear back there. I love the dashboard and the backup camera. It gets great mpg but with that you sacrifice power. I wish that it had a hitch built into it.

Nicole K on March 17, 2021

It's environmentally friendly and built tough and strong.

It has bluetooth and air conditioning. It's like an ox with a motor and can plow through multiple feet of snow.

Cherisse Y on March 15, 2021

Great family and all weather car!

It is a great family car. Comfortable and lots of packing room for road trips. Great in snow like a SUV but the gas model of a economy car. Perfect combo! I live in upstate NY where weather is unpredictable in the winter at best. I feel very safe in my Subaru outback.

Ella C on March 14, 2021

Great car for a family who likes the outdoor activities like skiing, fishing, hiking, surfing, and biking. The car has great handling.

Good handling and decent power. The seats are not as comfortable as a Volvo

Karen Q on March 11, 2021

Safe and comfortable vehicle.

I feel very safe in my Subaru. It is sturdy and really good in snow. I never get stuck in the snow and feel comfortable driving in bad weather. Love the heated seats too. There are no blind spots and the that also makes driving safer. This is my second Subaru and my next car will be one as well.

Lucille B on March 7, 2021

Happy loyal Subaru customer.

My Subaru is the sixth Subaru I have owned. We love it. We also have Subaru #7which my husband drives. My first Subaru was a 1980 hatchback. I loved that car. I have never had a Subaru let me down. During the blizzards our Subaru has driven my family to work and never had a problem. It plows through snow like a snowplow. Get a Subaru. You will never be disappointed.

Deron W on March 6, 2021

Its safe and dependable, comfortable and easy to maintain.

Acceleration is slightly sluggish due to weight. Needs a larger engine.

Stephanie C on February 28, 2021

Overall,I do like this vehicle.

I wish I had seat positions that locked per driver. I love how it handles in the snow. The cup holders could be bigger especially on the doors. The gas and brake pedals are too far forward and I had to add extensions on each to make it comfortable to drive. The trunk space is great and so is the built in roof rack. The back seats fold down very easily too.

Eric B on February 22, 2021

I really like the reliability.

I've had absolutely no problems with my vehicle. The maintenance is very low, gas can be a bit pricey, but it does get a surprising amount of gas mileage for being a 2.5 L engine.

Ash C on February 19, 2021

Vehicle is safe but issues with oil

Issues with oil - needs to be checked every time the car travels more than 100 miles in a trip. Otherwise, the car is very safe, small enough that I feel comfortable moving the car. Great first car for someone learning to drive. The car is looking out for me while I'm driving.

Cheryl B on February 16, 2021

Great value in a vehicle.

Handles great. Gets really good mileage. 27-28 mpg combined city and highway. Keeps its value very well.

Michael M on February 15, 2021

Being a professional musician, I need a lot of cargo space.

I haven't had any problems yet. I just perform routine maintenance. When it comes time to buy a new one, I will most likely buy the same. It has plenty of room to carry my band equipment. It has plenty of room for me and my friends. That's about all I can think of to tell you. It's great.

Sally R on February 13, 2021

A great car for wherever your day takes you!

Comfortable, solid and smooth ride! Heated seats are great in winter. Blind spot can be troublesome esp. On highway. Seats five adults comfortably but a little to high for my 14-year-old dog to climb up into. Love the sun/moonroof and dual climate controls.

Rhonda M on February 11, 2021

It has a great safety rating.

Gets around good in the snow. I just feel safe in it. I love everything about it with the exception of two things; the black interior and it is kind of noisy inside when traveling down the highway.

Dave H on February 10, 2021

My car will go anywhere i want it too, especially the snow and mud.

I love the color, the power and comfort. I dislike the fuel economy, i got the bigger motor and it chugs gas. Other than that i love it.

Lucianne T on February 7, 2021

It is a comfortable ride and sound system is great. Bluetooth is easy to operate.

Engine “jumps” when stopped and foot on the brake, like at a red light. Only when the car is in “drive”. I have to replace oil often. Battery will drain seemingly at random. Even when lights are not left on or doors left open. It can be frustrating especially on busy mornings.

Shelby B on February 7, 2021

Great for snow and long car trips.

There was recently a recall on the muffler that needed to be fixed, and there has been 2 or 3 other recalls since purchasing the vehicle. It performs extremely well in the snow and ice. The backseat is comfortable for long trips. The front seats are comfortable, and suited to long legs.

Hailey B on February 6, 2021

My vehicle is a medium blue 2015 Subaru outback.

My vehicle works extremely well for me. I have travelled, many times, from the Midwest to the west coast without any problems. It is a very reliable car that I would recommend to anyone. The only thing that slightly bothers me about the Subaru outback is that it uses up a lot of oil. Other than that I have no issues with my car.

Christine P on February 4, 2021

The safety features are amazing in my car and I feel that my family is always protected

Safety, reliability, space, gas mileage Dislike that have a couple things that aren't working on it and dealers can't tell me what is wrong

Amanda M on February 4, 2021

It is a great/safe family car.

We haven't had any problems with our car. We were in an accident and we were not hurt. The car is perfect for our family of four dog. When we travel on vacation we place a rooftop carrier on top and it makes packing and fitting everyone in much easier.

Melinda B on February 3, 2021

Subaru outback is a great car but the heating and cooling system needs work.

I have owned this car die several years and feel that the heating and cooling system is variable in the car. It is hard to get it to a comfortable temperature. Also the defrost is not great. The windows stay foggy or iced over for longer than I would like. Finally, the angle of the driver's seat can be uncomfortable.

Makenzi S on February 3, 2021

Heated seats and very comfortable!

My car is super wonderful and is very reliable. I feel comfortable driving it in the snow and have driven it 120000 miles. It is a great road trip car and fits plenty of cargo in it. It is big enough for 2 car seats to fit comfortably in as well. The heated seats are my favorite!

Rhonda W on February 1, 2021

It's good for winter driving. Drives well in the snow.

I like that it is very good for winter driving. It is fun to drive. I like the look of it.

Elaine C on February 1, 2021

Handles well and safe to drive.

Reliable. Good resale value. Many safety features. Comfortable interior. Manual control integrated and easy to use. Good gas mileage.

Sophia L on January 27, 2021

Subaru outback 2015: great car overall.

The vehicle is great as it performs well in all weather conditions. Problems like ice and rain, while still need caution, are no problem for the car whatsoever. The interior is also very spacious and great for road trips. The back of the trunk is lined with protectors so bringing and animal in the car is easy. The technology included is advanced and helpful. The backup camera, for one, works great and sense people, objects, and cars which helps the driver avoid getting hit. The car also senses if you are going out of a plane which is extremely helpful for the driver as it helps tell the driver to maintain control and drive in the lane.

Allison M on January 25, 2021

The future of travel we love Subaru

Our car works very well and is very reliable. We are glad that this is the car we bought. Overall it drives smoothly and breaks well. The four wheel drive makes it easy to get places. The trunk is a good size, big enough for any adventure. We have become big fans a Subaru and will continue to buy from them in the future.

Zoe S on January 24, 2021

I love my amazing Subaru:)!

Really nice and affordable! Very safe and the seats are comfortable. I have fallen asleep comfortably in the car multiple times while on road trips. The seats are leather and they are very nice. I have never had any serious problems with the car, only a flat tire back in 2018.

Andrew S on January 24, 2021

Subaru, the mountain peoples car.

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.