2017 Subaru Outback Review: An Affordable & Well Built Crossover 

Alex Showalter
Feb 25, 2022

2017 is a great year for the Outback, easily lasting over 250,000 miles with no mechanical issues. At $23,187 – 29,583, it’s a bargain and well worth the money.

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likeFilled The Good
Great fuel economy, outstanding crash test results and advanced infotainment technology available.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Base 4-cylinder engine is weak, roof rack is difficult to use and less passenger room than other SUVs.

2017 Subaru Outback: Key Points

  • Reliability ratings are very good, with no major mechanical problems. Avoid models from 20132014 with engine problems, 2015 and newer are a better choice.
  • A fuel-efficient 4-cylinder is standard, and a more powerful V6 is an upgrade.
  • Fuel economy is great at up to 28 MPG combined.
  • Safety scores are excellent, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests and the highest Top Safety Pick+ Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
  • We recommend the 2017 Outback due to its dependable engine and excellent technology. It ranks 2nd out of 17 midsize SUVs based on owner reviews.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Sharon T
2017 Subaru Outback is a fun car to drive.
The seats in my 2017 Subaru Outback are extremely comfortable. The back seats fold down easily to make extra room in the back, There is plenty of legroom in the back seat. I also like the way you can talk on the phone through the radio.
accountCircle Jordan S
It is the top safety pick!!
Love the all wheel drive and how it handles in the snow. Safety features such as including collision protection and blind-spot monitor.
accountCircle Pam G
Subaru has the market sewn up in the all wheel drive department. It works differently than all the other all wheel drive vehicles. Many times it out performs 4 wheel drive vehicles.
LIKES: The all wheel drive performs very well in all types of weather including snow. It has a large cargo area. Engine performance great. I love the car. This is my 3rd Subaru. DISLIKES: The lumbar in the seats are at a wrong location for my small frame.
accountCircle darlene n
Will be reliable and last a long time. Only requires routine maintenance
Looks great, reliable, economical and fun to drive
accountCircle Jeanette M
Warnings lights are perfect. The warnings tell me when to move to left or right.
I love the way it tells when I do not stay on the lane, when the car in front of me moves and when I get too close to other cars. Also it tells when there is a car next to me on each side. The rear view camera is so bright, I can see a wide range. When I am in reverse, if there is a car nearing me, it warms me. Has lots of warning devices that help me and makes me feel safe.
accountCircle Tommy W
All wheel drive with great gas mileage and room for cargo
Great all around vehicle which fills numerous utility needs. Basic functionality with center console though, no Android auto. All in all, meets a lot of our needs.
accountCircle Jennifer S
Love this car, comfort sporty for life.
Love how it handles turns terrain, dirt, roads, hills anything. Comfortable, sporty, reliable, fell in love during my test drive, the second I sat and was surrounded by comfort as I sank into the supportive but comfortable leather seat and grabbed a hold of the equally comfortable and supportive leather wrapped steering wheel. 53. I love the roof racks, which are built in but adjust w movable crossbars which vastly help to carry and transport all sorts of different types of supplies for life. From our yearly Christmas tree, to sheetrock, lumber or odd and ends, this feature rocks.
accountCircle Erika W
3.6 liter has all the power!
My car has the 3.6 liter engine and it really makes a difference. The power is much better than a 2.5 liter. The seats are comfortable. It's very roomy inside. I also love that you can set a memory to the back hatch in case you have a rocket box that hangs over like we did.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Chris
Starlink
My experience with this vehicle has been frustrating to say the least. I’m unable to turn off the radio or radio comes on by itself at random times. Eyesight & lane departure alarms go off for no reason. I’ve been driving down the road & had the car engage the break without warning due to Eyesight malfunction.The back up camera stays on long after the car has been put into drive. I have taken the car into dealership several times & all recalls are up to date but still having the same problems. Now I’m out of warranty & dealership wants $135 to do a diagnostic. I wanted to love this car but unfortunately for Subaru I’m done with them.
accountCircle Rod Kirk
Outback a battery killer!
My Outback is very satisfactory - when it works! However - it keeps killing batteries when it just sits for a few days. And in this time of self quarantine, it dies in just a few days. We lock it, keep keys far away and it still conks out. It’s my third Outback and my LAST! I don’t know if it’ too late to invoke the lemon law - but I will inquire!
accountCircle dorothy miller
Subaru electrical system flawed
Keyless ignition system doesn't work-car consistently drains battery if left sitting for more than three days. Sun roof window is useless,but Subaru insists on forcing this on buyers
accountCircle Cheryl R
My Subaru makes me feel safe.
I love my Subaru, this is my second one. The #1 reason that I choose Subaru's is for the all wheel drive. Last year we had a lot of snow and for three days on a row I was the only one who was able to make it to work. I also love getting my monthly report card on how my car is doing, and that it lets me know if my tires are low. One day while at a street fair I came back to my car and it warned me 1 of my tires was low. I checked and it flat. I when push my online alert system and immediately had dome one on the way to change my tire. My car makes me feel safe.
accountCircle Joan K
Worst car I have ever driven.
Not well designed interior, auto braking is awful, rear compartment is low and shallow, dash gauges are crazy.
accountCircle Sam H
Bad air conditioning but great safety.
The air conditioning is terrible in this car, but has very good safety qualities as well as gas mileage. It is not the best looking car for the price range, but mine has a good technology package so it is well worth it. If you are looking for an SUV then I wouldn't put it at the top of my list for looks or air conditioning, but I would for safety.
accountCircle Sherri Alderson
I Do Not Love 2017 Outback
I bought a 2017 Outback (used, 28,000 miles) after owning a 2011 Outback (which I love). The 2017 tends to roll backwards even on a slight incline and sometimes stalls out. Eyesight will lock up the brakes when backing into traffic/near a ditch/bank. When it happened backing into three lanes of oncoming traffic the several seconds almost caused serious problems. Now the latest thing is the eyesight isn't working and it took the cruise control with it. I will take it to the dealership to have it fixed but I really just want to leave it there. This 2017 Outback is glitchy, the AWD isn't as reliable as that in the 2011 Outback. I have had this car just over a year and I hate it.
accountCircle Tim Thomas
Paint Chipping
After the 2nd winter I washed the car and noticed about 32 chips of paint on the front of the car. The car is red. Kenny Ross the dealer said that is normal and had me call warranty. There are no warranty issues so nothing was done. Since then I know of 2 other owners that had the same problem. One owner sold his car the other owner had his car repainted from another dealership at their expense. There is something wrong with Subaru paint. Other than the paint the car has been good.

Top Critics Reviews

  • Consumer Reports found the Outback to be a winning combination of wagon and SUV with a high owner satisfaction rating.
  • Edmunds gives it a rating of 4 out of 5 with a spacious cabin, but notes power is weak with the base engine.
  • Kelley Blue Book rates it 4.3 out of 5 with great safety scores, but is not as capable off-road as some rivals.

What Problems Does the 2017 Subaru Outback Have?

Problems found on the Subaru Outback include dead batteries, frozen navigation systems and cracked windshields. There are fewer complaints on 2019 models, but prices are nearly $7,000 more.

Premature dead batteries are the most reported issue, happening in only 30,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Outback, which can cause excessive draw. If your battery dies quickly, replacements cost about $200.

Touchscreen radios freezing is a common problem on cars with 25,000 miles. Usually simply resetting the stereo solves the problem, but some owners have had the stereo replaced under warranty.

Cracked windshields are another complaint at around 25,000 miles. Many owners complain about the quality of Subaru’s glass, saying it’s more prone to cracking after getting small chips. A replacement windshield costs about $800.

There are 4 recalls, an average amount for an SUV from 2017. Recalls include the steering column, loose bolts on the brake caliper, knee guard bracket, and airbag control module. Most serious is the steering column, which increases the risk of a crash.

How Much is the 2017 Subaru Outback Worth?

Blue book prices range from $23,187 – 29,583, making the Outback more affordable than the Highlander and Grand Cherokee. When new, prices were $25,645 to $38,195. Depreciation is average for an SUV, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

How Long Will the 2017 Subaru Outback Last?

A properly maintained 2017 Outback will last over 250,000 miles, similar to the Pilot and CX-9. Repair Pal finds the regular annual maintenance costs to be average for a midsize SUV at $520 per year.

When an Outback crosses over 50,000 miles, owners should prepare for services including coolant changes for $100, alignments for $150, and clutch hydraulic fluid replacements for $55.

accountCircle saylor l

No problems. Very reliable car. At 40,000 miles now and runs smooth, quiet, almost brand new. Just had to get new brakes.

accountCircle Chloe H

This car is extremely reliable. When I first got it I was in a minor accident and my car had no damage. I was completely safe and the other driver is also not injured.

accountCircle Laura S

I haven't had any major problems with my car at all. It is extremely reliable and I am lucky to have such a nice car to drive myself, husband, and daughters around in.

accountCircle Yushina s

It is very reliable till now. This is our recent buy. Till date very happy with the vehicle. It is very safe for a lady driver who is worried about changing lanes.

accountCircle Josh K

I've had no problem with my outback St all. I have the maintenance done by the dealership and have never been disappointed

accountCircle Danielle M

I have had no problems with it at all. It drives great in the winter with AWD. Starts up quickly, runs smoothly.

accountCircle Jen B

It is very reliable. I have had no problems with my car. It always starts right up in the morning. It has never broken down on the side of the road and it has always been reliable in bad weather

accountCircle April P

So far so good. The car gets great reliability reviews and I have had no maintenance problems with mine.

What Are the Models & Specs?

Base is the entry-level model with:

  • 17-Inch Alloy wheels
  • Cloth Seating
  • Manual Driver’s Seat
  • Hill Descent Control

Premium is a step up adding:

  • Heated Exterior Mirrors
  • Dual-Zone Climate Control
  • 8-Way Power driver’s Seat
  • Moonroof and Power Liftgate

Limited includes additional features such as:

  • 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Leather Seating
  • Heated Front and Rear Seats
  • Xenon Headlights

Touring adds more luxury features including:

  • Unique 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Premium Leather Interior
  • Black Exterior Trim
  • Heated Steering Wheel
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What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?

Technology is very good in the 2017 Outback with premium features including a touchscreen across the lineup.

  • Standard technology includes a 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, USB port, and a 4-speaker stereo system.
  • Optional upgrades include a 7-inch infotainment screen, satellite radio, as well as 6 or 12-speaker stereo systems.
  • Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes and a rearview camera. The Premium and higher models have optional EyeSight with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking.
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What Engine Options are Available?

Base performance is weaker than other SUVs, but the upgraded V6 offers average power for the class. The more powerful engine takes it from 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds.

  • The base engine is a relatively gutless 2.5L 4-cylinder with 175 horsepower.
  • An optional upgrade on the Limited and Touring models is a more powerful 3.6L V6 with 256 horsepower.

What Color Options are Available?

How Big is the Outback?

The 2017 Subaru Outback is a unique mix between a midsize SUV and station wagon, and a bit smaller than a Highlander or Santa Fe. Passenger space is good in the backseat, but there is no third row available.

Cargo space is excellent at 35.5 cubic feet of room behind the seats, expanding to 73.3 when the seats are folded flat.

Centered wide dash shot

How Does the 2017 Subaru Outback Compare to Other SUVs?

The highest-rated midsize SUV is the Toyota 4Runner. Where the 4Runner stands out is with a longer life expectancy, but the Outback offers more technology for the year. Overall, the 4Runner and Outback target different buyers, and the decision comes down to preference.

Another rival is the Honda Pilot. The Pilot offers more passenger room with a 3rd row of seating, but the Outback is a more responsive and efficient SUV. If you don’t need the extra passenger room, then the Outback is a better choice.

Ranks #2 Midsize SUV by Owners

1
car
4.75
2
car
4.7
3
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4.69

Final Verdict: Is the 2017 Subaru Outback a Good SUV?

Yes, there are a lot of positive reviews from Outback owners mentioning good comfort and technology, with no major mechanical problems.

Overall, the 2017 Outback is a great choice, combining the versatility of a midsize SUV with the smaller size of a wagon.

accountCircle saylor l

Yes! Very reliable car, great in northern east coast winters. Great for vacationing and long distance driving.

accountCircle Chloe H

Yes the Subaru outback premium is a good vehicle. It is perfect for all weather and terrain. I love it because it is easy to drive and I can transport a number of people.

accountCircle Laura S

It is a great vehicle. It does everything I need it to and is comfortable. I use this as my everyday vehicle and never have any issues.

accountCircle Yushina s

It is a good and comfortable vehicle. The main thing is it is safe to drive with my baby. Nice spacing.

accountCircle Taylor D

It’s an excellent car. Very reliable and comfortable both for long and short trips. Can even sleep in it on a road trip

accountCircle Thomas D

Yes. I have been very satisfied with this SUV. It gets good gas mileage, has loads of features you would find on more expensive cars.

accountCircle Megan K

I love my 2017 Subaru outback. It is very reliable. It is very powerful. It also is big enough to hold the things I need to transport like kids and dogs.

accountCircle Lori L

Yes I love it. Tons of features - safety and otherwise - and lots of little things that make it special.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Bob B. on December 29, 2023
I love my outback
I have had my outback for 7 years and 49000 miles. It has been a pleasure to drive. Very comfortable and reliable. Battery has gone dead a few times for no reason. I do keep a jump box in the back if I or anyone else may need a jump. Overall it has been a remarkably reliable car. Thank you Subaru!
accountCircle Mike L on June 25, 2021
Safety top notch very safe car to drive.
This is a great car in all types of weather. Great in the snow. We have driven all over the country and enjoyed the car. Big factor is all the safety items. Such as eye view camera system. Automatic braking system and lane departure warning system. Also has adaptive cruise control very helpful on long trips.
accountCircle Jordyn S on June 25, 2021
Reliability, comfort, stylish.
The 2017 Subaru outback is an amazing car. Subarus are some of the safest cars and they do great in all weather! I like the outback because it is spacious and has more ground clearance than some other cars and models. The outback has great features as well, like Bluetooth, push to start, heated front and back seats, and a moonroof. It is a highly reliable car and I have had no issues with it.
accountCircle Katie V on June 16, 2021
Subaru outback review- family friendly, durable and reliable.
I love the safety features included in this family friendly car. The steer assist and lane alert and been extremely comforting on long family road trips. One feature I wish Subaru would consider is putting a timer on their overhead lights. Many times, my car will not start because my children we, unbeknownst to me, were playing with the lights and the battery died. This would be a great feature to consider.
accountCircle Kelly S on June 15, 2021
I love my Subaru. It is the best car I have owned yet.
I feel very safe in my Subaru. It has all the important features without feeling overwhelmed by too many controls. It is very roomy for road trips and long drives. I plan to drive this car until it does not run anymore which I think will be a very long time.
accountCircle Nunya B on June 8, 2021
How'd I get tricked into writing a review.
Windshield is too expensive to replace but breaks constantly. Its AWD, so all tires have to be replaced when one goes flat. The safety features make it worth it, though. It'll beep at you if so much as the wind blows and slows you down when you're too close to other cars.
accountCircle Maggie H on May 29, 2021
I love my all wheel drive Subaru outback.
I love the handling of my outback. It is great in the rain and snow and I feel confident driving it. I would recommend upgrading to get the remote start and automatic lift gate to make life easier. I also think that blind sight would be helpful to have.
accountCircle Lin S on May 25, 2021
I like the green color. But otherwise it is an ok car.
It could use a bit more interior space. The gas mileage is fair - about 25 mpg. The plastic bumper construction seems cheap and not sturdy - cracked and fell off position without much of a hit. . And it is very expensive to replace. I wish it had more safety features.
accountCircle Nik H on May 20, 2021
Great vehicle for a family of people or pups.
Windows do not automatically roll up if you hold the lever down too long. Then you have to take it to get reprogrammed. A/c is weak when vehicle idle too long. Everything else is great. Good gas mileage, cruise control is amazing, lots of space for five large and giant breed dogs.
accountCircle Elizabeth B on May 17, 2021
AWD is the redeeming feature and the only reason I still own it.
The car is very reliable and I have not had any issues with it. Some positives is that it is handy for large projects and being able to transfer large items fairly easily and the interior is comfortable. I like the fact that there is a rear view camera as well. The car does have all wheel drive and operates pretty well in bad weather although cleaning the snow off the car is harder than normal due to the roof rack. I did not pick this car and unfortunately inherited it so in my opinion it is a little too big for my liking. The features inside the car are pretty basic. While Bluetooth is available, it never worked properly and the console to set up any apps or programs is not very user friendly.
accountCircle Cindy K on May 8, 2021
Love my 2017 subaru outback.
I love the leather seats, the spacious interior. I love the safety features the auto cruise control. I like the auto high beam lights feature also. What the company stands for and helping the world. Look forward to see what kind of new technology subaru comes up with.
accountCircle Jessica E on May 1, 2021
Durable comfortable and roomy.
Other than routine maintenance we have never had to take this car in to get anything fixed and it has 73,000 miles. It is very comfortable and there is a lot of space. There is a lot of legroom in the back for our son and a lot of storage space in the back end for when we go camping and travel. We also use the roof racks which gives us even more storage. This was our first Subaru but we have already bought our second Subaru to replace my husband's old car.
accountCircle Michael B on April 29, 2021
A fun, quality, and very versatile car.
The reliability of the car has been great. I have not had any major issues with it. The car is very comfortable to sit in and to drive in. The car's features took me a little time to learn but I got use to it. I have the four cylinder engine which makes the car on the slow side when it comes to acceleration compared to other cars.
accountCircle Tatiana R on April 27, 2021
Subaru outback is safe and easy to drive.
I like the Subaru outback because it is extremely safe, has advanced features for driving, and gets good gas mileage, along with having all wheel drive. The eyesight feature allows for variable cruise control which makes it super easy to drive on crowded highways. The vehicle speeds up and brakes and the driver does not have to do anything except steer!
accountCircle Rod Kirk on April 24, 2021
Outback a battery killer!
My Outback is very satisfactory - when it works! However - it keeps killing batteries when it just sits for a few days. And in this time of self quarantine, it dies in just a few days. We lock it, keep keys far away and it still conks out. It’s my third Outback and my LAST! I don’t know if it’ too late to invoke the lemon law - but I will inquire!
accountCircle dorothy miller on April 24, 2021
Subaru electrical system flawed
Keyless ignition system doesn't work-car consistently drains battery if left sitting for more than three days. Sun roof window is useless,but Subaru insists on forcing this on buyers
accountCircle Saige C on April 21, 2021
Subaru outback car features.
The car is very nice, it has a joy stick for adjusting mirrors, electronic keys that you do not have to take out of your pocket, and an adjustable seat both vertically and horizontally along with a steering wheel also adjustable both vertically and horizontally. I have had the car for two years without any problems other than tire pressure.
accountCircle Mike J on April 18, 2021
Great value, especially in harsh weather or off-road.
Steering and control is great. All-wheel drive is excellent, especially in snowy/icy conditions. Road noise is loud, but you get used to it. Eyesight feature is great. It makes cruise control a breeze. Be aware, if you replace 1 tire you must replace all 4 tires. Sound system is nice, though the radio system feels outdated.
accountCircle James F on April 7, 2021
Outback touring features and technology.
Excellent technology surrounds the vehicle keeping you from accidents with other vehicles and people. Ideal for family members who enjoy traveling across the country with lots of room for 4 plus luggage for all of them. We plan on driving the outback touring for several hundred thousand miles.
accountCircle Jacqueline J on April 3, 2021
Great car for commuting to work.
So far it has been very reliable with no issues. I love the premium interior and it gets great gas mileage. I will be buying this model is car for the rest of my life. I bought mine used and have been driving it on my hour long commute to work and back five days a week. It is very comfortable and makes my commute much more enjoyable.
accountCircle Anna M on April 2, 2021
Safety first: I can drive without holding my breath.
Very comfortable and drives smoothly. I like the protection features such as auto-stop and lane departure notification. I feel safe in my car. There is a lot of room to transport items and the back seat is not as cramped as some other cars. Overall, it is a great car.
accountCircle Rachel J on April 2, 2021
2017 Subaru Outback premium.
I recently bought a new Subaru Outback. I love having the 4 wheel drive option as I am an avid outdoors person. I also have 2 dogs who love the vehicle and the extra space that they can lay down in the back. I haven't had the car for too long so I cannot speak to reliability; but it does come with a great warranty and option to purchase additional warranty. The Subaru’s aren't known as best in class for features; however I do feel like they offer the things that mattered most to me. I bought a more baseline model but it still came with my favorite features: connectivity for Bluetooth/android auto/apple carplay and heated seats. The car is very comfortable to ride in and has little road noise, great suspension even on tougher trails, and great amounts of space. My husband and I even took it camping and due to rain ended up sleeping fairly comfortably in the back.
accountCircle Nicole B on March 31, 2021
The Subaru outback is worth the investment!
I love my Subaru outback. While I was shopping for a vehicle I heard so many great things about Subaru vehicles and I have not been disappointed. The outback is a very comfortable ride. The seats are great quality and I find the armrest to be very soft/comfortable. I have had the car for two years and have not had any major issues with it - nothing breaking down, no weird noises. In the winter months, I do sometimes have a problem with the gas tank cover not opening because it freezes shut. The vehicle is very roomy and riding in the back seats is comfortable. I love the cargo space in the back and the seats fold down at the touch of a button... So easy!
accountCircle Lynn J on March 29, 2021
Best car and very spacious.
This is a perfect car for long car ride. Very comfortable seats. It rides very smooth, not too bumpy which is perfect when you have kids. My husband is 6' 5' and this car gave him enough leg room as many other cars did not. I love all the space in the back. The seats go down so fitting large items is manageable.
accountCircle Lori R on March 26, 2021
The best car I could have purchased for a reasonable price and many upgrades.
I like the eyesight technology that is attached to my car. I like the seat warmers. I like the dual heating and cooling system so a passenger can have a different temperature. I like my sunroof I have. The trunk has a lot of space. I enjoy my weather mats.
accountCircle Charlie S on March 26, 2021
Perfect for your first car.
The car is amazing for a first year driver. The safety features are excellent, exceptional. The blind spots out of the front mirror are nonexistent. The throttle is smooth, but can struggle when it is cold. Overall, it is a really good car to get for a first year driver.
accountCircle Alejandra P on March 26, 2021
I love my spectacular Subaru.
This vehicle is amazing it steers very smoothly and is reliable. The brakes are not too touchy but they stop the vehicle quickly if needed. The back up camera is good quality and it is equipped with lights on the rearview mirrors that can spot cars in your blind spot. I haven't had any problems with this car so far and I absolutely love it.
accountCircle Ro F on March 26, 2021
Subaru Outback - all around great vehicle.
I love it. I also wish it had blind spot mirrors, and I also wish the time display was higher on the dash. I do not like having to look downward to see the time. It handles great in the snow, especially deep snow that may accumulate due to drifting on the roadways.
accountCircle kandi b on March 25, 2021
Safety, eye sight is amazing on the this vehicle. When driving on the interstate and cruise is enabled the car will slow and speed up on it own. This car runs great and is very safe
I love my subaru, it runs great, good on gas. I only wished I got a different color otherwise it is a great vehicle
accountCircle Jacob W on March 22, 2021
Comfort, excellent gas mileage, and functional.
My Subaru outback is out second Subaru we've owned. Being a former domestic car owner is hard to change but with the cars handling, safety features, and comfort is hands down the best the service that is offered with every new Subaru is hands down the most professional.
accountCircle Gail M on March 19, 2021
I love this car, the appearance is sharp.
Very comfortable. Great performance, get up and go. Smooth ride and good handling around curvy roads. The navigation system is not accurate.
accountCircle Caitlin K on March 18, 2021
The Subaru outback is a reliable, safe, and comfortable vehicle!
My Subaru outback is an extremely reliable car and has great ease of use. It has been driven cross country and there were no issues. I have had no problems since I got the car. It is comfortable and has nice features to save two different seat settings on both the front seats. This feature makes it very easy to switch drivers and not have to spend time adjusting the seat. The car has a very nice screen with map and audio features. The Bluetooth connection allows for music to be played directly from my phone without having to plug it in to the car. It also allows phone calls to go through the car, which can be accepted or declined using buttons on the steering wheel. The overall safety features of the car are wonderful and lead to a great feeling of safety on the road. With Bluetooth controls for phone calls along with alerts for vehicles next to you and wonderful cruise control. The cruise control features include an automatic speed adjust, with sensors which sense how far away vehicles in front of the car are. The distance to be kept between the car in front can be adjusted using settings on the dash. There is also a setting which alerts the driver when they have drifted out of the lane.
accountCircle Tyler H on March 18, 2021
I love the overall Drivability of my Subaru outback.
I love my Subaru outback. It is an extremely smooth driving vehicle with excellent gas mileage. I do not have to sacrifice all terrain ability for gas mileage either. The outback does great in most moderate terrain. I love the sound system in it, and how the back seats lay down so there is plenty of room for storage.
accountCircle Gail R on March 18, 2021
The acceleration is great.
Subaru is a hardy car. The four wheel drive makes it feel like you are driving a big car. I have the 6 cylinder and it is a fast car. The gas mileage is better than I expected. The z/c is great.
accountCircle Katherine H on March 16, 2021
Safety record is excellent.
Great reliability; lots of room; good gas mileage. Safety features are wonderful. It is great for our family.
accountCircle Mary G on March 14, 2021
Reliable vehicle but electronics not user friendly
I like the safety and reliability of Subaru's. But the electronic console is frustrating to use. I cannot use the GPS if my husband is driving because it's disabled if the car is moving. And I cannot get texts/phone calls even though it shows my phone is connected.
accountCircle Sarah K on March 13, 2021
Ample interior trunk and seating space.
I love the trunk space in my vehicle and the spacing of the seats. It allows ample room for my sons car seat and also plenty of space for my dogs to ride comfortable in the trunk. I love the gas mileage. The outback has the interior space of an SUV but drives low to the ground and maneuvers like a sedan.
accountCircle Bail M on March 11, 2021
Oil issues, but I like the car.
Oil issues, drives well, not the smoothest ride. Love the size and ground clearance. Great handling in snow. Speakers are too quiet. Overall enjoy the car but have experienced issues with oil pressure and consumption, but it is covered under warranty.
accountCircle Ter P on March 11, 2021
Overview of the Subaru outback.
The car is great! It rides well, is safe, and manages well in the conditions. It has a comfortable ride, a comfortable interior, and a reliable ride as well. It has a tight suspension and maneuvers well in turns and inclement weather. The safety features are helpful such as lane departure warnings and automatic braking.
accountCircle Jeff J on March 9, 2021
New England snow stands no chance.
The Subaru outback is a decent daily driver. My family has been a Nissan and Honda owners in the past but after the pathfinder died we needed a car that would be good in the snow and be decent on gas. All reviews for that criteria said the outback was a solid option.
accountCircle Jessica S on March 7, 2021
The navigation system can be picky and tough to program.
This vehicle is perfect for my family. It feels safe on the road with the backup camera, all wheel drive, crash test ratings, and eyesight.
accountCircle Kate P on March 7, 2021
Families and first time drivers.
This car has a fantastic turning radius and is comfortable to drive in any sort of weather. First time drivers would also like learning in this car. I would recommend this to first time drivers and to families. There is durability in the seating and an easy to read dashboard.
accountCircle Marianna G on March 6, 2021
Subaru outback has everything.
I bought my Subaru used but it drives like it is brand new. The seats are roomy and comfortable and there is plenty of legroom in the second row. The heated seats are wonderful in the winter. The backup camera helps tremendously. I love the keyless entry and start, it is much more convenient. The only complaints I have is the quality of the phone calls through the Bluetooth is not great. Also, newer phones do not connect to the mirror link.
accountCircle Amy K on March 5, 2021
Extremely sturdy, safe, and reliable family vehicle.
I bought my Subaru outback when I found out I was pregnant. It has been a wonderfully reliable vehicle. We have traveled a lot with it and it performs very well in all sorts of weather and terrain. I have never felt more safe in a car. Where we live we receive a lot of heavy rain and I haven't hydroplaned one time in our car.
accountCircle Caitlin L on March 5, 2021
Safe, reliable and luxury all in one.
My outback is amazing. I have never had any issues. The eye sight and object detection make driving so much safer. The leather interior with the wood grain finish really make it feel like a luxury car.
accountCircle Margaret B on March 4, 2021
Subaru great car for all from young to older.
Subaru is a great car for sport minded people, families or someone looking for a safe car. Subaru outback is very comfortable car. Handles very well and offer different upgrades. So far did not need to do anything extra just regular maintenance. Outback offers a lot of cargo space.
accountCircle John T on March 1, 2021
Safe and high quality design.
Well equipped, has a high safety record, comfortable driving and high quality construction. Great for driving around town and on the highway. Has a large cargo area compared to other cars of the same size. The price was reasonable compared to other vehicles in the same class.
accountCircle Erica S on March 1, 2021
Top rated safety features sold me!
I purchased my outback used and it had 30,000 miles on it. I originally purchased this specific vehicle because I needed a something bigger than what I previously had, because of my kids. And I also purchased it because Subaru outback has been listed as having the top safety features. It gets decent gas mileage for a four wheel drive vehicle and the fact that it is a small size SUV. I love the weather tech style floor liners that came with it and that are in the trunk and on the back of the seats. I also travel a lot with my kids and we require a roof rack in order to do so. I love the cross bar feature. And it is helpful for my kayak rack that I mount up as well when we go kayaking.
accountCircle Bridget O on February 28, 2021
Love my Subaru it is an awesome vehicle inside and out a lot of safety features.
I have been a Subaru buyer for over 25 years it is a very reliable vehicle and has many safety features that I would not buy any other vehicle. I am on my 10 Subaru vehicle and my family is starting to buy them because of their safety features. I would not change vehicle makes for any reason even if they were a lot cheaper than Subaru.
accountCircle Catherine H on February 25, 2021
Subaru has incredible safety features that make driving easier.
I love my Subaru Outback because it is a very smooth ride, I test drove other cars and the Outback was the smoothest, as well as had the best visibility and comfort. I also love all the safety features, especially the back up cam, beeping when you cross lanes, and alerting you when someone is next to you. My only complaint about the car is that it is an awkward shape, short and long, making it hard to transport certain things when I was moving.
accountCircle Everett S on February 22, 2021
Great used car, perfect for getting a 2017 in 2020.
Great vehicle. I bought it used and the car is great! Even though it is 3 years old everything on the car runs well. I got it inspected right after I got it and the only issue was with the tires, no problems with the car itself. It is super reliable. I wish the starlink more easily hooked up with your phone and Spotify.
avatar 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.