Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback offers excellent reliability with zero recalls and complaints, though its 14 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) warrant attention for potential minor issues.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2025 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km | Fuel-economy range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 | 27 | 23 | 11.2 | 8.71 | 10.23 | — |
| 2025 | 21 | 26 | 23 | 11.2 | 9.05 | 10.23 | — |
| 2024 | 21 | 26 | 23 | 11.2 | 9.05 | 10.23 | — |
| 2023 | 21 | 26 | 23 | 11.2 | 9.05 | 10.23 | — |
| 2022 | 22 | 26 | 24 | 10.69 | 9.05 | 9.8 | — |
| 2021 | 23 | 30 | 26 | 10.23 | 7.84 | 9.05 | — |
| 2020 | 23 | 30 | 26 | 10.23 | 7.84 | 9.05 | — |
| 2019 | 20 | 27 | 22 | 11.76 | 8.71 | 10.69 | — |
| 2018 | 20 | 27 | 22 | 11.76 | 8.71 | 10.69 | — |
| 2017 | 20 | 27 | 22 | 11.76 | 8.71 | 10.69 | 20-27 mpg combined |
| 2016 | 20 | 27 | 22 | 11.76 | 8.71 | 10.69 | — |
| 2015 | 20 | 27 | 22 | 11.76 | 8.71 | 10.69 | — |
| 2014 | 18 | 24 | 20 | 13.07 | 9.8 | 11.76 | — |
| 2013 | 18 | 24 | 20 | 13.07 | 9.8 | 11.76 | — |
| 2012 | 18 | 24 | 20 | 13.07 | 9.8 | 11.76 | — |
| 2011 | 18 | 24 | 20 | 13.07 | 9.8 | 11.76 | — |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Engine code | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | suv | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2025 | suv | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2024 | suv | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2023 | suv | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2022 | suv | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2021 | suv | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2020 | — | 4 | 2.4 | Regular | — | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2019 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | — | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | — | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2017 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | EZ36 | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 256 hp | 247 lb-ft | Flat-6 |
| 2016 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | — | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2015 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | — | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2014 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | — | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2013 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | — | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2012 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | — | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2011 | suv | 6 | 3.6 | Regular | — | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | msrp | pricing | Trim | Base price | currency | Base MSRP | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | Trim: Premium | Premium | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | Trim: Wilderness | Wilderness | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | Trim: Premium | Premium | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | Trim: Touring | Touring | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | — | Trim: Limited | Limited | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | — | Base price: $34,895, Trim: Limited+M/R+NAVI(HK) | Limited+M/R+NAVI(HK) | $34,895 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | Base price: $36,795, Trim: Limited+ES | Limited+ES | $36,795 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | Base price: $32,695, Trim: Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI | Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI | $32,695 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $34,995, MSRP range: $34,995 - $38,195, Confidence: 0.9, notes: MSRP for 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring trims., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 4/30/2026 | Base price: $25,645, Trim: BASE | BASE | $25,645 | USD | $34,995 | $34,995 - $38,195 | 0.9 | MSRP for 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring trims. | llm_estimate | 4/30/2026 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Seat rows | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | — | Standard | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | — | Standard | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Optional | — | Optional | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | — | Standard | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 5 | 923 | 32.6 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 108.1, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 108.1 | 17 | 17 |
| 2020 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 108.1, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | — | 4 | 108.1 | 17 | 17 |
| 2019 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Optional, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 108.1, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | Optional | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 108.1 | 17 | 17 |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 108.1, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 108.1 | 18 | 18 |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | 512 | 18.1 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 108.1, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 108.1 | 17 | 17 |
| 2016 | 5 | 4 | 512 | 18.1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Rated vehicle | abs | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | esc | tractionControl | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | rearAeb | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | tpms | pedestrianAeb | laneCenteringAssist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026 SUBARU OUTBACK SUV N/A AWD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 2025 Subaru Outback SW AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 2024 Subaru Outback SW AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2023 | 2023 Subaru Outback SW AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| 2022 | 2022 Subaru Outback SW AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | standard | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2021 | 2021 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard |
| 2020 | 2020 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | standard | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2019 | 2019 Subaru Outback SW AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | — | — | — | optional | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2018 | 2018 Subaru Outback SW AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | standard | standard | optional | optional | optional | standard | optional | standard | — | — | — | optional | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2017 | 2017 Subaru Outback SW AWD | standard | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | optional | standard | standard | — | — | — | optional | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2016 | 2016 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — |
| 2015 | 2015 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — |
| 2014 | 2014 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — |
| 2013 | 2013 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | — | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — |
| 2012 | 2012 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | — | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — |
| 2011 | 2011 Subaru Outback 4 DR AWD | — | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — |
Model year reports
2026
NewestThe 2026 Subaru Outback offers excellent reliability with zero recalls and complaints, though its 14 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) warrant attention for potential minor issues.
2025
The 2025 Subaru Outback offers average reliability, but used shoppers must prioritize a thorough inspection of its advanced driver-assistance systems, particularly unintended automatic emergency braking and aggressive lane interventions.
2024
The 2024 Subaru Outback presents a mixed reliability picture.
2023
The 2023 Subaru Outback presents a mixed ownership proposition, with a below-average reliability verdict driven by significant early-life electrical and visibility issues, alongside a critical driveshaft recall.
2022
The 2022 Subaru Outback is a capable all-wheel-drive wagon, but its below-average reliability, particularly concerning windshield integrity and electrical systems, warrants a cautious approach for used car buyers.
2021
The 2021 Subaru Outback presents a mixed ownership proposition, with a below-average reliability verdict driven by significant issues in critical safety systems and early-life component failures.
2020
Approach with caution: Spontaneous windshield cracking is a well-known chronic problem that makes this a high-risk used purchase.
2019
Approach the 2019 Subaru Outback with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by a significant issue with spontaneous windshield cracking.
2018
The 2018 Subaru Outback is a capable vehicle with excellent safety ratings, but its 'Below Average' reliability verdict, driven by frequent windshield cracking and electrical system issues, demands careful consideration and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
2017
The 2017 Subaru Outback presents a below-average reliability profile, with significant concerns regarding its electrical system and windshield durability that warrant careful consideration by used car buyers.
2016
The 2016 Subaru Outback is a capable all-wheel-drive wagon with strong safety ratings, but its 'Below Average' reliability verdict, driven by significant electrical system issues and windshield cracking, demands careful consideration and thorough inspection.
2015
The 2015 Subaru Outback is a capable all-wheel-drive vehicle, but its below-average reliability, primarily due to widespread windshield cracking and electrical system issues, necessitates a cautious approach for used car buyers.
2014
The 2014 Subaru Outback offers standard AWD and strong safety scores, but its below-average reliability, marked by significant airbag and engine concerns, necessitates careful pre-purchase inspection.
2013
The 2013 Subaru Outback presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with its **engine** and **power train**.
2012
The 2012 Subaru Outback presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with its power train, specifically the CVT transmission and torque converter, which can lead to stalling and costly failures.
2011
The 2011 Subaru Outback is a capable all-wheel-drive vehicle with a 'Below Average' reliability rating, primarily due to significant power train and electrical system complaints.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Subaru Outback?
Carfocal currently has 16 published Outback reports, covering 2011 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2026 Subaru Outback offers excellent reliability with zero recalls and complaints, though its 14 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) warrant attention for potential minor issues.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the Subaru Outback reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Subaru Outback. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2026 subaru outback offers excellent reliability with zero recalls and complaints, though its 14 technical service bulletins (tsbs) warrant attention for potential minor issues. and the 2026 subaru outback presents a strong value proposition on the used market, primarily due to its excellent reliability indicators. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
16 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Subaru Outback?
Across Carfocal's published Outback guides, recurring problem areas include Brakes, Tires, and Battery. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Brakes, Tires, and Battery.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 16
- Years tracked
- 16
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints