Peter Banks If you’re in the market for a reliable and versatile vehicle, you might have heard of the Subaru Outback, a popular choice among drivers who want the best of both worlds. The Outback is a mid-size crossover SUV that offers a comfortable ride, excellent fuel economy, and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. But how reliable is the Outback, really? In this article, we’ll take a close look at the performance, safety, maintenance, and overall owner satisfaction of the Subaru Outback to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right vehicle for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The Subaru Outback is a reliable vehicle that consistently ranks high in owner satisfaction surveys.
- The Outback’s performance is solid, with good fuel economy, standard all-wheel drive, and ample cargo space.
- Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the Outback has excellent crash test ratings and a range of advanced safety features.
- Maintenance costs for the Outback are reasonable, and Subaru offers a strong warranty and roadside assistance program.
- Overall, the Subaru Outback is a great choice for drivers who want a reliable and versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions and activities.
Performance
One of the main selling points of the Subaru Outback is its performance. The Outback comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and responsive acceleration. The Outback also comes with standard all-wheel drive, which provides excellent traction and handling in a variety of driving conditions.
The Outback’s fuel economy is also impressive, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. This makes the Outback one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class. In addition, the Outback has plenty of cargo space, with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This makes the Outback a great choice for drivers who need plenty of space for hauling gear or luggage.
👍 Key Point: The Subaru Outback offers solid performance, good fuel economy, standard all-wheel drive, and ample cargo space, making it a versatile and reliable vehicle for a variety of activities.
Safety
Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the Outback has excellent crash test ratings and a range of advanced safety features. The Outback earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Outback comes with a range of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Higher trims also come with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.
In addition, the Outback features Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which uses cameras and sensors to monitor traffic and alert drivers to potential hazards. EyeSight includes features such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and sway warning. Overall, the Outback’s advanced safety features make it a great choice for drivers who want peace of mind on the road.
👍 Key Point: The Subaru Outback has excellent crash test ratings and a range of advanced safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, making it a safe and reliable vehicle for drivers and passengers.
Maintenance
Maintenance costs for the Subaru Outback are reasonable, with most routine services costing between $200 and $500. Subaru also offers a strong warranty program, with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. In addition, Subaru offers a roadside assistance program that provides emergency services such as towing, flat tire changes, and jump-starts.
The Outback’s reliability is also backed up by its consistently high rankings in owner satisfaction surveys. In the 2021 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, the Outback ranked third in the Midsize SUV category, with an overall dependability score of 132 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). In addition, the Outback has a high resale value, which can help offset the cost of ownership over time.
👍 Key Point: Maintenance costs for the Subaru Outback are reasonable, and Subaru offers a strong warranty and roadside assistance program. The Outback consistently ranks high in owner satisfaction surveys and has a high resale value.
Owner Satisfaction
Overall, the Subaru Outback has a high level of owner satisfaction, with many drivers praising its reliability, safety, and versatility. In the 2020 Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction Survey, the Outback ranked second in the Midsize SUV category, with an overall owner satisfaction score of 83 out of 100. Owners praised the Outback’s safety features, fuel economy, all-wheel drive, and comfortable ride.
In addition, the Outback has a dedicated following among outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, thanks to its rugged design and off-road capabilities. The Outback’s ground clearance of 8.7 inches and standard all-wheel drive make it a great choice for drivers who want to explore off the beaten path.
👍 Key Point: The Subaru Outback has a high level of owner satisfaction, with many drivers praising its reliability, safety, versatility, and off-road capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru Outback a reliable vehicle?
Yes, the Subaru Outback is a reliable vehicle that consistently ranks high in owner satisfaction surveys. The Outback has a reputation for being durable, dependable, and long-lasting.
What is the fuel economy of the Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.
Does the Subaru Outback have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the Subaru Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, which provides excellent traction and handling in a variety of driving conditions.
What safety features does the Subaru Outback have?
The Subaru Outback comes with a range of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Higher trims also come with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. The Outback also features Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and sway warning.
How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Outback?
Maintenance costs for the Subaru Outback are reasonable, with most routine services costing between $200 and $500. Subaru also offers a strong warranty program, with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
