Is a Subaru Outback a Good First Car?

Are you a first-time car buyer, a student, or a parent looking for a safe and practical option for your children? If so, you may be wondering if the Subaru Outback is a good choice for your first car. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive analysis of the Outback’s suitability as a starter vehicle, including its safety ratings, fuel economy, maintenance costs, entertainment options, pros and cons, and real-world experiences of current Outback owners.

Key Takeaways

• The Subaru Outback is a safe, reliable, and practical car that’s suitable for first-time car buyers, students, or parents.
• The Outback has a long-standing reputation for safety, with top ratings from independent safety organizations.
• The Outback’s fuel economy is impressive for an SUV, with an average of 29 MPG on the highway.
• Maintenance costs for the Outback are generally lower than other SUVs in its class.
• The Outback offers a range of entertainment options, including a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• The Outback’s pros include its safety features, all-wheel drive, cargo space, and off-road capabilities, while its cons include its price, limited engine options, and noisy cabin.

Safety Ratings

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a first car is safety. The Subaru Outback has a long-standing reputation for safety, with top ratings from independent safety organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Outback received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in all categories, including frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. The IIHS also gave the Outback its highest rating of "good" in all crash tests, as well as a superior rating for its front crash prevention system.

Fuel Economy

Another important factor to consider is fuel economy, particularly for students or those on a tight budget. The Outback has impressive fuel economy for an SUV, with an average of 29 MPG on the highway and 22 MPG in the city, according to the EPA.

The Outback’s fuel efficiency is due in part to its standard all-wheel drive, which helps to distribute power to all four wheels efficiently. The Outback also features an automatic start-stop system, which shuts off the engine when the car is stopped to save fuel.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs are an important consideration for any car buyer, particularly for first-time buyers who may not be familiar with the costs of regular maintenance. The good news is that maintenance costs for the Subaru Outback are generally lower than other SUVs in its class.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the Outback has a five-year cost-to-own estimate of $39,627, which is lower than the average cost-to-own for other SUVs in its class. This includes factors such as fuel costs, insurance, maintenance, and repairs.

Entertainment Options

In addition to safety and fuel economy, the Subaru Outback offers a range of entertainment options to keep drivers and passengers entertained on long drives. The Outback comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Other entertainment options include a premium Harman Kardon sound system, satellite radio, and a rear-seat entertainment system for passengers in the back.

Pros and Cons

As with any car, the Subaru Outback has its pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at each.

Pros

• Safety features: The Outback has a long-standing reputation for safety, with top ratings from independent safety organizations.
• All-wheel drive: The Outback’s standard all-wheel drive helps to distribute power to all four wheels efficiently.
• Cargo space: The Outback has ample cargo space, making it practical for students or those with active lifestyles.
• Off-road capabilities: The Outback’s all-wheel drive and ground clearance make it suitable for off-road adventures.

Cons

• Price: The Outback’s starting price is higher than other comparable SUVs in its class.
• Limited engine options: The Outback only offers two engine options, both of which are four-cylinder engines.
• Noisy cabin: Some drivers have reported that the Outback’s cabin can be noisy on the highway.

Real-World Experiences

To get a sense of how the Outback performs in the real world, we’ve compiled some feedback from current Outback owners.

• "I love my Outback! It’s safe, reliable, and practical. Plus, it’s great for road trips."
• "The Outback’s all-wheel drive has been a lifesaver in snowy weather."
• "The only downside to the Outback is the price. It’s more expensive than other SUVs in its class."
• "I wish the Outback had more engine options. The current options are just okay."

Conclusion

So, is a Subaru Outback a good first car? The answer is yes, for many reasons. The Outback is a safe, reliable, and practical car that’s suitable for first-time car buyers, students, or parents. The Outback has a long-standing reputation for safety, impressive fuel economy, lower maintenance costs than other SUVs, and a range of entertainment options. While the Outback’s price may be higher than other SUVs in its class, its safety features, all-wheel drive, cargo space, and off-road capabilities make it a great choice for anyone seeking a versatile and reliable first car.