Subaru Outback

The Outback is a midsize crossover SUV that seats up to five passengers. In Subaru's lineup, it sits between the smaller Forester and the larger, three-row Ascent, and it shares a platform and some components with the Legacy, a midsize sedan. The Outback's most recent (sixth) generation debuted in 2020, featuring a more refined and spacious interior, a new turbocharged engine option, and additional technology and safety features.

In recent years, the Outback’s main trims have included the Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Subaru also added the off-road-focused Onyx Edition XT in 2020. The Base trim comes with essential features, while the Premium adds conveniences such as dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. The Limited offers more luxurious items, such as leather upholstery and a Harman Kardon audio system. The top-tier Touring also includes ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, and built-in navigation. Lastly, the Onyx Edition XT features a turbocharged engine, unique styling details, and additional off-road equipment.

Fifth-gen Outbacks (2015-2019) offer a base 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 175 horsepower or an optional 3.6-liter flat-six with 256 hp. Both pair with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which routes power to all four wheels. With the introduction of the sixth generation in 2020, the Outback got a revised 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 hp and a new 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four (replacing the previous flat-six) that generates 260 hp and is available on higher-level trims.

Subaru upgraded the Outback’s infotainment system with standard 6.2-inch and optional 7-inch touchscreens in 2015. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration first became available in 2018 and has been standard across all trims since 2019. Sixth-gen models (2020-present) offer a dual 7-inch touchscreen setup for the base trim, while higher trims receive an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance technology has been available on the Outback since 2013, offering adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. In 2015, the automaker further enhanced the system, adding blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist. It became standard starting in 2019.

We recommend that used car buyers consider 2019 and newer Outbacks, as these come with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies and have an updated infotainment system. The Premium trim is an excellent choice to balance value and features. For more power and off-road capabilities, opt for the Onyx Edition XT, which offers a more powerful turbocharged engine and additional off-road features such as hill-descent control.