“Great vehicle in terms of comfort, performance (chose larger engine), AWD, and reliability. Only thing I don't love is lack of Apple Carplay and Android Auto”
2017 Subaru Outback: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Subaru Outback gets a light trim-and-equipment update, not a redesign. The biggest change is the new Touring trim, which joins the top of the lineup in 2.5i and 3.6R forms.
About the 2017 Subaru Outback
5th generation (2015-2019), third model year; Touring debuts before the 2018 refresh.
Subaru positions the Outback as a wagon-like crossover for people who want SUV usefulness without a tall, bulky feel. Its core promise is simple: standard all-wheel drive, extra ground clearance, roomy cargo space, and everyday comfort for road trips, bad weather, and light off-pavement use. Compared with many midsize SUVs, the Outback stands out by being easier to load, easier to see out of, and more car-like to drive, while still leaning hard into Subaru’s outdoor-adventure image.
The 2.5i is the straightforward all-weather model, while the 2.5i Premium adds heated front seats, a power driver's seat and a 7-inch touchscreen. Limited trims bring leather, Harman Kardon audio and a power liftgate; the new Touring adds Java Brown leather, a heated steering wheel and standard EyeSight safety features. The 3.6R Limited and Touring pair their upscale equipment with the stronger 256-hp six-cylinder engine.
What changed, by category
Styling
The new Touring models add unique dark gray and silver exterior details plus Java Brown leather with ivory stitching. The base 2.5i replaces steel wheels with standard 17-inch alloy wheels.
Safety
The new 2.5i Touring and 3.6R Touring make the EyeSight driver-assist suite and Reverse Automatic Braking standard.
Tech
The 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited make the power moonroof, proximity keyless entry, push-button start and touchscreen standard. The 2.5i Premium also makes the touchscreen standard.
2017 Subaru Outback specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 256 hp | 256 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Subaru Outback?
The biggest change is the addition of the 2.5i Touring and 3.6R Touring. These new top trims bring distinctive exterior details, Java Brown leather, a heated steering wheel and standard EyeSight safety features.
Was the 2017 Subaru Outback redesigned?
No, the 2017 Subaru Outback was not redesigned. It remains part of the fifth generation introduced for 2015 and receives mainly trim and equipment changes for 2017.
Is EyeSight standard on every 2017 Subaru Outback?
No, EyeSight is not standard across the full 2017 Outback lineup. It is standard on the new 2.5i Touring and 3.6R Touring, while its fitment on other trims depends on their equipment.
What changed on the 2017 Subaru Outback Limited trims?
The 2017 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited make several previously optional features standard: a power moonroof, proximity keyless entry, push-button start and a touchscreen.
Did the 2017 Subaru Outback get new engines?
No, the 2017 Subaru Outback keeps the same engines as the prior year: a 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder. There is no engine or transmission update.
2017 Subaru Outback Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Subaru Outback.
4.4
2017 Subaru Outback
(1,461 reviews)
“The Outback 3.6, combined with AWD and CVT transmission, has the best performance of any vehicle I have owned. Surprisingly fast and responsive.”
“The new cruise control makes driving much easier. Other safety features sold me on the Outback.”