When the Subaru Outback came into the scene, plenty of people fell in love with it. It wasn’t just because it had great specs, but also because it sold a lifestyle.
Drivers no longer had to choose between a vehicle that was practical or rugged. The Subaru Outback was a way to get both.
It was an everyday car that could take you further than you’ve ever gone before. And it made sure that you didn’t have to adventure alone. At its core, it was still a family car — you just wouldn’t assume that because it wasn’t boring.
Until now, many still aspire to have their own Subaru Outback because of this. However, much like any other car, it has a few bad apples in its lineup that fall short of what we expect from an Outback.
We’ve listed down all the Subaru Outback model years that are worth it and the ones you’re better off without.
What are the best and worst Subaru Outback model years?
The best Subaru Outback model years to purchase are 2001, 2007, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2024, while the worst ones are 2010, 2013, and 2014.
The best and worst Subaru Outback models were determined based on reliability ratings, consumer and expert reviews, remarkable features, and known issues.
Although it was initially introduced as a variant of the Subaru Legacy, the Subaru Outback quickly gained popularity on its own for its rugged looks and pop culture reputation.
In the late 90s, a commercial featuring Crocodile Dundee driving the Subaru Outback through the Australian Outback made a huge impression on audiences. It cemented the car’s status as a crossover and an SUV alternative.
Today, it’s one of the brand’s top models. However, its journey throughout the years hasn’t been without speedbumps.
Starting in 1994, it wasn’t until the second generation in 2000 that they separated the Outback from the Legacy. By the third generation, it had its own distinct look and increased horsepower.
The fourth generation is often cited as the lowest point for the Outback. However, some big changes, including the discontinuation of manual transmission options, led to a comeback in the fifth generation.
Now in its sixth generation, some of the most recent model years have been praised as the best, signaling a promising future for the Outback.
With this overview in mind, it’s time for an in-depth look at the specific models that shone above the rest.
What are the best Subaru Outback model years?
The best Subaru Outback model years are 2001, 2007, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2024. These model years were given high expert and consumer ratings and were applauded for their features and reliability.
2024 Subaru Outback (6th Generation)
The 2024 Subaru Outback has most of the qualities its predecessors were loved for, along with some fresh new upgrades that were greatly appreciated.
Advanced features, such as the hands-free power liftgate, blind spot monitoring, 4G LTE mobile hotspot, and the heated front seats and steering wheel made it even more attractive to both experts and consumers.
Many were also surprised at how smooth and light its performance was despite its size. It’s easy to navigate on uneven roads due to its all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
It received a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars when it came to safety according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well.
All of these factors resulted in the 2024 Subaru Outback scoring an impressive 9 out of 10 rating from Car and Driver.
2022 Subaru Outback (6th Generation)
Even though the 2022 Subaru Outback was largely based on the 2020 model, several things gave it an edge and ultimately cinched its place as one of the best.
First of all, its legroom was increased by 1.4 inches, making it more comfortable for passengers. It could also fit a higher amount of cargo with its 33 cubic feet of space.
It had a roof rack that was easy to access and could support all the essentials of an active lifestyle, such as bikes and kayaks. It had an impressive towing capacity of 2700 pounds that could handle boats, small trailers, and other vehicles.
But what people loved the most was its performance. Consumers had the option to go with a turbocharged engine that significantly increased its power and made it better for off-roading.
In line with this, it had an upgraded suspension and more ground clearance for all types of terrains.
2017 Subaru Outback (5th Generation)
The 2017 Subaru Outback is widely regarded as one of the best model years so far. It was even included in the top 10 of the Kelley Blue Book’s list of Best 2-Row SUVs of that year.
It was considered very reliable, as it could last up to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. The NHTSA also gave it a 5 out of 5 safety rating, making it a great choice for families.
This model year was often chosen against competitors like the Nissan Murano and the Chevrolet Equinox for its all-wheel-drive and off-roading capabilities.
Surprisingly, it also stood out from most of its predecessors (and even some successors) for having good fuel economy.
Its interiors also made a huge impact on consumers for its luxurious detailing and spacious legroom. Most people appreciated that the inside of the car remained silent even when cruising or accelerating.
Other notable features include the smoothness of the adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, and reverse automatic braking.
2016 Subaru Outback (5th Generation)
By the fifth generation, most car experts were in agreement that Subaru already had a good SUV in their hands with the Outback. It was just all about finding what would make it great, and the additions to the 2016 Subaru Outback managed to hit the sweet spot.
So many people loved this iteration that it ended up being the 4th best-selling car in its category. But even then, critics stressed that the Outback’s all-wheel-drive performed significantly better on different terrains compared to the competitors that sold more.
The 512-litre luggage capacity also received a ton of compliments. Its depth and width, especially with the backseats folded, allowed the car to store large items effortlessly.
Out of all of its advanced features, the Subaru EyeSight was the biggest hit among consumers. It was a driver-assist technology that enhanced safety through options like lane keep assist and pre-collision breaking.
All of these factors contributed to the 2016 Subaru Outback being included in the Kelley Blue Book’s list of 16 Best Family Cars that year.
2009 Subaru Outback (3rd Generation)
The 2009 model year is what many consider as the last of the original Subaru Outbacks.
It’s a little different to what Subaru Outbacks look like now. Even though its interiors were spacious, its design was much smaller than the generations that followed.
However, its performance feels like that of a much larger car. This was the year Subaru introduced the turbocharged XT engine, which produces 250 hp.
For a 2009 model, it was very impressive that it could last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. Many consumers also praised its smooth acceleration.
It even got an average Edmunds rating of 4.3 out of 5, with plenty of car owners stating that it’s their favorite Subaru Outback due to its reliability.
ANCAP also gave it a 5-star safety rating, thanks to features like stability control, anti-lock brakes, and anti-whiplash front head restraints.
2007 Subaru Outback (3rd Generation)
Most of its features may seem standard now, but the 2007 Subaru Outback was considered quite advanced when it was first released.
At the time, it was uncommon for a car of its size to have an all-wheel drive that could go off-roading. What made it even more exceptional was its amazing fuel economy.
Experts were further impressed by its Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) feature. This gave drivers the choice to customize engine performance for gas mileage or acceleration.
It received a 4.6 rating out of 5 from consumers on cars.com, who praised its style, stability, and handling.
Almost 2 decades later and 3 generations after, the 2007 model year is still considered a great choice as a reliable Subaru Outback.
2001 Subaru Outback (2nd Generation)
The 2001 Subaru Outback may not be as handsome as the generations that followed it, but it certainly has the versatility that other wagons and SUVs of its time didn’t have.
It made the list for its powerful performance, even by today’s standards. This makes it the most cost-effective model-year option so far.
Consumers over at Kelley Blue Books gave it a 4.3 out of 5 rating because of its durability, with most stating that they’ve had little to no issues with their models throughout the years.
Owner reviews at Edmunds are saying the same thing. Many even claim that they’ve gone the 250,000-mile mark with their 2001 Subaru Outbacks.
It’s because of its longevity and reliability that you’ll likely still see plenty of these models out on the road almost 25 years since its release.
What are the worst Subaru Outback model years?
The worst Subaru Outback model years are 2010, 2013, and 2014, which are all part of the 4th generation of models. Despite performing decently, these 3 models came with disappointing features and had a high number of issues and recalls.
2014 Subaru Outback (4th Generation)
Instead of ending the Outback’s 4th generation on a high note, Subaru missed the mark with the 2014 Subaru Outback. It was a forgettable conclusion to what is now known as the Outback’s weakest era.
Starting with the interiors, plenty of owners did not feel that the car lived up to the luxurious standards that were set by previous generations. Even its heating seemed subpar compared to other model years.
Its performance was also a cause of concern. Drivers reported that the acceleration felt sluggish. The brake pads also seem to wear out faster than normal, which is costly in the long run.
Still, it somewhat made up for its shortcomings with excellent off-roading abilities that are evident in most Subaru Outbacks.
2013 Subaru Outback (4th Generation)
The 2013 Subaru Outback is proof that looks can be deceiving. Despite its sleek exteriors and interiors capturing the attention of many, this model year was labeled as the worst Outback ever made later on.
It had so many defects that the NHTSA got involved multiple times. They issued multiple recalls over the years.
The majority of the recalls concerned the airbags. The ones installed were in danger of exploding in high temperatures (See: NHTSA Campaign ID 20V001000).
Owners were also called in immediately to get their parking brakes fixed. From time to time, the electronic parking brakes would fail to engage, resulting in some Outbacks rolling away. (See: NHTSA Campaign ID 18V626000)
Lastly, the windshield wipers were also behind a few headaches. According to the recall, some wiper motors had the tendency to overheat and cause further damage to the car. (See: NHTSA Campaign ID 16V694000)
All of these cemented the 2013 model year as the Outback you should avoid at all costs.
2010 Subaru Outback (4th Generation)
The only noteworthy thing that the 2010 Subaru Outback achieved was being the model year with the most number of recalls. It had to be called back for repairs 19 times.
The 2010 model already had some of the issues that were also present in the 2013 model later on, such as the faulty wipers and the airbags that were prone to exploding. Unfortunately, it had more defects that needed to be addressed.
One of these is a programming error with the manual transmission that causes noises and breaks down gears (See: NHTSA Campain ID 10V326000). Its exterior lighting also had to be replaced because they were at risk of short-circuiting (See: NHTSA Campaign ID 12V602000).
However, a few redeeming qualities stopped it from being known as the worst Outback.
This model year was designed to be bigger than the previous generation. This meant that it had bigger interiors and much more cargo space.
Its off-roading performance was also an upgrade compared to previous iterations.
What were the major changes for every Subaru Outback Generation?
Each Subaru Outback Generation had changes when it came to design, performance, and features. For example, the Subaru Outback went from looking like a wagon to resembling an SUV more.
Its engines jumped from producing 155hp to 260hp, and advanced features such as driver assist were added as well.
1st Generation (1994 – 1999)
The first Subaru Outback was originally introduced as a trim package for the Subaru Legacy. It had a plastic body and a more luxurious interior.
In 1996, it was equipped with a 155 hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine and the suspension lift that became a staple for future model years. By 1997, it was finally sold as the Subaru Outback and marketed as a ‘Sport Utility Sedan’.
2nd Generation (2000 – 2004)
The second generation was when the Outback was finally introduced as its own separate model. This was the time that Subaru began developing distinct upgrades for it.
Its design was changed, but not too drastically. The original design was revised to have a longer body and a wider wagon for more cargo space.
Stability and safety were also improved. The front seats were given better seat belts while airbags were installed at the rear.
Subaru also started offering the option of a 3.0L six-cylinder engine.
3rd Generation (2005 – 2009)
The most glaring change in the third generation of Outbacks is its redesign. It was revamped to have a more rugged look compared to the rounder edges that the first two generations had.
The engines were also upgraded, with the 2.5L flat-four engine being increased to 175hp and the flat-six engine to 245hp. A third engine option of a 2.5L flat-four engine that produced 250hp was also introduced.
By 2008, the Subaru Legacy line that the first Outback was based on was discontinued by the brand.
4th Generation (2010 – 2014)
In an effort to make the Outback stand out in its category, Subaru dramatically increased its size for the fourth generation.
The Outback’s width grew by 3.6 inches, while 2.8 inches were added to the wheelbase. Although this created a roomy cabin, it made the car a bit more awkward and unstable to handle.
Luckily, the new turbo engine made up for it with more power when off-roading. By the end of this generation, manual transmission was no longer offered as an option.
5th Generation (2015 – 2019)
The fifth generation of Subaru Outbacks saw plenty of advanced technological upgrades.
The Subaru EyeSight, which has been around in Japan since the third generation, was adopted in all models during this time.
Apart from a new infotainment system, it came with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and more safety features.
Engines were also improved to lessen noise, especially when accelerating.
6th Generation (2020 – Present)
Similar to previous generations, the sixth generation of Subaru Outbacks saw an increase in size. But this time, it wasn’t just for the driver and cargo space, but also for the passengers as well.
For the most part, Subaru is sticking to what fans love most about the Outback with a few minimal improvements, especially when it comes to exterior and interior design.
Besides this, they’ve begun offering the option of a turbocharged flat-four-cylinder engine that enables the Outback to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Consumer/Expert Ratings for All Subaru Outback Years
| Subaru Outback Model Year | KBB Consumer Rating | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Car and Driver Rating | J.D. Power Consumer Rating |
| 2025 | 3.9/5 | 7.7/10 | 9/10 | 82/100 |
| 2024 | 3.9/5 | 7.7/10 | 9/10 | 82/100 |
| 2023 | 3.9/5 | 7.7/10 | 9/10 | 82/100 |
| 2022 | 3.9/5 | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | 79/100 |
| 2021 | 3.9/5 | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | 78/100 |
| 2020 | 3.9/5 | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | 78/100 |
| 2019 | 4.4/5 | 7.8/10 | 7/10 | 80/100 |
| 2018 | 4.4/5 | 7.9/10 | 7/10 | 80/100 |
| 2017 | 4.4/5 | 4/5 | 6/10 | 81/100 |
| 2016 | 4.4/5 | 4/5 | N/A | 80/100 |
| 2015 | 4.4/5 | 4/5 | N/A | 79/100 |
| 2014 | 4.2/5 | 4/5 | N/A | 80/100 |
| 2013 | 4.2/5 | 4/5 | N/A | 80/100 |
| 2012 | 4.2/5 | 4/5 | N/A | 82/100 |
| 2011 | 4.2/5 | 4/5 | N/A | 82/100 |
| 2010 | 4.2/5 | 4/5 | N/A | 82/100 |
| 2009 | 4.3/5 | 4/5 | N/A | 79/100 |
| 2008 | 4.3/5 | 4/5 | N/A | 78/100 |
| 2007 | 4.3/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2006 | 4.3/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2005 | 4.3/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2004 | 4.3/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2003 | 4.3/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2002 | 4.3/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2001 | 4.3/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2000 | 4.3/5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What is the best Subaru Outback Generation to buy?
Out of all six Subaru Outback generations, the third generation (2005-2009) is regarded as the best to buy. It has a structured build and large storage and passenger space, as well as a powerful 2.5L XT turbo engine.
The Outback’s third-generation appearance, which was redesigned to appear more structured, was a hit among consumers. Subaru also increased its size, making the storage and passenger space more spacious compared to its predecessors.
The vehicles of this generation were also equipped with an impressive 2.5L XT turbo engine that produces 250hp. This still performs really well by today’s standards.
How many miles will a Subaru Outback last?
A properly maintained Subaru Outback can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles. Based on this, the average driver who travels 15,000 miles per year can rely on their Subaru Outback for about 15 to 20 years.
What are the most similar competitors of the Subaru Outback?
The most similar competitors of the Subaru Outback are the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Toyota Highlander.
Similar to the Subaru Outback, all these vehicles fall under the midsize wagon SUV category.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
