Model research hub
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a nameplate since 1994 that was a Legacy-derived station wagon until 2025 and is now a mid-size crossover SUV. Federal data shows the 2019 with 1,033 complaints and the 2020 with the most recalls (6), 2024 with no recalls and 2 complaints, and the 2026 Outback starts at $36,445 and is rated 23 to 27 mpg combined.
What the Subaru Outback is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Outback as an automotive nameplate used by Subaru for a Legacy-derived station wagon from 1994, built in Ota, Japan and Lafayette, Indiana until 2025, classed as a mid-size car until 2025 and as a mid-size crossover SUV since. The 2026 Outback is all-wheel drive with a 2.4L or 2.5L four-cylinder, rated 23 to 27 mpg combined by the EPA, about $2,300 to $2,700 a year in fuel. Kelley Blue Book base prices are $36,445 for the Premium, $43,165 for the Limited, $46,445 for the Wilderness and $49,405 for the Touring XT.
Best and worst Outback model years
Federal complaint counts are unusually high for the fifth generation. The 2015 has 5 recalls and 509 complaints, the 2016 has 642, the 2017 has 917, the 2018 has 807, the 2019 has 1,033, the most of any year, and the 2020 has 6 recalls, the most, and 896 complaints. The 2021 has 296, the 2022 has 462, the 2023 has 89, and the 2024 has 2 with no recalls. Open the 2019 Outback and 2020 Outback pages.
CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says Consumer Reports does not think much of the reliability of the early years of one generation, so buyers should inspect carefully, though it has more durable engines than the first two generations. Car Smite (opens in a new tab) publishes lists for the second (2000 to 2004), third (2005 to 2009), fourth (2010 to 2014) and fifth (2015 to 2019) generations.
Choosing a year
Complaint counts are highest for 2015 to 2020 and fall sharply from 2023, though newer cars have had less time to collect reports. For a 2020 the recall list, covering the powertrain, backup camera, fuel system and brakes, is the one to check by VIN.
Questions buyers ask
Which Subaru Outback years have the most complaints?
Federal data shows the 2019 with 1,033, the 2017 with 917 and the 2020 with 896.
Is the Subaru Outback still a wagon?
Wikipedia classes it as a station wagon through 2025 and as a mid-size crossover SUV from 2025.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Subaru Outback is built around 2.5L flat-four or 2.4L turbo flat-four, rated at 182 / 260 horsepower across its midsize crossover body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 9 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2025 Subaru Outback is published to tow is 2,700 / 3,500 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 80 owner complaints for the 2025 Outback.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Outback uses standard all-wheel drive and divides into 182-horsepower 2.5-liter and 260-horsepower turbo XT/Wilderness branches.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Subaru Outback model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Subaru Outback | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Subaru Outback | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Subaru Outback | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Subaru Outback.
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback in some markets), and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport. Most versions of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
- Safety
- Based on the fifth generation Legacy, the fourth generation Subaru Outback was introduced in April 2009 at the New York Auto Show, the fifteenth anniversary of the first Outback's introduction at the same event. The Outback was introduced in Japan on May 20, 2009. The "Legacy" prefix has been dropped internationally.
- Design
- The seventh-generation Outback transitioned to a crossover SUV compared to the raised station wagon of its predecessor with a boxier shape, taller roofline, increased use of exterior body cladding, and its platform is not shared with a sedan car (with the discontinuation of the Legacy in 2025).
- Interior
- Inside, there is a 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with four configurable views, a cloud-based voice assistant system, physical buttons and knobs are used for HVAC system instead of touchscreen-based controls, and the X-Mode system is operated via a button on the steering wheel.
- Engines
- The base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder making 180 hp (134 kW; 182 PS) and 178 lb⋅ft of torque, while the XT and Wilderness trims continue with a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder (XT) delivering 260 hp (194 kW; 264 PS) and 277 lb⋅ft.
Source: Subaru Outback (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Subaru Outback at a glance
- Production
- 1994–present
- Model years
- 1995–present
- Assembly
- Japan: Ota, Gunma, United States: Lafayette, Indiana (Lafayette Plant, 1999–2025)
- Class
- Mid-size car (D) (1994–2025), Mid-size crossover SUV (2025–present)
- Body style
- 5-door station wagon (1994–2025), 5-door SUV (2025–present)
- Also called
- Subaru Legacy Outback
NHTSA rated the 2025 Subaru Outback overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)
- November 2023, Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch. Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail. Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- September 2023, Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft. Consequence: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 81 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Subaru Outback, most often about forward collision avoidance (20), unknown or other (18), lane departure (14).
Year by year
The Subaru Outback across 10 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Subaru Outback | 23–27 | $2,400–$2,800 | 3 | |||
| 2026 Subaru Outback | 23–27 | $2,300–$2,700 | 3 | |||
| 2025 Subaru Outback | 23–28 | $2,250–$2,700 | 3 | 75 | 5 stars | |
| 2024 Subaru Outback | 23–28 | $2,250–$2,700 | 3 | 2 | 5 stars | |
| 2023 Subaru Outback | 23–28 | $2,250–$2,700 | 3 | 2 | 89 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | 24–29 | $2,150–$2,600 | 3 | 4 | 462 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Subaru Outback | 26–29 | $2,150–$2,400 | 2 | 4 | 296 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Subaru Outback | 26–29 | $2,150–$2,400 | 2 | 6 | 896 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Subaru Outback | 22–28 | $2,250–$2,850 | 2 | 3 | 1,033 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Subaru Outback | 22–28 | $2,250–$2,850 | 2 | 3 | 807 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Subaru Outback, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 25.5 to 25.0 | |||
| 2022 to 2023 | 26.5 to 25.5 | |||
| 2021 to 2022 | 2 to 3 | 27.5 to 26.5 | Labels: Outback Wilderness AWD | |
| 2019 to 2020 | 25.0 to 27.5 | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI, 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S8) | Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl; Transmissions: Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (AV-S7) |
Buying used
What the Subaru Outback recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | power train (driveline); power train (automatic transmission) | None |
| 2022 | 4 | engine and engine cooling; visibility (windshield); power train (automatic transmission); 1 more | None |
| 2021 | 4 | power train (shift linkage/cable/rod); power train (automatic transmission); air bags (sensor) | None |
| 2020 | 6 | service brakes, hydraulic (pedals and linkages); back over prevention (display function); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); 2 more | None |
| 2019 | 3 | structure; fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| 2018 | 3 | electrical system (software); visibility (rearview mirrors/devices); fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| visibility/wiper | 1,241 | 34% | 2019 (326) |
| electrical system | 1,041 | 28% | 2019 (363) |
| unknown or other | 698 | 19% | 2019 (204) |
| visibility | 200 | 5% | 2020 (70) |
| forward collision avoidance | 178 | 5% | 2020 (49) |
| engine | 171 | 5% | 2020 (48) |
| Model year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2022 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2021 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2020 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2019 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Subaru Outback trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 180 | 178 | 3,741 | – | 27 | $36,445 |
| Limited | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 180 | 178 | 3,799 | – | 27 | $43,165 |
| Limited XT | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 260 | 277 | 3,968 | – | 24 | $45,815 |
| Wilderness | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 260 | 277 | 3,973 | – | 23 | $46,445 |
| Touring | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 180 | 178 | 3,812 | – | 27 | $46,845 |
| Touring XT | AWD | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 260 | 277 | 3,982 | – | 24 | $49,405 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Subaru Outback model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 180–260 | 3,741–3,982 | – | 18 |
| 2025 | 9 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 182–260 | 3,641–3,946 | 2,700–3,500 | 18.5 |
| 2024 | 9 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 182–260 | 3,641–3,946 | 2,700–3,500 | 18.5 |
| 2023 | 9 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 182–260 | 3,641–3,946 | 2,700–3,500 | 18.5 |
| 2022 | 8 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 182–260 | 3,637–3,937 | 2,700–3,500 | 18.5 |
| 2021 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 182–260 | 3,635–3,937 | 2,700–3,500 | 18.5 |
| 2020 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 182–260 | 3,634–3,937 | 2,700–3,500 | 18.5 |
| 2019 | 6 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder / 3.6-liter 6-cylinder | 174–256 | 3,624–3,902 | 2,700 | 18.5 |
| 2018 | 6 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (PZEV) / 3.6-liter 6-cylinder | 175–256 | 3,580–3,856 | 2,700 | 18.5 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Subaru Outback.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2025 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2024 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2023 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2022 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2021 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2020 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Subaru Outback: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 75 | ||
| 2024 | 2 | ||
| 2023 | 2 | 89 | powertrain |
| 2022 | 4 | 462 | engine cooling, visibility/wipers, powertrain, airbags |
| 2021 | 4 | 296 | powertrain, airbags |
| 2020 | 6 | 896 | powertrain, backup camera, fuel system, brakes |
| 2019 | 3 | 1033 | fuel system, structure |
| 2018 | 3 | 807 | visibility/wipers, electrical system, fuel system |
| 2017 | 4 | 917 | steering, airbags, suspension |
| 2016 | 4 | 642 | powertrain, airbags, steering |
| 2015 | 5 | 509 | stability control, trailer hitch, powertrain, steering |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Subaru Outback?
Federal recall records don't single out a best Subaru Outback model year: recall counts across the 9 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about 3.9 recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Subaru Outback by model year?
2023: powertrain. 2022: engine cooling, visibility/wipers, powertrain, airbags. 2021: powertrain, airbags. 2020: powertrain, backup camera, fuel system, brakes. 2019: fuel system, structure. 2018: visibility/wipers, electrical system, fuel system.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Brakes, tires and steering, Buying, records and recalls, Transmission and drivetrain, Climate and electrical, Engine and cooling.
Compared with
Models this Subaru Outback is most often compared with.
Nearest Subaru models
Other Subaru models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Outback come in?
The 2025 Subaru Outback (midsize crossover) comes in 9 trims: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring XT.
Q02What are the 2025 Outback trims?
The 2025 Subaru Outback trims are Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring XT, listed from the entry Base up to the top Touring XT.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Outback use?
The 2025 Subaru Outback is built around 2.5L flat-four or 2.4L turbo flat-four, rated at 182 / 260 horsepower across its midsize crossover body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Outback have?
The 2025 Subaru Outback is rated at 182 / 260 horsepower (2.5L flat-four or 2.4L turbo flat-four).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Outback?
The 2025 Subaru Outback is offered with Standard AWD.