Outback
The wagon that out-SUVs the SUVs — if you buy the right generation.
The Outback is Subaru's best-seller for a reason: 8.7" of ground clearance, standard symmetrical AWD, and a wagon shape that swallows gear without the rollover-prone CG of a true SUV. But it's also the model with the most generation-to-generation variance in reliability — the BT (2020+) brought the head-gasket-free FA24/FB25 and the much-debated 11.6" tablet, while older BR/BS cars are EJ25 timing-belt territory. This hub is the canonical buyer's guide.
Who This Car Is For
Outdoor families who need 4 dogs and a kayak in the cargo bay, snowbelt commuters who refuse a body-on-frame SUV, and used-car buyers triangulating reliability between generations.
Overview & Driving Impressions
Born in 1995 as a tarted-up Legacy wagon with a TV ad starring Crocodile Dundee, the Outback turned into the default vehicle for anyone who lives at altitude or off the pavement. Six generations later it's still essentially a lifted wagon — Subaru calls it an SUV in marketing, but the chassis is unibody Legacy and the driving dynamics show it (in a good way). The current 6th-gen BT (2020+) added the FA24DIT turbo XT trim, replacing the long-mourned 3.6R H6, and moved to a portrait-oriented 11.6" infotainment screen that owners either love or want to throw out the window. NHTSA recall data shows the Outback ranks in the top 5 for total Subaru recalls — mostly EyeSight reprograms and the long-running CVT chain campaign.
Quick Stats
| Trim | Trans. | Key Hardware | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outback (Base) — MY24 | CVT | 182 hp FB25, 11.6" STARLINK, EyeSight standard | $29,995 |
| Outback Premium — MY24 | CVT | Heated seats, power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring | $32,295 |
| Outback Limited — MY24 | CVT | Leather, NAV, Harman Kardon, reverse auto-braking | $36,795 |
| Outback Onyx Edition XT — MY24 | CVT (turbo) | 260 hp FA24DIT, water-repellent StarTex, dual-function X-MODE | $39,295 |
| Outback Wilderness — MY24 | CVT (turbo) | 9.5" clearance, Yokohama Geolandar A/Ts, full skid plates, 3,500 lb tow | $41,945 |
| Outback Touring XT — MY24 | CVT (turbo) | Nappa leather, ventilated seats, 11-speaker HK, hands-free liftgate | $43,295 |
Historical pricing — 2024 model year, BT-generation Outback. Source: Subaru U.S. Media Center 2024 Outback pricing release (destination $1,345 included). Subaru revises MSRPs each model year and the 2025 mid-cycle refresh introduced its own pricing; check subaru.com or a dealer for the current window sticker before quoting.
Pick Your Trim in 90 Seconds
The Snowbelt Commuter
Base / Premium CVT- ▸Standard symmetrical AWD with X-MODE handles unplowed roads better than most CUVs costing $10k more.
- ▸Heated seats and steering wheel come on Premium — skip the Limited tax if you don't need leather.
- ▸8.7" clearance clears unplowed driveways without scraping the front bumper.
Family Roadtripper
Limited / Touring XT- ▸75.7 cu ft cargo with rear seats down — fits a Thule cargo box or two adult mountain bikes.
- ▸Touring XT's 260 hp turbo erases the FB25's anemic passing power in mountains.
- ▸Reverse automatic braking on Limited+ pays for itself in one parking-lot near-miss.
Overland Curious / Light-Duty Off-Roader
Wilderness- ▸9.5" of ground clearance, 36.8°/30°/23° approach/breakover/departure angles.
- ▸Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires from the factory — one less aftermarket purchase.
- ▸Ladder frame? No. But re-geared 4.44 final drive + dual-function X-MODE handles fire roads, light snow trails, and sand.
Used-Car Value Hunter
2015–2019 BS Limited- ▸FB25 + Lineartronic CVT had the chain-belt issue addressed via 16V-643 warranty extension — verify the extension is on file.
- ▸Pre-portrait infotainment, so no tablet-reboot frustrations.
- ▸Avoid 2010–2012 EJ25-equipped cars unless head gaskets are already done.
Quick Links
Cross-Shopping?
Here's how the Outback stacks up.
vs Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid / Prime)
Better fuel economy, better resale, better infotainment reliability. The Outback wins on cargo length, ground clearance, and standard AWD that actually works in deep snow without the RAV4's fwd-biased on-demand system.
vs Honda CR-V Hybrid
Smoother powertrain, more refined cabin. The CR-V loses on ground clearance (8.2" vs 8.7") and on bad-weather composure. Outback is the snowbelt pick; CR-V is the suburb pick.
vs Volvo V60 Cross Country
Prettier inside, T8 plug-in is genuinely fast. But $15k+ more, and Volvo's electronics-out-of-warranty bills will haunt you. Outback is the rational choice.
vs Crosstrek Wilderness
Same Wilderness ethos, smaller footprint, lower payload. Choose Crosstrek if you're solo and the Outback feels too big; choose Outback if you ever carry a passenger and gear.