Subaru Outback

Year

See photo gallery

3 photos

The Car Guide rating 4.0/5 80% Detailed ratings

Price $28,495 – $39,995 Payments

Fuel consumption 6.5 – 11.8 L/100km

Compare Used vehicles

Specifications

This year brings several updates for the Outback, inside and out. These improvements help make the SUV’s styling more consistent. The 3.6L H6 engine is back once again with 256 horsepower. The model with the 2.5L 4-cylinder boxer has had its valve timing adjusted for improved torque at low revs. Meanwhile, the EyeSight driver assistance system can be ordered for the Limited.

Tests and Features

All Subaru Outback reviews

2026 Subaru Outback: The Wagon That Finally Embraces Its SUV Soul

First Drives

Sedona, Arizona— For thirty years, the Subaru Outback has bridged the gap between car and SUV—a formula the Japanese brand has mastered to perfection. So much so, in fact, that the model’s success pushed the Legacy sedan it was once based on into retirement earlier this year. As for the …November 20, 2025

2026 Subaru Outback: Five Things to Know

Previews

One of the highlights of the 2025 New York Auto Show last month was undoubtedly the debut of the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback , marking the seventh generation of the high-riding Japanese wagon. Now more of a traditional SUV, it features a boxier and more rugged-looking exterior that certainly won't …May 9, 2025

7 Cars and Trucks That Only Exist in an Alternative Universe

Galleries

Do automakers sometimes lack imagination? Are they really offering the vehicles consumers want and need? We at The Car Guide often ask ourselves these kinds of questions. And we're not alone. Many digital artists and illustrators have fun imagining what certain models would look like in some other configuration or …May 7, 2025

10 Vehicles That Are More American Than You May Think

Top 10

Because of the trade war unleashed by U.S. President Donald Trump, many Canadians have chosen to avoid buying products that come from south of the border. And with Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to impose similar counter-tariffs on vehicles imported from the U.S., which are expected to lead to price …April 12, 2025

10 New Vehicles With the Best Value for 2025

Top 10

The last few years have not been kind to middle-class motorists. New-vehicle ownership costs have skyrocketed, and automakers have abandoned many small cars in favour of bigger, more expensive and more profitable SUVs and trucks. Clearly, the automobile is becoming a luxury item. Still, there are some pretty good deals …November 30, 2024

The Car Guide’s Most Award-Winning Vehicles Since 2020

Top 10

July 6, 2024

2023 Subaru Outback Onyx: Meet the Out-Black

Test Drives

The refreshed 2023 Subaru Outback builds on a winning recipe that has earned the Japanese crossover multiple Best Buy awards from The Car Guide in the midsize SUV segment. A few styling revisions, enhanced EyeSight safety system and some new technologies are in store. Also, because every other manufacturer is …December 15, 2022

The Best SUVs in Canada for 2023: Here Are Our Picks

Features and Tips

SUVs are all over the marketplace, which is great news if you like selection. But which ones are the best? More appropriately: which one is right for you? The answer depends on a bunch of factors, of course—how many people and how much cargo you need to haul, how frequently …December 12, 2022

2023 Subaru Outback: Part of the Family

First Drives

Subaru introduced the sixth-gen Outback for 2020, so a mid-cycle update is in store for the 2023 model year. Nothing major, mind you, as we discovered during a recent test drive around Muskoka, Ontario. In fact, only a keen eye will be able to tell the refreshed Outback apart from …October 11, 2022

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Long Live Adventure

Test Drives

It’s one thing for a company to promote itself as “adventure-driven” or ready to take on anything, and completely another to make that the living, breathing essence of your entire lineup and brand just as Subaru has done over the years. More than anything, Subaru sells a lifestyle. They sell …May 3, 2022

Top 10 Best SUVs for Off-Road Enthusiasts

Top 10

April 29, 2022

10 Good Used Vehicles From 2016

Pre-owned vehicles

If your budget is only compatible with five or six year-old vehicles, you obviously won’t be able to take advantage of the initial manufacturer’s warranty (unless, for example, you opt for a Mitsubishi model that has a drivetrain coverage of 10 years or 160,000 km). For that reason, choosing a …April 26, 2022

News

All Subaru Outback news

2026 Subaru Outback Simplifies Lineup But Costs Way More

News

The next-generation 2026 Subaru Outback , unveiled last April at the New York Auto Show, isn’t the high-riding wagon we used to know and moves closer to a proper SUV. It's now on sale in Canada, and let's just say that prices have changed a lot, too. Three of the …October 23, 2025

Subaru Canada to Rely Less on U.S.-Built Vehicles Moving Forward

News

Subaru Canada is about to make adjustments to where it sources its vehicles in the wake of the 25-percent counter-tariffs on U.S.-built vehicles that came in retaliation for similar tariffs announced by the Trump administration on foreign-made automobiles. Based on comments made by president and CEO Tomohiro Kubota, Automotive News …April 23, 2025

Redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback is Larger and More SUV Than Ever

New Models

Subaru today revealed the all-new, seventh-generation 2026 Outback at the New York International Auto Show. Even the company is calling it an SUV now. Let’s start with the design. The Outback 's silhouette is taller, beefier and more rugged than before, significantly distancing the model from its wagon-like predecessors. The …April 16, 2025

2026 Subaru Outback to Be Revealed Soon, Here’s What to Expect

News

Following the Crosstrek (2024) and Forester (2025), Subaru is preparing to introduce an all-new Outback for the 2026 model year. The debut will take place on April 16 at the New York Auto Show, and The Car Guide will be on hand to cover the event. What you see above …April 10, 2025

The Best Midsize SUVs in 2025

News

Looking at all the entry-level midsize SUVs available on the market, the team at The Car Guide has identified the three models that represent the best buys for 2025 . We're talking about SUVs aimed at families looking for more space than in a compact model but not necessarily with …March 25, 2025

Next-Gen Subaru Outback Looks Like True SUV in Spy Shots

News

The evolution of the Subaru Outback from a conventional wagon to a proper SUV will continue with the next generation, which is expected to debut for the 2026 model year. The current Outback (2020-present) and the previous generation could both be described as crossovers. In fact, when debating our annual …November 4, 2024

The Best Midsize SUVs in 2024

News

The team at The Car Guide has analyzed all the various midsize SUVs available in Canada and identified the best buys for 2024. As you know, midsize SUVs come in two different packages—those offering just two rows of seats and those with three. In the former category, our top three …April 1, 2024

We Asked ChatGPT About the Best Cars and Here Were the Answers

News

Artificial intelligence is a pretty hot topic right now, and Open AI’s ChatGPT platform is right at the centre of it. Much has been said about its impressive abilities and potential—both good and bad. Spreading misinformation and fake news isn’t what we’d call “intelligent.” How car-savvy is this robot and …April 20, 2023

The Best Midsize SUVs of 2023

News

Two-row midsize SUVs are family-oriented vehicles that can accommodate up to five people and a fair share of cargo. Which one is the best money can buy? The Car Guide has gathered its team of experts to identify the top three midsize SUVs on the market in 2023. Check them …January 30, 2023

Subaru and Parks Canada Want You to Discover Canada’s Wilderness

News

Once again this year, Subaru is throwing a bone to new Outback Wilderness and Forester Wilderness customers. Just like last year, individuals and families who purchase either vehicle will receive a complimentary Parks Canada Family/Group Discovery Pass. The Discovery Passe grants access to more than 80 national parks across Canada, …July 6, 2022

Top 10 Highlights From 2022 New York Auto Show

Galleries

April 15, 2022

2023 Subaru Outback Looks Tougher, Enhances Safety and Connectivity

New York

Subaru today debuted the refreshed and improved 2023 Outback at the New York Auto Show . All Outback models except the recently launched Wilderness sport a bold new front end with a larger grille, redesigned LED headlights and fog lights, plus a more rugged-looking bumper cover. The most striking change, …April 13, 2022

Videos

All Subaru Outback videos

[TEST DRIVE] 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness

Video Reviews

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness : first images

Clips

Motoring TV 2000 Episode 2

Episodes

Subaru's 2000 Legacy and Outback Honda S2000 1999 Saturn SC2 Ford Cobra recalled due to HP deficit tire rotation Z Fest choosing and installing the proper wiper Jim Kenzie on misuse of word "accident".

Motoring TV 2000 Episode 9

Episodes

Restoring old cars 2000 Subaru Outback 2000 Hyundai Accent Mercedes M-Class crash test cleaning HVAC system BMW Z8 James Bond's car mass airflow sensor why do car makers continue to confuse consumers?

Motoring TV 2001 Episode 6

2001

2001 Porsche 911 Tubro 2001 Subaru Outback radiator is key to vehicle performance new Mini maintaining convertible top when to replace your timing belt SUV's and tires - the sequel by Jim Kenzie.

Motoring TV 2004 Episode 19

Episodes

Subaru Legacy Subaru Outback 2004 Smart Car Chrysler ME412 concept so you want to be a mechanic! Mustang celebrates 40 years.

Motoring TV: Wagon of the Year for 2017

Motoring TV

Motoring TV recently held it's 1 hour Car of the Year Special on the TSN network where we picked the best in class for 2017. Here are the nominees and winner in the Wagon category. (This segment originally appeared on Motoring TV 2017 episode #6) …

2012 Subaru Outback

Video Reviews

Our review of the 2012 Subaru Outback

The Car Guide rating 80%

Pros

N/A

Cons

N/A

Driving	7/10
Safety	9/10
Interior	7/10
Reliability	8/10
Winter driving	9/10
Comfort	8/10

What's new in 2013

Updated front grille; new 17 inch rims, improved 4 cylinder engine and CVT; EyeSight system availability; new interior upholstery, more efficient GPS navigation system.

Competitors

Recalls

Label
August 15, 2024
Airbag
January 2, 2020
Electrical
April 18, 2019
Airbag
January 10, 2019
Brakes
September 14, 2018
Accessories
May 15, 2015
Steering
May 13, 2013
Accessories
February 25, 2013