Top Picks: The Best Years for Subaru Outback Models Ranked for Reliability and Value

Seeking the best years for Subaru Outback? Whether you’re planning to buy or just interested in the model’s history, this article guides you through the standout years for reliability and value. Without dwelling on every detail, we pinpoint which models are crowd favorites and why, prepping you for the in-depth reviews that follow. So, let’s dive into the “best years for Subaru Outback” journey.

Subaru Outback – Is it a Good Choice for a Used Car?

• The Subaru Outback is renowned for its reliability, safety, and all-wheel drive capability, with certain model years like 2016, 2017, 2014, 2007, and 2001 standing out for their performance and value.
• Common issues with the Subaru Outback include problems with the airbag, accelerator pedal, cooling system, and recalls, but updates like the 2015 CVT transmission improvements have resolved some past problems.
• When buying a Subaru Outback, it’s important to select models from the best-performing years, consider the vehicle’s mileage, inspect for signs of wear, and evaluate maintenance to ensure value and longevity.

 

Analyzing the Subaru Outback’s Performance Over the Years

The Subaru Outback’s reputation for reliability and versatility is not accidental. Over the years, it has consistently met the needs of varying lifestyles, making it a preferred choice for many drivers. The Outback’s key features include:

• High-mileage capability, a testament to its durability
• Five-door setup with ample cargo space
• Commitment to safety features
• Standard all-wheel drive

These features make the Subaru Outback a winning choice for families and adventure seekers alike.

The Outback’s fuel efficiency is also commendable. The four-cylinder Subaru Outback achieves approximately 31 to 33 miles per gallon on the highway when fully loaded. This, combined with its other features, makes it a trustworthy companion for those long road trips and daily city rides.

Now, let’s delve into how the Outback has performed over the years.

First Generation (1995-1999)

The first-generation Subaru Outback debuted as the Subaru Legacy Wagon in 1994. With its flat roof, two-toned body with plastic bumpers, and wide windows, it was marketed as a sport-utility wagon. This rugged yet practical design struck a chord with drivers, setting the stage for the Outback’s future success.

The early success of the Outback was evident in its sales. More than 20,000 units were sold during its first generation, emphasizing its popularity in the market. These glory years, spanning from 1994 to 1999, laid the foundation for the vehicle’s significant impact and popularity.

 

Second Generation (2000-2004)

The second generation of the Subaru Outback, launching in the year 2000, showcased notable improvements in design and mechanics compared to its predecessors. This generation saw a refinement of the vehicle’s aesthetic and functional elements, taking the Outback’s versatility and appeal to a new level.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Overheating issues have been noted for a wider range of models spanning from 2000 to 2018. This suggests that some of the early second-generation models may have been affected by these problems.

Despite these challenges, the second generation marked a significant step forward in the Outback’s evolution, thanks to technological advances.

 

Third Generation (2005-2009)

In 2005, the third-generation Subaru Outback made its grand entrance with state-of-the-art features for its era. Enhanced safety measures, spacious interiors, varied engine choices, and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system all contributed to its appeal.

 

 

However, the third generation wasn’t without its share of setbacks. Issues included gas pedal problems in the 2006 model and a significant recall in 2014. However, the 2008 and 2009 models proved to be less problematic than the 2005 edition, demonstrating Subaru’s commitment to improving and refining their vehicles.

 

Fourth Generation (2010-2014)

With the dawn of the fourth generation, particularly the 2014 model, the Subaru Outback witnessed significant technological enhancements. These improvements were not only focused on improving the vehicle’s aesthetics but also its comfort and functionality. This generation marked a turning point where the Outback started to lean more towards being a comfortable, family-friendly vehicle without compromising its rugged appeal.

In terms of performance, the 2014 Subaru Outback was equipped with a dependable all-wheel-drive system that provided full traction in challenging conditions, such as snow. For interior comfort and utility, the 2014 Outback offered a spacious cabin and significant cargo-hauling ability, with added advantages in modest towing capabilities. These features solidified the Outback’s position as a vehicle that could handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures with ease.

 

Fifth Generation (2015-2019)

The fifth generation, which spanned from 2015 to 2019, saw the 2016 model excel in safety, reliability, and performance. This excellence was officially recognized when the 2016 Subaru Outback became the recipient of the ‘2016 Best Wagon for Families’ award and was also a finalist for the ‘2016 Best Wagon for the Money.’

Key features contributing to the 2016 Outback’s success included:

• Spacious cabin and cargo area
• Standard all-wheel drive
• High safety and reliability scores
• Choice between a base four-cylinder engine and a more robust six-cylinder option
• Continuously variable automatic transmission for enhanced performance.

Praised for its comfortable long-distance ride, the 2016 Subaru Outback also stood out for its reliable performance and efficient fuel economy.

 

Sixth Generation (2020-2024)

The latest generation of Subaru Outbacks introduced modern accommodations such as Subaru EyeSight, StarLink, and an 11.6-inch touchscreen. These features brought the Outback in line with other contemporary vehicles, providing drivers with a blend of traditional reliability and modern convenience.

 

 

However, the sixth-generation Subaru Outback models faced safety concerns regarding unintended acceleration. Nevertheless, the standard all-wheel drive continued to provide enhanced driving capability, especially in adverse weather conditions.

 

Top 5 Subaru Outback Years Ranked

Over the years, certain Subaru Outback models have stood out for their exceptional reliability and value. Among these, the top five Outback years are:

• 2016
• 2017
• 2014
• 2007
• 2001

Let’s delve into what makes these years special.

 

Best Year: 2016

The 2016 Subaru Outback takes the crown as the best year, known for its enhanced reliability and performance. This marked a significant positive shift from the mechanical issues and factory defects more frequently encountered in the 2013-2015 models.

 

Runner-Up: 2017

The 2017 Subaru Outback stands tall as a close second in our rankings, thanks to its focus on enhanced safety technology and a luxurious interior. With the addition of reverse automatic braking and automatic high beams to its EyeSight suite of driver assistance technologies, the 2017 Outback raised the bar for safety in Subaru vehicles.

 

Solid Choice: 2014

The 2014 Subaru Outback is a solid choice, offering:

• a spacious cargo area
• high reliability rating
• reclining rear seatbacks
• a high-quality interior design

Its cabin comfort was enhanced with high quality materials and safety features, including an improved electrical system, an image gallery, and a table undo redo drafts system for easy document management.

This combination of comfort and reliability makes the 2014 Outback a solid choice for families and adventurers alike.

 

Reliable Option: 2007

The 2007 Subaru Outback is not only a reliable car but also a reliable vehicle, with a strong all-wheel-drive system and dynamic driving experience. Its effective all-wheel-drive system was a key strength, enhancing its reliability and performance.

However, its interior space was less than what competing models offered, making it a more suitable choice for those valuing performance over space.

 

Classic Pick: 2001

The 2001 Subaru Outback is a classic pick, praised for its:

• Sturdy design
• All-wheel-drive capabilities
• Sophisticated all-wheel drive system
• Well-engineered suspension

It provides enhanced traction and handling in various driving conditions.

Its strong reputation in regions with adverse weather conditions, along with its unique blend of car-like handling and SUV-like capabilities, makes the 2001 Outback a timeless classic.

 

Common Issues and Recalls for Subaru Outbacks

While the Subaru Outback has a strong reputation for reliability and versatility, it’s not without its share of issues and recalls. Some models experienced problems with the airbag, accelerator pedal, and cooling system.

For instance, the 2020-2022 Outback years and Legacy models were recalled due to a sensor issue that could prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying. Additionally, the 2003 Outback faced a recall concerning the potential for the airbag inflator to explode.

Other reported problems with the used car include:

• The accelerator pedal becoming unresponsive in 2004
• Cooling system issues, possibly related to the head gasket issues
• Defective piston rings leading to oil leaks
• Premature headlight burnouts

The 2015 models addressed previous CVT issues by updating the cvt transmissions with lower reverse gearing, which resolved the stalling problem present in earlier models.

Despite these issues, the Subaru Outback remains a popular choice for its overall reliability and performance.

 

Tips for Buying a Subaru Outback

When buying a Subaru Outback, it’s crucial to choose models from years with minimal problems. Specifically, avoiding the 2013 model year would be a wise choice. Additionally, ensure the vehicle’s mileage is reasonable. Subaru Outbacks with under 150,000 miles could potentially last another five years or more, providing you with excellent value for your investment.

It’s also important to check for signs of excessive wear, such as examining the wear on all tires. While a used Subaru Outback can be quite affordable, it can still require costly maintenance if it has been neglected by its previous owner.

Therefore, a thorough inspection of the all-wheel-drive system, including checking for uneven wear on all tires, is crucial as this can lead to issues with the system and might necessitate replacing all four tires.

 

Comparing Subaru Outback to Other Midsize SUVs

When compared to other midsize SUVs, the Subaru Outback holds its ground quite well. The 2024 Subaru Outback, for instance, tends to have a lower starting MSRP compared to the 2024 Ford Explorer. This makes the Outback a more budget-friendly option for those in the market for a reliable midsize SUV.

The Subaru Outback also outperforms many competitors in terms of consumer ratings, indicating better overall satisfaction among its owners. Owners of the Subaru Outback rated the vehicle highly for comfort, giving it an average score of 8.0. It also received a high wildcard rating of 8.5, further attesting to its overall appeal and satisfaction among owners.

 

Summary

In conclusion, the Subaru Outback proves to be a reliable and versatile vehicle that has served different lifestyles over the years. With its commendable performance across generations, strong consumer ratings, and better overall satisfaction among owners, it’s a vehicle that offers great value for its price. Whether you’re looking for a used Subaru Outback or considering buying a new one, knowing vehicle history, common issues, and standout years can help you make an informed decision.