The 2020 Subaru Outback lasts around 250,000 miles with relatively minor battery drain and windshield issues reported. At $24,000 to $39,000, it’s expensive, but worth the money for a dependable SUV that’s great in the snow and light off-roading.
The Good
The seats are very comfortable, the all-wheel drive system works great and it has a ton of safety technology.
The Bad
The suspension is bumpier than other SUVs, the climate control system is hard to use and the base engine is weak.
Is the 2020 Subaru Outback a Good Used SUV?
Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Subaru Outback since it’s a very safe choice with low ownership costs. Owner reviews praise the all-wheel drive system, passenger room, along with the strong turbocharged motor.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for an SUV, the seats are supportive, cargo space is a bit lower than other midsize SUVs though.
Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread mechanical issues on the 2020 Outback. Avoid models from 2013–2015 since they have engine problems. 2016–2022 are more dependable choices.
Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay with the base engine while the turbocharged motor is reasonably quick.
Safety 10/10 – The 2020 Subaru Outback is a very safe SUV earning 5-stars in government crash tests. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, along with a rearview camera. Upgrades include driver distraction monitoring.
Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 29 MPG, giving 536 miles of range out of the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $56 cheaper than average at $152 per month.
Value 8/10 – The 2020 Subaru Outback is more expensive than other midsize SUVs, although slow depreciation makes it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Jennifer S
The Subaru outback- everything you need and more.
This is our 3rd Subaru outback. It is a great utilitarian vehicle. Very reliable and the 2020 is definitely more comfortable since they added passenger side electric seat adjustment. We are still getting to know this model but so far we love it. The main display is big. I would prefer if the a/c controls were actual dials as they were before instead of touch screen buttons as I find it difficult to actually hit the right spot without taking my eyes off the road. I love that it keeps reminds me to keep my eyes road with a warning when looking away too long.
Akasha E
Highly recommend: best first car purchase!
My husband and I recently purchased a 2020 Subaru outback as our first car together. We loved the safety features and they truly are amazing. We love the performance of our car and we can really feel it hugging the road. We've only encountered some issues that apparently a lot of other Subaru owners have too. For instance our speakers gave us a high pitched noise and then stopped working for the rest of our drive. The next day they worked perfectly as if nothing had ever happened. Additionally at night our headlights seem very bright to other drivers and we have been flashed by other drivers. This can become uncomfortable when driving at night and it is something to keep in mind when choosing a Subaru. We love the outback because of the generous amount of storage space. We were able to go camping with all of our gear and everything fit perfectly. I would highly recommend a Subaru to anyone considering leasing or purchasing a car!
Marilyne B
I love my all wheel drive Subaru .
To begin with my Subaru has no problems my Subaru is so safe to drive. It almost can drive itself. It has all the newest features for safety.. Heads up display, auto braking, it has a lot of space for cargo and passengers. You can even put a tent on top which is made by Subaru.
Kris V
2020 outback is a great car, great value.
Love this car! Great performance and very comfortable ride and cabin. The turbo motor has good speed and decent mpg. Large cargo space. The touch screen is large and easy to read but a bit slow and over engineered. Overall it is a beautiful car, and I would buy it again.
Michelle W
2020 outback onyx edition.
I have fallen in love with my outback and will never buy anything but a Subaru from here on out. It is so comfortable and spacious inside. The reclining seats in the back make my kids very happy. The lumbar support and heated front seats are so comfy. The way that it performs, especially on the highway is a gift from the heavens. It gets amazing gas mileage when on the interstate and moving. Even in stop and go traffic it's much better than the rest of the cars I have driven. I love the fact that it has such a smart driving assistance program that makes driving long drives a breeze. The automatic steering and cruise control are amazingly accurate. Last but not least safety!
harlan H
Subaru is for comfort and. Safety is very important to me and my passengers.
I like its performance, comfort, safety, and I like all the features. The car is great for driving long distance and camping, it has four wheel drive, and I like the room it has for a SUV. The car has bike ramp, and I can carry five people, and it is durable, and has a nice feel to it, for the radio and sound system.
Amber A
It is a very nice looking car. The color makes it through.
The outback is fantastic. There are many safety features, a good amount of space, nice sound system, equipped with starlink for roadside assistance anywhere. The backup camera is a good size. It has more features than a car needs and I do not know what half of them do but it is a smooth great ride.
Angela M
Safe and comfort the 2 most important features for a car and this one has both.
My car feels safe and reliable to drive. I love the anti collision feature that makes me feel even more safe when driving with my family. Car is extremely comfortable to drive and has great trunk space. The drop down feature for the backseat is very convenient and easy to use. I get great mileage on my car.
Negative Owner Reviews
Tiffany Olsen
Worst gas mileage. 10+ mpg less then what they claim
Had to take my month old 2020 outback onyx xt into shop today. Infotainment system is failing and gas mileage is absolutely terrible. Getting 20 mpg for highway and 18 for no traffic city driving. I hope they can fix the issue because I love this car but I would have never bought it if I knew it got such terrible mpg.
Beth Marszalek
Horrible Car - Don’t Buy One!
We have owned a 2020 Subaru Outback Touring for 13 months. We don’t get anywhere near the MPG that it’s rated at. The center screen has been nothing but problems. It drops or won’t recognize my iPhone or my husband’s android phone. The radio sometimes just stops working for no reason. The screen will also go blank and won’t turn back on. The icons on the screen won’t work. Our newest issue is the speakers from the front seat and the dash decided not to work on the latest road trip. The dealer can’t replicate the issues that we’ve been having and have told me that it’s “operator error” and I need to sit with my salesperson to learn how to operate the vehicle. The dealer is 45 minutes away, so it’s not very convenient to go over there when there is an issue. We will not be keeping this vehicle for too much longer. This is our 2nd Outback. We loved the 1st one. We will never buy another Subaru again. ☹️ Wish I could give a zero or negative star rating.
Molli Young
Will my screen work today?
I’m constantly having problems with the screen go off. Also the dash lights up off and on saying things like the eye sight is not working and basically every other alert like comes on like I’m not going to be able to break or my car is going to die on the side of the road, I had a GMC Terrian with over 100,000 miles and never had a problem. I wish I wouldn’t have upgraded to this Subaru. I would love my old car back right now. It’s not like I bought a basic model either. $$$$$$ waisted
M. Oates
Bad Tech on computer
I have been a loyal Outback owner since 2013. My old one finally died, so I bought the 2020 outback. The performance is good- as long as the computer works. I have had it since February and have needed the computer fixed 6 times ( it would have been more, but I need my car. It cannot be in the shop all the time). The screen won't turn on sometimes, sometimes it turns off in the middle of driving, sometimes parts of it will work and other functions won't. The fancy "eyesight" technology will also randomly turn off while driving. Apparently, you have to "update" your car but it takes 3 hours if you can connect to a WiFi. I have had it updated a lot and had it replaced. It is still happening on the new replacement. I am very disappointed. I have never owned a car where you have to worry if you can be able to change the vents or turn on/off the AC, or have variable times when the phone will connect to the hands-free or not. I talked with the "specialist" at the dealership. He was nice, but really the problem is with the technology. Also, the 'updates' can be done at the dealership for free---until the warranty runs out. With how I drive, it will be within 1-2 years. Maybe I should try a Toyota....
Charlie McWilliams
Complete CID system continues to fail
This my second 2020 Outback Touring. The first car had problems with the CID System (radio, phone, navigation, and CD) complete failure. Subaru graciously exchanged the vehicle for a second 2020 Outback Touring at no charge. After 5 weeks the new vehicle had a complete CID System failure. The car is now back at the Subaru Dealer for the fourth time. The service department is very friendly and accomodating. The last time the car was in for the third time, they completely went through every component within the CID system and did find a wire that was broken. The car was at the dealership for over two weeks. They provided a loaner that was the same model, even the color was the same.
Victoria Downing
I WAS a Subaru fan.
I bought two 2020 outbacks and am very disappointed. Both have computer issues, screen going blank, etc.Awful. One has the door trim falling off as well as a very underperforming AC.
Codi C
The style is unique and color is unique.
Easy to drop things between seats. Seat design hard to get food out from them. Headrest is not comfortable. Could be more legroom in front seat. Navigation but confusing at times. Has good speakers good gas mileage. Drives smooth. Goes fast. Popular car built well. Cost too much.
Lilly A
It is good for hauling things and long car rides.
It is very comfortable and is good for long car rides and hauling lots of stuff, although the dealer. Said that towing capacity was larger than it can really tow. I don't really know much about cars but this one is nice, our last outback had a lot of problems so we upgraded to this 2020 model and it is nice but could be better in my opinion.
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Outback?
Consumer Reports says the 2020 Subaru Outback is a smart alternative to more traditional midsize SUVs with good owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds rates the Outback at 3.8/5, enjoying the powerful turbocharged engine, but doesn’t like the bumpy suspension.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Outback a 4/5, praising the standard advanced safety features, but owners don’t like the lack of cargo space for a midsize SUV.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Subaru Outback Have?
Common problems on the 2020 Subaru Outback include excessive battery drain, a broken windshield, along with the touchscreen freezing. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to some other SUVs on the market, leading to lower ownership costs as it ages.
Excessive battery drain is the most widespread complaint on the 2020 Subaru Outback. Newer vehicles have a lot of electronic accessories which sometimes drain the battery while it’s parked. Diagnosing the source of the battery drain costs around $75, while fixing it can cost $5 to $150.
A broken windshield has also been reported on a lot of 2020 Outback models in the first 5,000 miles. There was a production run which had bad glass, which is more susceptible to chipping with small rocks. Replacing the windshield costs around $700, depending on local labor rates.
The touch screen freezing also shows up on some Subaru Outback models at around 3,000 miles. There are software updates available for the infotainment system which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50.
There are five recalls on the 2020 Subaru Outback, which is more than some other SUVs from the same year. The most severe recalls both cover the drive chain breaking which can lead to a loss of power. Subaru will replace the transmission on models with signs of chain damage for free. Other recalls cover the fuel pump along with the rearview camera.
How Long Will the 2020 Subaru Outback Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Subaru Outback can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other SUVs according to data provided by Repair Pal at $538 per year.
As a used 2020 Outback reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the brake pads costing $250, front shocks costing $450, along with the wheel bearings which cost $150 per wheel.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 7-inch touchscreen stereo system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen available on the Premium and higher models.
Standard safety technology is fantastic offering:
Adaptive cruise control
Forward automatic emergency braking
Lane keep assist
Rearview camera
Forward collision warning
Lane departure warning
Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional available driver assistance features include:
Blind spot monitoring
Reverse automatic emergency braking
Driver distraction monitoring
Rear cross traffic alert
Adaptive headlights
Front-view camera
Is the 2020 Subaru Outback a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Subaru Outback is a good value since it offers decent reliability ratings paired with a strong all-wheel drive system. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $24,000 to $39,000, making it more than a Ford Edge or Hyundai Santa Fe. When new, the price range was $26,645 to $39,695. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, only losing about 4% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Outback?
There are six different models of the 2020 Subaru Outback offered from the entry-level Base all the way through to the more luxurious Touring XT. The 2020 Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive on all models.
The base engine in the 2020 Subaru Outback is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 182 horsepower at up to 29 MPG. Both engines come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
An available upgrade is the stronger turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder, which produces 260 horsepower at up to 26 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Outback Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Outback?
The 2020 Subaru Outback is a comfortable and spacious SUV that provides a smooth and enjoyable driving experience for its occupants. The Outback’s spacious and well-appointed interior offers ample headroom and legroom for passengers, with high-quality materials and plenty of features to enhance comfort, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The Outback’s suspension system is designed to provide a smooth and stable ride, absorbing bumps and vibrations from the road to minimize discomfort for passengers. The vehicle also has sound-deadening materials and insulation, creating a quieter cabin that reduces road noise.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Outback Have?
The 2020 Subaru Outback has ample storage space for both passengers and cargo. Behind the rear seats, the Outback provides 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space. However, if you fold down the rear seats, you can access a maximum cargo volume of 75.7 cubic feet, which is one of the largest cargo areas in its class.
In addition to the cargo area, the 2020 Outback also has several small-item storage compartments throughout the cabin. The front center console has a large storage bin with a tray and a 12-volt power outlet, while the front door pockets can hold water bottles or other small items. The rear door pockets also have small-item storage compartments, and there are two cupholders in the rear center armrest.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the Subaru Outback was launched for the 2020 model year.
2015: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new styling and engine choices.
2016: Improved steering response, StarLink app connectivity added to the stereo system.
2017: More luxurious Touring model added to the lineup.
2018: Minor exterior styling changes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added.
2019: EyeSight safety technology is standard on all models.
2020: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new exterior, interior, and technology.
2021: Standard adaptive LED headlights on all models, rear seat reminder added.
How Does the Subaru Outback Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Subaru Outback is a great choice for shoppers looking for a midsize SUV that don’t want the traditional SUV style and prefer the look of a wagon with a strong all-wheel drive system.
The Subaru Forester is a smaller SUV which is around $2,500 cheaper. Off-road performance is a bit better in the Subaru Forester since it sits higher, while the Subaru Outback offers more passenger room. We recommend the Subaru Outback, although both are worth a test drive to see which you prefer.
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV which is about $4,000 more. Ownership costs are lower on the Toyota RAV4, while the Subaru Outback has more room for passengers and cargo. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it lasts a bit longer, although both are worth trying out since they are dependable choices.
Had this car less than 3 years with low mileage. It has been in the shop many times bc the battery being dead 4x and had to have it jumped. They replaced the battery with a bigger one. The music and iPhone having dropped many times. Coolant drain for no apparent reason, many electrical issues
Molli Young
on August 30, 2021
Will my screen work today?
I’m constantly having problems with the screen go off. Also the dash lights up off and on saying things like the eye sight is not working and basically every other alert like comes on like I’m not going to be able to break or my car is going to die on the side of the road, I had a GMC Terrian with over 100,000 miles and never had a problem. I wish I wouldn’t have upgraded to this Subaru. I would love my old car back right now. It’s not like I bought a basic model either. $$$$$$ waisted
Victoria Downing
on July 19, 2021
I WAS a Subaru fan.
I bought two 2020 outbacks and am very disappointed. Both have computer issues, screen going blank, etc.Awful. One has the door trim falling off as well as a very underperforming AC.
M. Oates
on June 23, 2021
Bad Tech on computer
I have been a loyal Outback owner since 2013. My old one finally died, so I bought the 2020 outback. The performance is good- as long as the computer works. I have had it since February and have needed the computer fixed 6 times ( it would have been more, but I need my car. It cannot be in the shop all the time). The screen won't turn on sometimes, sometimes it turns off in the middle of driving, sometimes parts of it will work and other functions won't. The fancy "eyesight" technology will also randomly turn off while driving. Apparently, you have to "update" your car but it takes 3 hours if you can connect to a WiFi. I have had it updated a lot and had it replaced. It is still happening on the new replacement. I am very disappointed. I have never owned a car where you have to worry if you can be able to change the vents or turn on/off the AC, or have variable times when the phone will connect to the hands-free or not. I talked with the "specialist" at the dealership. He was nice, but really the problem is with the technology. Also, the 'updates' can be done at the dealership for free---until the warranty runs out. With how I drive, it will be within 1-2 years. Maybe I should try a Toyota....
Bronte G
on June 11, 2021
Entertainment system, screen size, and safety features.
I love my Subaru outback, it is big enough for all of my activities and the dogs. The ride is smooth and I love all of the new safety features. The entertainment features and massive screen size make the car feel luxurious. Subaru has one of the best safety ratings and I know every time I get into the vehicle I am safe.
Jackie B
on June 11, 2021
It beeps when you are not in your lane to keep you safer.
My 2020 Subaru is very comfortable to drive and I can see out of it quite well. It gets good gas mileage and rides very smoothly. It has eyesight and is rated very high for safety. I wish it had a DVD player and that is the only thing I wasn't happy about.
Ashley W
on June 10, 2021
I like that you can store multiple seating ways. It is convenient.
There are very few problems. It drives smoothly and is comfortable. Many advanced features in terms of self driving (for example reminder to keep eyes on road). It is great for outdoorsy people and you can easily put on bike rack, trailer hitch, or racks on top for kayaks or canoes.
Tyler K
on June 7, 2021
Roomy, plenty of power. Not perfect but close.
Handling is fantastic, plenty of torque and power. Roomy interior. Adaptive cruise control is a game changer. The only thing that could be improved is the eyesight, it feels a little ping pong keeping you between the lines. Audio system could be better, the speakers sound somewhat like a tin can.
John L
on June 3, 2021
An amazing car perfect for active people.
None, sometimes the automatic engine shut off for ecological reasons can be irritating, and lane change settings were tricky to deal with at first. Other than these issues, the Subaru outback has been fabulous and a very smooth daily drive that I’d certainly recommend.
Marco C
on May 30, 2021
Gas mileage on a full tank is faulty.
I was very confused about the gas mileage. When I fill up my tank it gives me a rough estimate of how many miles I can go with a full tank, but sometimes the number changes. And the changes are not always decreasing, sometime it increases as I drive. Which does not seem like much sense to me. Because when I am driving the miles I have left on a tank should be decreasing not increasing. Very confused with this function.
Julia P
on May 23, 2021
2020 Subaru outback is the ultimate adventure-mobile.
It is comfortable and very enjoyable to drive. I enjoy the vision feature that lets me know if I am leaving my lane or am approaching an obstacle too quickly. I do wish the base model had heated seats and I have had unpleasant experiences getting it serviced at Subaru dealerships though.
Rachel S
on April 29, 2021
Safety is important when you are transporting precious cargo.
The car features high quality technology, cutting edge safety features and is designed for comfort. Beyond the fun features this car can not be beat with talking about safety. The only thing I wish differently is if the dashboard and steering wheel were designed simpler.
Sean G
on April 15, 2021
Subaru outback has it all and can drive through it all.
Very spacious and advanced without being too expensive or pretentious. Easy to drive (handles well but not too slow/heavy feeling). I would feel comfortable driving this in diverse environments - such as in the city or in more of the countryside. Good sound system and intuitive touchscreen. Seems safe. Comfortable seats. Good looking.
Meg B
on April 13, 2021
I love my new Subaru outback!
This car is absolutely wonderful for my lifestyle, it feels safe to drive in the city and in the mountains. A super comfortable leather interior that is easy to maintain. I love the sound system and all the extra technology provided, especially the Bluetooth function.
Ida D
on April 11, 2021
2020 Subaru outback, great safety features. Very important.
2020 Subaru outback comes with all new safety features that I really love. Specifically there's a feature that alert when you take your eyes off the road, it tells you to keep your eyes back on the road and if you still do not it gives you a louder alert. Really helps distracted drivers.
Dan B
on April 7, 2021
2020 Subaru outback. Perfect for a road trip.
Quiet and smooth. Dual climate control with air conditioning vents for back seat. Auto cut off can be disabled to keep engine running while in drive and stopped. Back seats fold down to increase load. All wheel drive is also a plus. Adaptive cruise is also nice with traffic.
Stephanie S
on April 5, 2021
Very comfortable. Big infotainment screen.
Had several things wrong straight from factory. Had to replace leather seat cover, door squeaks, very low gas mileage, headlight issue for cars made before October 2019. Took over 30 days to get Subaru starlink to work properly. Other than that I love the care.
Lilian Y
on April 5, 2021
Efficient and easy to operate.
We were purchasing this Subaru outback as a replacement of our prior Cadillac SUV lease vehicles. The Subaru outback is very energy efficient and I like how it has all wheel drive as well. We wanted a car which we can drive well in snowy Chicago. This car has a lot of built in advance technology as well with a touch screen which is very easy to use.
Becky H
on April 4, 2021
Favorite vehicle purchase.
This car is reliable, comfortable, and most importantly, safe. I can feel confident that me and my family is protected in a Subaru. The computer display is large and easy-to-read, and its interface is intuitive and not distracting to the driver. The seat warmers and automatic starter are life savers in the winter.
Sarah C
on April 3, 2021
This is a great and reliable vehicle.
Overall a great vehicle that I would recommend for others. It is very reliable and drives well. I have had one issue with it so far which was a defect in the battery. Other than that I cannot say to many bad things about it. My parents are going to get one as well.
WBR R
on March 26, 2021
Bright console - otherwise perfect vehicle.
We’ve had the car for 6 months now and have not had any issues. This car has the same features as most luxury cars. I especially love the driver profiles and the console. My only complaint is that the console brightness cannot be dimmed which is a nuisance at night.
Kathleen M
on March 24, 2021
Why buy a Subaru outback?
I recently purchased a new Subaru outback. The ride is smooth and I feel safe inside the vehicle. Winters are especially dangerous driving where I live. Icy conditions and blizzards are common. I feel safer knowing I have a reliable and safe vehicle. There are many features in the outback I love. The hands free option is key with our new state law of hands free. The wagon also has a roof rack where I can transport kayaks or other outdoor equipment.
Jen C
on March 23, 2021
A great vehicle for young and established families.
The vehicle is large enough to be a family car. Easily fit a stroller in the trunk, and you can fold down the rear seats if you need extra cargo room. The built in touch screen display is huge and modern. The all wheel drive is the only of its kind and makes safety a top priority. The leather interior is sleek and comfortable.
Jessie S
on March 17, 2021
I live where it can snow and I drive this beautiful snow fortress with ease.
I love this car. It has remote start, heated steering wheel and seats, it is gorgeous, fuel conscious and efficient, and it is so comfortable and user friendly. I previously owned a 2017 base model outback and upgrading to the pearl white technology savvy 2020 limited was the best decision I could have made on a vehicle.
harlan H
on March 14, 2021
Subaru is for comfort and. Safety is very important to me and my passengers.
I like its performance, comfort, safety, and I like all the features. The car is great for driving long distance and camping, it has four wheel drive, and I like the room it has for a SUV. The car has bike ramp, and I can carry five people, and it is durable, and has a nice feel to it, for the radio and sound system.
Rachel L
on March 13, 2021
Car that gives you confidence.
Its brand new so haven't seen any problems with it yet, but I absolutely love it. It's a super reliable and safe car. It has many safety features including rear camera and sensors, just wish it had a front camera too. I love the clearance it has, I truly feel I can take it anywhere at any time in any conditions.
Scott C
on March 11, 2021
A very capable car for Minnesota.
Great in the winter, all wheel drive gets me up my steep drive every time, love the huge display for nav, data, entertainment etc the safety features are good, lane centering, emergency braking, side and real warning, heated seats, dual climate control all good in Minnesota.
Kris V
on March 3, 2021
2020 outback is a great car, great value.
Love this car! Great performance and very comfortable ride and cabin. The turbo motor has good speed and decent mpg. Large cargo space. The touch screen is large and easy to read but a bit slow and over engineered. Overall it is a beautiful car, and I would buy it again.
Amy V
on March 3, 2021
Subaru outback is roomy and practical.
We have a 2020 white Subaru outback, this car is roomy enough for me and my husband and our 2 boys. 2 car seats in the back with plenty of trunk space. We downsized from a Toyota sienna and we are happy with out decision. The trunk is deep and wide enough for weekend trips and can even fit the boys bikes. Love the leather seats and accents inside as well. We will be sticking to the Subaru family for our future vehicles.
Scott D
on February 21, 2021
Outback is a great car I think everyone should get one.
My Subaru outback is a great car I love the height of it not sitting low. Easy to get in and out of. The space you have while sitting in the car is great as well. It is great on gas and if you are a adventure type of person this is the car for you as it is AWD all the time.
Linda Q
on February 20, 2021
Aggressive driver assistance.
The car is only one month old so I am still getting to know it. The seats are not as comfortable as I hoped. Storage for personal items such as tissues could be better. The driver assist lane departure system is a bit aggressive. I haven't had any problems yet but I wish I had purchased the larger model.
Kushal S
on February 15, 2021
Driver profile that saves all of your settings and adjusts when you get in.
The info system is a little slow to respond at times. On startup, and while backing out; the central screen will not respond to the user's touch and lag. However; once the car is moving it will be fine. There have been some instances where the screen will not respond at all to the touch of the user and the car will need to be restarted for it to work again. Some of these can be attributed to the older phone was I was using, with a newer phone, the system is not as finicky.
Alex B
on February 8, 2021
Happy Subaru outback owner. It drives itself.
I wasn't looking at the outback but went to the dealer because my son was buying a car there. We took a test ride in the outback and couldn't believe the comfort and the smooth ride. It has a 11.6 in. Screen in it with all the connections for my phone. I love that I can start. Unlock, lock, or stop the engine with my phone. We are so happy with our Subaru.
Marilyne B
on January 31, 2021
I love my all wheel drive Subaru .
To begin with my Subaru has no problems my Subaru is so safe to drive. It almost can drive itself. It has all the newest features for safety.. Heads up display, auto braking, it has a lot of space for cargo and passengers. You can even put a tent on top which is made by Subaru.
Carole M
on January 21, 2021
Reasons to buy an outback.
Have only had the car for six weeks but I love driving it. The ride is smooth and quiet. I love the spaciousness of the storage area. The climate system really works well. The visibility is very good. I feel very safe in the car. The apple play is quite nice-I like running my navigation programs on the very large screen.
Ted H
on January 20, 2021
A good car with a few problems.
The visual display is hard to use. The media playback mode is poorly designed. Our 2015 outback had a better implementation for the media feature. The rest of the vehicle is good. The mileage is quite good. The automatic vehicle shut off feature is unreliable.
Roberta B
on January 19, 2021
The Subaru outback is safe and reliable with a spacious interior.
The Subaru has outstanding safety features and is very reliable. The vehicle shuts off at lights to reduce emissions. It has large display panels. It is easy to drive and is very comfortable. It is extremely quiet. The eyesight feature keeps you safely in your lane.
Beth Marszalek
on January 19, 2021
Horrible Car - Don’t Buy One!
We have owned a 2020 Subaru Outback Touring for 13 months. We don’t get anywhere near the MPG that it’s rated at. The center screen has been nothing but problems. It drops or won’t recognize my iPhone or my husband’s android phone. The radio sometimes just stops working for no reason. The screen will also go blank and won’t turn back on. The icons on the screen won’t work. Our newest issue is the speakers from the front seat and the dash decided not to work on the latest road trip. The dealer can’t replicate the issues that we’ve been having and have told me that it’s “operator error” and I need to sit with my salesperson to learn how to operate the vehicle. The dealer is 45 minutes away, so it’s not very convenient to go over there when there is an issue. We will not be keeping this vehicle for too much longer. This is our 2nd Outback. We loved the 1st one. We will never buy another Subaru again. ☹️ Wish I could give a zero or negative star rating.
Emily G
on January 15, 2021
Outback- tech can get in the way.
Our car is very comfortable. The large touchscreen can be distracting while driving and hard to use, the navigation system is finicky. There is tons of space and car seats easily fit in the back without crowding the front seats. The ac controls are a little strange and it is hard to find the right balance.
Cindy R
on January 13, 2021
Our 6th Subaru...We have loved them all.
Just got it but no problems whatsoever. Good mileage and very comfortable ride. Outside noise is at a minimum. The fact that it interfaces with my iPhone makes it very nice. Black color does tend to show spots from rain or sprinklers a little more than I expected.
Christine E
on January 4, 2021
2020 Subaru outback limited xt.
This car is absolutely incredible. It has every safety feature I could ever ask for, has a massive amount of cargo space, and is incredibly comfortable. It drives incredibly smoothly and can go anywhere your heart desires. The only issue I run into from time to time is that the touch screen sometimes has a bit of lag, particularly right after starting the car. But this is a small inconvenience when thinking about how much the massive 11” touch screen can do, including apple carplay, GPS, etc.
Tiffany Olsen
on December 30, 2020
Worst gas mileage. 10+ mpg less then what they claim
Had to take my month old 2020 outback onyx xt into shop today. Infotainment system is failing and gas mileage is absolutely terrible. Getting 20 mpg for highway and 18 for no traffic city driving. I hope they can fix the issue because I love this car but I would have never bought it if I knew it got such terrible mpg.
Lee D
on December 29, 2020
I am fairly impressed with it is technology features and ease of use.
The car handles snow covered hills like a beast. The additional undercarriage clearance makes off roading much easier. There's plenty of space in the car for large loads of supplies. Smooth ride and great digital interface. The auto engine stop at stops took some getting used to, but is an interesting feature. As is the lane assist. The cruise controls ability to adjust speeds to maintain a specified distance to a lead car is great for distance drives.
Caryn L
on December 27, 2020
Solid reliable car that is great in the winter.
The Subaru outback is great in the snow and handles well on the road. Some changes have not been for the better. Heat controls are awkward to use and you have to take your eye off the road too long to adjust the heating and cooling. Storage compartments in the front are too small and the visor cannot be put flat against the windshield because of the cameras.
Matthew W
on December 26, 2020
The lights and carplay feature of the car.
The outback is a reliable and steady car. We were able to drive it across the country, with three cats and three people, had plenty of room for everyone and was a very smooth drive all the way through. We did put new bigger tires on it as we were looking for something a little more durable than the stock tires. There are a lot features we could have added and one I am disappointed we did not get is the sun roof, highly recommend doing that.
Sarah B
on December 22, 2020
Nice car good price very happy.
I really like this car. Let's start with the look it is very sleek and sporty and at the same time it is comfortable with adjustable seat headrest and seat warmers ( with high and low settings ) it has a large screen with apple play which is great and a clear backup system. An added great feature is the lane assistance and automatic braking when you are getting too close to an object - this will also lower your insurance cost which is an added plus.
Cj B
on December 17, 2020
Useful, but needs some tweaking.
The outback is very usable. It has ample power, although it certainly is not a performance car. My only few complaints are the interface for turning on the seat heaters, and the back-up camera needs to be bigger since the screen is rather large, but it only does a half screen. Also, my car lacks some options such as a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, and automatic windshield wipers that are found on much less expensive vehicles.
Jen F
on December 14, 2020
Subaru stylish and functional.
Auto turn off is annoying but can be turned off, super easy to configure for additional storage space. The car handles well and drives like a car but sits higher like an SUV. Navigation system is large and easy to read. Cloth seats come in multiple color selections- the black looks very stylish. Get the all weather mat option.
Victoria K
on December 13, 2020
This is such an awesome car and I absolutely love it!
This car is amazing! It has so many useful features and it is really fun to drive! It is very comfortable and my kids love riding in their moms car! My husband and I fight over who is going to drive the car each time we get in. I cannot say enough good things about this car!
Codi C
on November 26, 2020
The style is unique and color is unique.
Easy to drop things between seats. Seat design hard to get food out from them. Headrest is not comfortable. Could be more legroom in front seat. Navigation but confusing at times. Has good speakers good gas mileage. Drives smooth. Goes fast. Popular car built well. Cost too much.
Chloe A
on November 15, 2020
Comfort on wheels with nothing but safety on the mind.
Only complaint is turn radiance while parking. Extremely comfortable and has waterproof seats that wipe right off. Seats fold down completely flat and large cargo space with seats up and down. Front and back camera. Keyless entry. Curse control with car spacing and blindspot detector.
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist.
Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.
