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.
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
Negative Owner Reviews
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.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth Seats
- LED Headlights
- Keyless Entry
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Rearview Camera
- Bluetooth Connectivity
Premium is a step up, adding:
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- 6-Inch Touchscreen
Limited is next in the lineup with:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Leather Upholstery
- Driver-Seat Memory Functions
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Rear Air Vents
- Power Liftgate
- Harman Kardon Audio System
Touring offers upgrades such as:
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Premium Leather Seats
- Contrast Stitching
- Sunroof
Onyx Edition XT has minor upgrades including:
- More Powerful Turbocharged Engine
- Hill Descent Control
- Heated Rear Seats
- Black Exterior Trim
Limited XT and Touring XT have the same features as lower models, but with a stronger engine.
What Engines Come In the Subaru Outback?
- 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.