2017 is a great year for the Outback, easily lasting over 250,000 miles with no mechanical issues. At $23,187 – 29,583, it’s a bargain and well worth the money.
2017 Subaru Outback: Key Points
- Reliability ratings are very good, with no major mechanical problems. Avoid models from 2013–2014 with engine problems, 2015 and newer are a better choice.
- A fuel-efficient 4-cylinder is standard, and a more powerful V6 is an upgrade.
- Fuel economy is great at up to 28 MPG combined.
- Safety scores are excellent, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests and the highest Top Safety Pick+ Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- We recommend the 2017 Outback due to its dependable engine and excellent technology. It ranks 2nd out of 17 midsize SUVs based on owner reviews.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
Top Critics Reviews
- Consumer Reports found the Outback to be a winning combination of wagon and SUV with a high owner satisfaction rating.
- Edmunds gives it a rating of 4 out of 5 with a spacious cabin, but notes power is weak with the base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book rates it 4.3 out of 5 with great safety scores, but is not as capable off-road as some rivals.
What Problems Does the 2017 Subaru Outback Have?
Problems found on the Subaru Outback include dead batteries, frozen navigation systems and cracked windshields. There are fewer complaints on 2019 models, but prices are nearly $7,000 more.
Premature dead batteries are the most reported issue, happening in only 30,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Outback, which can cause excessive draw. If your battery dies quickly, replacements cost about $200.
Touchscreen radios freezing is a common problem on cars with 25,000 miles. Usually simply resetting the stereo solves the problem, but some owners have had the stereo replaced under warranty.
Cracked windshields are another complaint at around 25,000 miles. Many owners complain about the quality of Subaru’s glass, saying it’s more prone to cracking after getting small chips. A replacement windshield costs about $800.
There are 4 recalls, an average amount for an SUV from 2017. Recalls include the steering column, loose bolts on the brake caliper, knee guard bracket, and airbag control module. Most serious is the steering column, which increases the risk of a crash.
How Much is the 2017 Subaru Outback Worth?
Blue book prices range from $23,187 – 29,583, making the Outback more affordable than the Highlander and Grand Cherokee. When new, prices were $25,645 to $38,195. Depreciation is average for an SUV, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
How Long Will the 2017 Subaru Outback Last?
A properly maintained 2017 Outback will last over 250,000 miles, similar to the Pilot and CX-9. Repair Pal finds the regular annual maintenance costs to be average for a midsize SUV at $520 per year.
When an Outback crosses over 50,000 miles, owners should prepare for services including coolant changes for $100, alignments for $150, and clutch hydraulic fluid replacements for $55.
No problems. Very reliable car. At 40,000 miles now and runs smooth, quiet, almost brand new. Just had to get new brakes.
This car is extremely reliable. When I first got it I was in a minor accident and my car had no damage. I was completely safe and the other driver is also not injured.
I haven't had any major problems with my car at all. It is extremely reliable and I am lucky to have such a nice car to drive myself, husband, and daughters around in.
It is very reliable till now. This is our recent buy. Till date very happy with the vehicle. It is very safe for a lady driver who is worried about changing lanes.
I've had no problem with my outback St all. I have the maintenance done by the dealership and have never been disappointed
I have had no problems with it at all. It drives great in the winter with AWD. Starts up quickly, runs smoothly.
It is very reliable. I have had no problems with my car. It always starts right up in the morning. It has never broken down on the side of the road and it has always been reliable in bad weather
So far so good. The car gets great reliability reviews and I have had no maintenance problems with mine.
What Are the Models & Specs?
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Manual Driver’s Seat
- Hill Descent Control
Premium is a step up adding:
- Heated Exterior Mirrors
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- 8-Way Power driver’s Seat
- Moonroof and Power Liftgate
Limited includes additional features such as:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front and Rear Seats
- Xenon Headlights
Touring adds more luxury features including:
- Unique 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Premium Leather Interior
- Black Exterior Trim
- Heated Steering Wheel
What Technology & Safety Features Are Included?
Technology is very good in the 2017 Outback with premium features including a touchscreen across the lineup.
- Standard technology includes a 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, USB port, and a 4-speaker stereo system.
- Optional upgrades include a 7-inch infotainment screen, satellite radio, as well as 6 or 12-speaker stereo systems.
- Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes and a rearview camera. The Premium and higher models have optional EyeSight with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking.
What Engine Options are Available?
Base performance is weaker than other SUVs, but the upgraded V6 offers average power for the class. The more powerful engine takes it from 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds.
- The base engine is a relatively gutless 2.5L 4-cylinder with 175 horsepower.
- An optional upgrade on the Limited and Touring models is a more powerful 3.6L V6 with 256 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Outback?
The 2017 Subaru Outback is a unique mix between a midsize SUV and station wagon, and a bit smaller than a Highlander or Santa Fe. Passenger space is good in the backseat, but there is no third row available.
Cargo space is excellent at 35.5 cubic feet of room behind the seats, expanding to 73.3 when the seats are folded flat.
How Does the 2017 Subaru Outback Compare to Other SUVs?
The highest-rated midsize SUV is the Toyota 4Runner. Where the 4Runner stands out is with a longer life expectancy, but the Outback offers more technology for the year. Overall, the 4Runner and Outback target different buyers, and the decision comes down to preference.
Another rival is the Honda Pilot. The Pilot offers more passenger room with a 3rd row of seating, but the Outback is a more responsive and efficient SUV. If you don’t need the extra passenger room, then the Outback is a better choice.
Final Verdict: Is the 2017 Subaru Outback a Good SUV?
Yes, there are a lot of positive reviews from Outback owners mentioning good comfort and technology, with no major mechanical problems.
Overall, the 2017 Outback is a great choice, combining the versatility of a midsize SUV with the smaller size of a wagon.
Yes! Very reliable car, great in northern east coast winters. Great for vacationing and long distance driving.
Yes the Subaru outback premium is a good vehicle. It is perfect for all weather and terrain. I love it because it is easy to drive and I can transport a number of people.
It is a great vehicle. It does everything I need it to and is comfortable. I use this as my everyday vehicle and never have any issues.
It is a good and comfortable vehicle. The main thing is it is safe to drive with my baby. Nice spacing.
It’s an excellent car. Very reliable and comfortable both for long and short trips. Can even sleep in it on a road trip
Yes. I have been very satisfied with this SUV. It gets good gas mileage, has loads of features you would find on more expensive cars.
I love my 2017 Subaru outback. It is very reliable. It is very powerful. It also is big enough to hold the things I need to transport like kids and dogs.
Yes I love it. Tons of features - safety and otherwise - and lots of little things that make it special.