Used Subaru Outback Buying Guide

Used Subaru Outback Buying Guide
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If you’re in the market for a used Subaru Outback, we don’t blame you. This model has a spacious interior, great reliability, and even all-wheel-drive capability. We’ll be taking a look at the different generations, and what to look for in them to help give you the best one for your needs.

Key takeaways

  • The best year for a used Subaru Outback is a 2021. This comes with the most up to date safety features.
  • Some other great years to keep an eye out for are 2018, and 2022.
  • If you’re wanting something a bit more capable off-road, then look for a Wilderness trim. This comes with some factory upgrades that people often opt for.

Sixth generation (2019-2025)

Used Subaru Outback Sixth Generation Buying Guide

Being the most recent generation that you can get your hands on, you will get some great features from it. At release, the Outback came with 5 trims. The trims are Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring.

Two engines were also offered this generation. The engines are the 2.5L F4 that produces 182 horsepower, and a 2.4L F4 that produces 260 horsepower. This gives you an option to pick from power, or an EPA rated 29 MPG.

Over the years, the model has seen a handful of changes. The first change came in 2021 and it added a rear seatbelt reminder on all trims. For the 2022 model change, the Wilderness joined the lineup. This added suspension upgrades, better tires, and even a lift.

For the 2023 year model, the lineup saw the latest version of Starlink multimedia infotainment system. This comes with wireless phone connectivity, making it easy to connect your phone. 2024 brought some comfort to the Onyx Edition. This was in the inclusion of a heated steering wheel.

Fifth generation (2015-2019)

Used Subaru Outback Fifth Generation Buying Guide

Moving to a slightly older generation, this one received a new classification from the generations before. Now with a larger body, and wheelbase, the Subaru comes with even more appeal. Some other changes that led to this was the addition of the 3.6L engine that now gave the Outback 256 horsepower.

The trims you can find from this generation are the Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. These trims offered two engines, the 3.6L that was already mentioned, and the 2.5L 175 horsepower engine. Despite the new build, the Subaru Outback remains a safe vehicle. In tests done by the IIHS, the Outback was given Top Safety Pick+ rating. To make the vehicle even safer, the two top of the line trims get reverse automated emergency braking.

2018 was a big year for the Outback. While it wasn't a new generation, it was the reintroduction for electrically assisted power steering. Some other features that saw some change is a retuned suspension, giving the Outback a more comfortable ride, and the CVT is quieter, making sure the cabin stays silent.

This year was also the first year to include both Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto to the vehicle. This was added to the new 6.5-inch infotainment, which is up from the 6.2-inch screen from previous years. If that isn't big enough for you, then you can look for models that are equipped with the optional 8-inch screen.

2019 was also a good year for standard features. This is because the driver assist package is not standard on all 2019 models. To help keep phones, and other devices charged, the two new front USB ports will help make that happen.

Is a used Subaru Outback a good buy in 2025?

Absolutely, especially a more recent year model. You can find great features, for an even greater price. If you’re wanting an Outback, then come see us here at a Jarrett location. If you’re still not completely set on what you want, we can still help you out!

Pricing was accurate at the time of article writing. All pricing is subject to change. See the manufacturer and/or Dealer for up-to-date pricing.