Is the Subaru Outback a smooth ride?
Yes. The Subaru Outback generally delivers a smooth, comfortable ride with quiet highway cruising and solid stability, though larger wheels or rough pavement can soften the comfort and raise road noise in some configurations.
Below we explore what makes the ride feel smooth, how ride quality varies by trim and wheel/tire choices, what professional reviewers say, and practical tips to maximize comfort in everyday driving.
What contributes to a smooth ride
Several elements work together to deliver a smooth experience in the Outback. Here are the key factors that influence how the ride feels on most roads:
- Independent suspension on both axles helps absorb bumps and maintain ride quality across surfaces.
- Sound-damping materials and sealing reduce cabin intrusion from road and wind noise.
- The CVT drivetrain is tuned to provide smooth, gradual acceleration rather than abrupt shifts.
- Comfort-oriented seating distributes weight well and reduces fatigue on longer trips.
- All-wheel drive and a well‑tuned chassis contribute to stable handling on uneven pavement.
- Overall ride height and geometry balance everyday comfort with off-road capability.
In practice, these elements combine to produce a relaxed, confident ride for most daily driving, though tire choice and wheel size can shift the feel somewhat.
Ride quality by trim and wheel/tire choices
Trims and wheel/tire packages noticeably affect ride comfort. Here is how the common configurations tend to behave:
- 17-inch wheels with standard all-season tires usually deliver the softest, most absorbent ride and the lowest noise levels on imperfect pavement.
- 18-inch wheels strike a balance between comfort and styling, with a slight uptick in road feel compared with 17-inch setups.
- 19-inch wheels or low-profile tires can improve grip and appearance but typically transmit more road imperfections and noise on rough roads.
- The turbo 2.4-liter engine paired with a CVT is available on higher trims and offers strong, smooth acceleration without sacrificing ride quality; heavier wheel/tire packages can offset some of that smoothness if they are paired with stiffer setups.
Bottom line: if you want the smoothest experience, favor smaller-diameter wheels with comfort-oriented tires, especially for long highway drives.
What professional reviewers note
Automotive reviewers consistently commend the Outback for its highway manners and cabin quietness, while noting caveats tied to wheel/t Tire sizes and powertrain behavior. General takeaways include:
- Pros: relaxed highway ride, solid stability, pleasant seating, and practical interior space.
- Cons: firmer feel with larger wheels or sport-oriented tires; some drivers find the base CVT’s throttle response less linear during brisk acceleration; wind noise can rise at higher speeds with certain roof setups.
These impressions tend to hold across recent model years, with variations depending on engine choice, trim level, and tire configuration.
Tips to maximize ride smoothness
If smoothness is a priority, consider these practical steps when choosing or configuring an Outback:
- Opt for 17-inch wheels with comfort-oriented tires rather than larger diameter rims when possible.
- Choose tires with a softer tread and higher sidewalls to improve impact absorption.
- Maintain correct tire pressure and have tires balanced and aligned to preserve a composed ride.
- Prefer trims with the standard ride configuration and avoid sport-oriented wheel/tire packages if comfort is the goal.
- On rough roads, exercise patience with the vehicle’s suspension; the Outback’s AWD system helps maintain stability without sacrificing comfort.
With the right setup and upkeep, the Outback can maintain a smooth, refined ride across a wide range of road conditions.
Summary
The Subaru Outback stands out for its smooth, comfortable highway ride, roomy interior, and confident all-weather capability. Ride smoothness depends largely on wheel size and tire choice: smaller, comfort-focused tires tend to deliver the best cushion on rough pavement, while larger wheels can introduce more road feel and noise. For buyers prioritizing comfort, selecting a trim with softer tire/wheel options and ensuring tires are properly maintained will yield the most serene daily driving experience.
