What are the weaknesses of the Subaru Outback?
In brief, the Outback’s chief downsides include a comparatively modest base engine, the quirks and potential costs of its CVT, interior materials that aren’t class-leading, infotainment and driver-assistance quirks, and a price tag that can be higher than some rivals with similar practicality.
Performance, efficiency and driving dynamics
The Outback pairs standard all-wheel drive with a flat-four engine that is adequate for everyday driving but can feel underpowered on highway merges or when the vehicle is fully loaded. A turbocharged option adds brisk acceleration, but it comes with higher fuel consumption and potential turbo-related maintenance concerns. The transmission is Subaru’s continuously variable automatic (CVT), which some drivers find unresponsive or noisy during strong acceleration.
Specific drawbacks in this area include:
- Standard engine can feel sluggish during highway merging or when carrying a full load, especially on steep grades.
- Turbocharged 2.4L variant delivers strong torque and faster acceleration, but uses more fuel and may incur higher maintenance costs; fuel economy is generally lower than the base engine in real-world mixed driving.
- The CVT, while efficient, can feel “rubbery” to some buyers and may incur higher repair costs if problems arise.
- Ride and handling emphasize comfort and practicality over sporty handling; there is noticeable body roll compared with some crossovers, and larger wheels can amplify rough-road feel.
Taken together, these performance traits favor efficiency and all-season capability over blistering acceleration or nimble handling.
Interior, space and comfort
The Outback prioritizes space and practicality, but its interior materials and design aren’t as upscale as some rivals, and some users find the layout and controls less intuitive. Noise levels can rise at higher speeds, and some buyers may notice wind or road noise with certain wheel sizes. The cargo area is generous, but headroom and load practicality can vary with seating configuration.
Key interior and practicality drawbacks include:
- Interior materials are functional but not class-leading; some plastics feel hard or dated next to rivals with more premium upholstery.
- Infotainment and climate controls can lag or be less intuitive, particularly in older iterations; newer models have improved software, but quirks remain for some users.
- Road and wind noise can be noticeable at highway speeds, especially with larger wheels or roof racks installed.
- Rear-seat headroom can be more limited for tall passengers due to the roofline, and the cargo loading height can be awkward with certain configurations.
For many buyers, the Outback’s practicality and AWD capability offset these trade-offs.
Reliability, maintenance and ownership costs
The Outback is generally reliable, but ownership costs can be higher than some non-turbo rivals due to AWD maintenance, CVT service needs, and potentially expensive repairs if transmission or turbo components issue arise. It’s important to review maintenance history and any service advisories closely when shopping used examples.
Common reliability and cost considerations include:
- CVT maintenance and repair costs can be higher than traditional automatics, especially with high mileage.
- Older or high-mileage 2.5L engines have been associated with oil consumption and other wear issues in some cases; verify service history and any recalls.
- Turbocharged 2.4L engines offer strong performance but can entail higher fuel costs and potentially more maintenance work over time.
- Overall cost of ownership, including parts, maintenance, and insurance, tends to be higher than some non-turbo rivals despite strong resale values.
Routine care and timely maintenance help mitigate these costs, but shoppers should factor this into the ownership plan.
Technology, safety and driver-assistance
The Outback benefits from robust safety and driver-assistance features, with Subaru’s Eyesight system widely praised. However, some tech quirks persist: infotainment responsiveness can be imperfect, certain features may be overly cautious in unclear lane markings, and some users report occasional glitches with CarPlay/Android Auto integration.
Technology and safety drawbacks include:
- Infotainment can be slow to respond and occasionally register touchscreen input unreliably, especially on older models.
- EyeSight and other driver-assistance features may misread conditions or behave conservatively in rain, snow, or poor lane markings.
- Higher trims offer more features, but base trims can feel light on standard tech compared with some rivals.
- Connectivity and smartphone integration can be inconsistent across model years, requiring software updates or device re-pairing.
Despite these issues, many buyers value the Outback’s strong safety suite and standard AWD for confident daily driving.
Value, price and market position
Value-related drawbacks include:
- Higher base price compared with some rivals offering similar practicality and cargo space.
- Ownership costs can be higher due to AWD, CVT maintenance, and potential turbo-related upkeep.
- Depreciation is generally stable, but can vary by model year and market conditions, especially for older Outbacks or those with high-mileage CVTs.
Prospective buyers should weigh the Outback’s safety, capability and reliability against its purchase price and ongoing costs.
What to look for when shopping (model-year considerations)
When evaluating an Outback, use these checks to avoid common pitfalls and align your choice with your priorities.
- Test quick acceleration with a full cargo load to gauge base power, especially on inclines.
- Assess CVT performance during takeoffs, steady cruising and gradual deceleration for smooth operation with no shudder or abnormal noises.
- Evaluate infotainment responsiveness and CarPlay/Android Auto stability during a test drive.
- Review service records for transmission and engine maintenance, and look for any recalls or software updates related to the infotainment or Eyesight system.
- Inspect the cargo area and rear seating for headroom and loading ease, especially if you regularly transport tall passengers or bulky items.
Doing these checks helps you choose a model year and trim that best match your needs for power, tech reliability and practicality.
Summary
The Subaru Outback remains a standout for all-wheel-drive capability, practicality, and strong safety features. Its chief weaknesses are a relatively modest base engine, CVT behavior and potential maintenance costs, interior materials that don’t compete with the very top tier, occasional infotainment and driver-assistance quirks, and a price point that can be higher than some rivals. For buyers who value reliability, AWD capability, and generous cargo space, the Outback continues to be a compelling option—provided you choose the right powertrain, officer you’re comfortable with the tech interface, and budget for ongoing maintenance. Overall, it’s a well-rounded choice with clear trade-offs that catering to a specific set of needs and priorities.
