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What class of SUV is a Subaru Outback?

The Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV that blends the capabilities of an off-road vehicle with the comfort and drivability of a passenger car. It is classified as a midsize crossover SUV, offering a unique combination of features that make it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and capable vehicle.


What is a Midsize Crossover SUV?


A midsize crossover SUV is a type of vehicle that sits between a traditional SUV and a passenger car in terms of size and capabilities. These vehicles are designed to offer the spaciousness and utility of an SUV, while maintaining the maneuverability and fuel efficiency of a car. Midsize crossovers typically have a unibody construction, which means the body and frame are integrated, providing a smoother ride and better handling compared to body-on-frame SUVs.


The Subaru Outback: A Unique Crossover


The Subaru Outback is a standout in the midsize crossover SUV segment. It combines the ruggedness of an SUV with the comfort and drivability of a passenger car, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of driving needs. Some key features that define the Outback as a midsize crossover SUV include:



  • Raised Ride Height: The Outback has a higher ground clearance than a typical sedan, allowing it to tackle light off-road terrain and handle inclement weather conditions more easily.

  • All-Wheel Drive: As a standard feature, the Outback comes equipped with Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability on a variety of surfaces.

  • Crossover Styling: The Outback's design blends the rugged appearance of an SUV with the sleek lines and aerodynamic profile of a passenger car, giving it a unique and versatile look.

  • Cargo Capacity: The Outback offers generous cargo space, making it a practical choice for transporting gear, luggage, or other large items.


These features, combined with the Outback's comfortable ride, efficient powertrain options, and advanced safety technologies, make it a standout choice in the midsize crossover SUV segment.

What is Subaru Outback classified?


With a compact body and all-wheel drive capabilities of an SUV, it's no wonder the dynamic Outback is the go-everywhere vehicle for drivers. Refreshed in 2020, the sixth generation of Outback was Subaru's second best-selling car, just behind the Forester in 2021.



Is the Subaru Outback compact or midsize?


midsize SUV
The Outback is a very good midsize SUV for the money. The front seats are great — soft but supportive, they offer a decent amount of bolstering without feeling tight.



What segment is the Subaru Outback?


crossover segment
The 2026 Subaru Outback is a big leap forward for one of our most popular models. As a pioneer in the crossover segment, the Outback has been known for its ruggedness, practicality, and comfort for decades.



What is the top rated midsize SUV?


  • 2025 Kia Telluride. /10. C/D RATING. VIEW PHOTOS.
  • 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander. 9.5. /10. C/D RATING.
  • 2025 Mazda CX-90. 9.5. /10. C/D RATING.
  • 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser. 9.5. /10. C/D RATING.
  • 2025 Ford Bronco. 9.5. /10. C/D RATING.
  • 2025 Ford Bronco Raptor. 9.5. /10. C/D RATING.
  • 2025 Hyundai Palisade. 9.5. /10.
  • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. /10. C/D RATING.



What classification is the Subaru Outback?


Subaru Outback
AssemblyOta, Gunma, Japan Lafayette, Indiana, United States (Lafayette Plant, since 1999)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size crossover SUV (D)
Body style5-door station wagon / crossover SUV



Which Subaru SUV is the smallest?


Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV and is the smallest of all Subaru SUV models. The Crosstrek is a two row crossover SUV with 100.9 cubic feet of passenger volume. Behind the second row, the Crosstrek delivers 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with up to 55.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.



What is considered a standard SUV rental?


A standard SUV rental is bigger than a midsize SUV but smaller than a premium or full-size SUV. This SUV seats up to 5 passengers and carries 2 small bags and 1 large bag.



What rental class is a Subaru Outback?


An intermediate, or midsize, SUV is slightly smaller than a standard SUV but still has enough room for a group or family of five to ride comfortably. Example models include the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Outback, among others.



What is a Subaru Outback classified as?


A Reliable Midsize SUV Built for the Road Ahead
The reliable, long-lasting engineering of the Outback means it will be with you for countless adventures. In fact, 97% of Subaru Outback vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today , more than Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or Hyundai Santa Fe.



What kind of SUV is a Subaru Outback?


Midsize AWD SUV
Wherever adventure leads, you can count on the rugged, capable Outback to take you there and back safely. With loads of versatile cargo room, all-terrain confidence, and up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance, the Outback is built to open up exciting new frontiers.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.