The Subaru Outback is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, and it's still going strong. This popular wagon combines the benefits of a vehicle with great road manners and the capacity to handle rough terrain. The Outback has gone through six generations and various upgrades since its launch in 1994, so there are plenty of used Outbacks out there to consider. However, if you're shopping for a pre-owned Subaru, you'll want to know which model years are most reliable and whether there are any that you should avoid.
Overview of the Outback
Subaru Outback Legacy 2001 by RLGNLZ licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
The Outback offers roomy seating for five people and has an expansive cargo area that rivals most SUVs. The sixth-generation Outback, on the road since 2020, offers about 32 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and over 75 cubic feet when the rear row is folded down. There are two engine options available in sixth-generation Outbacks: the base four-cylinder unit with 182 horsepower and a more potent 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 260 horsepower.
Outbacks with the more powerful engine will cost significantly more than ones powered by the base engine. Since the turbocharged four-cylinder unit was introduced in 2020, it has been limited to higher trims in the Outback lineup. As a result, you may see a price difference between various used Outbacks from the same model year depending on their engine specs.
Various trim levels are available depending on the model year you choose. Those focused on off-roading adventures will probably want to look at models from 2022 and newer. The 2022 edition saw the introduction of the popular Wilderness trim, which includes helpful additions like all-terrain tires and a higher ground clearance.
Best Years for Subaru Outback
Our recommendations will focus on the fourth generation and onward, which begins in 2010. Some buyers may be interested in Outbacks from earlier generations, but the extra costs involved with maintaining older vehicles usually make cars that are 15 years or older less attractive for most buyers.
One of the best years for the fourth-generation Outback is 2014. This was the first year of Subaru's EyeSight safety system in the Outback, which added helpful tech like adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. The 2014 model year also benefited from some infotainment system upgrades that made it easier to use.
If you'd prefer a slightly newer model, the 2017 Outback is an excellent choice from the fifth-generation line. The infotainment system got a further upgrade to make connecting your smartphones easier, and the Outback's engine won praise for its fuel efficiency and reliability.
If you'd prefer to stick with the most modern sixth-generation Outback, we'd recommend checking out the 2022 model. Some of the vehicles from this model year have the more powerful engine. The extra year of age compared to the 2023 edition may help you find a more affordable price without sacrificing too much on tech and other advancements.
Model Years To Avoid
The model years to avoid are typically those in the early stages of a new Outback generation. For example, fourth-generation Outbacks exhibited the most issues in 2010 and 2011 models. A vehicle recall was performed on some models from this period owing to a problem that developed with air bag inflation. In addition, owners reported an increased likelihood of the engine stalling unexpectedly. These problems were tackled and resolved for subsequent fourth-generation models, with 2013 and 2014 standing out in particular.
It was a similar story for the fifth-generation Outback, with the 2015 model year facing some difficulties. A small number of Outbacks manufactured during this model year were recalled because of a potential steering issue. 2015 Outback owners also reported glitches with the electrical system.
Tips for Buying a Used Subaru
To ensure you pick a pre-owned Outback in top condition, you can take several steps. Make sure that you thoroughly inspect the vehicle or have the inspection done by a professional. All used cars need to be checked for common problems and to identify potential maintenance issues. One of the advantages of shopping for a Subaru at our York dealership is that we take care of this step for you. All of our used vehicles in the Ciocca Subaru showroom have been carefully chosen following inspections and reconditioning by our team of Subaru experts.
You should also examine the Outback's vehicle history report. This document gives you details about any major repairs and incidents that the vehicle has been involved in. It can also indicate whether the Outback you're considering has benefited from routine maintenance. Cars with gaps in their maintenance regimen could develop problems or may be more expensive to keep if you have to perform outstanding work. This is best taken care of at a certified Subaru service center so that you can rely on professional technicians and OEM parts.
It's also advisable to take the Outback for a test drive before committing to the purchase. Inspections can uncover certain problems, but you may notice something about the handling or another aspect of the vehicle only when you're on the road. It's better to identify these issues before you invest money in the car, since you may be able to negotiate to get further work done to the vehicle or locate another Outback that's better suited to your needs.
Purchase a Used Outback From Ciocca Subaru of York
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to recommend a used Outback for your next purchase. You can choose from a range of options, such as an older fourth-generation or early fifth-generation Outback if you prefer to keep your purchase price down or a newer sixth-generation used Outback to benefit from the off-roading Wilderness trim or more powerful turbocharged engine. If you'd like assistance in making your choice or completing the financial side of your purchase, feel free to contact us at Ciocca Subaru.
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