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2017
Subaru Outback

Starts at:
$25,645
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2.5i
    Starts at
    $25,645
    25 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5i Premium
    Starts at
    $27,695
    25 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5i Limited
    Starts at
    $32,390
    25 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.6R Limited
    Starts at
    $34,995
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.5i Touring
    Starts at
    $35,995
    25 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.6R Touring
    Starts at
    $38,195
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback 2017 Subaru Outback

Notable features

Five-seat, all-wheel-drive SUV
Four- or six-cylinder engine
8.7 inches of ground clearance
Forward collision warning with braking
New top Touring trim level
Reverse automatic braking available

The good & the bad

The good

Refinement of optional six-cylinder
Adaptive cruise control smoothness
Easy entry and exit
Visibility
Interior quality

The bad

Weak acceleration with four-cylinder engine
Seats not supportive
Child seat Latch anchors sit too deep for easy access
Uncomfortable middle belt in backseat
Limited front passenger seat adjustability

Expert 2017 Subaru Outback review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Joe Bruzek
Full article
our expert's take

The verdict: Whether you consider the 2017 Subaru Outback a wagon or a crossover SUV, it’s a home run for families and well-rounded enough to appeal to a large crowd.

Versus the competition: Though the Outback doesn’t have the sheer capabilities and size of a traditional midsize SUV, there’s enough SUV flavor there to satisfy more than just loyal Subaru owners.

For 2017, the Subaru Outback adds a new Touring trim level that gives an extra bit of luxuriousness to the top of the four-cylinder (2.5i) and six-cylinder (3.6R) trim ranges. Outback trims now include the base 2.5i trim, plus 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring. Compare the 2016 Outback with the 2017 here. Otherwise, this is the same great Outback that was redesigned for 2015, transforming the formerly quirky and polarizing wagon into a more mainstream vehicle with good looks, a nice driving experience and a loaded suite of safety features.

For this review, I drove a 3.6R Limited, which we tested alongside a crop of two-row SUVs for Cars.com’s $45,000 Midsize SUV Challenge, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kia Sorento and Ford Edge.
Exterior & Styling
The Subaru Outback’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance is more than many midsize SUVs and contributes to the Outback looking like a wagon with a lifted suspension, which isn’t a bad look. For 2015, the Outback streamlined its formerly awkward, polarizing appearance. Little has changed for 2017 except for the new Touring trim, which adds a dark gray grille, 18-inch wheels with dark gray accents, and silver-painted roof rails.
How It Drives
The optional 3.6-liter flat-6 cylinder is an interesting engine choice. On one hand, the six is smoother and quieter than the four-cylinder. On the other hand, its 256 horsepower isn’t managed very well by the continuously variable automatic transmission. You really have to be dedicated with the accelerator pedal to reap the benefits of the six’s extra 81 hp. Acceleration is sluggish at lower engine speeds, and power doesn’t come on strong until roughly 5,000 rpm. The 3.6-liter really starts cookin’ at high engine speeds, where the Outback starts to cover ground quickly.

The CVT is clearly an efficiency choice; its conservative tuning keeps engine speed low and fuel economy high. In our fuel economy test of five SUVs, the Subaru Outback came in second only to the front-wheel-drive Ford Edge and its turbocharged four-cylinder. All Outbacks are all-wheel drive, which typically sucks more fuel than front-wheel drive, and the one we tested was a six-cylinder, as well.

Towing capacity for both engines is 2,700 pounds, which puts it in a competitive spot for compact and some midsize SUVs. If you need to tow more, there are beefier towing machines out there. The Edge and Santa Fe Sport can tow as much as 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, and the V-6 Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds.

The Subaru Outback’s ride has a medium firmness that doesn’t float over roads but was still wholly comfortable and livable on the rough roads of Chicago. Maneuverability is more akin to a sedan than an SUV, with a tight turning radius and nimble nature around town. I observed not-too-subtle tire noise at highway speeds, but overall wind noise was in check. The Outback is inoffensive and pleasant to drive around town.
Interior
The Outback’s high ground clearance oddly doesn’t harm accessibility; it’s easy enough to get into the front and backseat. The front seating position is taller than a typical sedan’s, but you don’t get the high-off-the-ground feeling of an SUV, like in a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Edge. Outward visibility is, however, exceptional, with small pillars, tall glass and nearly unobstructed views from the driver’s seat. Just having a great view of the road goes a long way toward making the Outback comfortable to drive.

Seating comfort is about average, with medium-firmness cushioning and limited adjustability. The front passenger seat doesn’t have height adjustment, and there’s no ventilated seating, like competitors offer. Backseat comfort also comes up short, with a large center floor hump that takes up legroom and a low bottom cushion angled flat enough that my thighs didn’t rest comfortably on it (I’m 6 feet tall).

The Outback’s interior quality can go toe to toe with any midsize SUV except the Murano, which is in a class above its competitors. The Subaru Outback’s interior has a classy, understated design. I wouldn’t call it luxurious, but it has higher-end qualities without being flashy. The matte imitation wood trim contrasted well with the light leather and silver trim on our test car.

Less classy was the steering wheel, which was overcrowded with buttons for the Outback’s optional adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, plus sound controls, voice commands, trip information, and mute and back buttons. Touring trims add a heated steering wheel button.
Ergonomics & Electronics
Subaru won’t debut Apple CarPlay and Android Auto until later this year, on the redesigned 2017 Subaru Impreza, so the Outback doesn’t have that desirable smartphone integration at the moment. That’s too bad, because the rest of the multimedia system is well-done, with pinch-zoom functionality for navigation and mechanical dials for volume and tuning. The “capacitive” touch-sensitive buttons are reasonably easy to use for what they are.

Our test car had an optional 7-inch touch-screen with two USB ports and a navigation system, including three years of map updates and traffic information. Neither of those USB ports is in the back, however, and there are no power outlets back there, either, so kids with devices are out of luck when it’s time to juice up the tablet. This is a notable omission considering how many competing SUVs offer either USB charge ports or household AC power outlets in the backseat, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee (rear USB and AC outlet), Nissan Murano (rear USB outlet), Kia Sorento (rear USB and AC outlet) and Ford Edge (rear AC outlet).

A 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo is included on the Limited trim, but it’s nothing to write home about. Luckily you don’t have to pay extra for it; if you did I’d strongly advise against it. Sound quality when playing high-quality music sources was dull and lifeless despite the number of speakers and the system’s 576 watts.
Cargo & Storage
The Outback’s cargo space compares favorably to a typical midsize SUV like the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport or Ford Edge. The cargo opening is wide and tall, and there’s plenty of room behind the backseat: 35.5 cubic feet. There’s 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the backseat folded, though the wheel wells seem to intrude more than in other SUVs, narrowing the cargo space. The Limited trim I tested included a power liftgate with adjustable height, a feature that’s common in SUVs but not found in many non-luxury wagons.
Safety
The new Subaru Outback has nearly flawless crashworthiness ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ranks it a Top Safety Pick Plus — its highest accolade — and the Outback’s optional forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking earned the highest rating in IIHS’ precollision system testing. See the Outback’s IIHS results, as well as those for the entire midsize car class (that’s where IIHS classifies the Outback).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Outback five out of five stars in its overall crash ratings, and four out of five stars in rollover ratings (see the results).

The Subaru Outback’s available pre-collision system with automatic braking, EyeSight, comes in an option package on Limited trims, along with navigation, for $1,595. The package also includes adaptive cruise control plus lane departure warning and assist. EyeSight works by using two cameras mounted high on the windshield to monitor vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles and traffic lanes ahead of the vehicle; it can even detect brake lights. EyeSight can brake to a stop autonomously if a potential collision is detected, so long as the speed differential between the Outback and the other vehicle or object is less than 30 mph. Also included with EyeSight is reverse automatic braking that can detect a collision when reversing and apply the brakes. See a list of standard safety features here.

Blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on Limited models, giving the Outback a comprehensive suite of safety features. The active systems work well, alerting the driver to obstacles without too many false or annoying alarms. The adaptive cruise control performs exceptionally well given it relies on cameras, not radar, with smooth acceleration and braking. While the naming is the same on other Subarus, performance isn’t and EyeSight on the 2016 Subaru Impreza didn’t perform nearly as smoothly as on the Outback in our testing. Few adaptive cruise control systems outside the luxury segment work as seamlessly as the Outback’s.
Value in Its Class
The Subaru Outback Limited pegs the value-meter when you consider its safety features, fuel economy and cargo room at our as-tested price of $37,465 with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder and EyeSight. In Cars.com’s $45,000 Midsize SUV Challenge, the Outback was a competitive body type and came in $3,000 less than the next cheapest competitor.

What do you lose? You’ll miss out on a few creature comforts and a bigger backseat. If you can live with that, the Outback can do just about everything else a traditional midsize SUV can — for a steal.

email  

 

Managing Editor
Joe Bruzek

Managing Editor Joe Bruzek’s 22 years of automotive experience doesn’t count the lifelong obsession that started as a kid admiring his dad’s 1964 Chevrolet Corvette — and continues to this day. Joe’s been an automotive journalist with Cars.com for 16 years, writing shopper-focused car reviews, news and research content. As Managing Editor, one of his favorite areas of focus is helping shoppers understand electric cars and how to determine whether going electric is right for them. In his free time, Joe maintains a love-hate relationship with his 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am that he wishes would fix itself. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bruzek-2699b41b/

2017 Subaru Outback review: Our expert's take
By Joe Bruzek

The verdict: Whether you consider the 2017 Subaru Outback a wagon or a crossover SUV, it’s a home run for families and well-rounded enough to appeal to a large crowd.

Versus the competition: Though the Outback doesn’t have the sheer capabilities and size of a traditional midsize SUV, there’s enough SUV flavor there to satisfy more than just loyal Subaru owners.

For 2017, the Subaru Outback adds a new Touring trim level that gives an extra bit of luxuriousness to the top of the four-cylinder (2.5i) and six-cylinder (3.6R) trim ranges. Outback trims now include the base 2.5i trim, plus 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring. Compare the 2016 Outback with the 2017 here. Otherwise, this is the same great Outback that was redesigned for 2015, transforming the formerly quirky and polarizing wagon into a more mainstream vehicle with good looks, a nice driving experience and a loaded suite of safety features.

For this review, I drove a 3.6R Limited, which we tested alongside a crop of two-row SUVs for Cars.com’s $45,000 Midsize SUV Challenge, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kia Sorento and Ford Edge.
Exterior & Styling
The Subaru Outback’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance is more than many midsize SUVs and contributes to the Outback looking like a wagon with a lifted suspension, which isn’t a bad look. For 2015, the Outback streamlined its formerly awkward, polarizing appearance. Little has changed for 2017 except for the new Touring trim, which adds a dark gray grille, 18-inch wheels with dark gray accents, and silver-painted roof rails.
How It Drives
The optional 3.6-liter flat-6 cylinder is an interesting engine choice. On one hand, the six is smoother and quieter than the four-cylinder. On the other hand, its 256 horsepower isn’t managed very well by the continuously variable automatic transmission. You really have to be dedicated with the accelerator pedal to reap the benefits of the six’s extra 81 hp. Acceleration is sluggish at lower engine speeds, and power doesn’t come on strong until roughly 5,000 rpm. The 3.6-liter really starts cookin’ at high engine speeds, where the Outback starts to cover ground quickly.

The CVT is clearly an efficiency choice; its conservative tuning keeps engine speed low and fuel economy high. In our fuel economy test of five SUVs, the Subaru Outback came in second only to the front-wheel-drive Ford Edge and its turbocharged four-cylinder. All Outbacks are all-wheel drive, which typically sucks more fuel than front-wheel drive, and the one we tested was a six-cylinder, as well.

Towing capacity for both engines is 2,700 pounds, which puts it in a competitive spot for compact and some midsize SUVs. If you need to tow more, there are beefier towing machines out there. The Edge and Santa Fe Sport can tow as much as 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, and the V-6 Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds.

The Subaru Outback’s ride has a medium firmness that doesn’t float over roads but was still wholly comfortable and livable on the rough roads of Chicago. Maneuverability is more akin to a sedan than an SUV, with a tight turning radius and nimble nature around town. I observed not-too-subtle tire noise at highway speeds, but overall wind noise was in check. The Outback is inoffensive and pleasant to drive around town.
Interior
The Outback’s high ground clearance oddly doesn’t harm accessibility; it’s easy enough to get into the front and backseat. The front seating position is taller than a typical sedan’s, but you don’t get the high-off-the-ground feeling of an SUV, like in a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Edge. Outward visibility is, however, exceptional, with small pillars, tall glass and nearly unobstructed views from the driver’s seat. Just having a great view of the road goes a long way toward making the Outback comfortable to drive.

Seating comfort is about average, with medium-firmness cushioning and limited adjustability. The front passenger seat doesn’t have height adjustment, and there’s no ventilated seating, like competitors offer. Backseat comfort also comes up short, with a large center floor hump that takes up legroom and a low bottom cushion angled flat enough that my thighs didn’t rest comfortably on it (I’m 6 feet tall).

The Outback’s interior quality can go toe to toe with any midsize SUV except the Murano, which is in a class above its competitors. The Subaru Outback’s interior has a classy, understated design. I wouldn’t call it luxurious, but it has higher-end qualities without being flashy. The matte imitation wood trim contrasted well with the light leather and silver trim on our test car.

Less classy was the steering wheel, which was overcrowded with buttons for the Outback’s optional adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, plus sound controls, voice commands, trip information, and mute and back buttons. Touring trims add a heated steering wheel button.
Ergonomics & Electronics
Subaru won’t debut Apple CarPlay and Android Auto until later this year, on the redesigned 2017 Subaru Impreza, so the Outback doesn’t have that desirable smartphone integration at the moment. That’s too bad, because the rest of the multimedia system is well-done, with pinch-zoom functionality for navigation and mechanical dials for volume and tuning. The “capacitive” touch-sensitive buttons are reasonably easy to use for what they are.

Our test car had an optional 7-inch touch-screen with two USB ports and a navigation system, including three years of map updates and traffic information. Neither of those USB ports is in the back, however, and there are no power outlets back there, either, so kids with devices are out of luck when it’s time to juice up the tablet. This is a notable omission considering how many competing SUVs offer either USB charge ports or household AC power outlets in the backseat, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee (rear USB and AC outlet), Nissan Murano (rear USB outlet), Kia Sorento (rear USB and AC outlet) and Ford Edge (rear AC outlet).

A 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo is included on the Limited trim, but it’s nothing to write home about. Luckily you don’t have to pay extra for it; if you did I’d strongly advise against it. Sound quality when playing high-quality music sources was dull and lifeless despite the number of speakers and the system’s 576 watts.
Cargo & Storage
The Outback’s cargo space compares favorably to a typical midsize SUV like the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport or Ford Edge. The cargo opening is wide and tall, and there’s plenty of room behind the backseat: 35.5 cubic feet. There’s 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the backseat folded, though the wheel wells seem to intrude more than in other SUVs, narrowing the cargo space. The Limited trim I tested included a power liftgate with adjustable height, a feature that’s common in SUVs but not found in many non-luxury wagons.
Safety
The new Subaru Outback has nearly flawless crashworthiness ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ranks it a Top Safety Pick Plus — its highest accolade — and the Outback’s optional forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking earned the highest rating in IIHS’ precollision system testing. See the Outback’s IIHS results, as well as those for the entire midsize car class (that’s where IIHS classifies the Outback).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Outback five out of five stars in its overall crash ratings, and four out of five stars in rollover ratings (see the results).

The Subaru Outback’s available pre-collision system with automatic braking, EyeSight, comes in an option package on Limited trims, along with navigation, for $1,595. The package also includes adaptive cruise control plus lane departure warning and assist. EyeSight works by using two cameras mounted high on the windshield to monitor vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles and traffic lanes ahead of the vehicle; it can even detect brake lights. EyeSight can brake to a stop autonomously if a potential collision is detected, so long as the speed differential between the Outback and the other vehicle or object is less than 30 mph. Also included with EyeSight is reverse automatic braking that can detect a collision when reversing and apply the brakes. See a list of standard safety features here.

Blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on Limited models, giving the Outback a comprehensive suite of safety features. The active systems work well, alerting the driver to obstacles without too many false or annoying alarms. The adaptive cruise control performs exceptionally well given it relies on cameras, not radar, with smooth acceleration and braking. While the naming is the same on other Subarus, performance isn’t and EyeSight on the 2016 Subaru Impreza didn’t perform nearly as smoothly as on the Outback in our testing. Few adaptive cruise control systems outside the luxury segment work as seamlessly as the Outback’s.
Value in Its Class
The Subaru Outback Limited pegs the value-meter when you consider its safety features, fuel economy and cargo room at our as-tested price of $37,465 with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder and EyeSight. In Cars.com’s $45,000 Midsize SUV Challenge, the Outback was a competitive body type and came in $3,000 less than the next cheapest competitor.

What do you lose? You’ll miss out on a few creature comforts and a bigger backseat. If you can live with that, the Outback can do just about everything else a traditional midsize SUV can — for a steal.

email  

 

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2017 Subaru Outback base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.9%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.9%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / 80,000 miles
Basic
Coverage available for purchase
Dealer certification
152-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 369 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.7
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • Disappointing car with issues from start

    Got this car new, deluxe version, 3.6i, and a problem from beginning. Am a woman in my 60s, drive locally, only 32k miles on 2017 car, 7 yrs old! Started with battery completely draining 4 times with nothing “on”… replaced battery 3 times. Class action lawsuit on battery now too. Then about a year ago, the navigation system completely failed…l no cruise control or any of the other expensive features worked. Lots of issues with this too, expecting recall, but in mean time, after 4 trips to dealer, they replaced whole navigation system. It’s definitely a design flaw. Lastly, one of the main reason I got the car was to lock it, go hiking or surfing, and not worry about the key/fob. Well, they do have a system, buts it’s not easy or obvious. Even dealer folks couldn’t get it to work. You have to disengage the lock on inside, then punch in a 6 digit code in back of car by license plate. Technically, you set the code to 999999, and punch in 9x6 or 54 pushes! And if you make a mistake, you only get 3 chances! HORRIBLE DESIGN. IT IS NOT A KEYPAD BUT SHOULD BE.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    30 people out of 37 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Functional, cute, & saved me from a bad crash!

    I went from owning a 2003 Monte Carlo SS to a 2017 Subaru Outback. It was worth every penny. My Subaru is not only reliable, functional, and cute; it also saved me from being injured in a bad crash. This past fall a six point buck hit my car head on and I never saw it coming. It was a fatal crash for the deer, but not for me. As heartbroken as I was to see my car crumpled on the front, I was so glad it wasn't me. It was a repairable fix and made me really appreciate my car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    17 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Outback is a car for family or the sport enthusias

    This is my 3rd Subaru Outback. I have found the Outbacck to be a very reliable, comfortable and excellent all-wheel-drive vehicle. I love that even with the updated Subaru makes every few years, when I purchase a new one I have very little I have to learn to drive the newer version. However, it is always good to have the dealer go over the various updates and idiosyncrasies of your new or used Subaru Outback. I have been driving an Outbac since 1990's, and always seem to go back to this same brand and model because it is so safe in North Carolina's winter months when we get icy roads and sometimes snow. I have even tried to spin out my Subaru Outback on ice covered snow, just toseewhatwould happen. The car skidded to the side of the road but didn't sin out. And yes, I did this in a very safe environment where I had lots of empty space and room. I'm not totally crazy. The Subaru outback is a perfect car for individuals that doa variety of sports, for families looking for a safe and roomy car for up to 3 children. It easily sits 5 comfortable lying, and has child locks on the doors. The All-wheel-drive is the best other road. I also love the daylights that stay on all the time, and don't effect the battery running down as Logan you drive it regularly. My 2017 pairs well with my Samsung phone, as it would with any Android or I-phone. Ithaca plenty of additional electric outlets for listening to your MVP player or for your children playing games on their cell phones or tablets. The cargo area, whichI love, it bigger than that on a Forester, although Iusually put the backseat down sour dog s can move around while we drive. They have been trained Nottoway come into the frontseat area, unless invited at the beginning of a ride. You can also use a dog seat belt or a baby or dog seat installs easily in the Outback. And your can easily reach into a baby seat of dog seat to check on your human or pet baby, if it is placed on the opposite side inches backseat from where you are seated.in newer models of the Outback they have added extra storage compartments for electronics or other small to medium size objects that you may need handy. I also like that their is no ashtray, though one can be requested being put in. Their are plenty of cup holder both in the frontseat area and back seat area. An Ihave haul lumber an long items on top ofthe vehicle on the storage rack, and bought home a considerable load of plants and soil with the back seat folded down. The protective Tay and backend storage net came standard with my 2017 Subaru Outback, unlike many more expensive stationwagons or SUVs. The rear net is great for holding a small amount of grocery bags in place or several trays of plants. My 1917 Subaru Outback has airbags front and on the sides. The dashboard elements are easy ro read, and setting up the cruise control and distance from cars is easy to do. I sometimes frustrates me, but the 2017 Outback is set to slow down automatically if you are behind an vehicle. This can be a pain when you are wanting to past another car, but I've learned through habit to exceleratemanually when passing, so it is not a big deal, and the slow down feature is great when traveling it tracific, such as in big cities like Charlotte or Raleigh. Lastly I love my leather seats. They looks good today in 2022 as they did when I first purchase this car is December 2017. With regular washings, and dusting and or leather treating the interior the leather will last beautifully until the car has well over 250,000 miles on it. And that is both on road and off road driving. I've taken my Outback on some pretty rough roads, like Old 105going from Lake James area Linville using very old forestry back roads. My car takes these dirt, bumpy roads like a dream, with room to spare underneath.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    16 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • A very fun vehicle

    Every time I drive this vehicle I find some new feature that I just wasnt aware of. I thought I had done all the research I needed to make the purchase but this vehicle still surprises me daily. A very smooth ride and the features are perfect.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    13 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable

    It has all the bells and whistles and I like the size of it. Easy commute. Mine is limited Edition and I prefer fully loaded.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    9 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Wow, I love my Subaru

    First, I only just bought this used. It is the White Limited Outback and its beautiful. Im super picky about my cars, I used to own a Tesla (panic traded it, I miss it sorely). This Subaru is the smoothest driving car Ive ever owned (still miss my Tesla though, thats another story). White paint w Tan leather interior is gorgeous. No Engine Automatic Stop, stupidest thing any car manufacturer ever did. Great layout. I dont know about the reliability yet but im hoping its consistant with the rest of the car. I highly recommend the Outback.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Just got it so stay tuned

    Happy so far. No complaints from me. Doesn't have auto lock feature which I found odd for being a 2017? anyone else feel that way or just me?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • SUBARU - GOOD CAR

    We just bought it, but so far so good !! We wanted a Subaru due to its safety and dependability. It really drives well, and I would say drive like a big car, yet it is a smaller car, I was surprised at how nice it drove really !!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable

    I absolutely Love this vehicle (2017 Outback 2.5i Premium) and everything about it ! I have had it almost a month and still learning how to use everything it has on it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car I've owned, even after driving a Lexus!

    Comfortable seating, excellent visability, smooth ride, abundance of cup holders up front. Really impressed with the safety of this vehicle and reliability of the vehicle. It has exceeded my expectations.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Practical

    Lots of room and a smooth ride. Looking forward to spring and summer to take it over the road a bit. Handles very nicely on the snow and ice and is very versatile inside and out.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable When Battery Doesn't Prematurely Die

    For the most part this car meets the majority of my needs. My one complaint continues to be that the battery has had to be replaced twice in my 2017 Outback. Both times leaving me stranded & needing to be jumped to get car to dealership to have battery replaced. Since I travel the majority of the time in my car alone I purchased a Portable Car Battery Jump Starter just in case I'm ever dangerously stranded again!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2017 Subaru Outback?

The 2017 Subaru Outback is available in 4 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • Limited (2 styles)
  • Premium (1 style)
  • Touring (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2017 Subaru Outback?

The 2017 Subaru Outback offers up to 25 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2017 Subaru Outback?

The 2017 Subaru Outback compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2017 Subaru Outback reliable?

The 2017 Subaru Outback has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2017 Subaru Outback owners.

Is the 2017 Subaru Outback a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2017 Subaru Outback. 95.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 369 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.8

Subaru Outback history

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