Subaru Outback (2015 – 2021) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The Subaru Outback is a large estate and a more rugged version of the sixth-generation Subaru Legacy (no longer sold in the UK). This model was launched in 2015, facelifted in 2018 and ended production in 2021.
The Outback occupies a rather narrow niche – aimed at buyers who want an estate and need to go off-road to a certain degree, but don’t want an SUV-style vehicle. Subaru practically pioneered this niche, but in recent years the Outback has been joined by other uprated estates. The main difference between the Outback and its rivals is that you’d probably trust the Subaru to get to places that would scare off most SUVs, while most of the rest would flinch at anything tougher than a gravel path.
The Subaru Outback received average to good reviews from most of the UK motoring media. It was particularly praised for its genuine off-roading ability and generous equipment levels, but criticised for its on-road performance and higher-than-average running costs. By the time it went off sale in the UK, it had an Expert Rating of 58%, which is well down on similar soft-roader estates from other brands.
It was replaced by a new model in the summer of 2021 – the new model looks very similar but is based on an all-new platform underneath.
Key specifications
Body style: EstateEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £33,770 on-road
Launched: Spring 2015Last updated: Spring 2018
Replaced: Summer 2021
Image gallery
Subaru Outback (2015 – 2018)
Subaru Outback (2015 – 2018)
Subaru Outback (2015 – 2018)
Subaru Outback (2018 onwards)
Subaru Outback (2018 onwards)
Subaru Outback (2018 onwards)
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: SE Lineartronic“It’s certainly not perfect, but if you need a reasonably-priced, well-equipped family car that simply must be capable off-road, the Subaru Outback is unbeatable.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6 / 10“Other off-road estates talk the talk, but the Subaru Outback is genuinely capable in the rough.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic SE Premium“The quirky Subaru lacks the glitz and glamour of premium rivals, yet its no-nonsense approach and clever engineering make it an interesting alternative to the mainstream. A softer ride wouldn’t go amiss, but this practical and well-equipped car deserves to find more buyers.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7 / 10“There are two things to consider before you pull the trigger on a Subaru Outback. Firstly, diesel models have a lower towing limit than the petrols, and secondly, Subaru’s Eyesight safety system can’t be added to manual models.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automaticScore: 6 / 10“The groundswell of goodwill propping up Subaru in the UK might be taxed a tad less by a conventional transmission and a more cosseting ride.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7.2 / 10“The Subaru Outback is a practical family car and it’s also good off-road – but rivals are more stylish.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Subaru Outback is a tall family car with a spacious cabin and grippy four-wheel drive, but alternatives are better to drive, cheaper to run and come with posher-feeling interiors.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6 / 10“The Subaru Outback is really meant for buyers who genuinely rely on their car in all conditions. For those who want rugged looks, but who drive in friendlier environments, there are cheaper alternatives on the market both in term of running costs and price.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Tough and hunky family estate that’ll take you anywhere…”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic“If the family is swelling in size, and you need something which will deliver your nippers to the centre spot of a boggy rugby pitch without sinking in the mud, this is the car for you.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol automatic SE PremiumScore: 6 / 10“While the 2018 updates don’t change the Outback dramatically, they do add extra appeal to what remains a solid long-term ownership proposition for those able to make use of its all-weather credentials.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“A likeable Swiss Army knife. A bit bland but will shrug off anything thrown at it.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 4 / 10“The Subaru Outback is roomy and well equipped, but it’s not good enough in other areas to challenge the class best.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview“Tough 4×4 estate car.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2014
85%
ADULT OCCUPANT
87%
CHILD OCCUPANT
70%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
73%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 2.5-litre petrol automatic
Date tested: February 2019
6.5 / 10
CLEAN AIR INDEX
1.8 / 10
ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX
Read full Green NCAP review
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Subaru Outback, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A4 allroad | Skoda Octavia Scout | Subaru Levorg | Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer | Volkswagen Passat Alltrack | Volvo V60 Cross Country
Buy or lease a Subaru Outback
If you’re looking for a used Subaru Outback, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car or a competitive finance deal
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.
We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.
We Finance Any Car provides an alternative to dealer finance.
Motorly provides an alternative to dealer finance.
Keyword: Subaru Outback (2015 – 2021)