The Subaru Outback is a large estate and a more rugged version of the Subaru Legacy (no longer sold in the UK). The current model was launched in 2015 and facelifted in 2018.
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 has received average to good reviews from most of the UK motoring media. It has been 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.
Key specifications
Body style: Estate
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £33,770 on-road
Launched: Spring 2015
Last updated: Spring 2018
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media
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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 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.”
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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.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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.”
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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.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Tough and hunky family estate that’ll take you anywhere…”
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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.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol automatic SE Premium
Score: 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.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“A likeable Swiss Army knife. A bit bland but will shrug off anything thrown at it.”
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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.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.7 / 10
“Tough 4×4 estate car.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2014
ECO RATING
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 2.5-litre petrol automatic
Date tested: February 2019
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