2025 Subaru Outback

Price Range: $29,995 - $44,730

We know why so many people love the Subaru Outback. It has standard all-wheel drive, lots of interior space, comfy seats and useful off-road capability. That said, the 2025 Outback is really held back by frustrating, poorly tuned driver aids and an outdated touchscreen.Read full review

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$29,271

9 for sale near you

Prices based on sales in IL thru 6/23/25

Final assembly in USA

5 Colors
8 Trims
3 Packages

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Subaru Outback Video Shorts

by Edmunds Test Team

2025 Subaru Outback Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Spacious cabin and smooth, comfortable ride
Optional turbocharged engine provides plenty of power
Loading the roof or cargo area is easier than in most SUVs
Above-average off-road ability

Cons

Slow acceleration from standard engine
Clunky engine auto stop-start system
Touchscreen looks dated and is slow to respond
Driver aids can be overly sensitive

What's new

Limited trim adds several features as standard equipment
Subaru makes no other significant changes to the midsize crossover SUV
Part of the sixth Outback generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Almost 30 years ago, Subaru took a Legacy station wagon, installed all-wheel drive, lifted the suspension, added SUV styling cues, and called the result the Outback. That recipe has proven irresistible for decades, and Subaru hasn't changed the ingredients. Today, the 2025 Subaru Outback remains a mainstay of the company's lineup, slotting between the smaller Forester and larger Ascent. Reasonably affordable and ready for any kind of weather, the 2025 Outback is a safe, durable and practical choice for singles, families and empty nesters alike.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois

$151/mo

$195/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: The wildest ride is the Wilderness

The original 1996 Subaru Outback was one of the first crossover SUVs available in America. Now, every company sells one, so Subaru hopes to once again stand out with the Outback Wilderness. The Wilderness is the automotive equivalent of a Double-Double at In-N-Out — an Outbacked Outback, if you will. You can recognize it by its copper accents, wildly flared wheel arch trim, and extra-lifted suspension to provide 9.5 inches of ground clearance. It also has dramatic bumper detailing, all-terrain tires and a sturdier roof rack. Inside, Subaru decks out the Wilderness with water-resistant synthetic leather, so get it as wet and dirty as you like. It'll clean up easily.

Competitors to consider

Though Subaru found success with a wagon-based crossover, the few automakers that tried haven't repeated that feat, leaving the Outback in a class of one. However, you might cross-shop it with other midsize two-row SUVs such as the Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-70 and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Among these rivals, only the Passport TrailSport provides anything close to the Outback's off-roading capability.

What’s it like to live with?

When Subaru last redesigned the Outback, we added a turbocharged Onyx Edition XT to the Edmunds long-term testing fleet to see how it's like to drive over time. Read our long-term review of this capable Subaru to find out what we thought of the current-generation Outback.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

We drove the 2025 Subaru Outback on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Driving experience

7.6/10

How does the Subaru Outback drive? Our test Outback had the optional turbo engine. At the Edmunds test track, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. That's pretty quick and a nice upgrade from the otherwise slow acceleration from the base engine. We think it's worth getting.

In general, the Outback doesn't feel as in control or stable as most other midsize SUVs. There's some noticeable body roll when making turns. Also, the steering is slow, which means you'll have to turn the steering wheel more than you might expect to get around a turn or even in a parking lot. But there's good news: With 8.7 inches of standard ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, the Outback can go pretty much anywhere its SUV competitors can — and some places they can't.

Subaru has a reputation for safety, and the Outback offers a plethora of driving aids. That said, most of them aren't tuned well. The lane keeping assistance constantly intervenes when it doesn't need to, the driver attention warning will chime even if your eyes are firmly planted on the road, and the automatic emergency braking will regularly mistake trash cans for people and jam on the brakes for absolutely no reason. As a result, they're largely infuriating and unintuitive.

Comfort

7.7/10

How comfortable is the Subaru Outback? The Outback's ride quality is great overall and one of this SUV's major strengths. Potholes, speed humps and drainage ditches are absorbed easily. From a space standpoint, the Outback is fantastic. Some might prefer a more upright SUV-like seating position, but the Outback offers plenty of adjustability.

The front seats are great — soft but supportive, they offer a decent amount of bolstering without feeling tight. They'd be good to sit in for a long trip. The air conditioning also works well, as do the available heated seats and steering wheel — the available ventilation function for the front seats isn't particularly effective. The real issue is the need to use the slow-to-respond touchscreen to make most changes. It worsens the entire experience.

In-cabin tech

6.5/10

How’s the tech? Unfortunately, in Subaru's pursuit of reducing button clutter for drivers, most of the Outback's controls are routed through the touchscreen. The screen can be slow to respond and very distracting to use. Changing any setting requires navigating through multiple menus, adding time and distraction to even simple tasks. The screen is also greatly outclassed by rivals. Its resolution is poor, and even when you plug in your smartphone to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it's laggy and slow to respond. You can also expect the occasional cutout from phone mirroring altogether.

A nice-sounding stereo and plenty of charge ports are pluses, however, and we appreciate that physical volume and tuning knobs are there.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2025 Subaru Outback pricing in West Chicago, IL

Edmunds suggests you pay

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$29,995
Starting MSRP
2025 Subaru Outback
See All Trims
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MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details.

Build & Price

Storage & cargo

7.6/10

How’s storage and cargo? Because the Outback is more a lifted station wagon than an SUV, it loses out just a bit in terms of total cargo capacity. But at least the cargo floor is low and flat, making loading and unloading a breeze. It's also easy to install gear on the Subaru's roof rails because the Outback isn't quite as high as your typical SUV.

Cabin storage is clever but lacking in volume. There's a nice phone shelf for front passengers, and rear passengers get bottle holders in their doors and seatback pockets on both sides, but the center console box is smaller than the ones in most SUVs. Ultimately, there's less space to stash your stuff. Installing child safety seats should be a breeze thanks to easily accessible seat anchors and plenty of room.

Value

7.9/10

Is the Subaru Outback a good value? Most competitors have stronger standard engines, but otherwise the Outback offers a decent value. The base model isn't lacking any practicality. And when loaded with extra luxuries and technology features, it costs less than similarly equipped competitors. The equation changes a bit if you want the more powerful XT models, which are priced closer to traditional SUV competitors.

The Subaru doesn't offer any particular ownership advantages. The warranty is average for the segment. And while the Outback feels well put together, the design and quality of materials don't really stand out in any way.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

MPG

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the Outback and its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine will get 25 mpg combined. We observed similar fuel economy in our testing with the Outback, suggesting that the EPA's estimate are reachable.

X factor

7/10

The Outback is Subaru's bread and butter. You've seen them a million times and will continue to do so. The Outback's advantage over other SUVs is its off-road focus and ability to do a little bit of everything. If you're someone who needs to get off the beaten path every once in a while and can stand the annoying driver aids and dated tech, this Outback might float your boat. That said, there's a new one on the way that might do that job even better.

Which Outback does Edmunds recommend?

Based on our testing experience, we recommend the Outback's available turbocharged engine and the rugged Wilderness model is one of the most affordable ways to get it. Besides turbo power, the Wilderness adds extra visual attitude and off-roading capability combined with an interior you won't mind getting dirty.

Compare 2025 Subaru Outback trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Subaru Outback Owner Reviews

4.3

31 reviews

5(61%)

4(19%)

3(7%)

2(10%)

1(3%)

The overall sentiment about the 2025 Subaru Outback is mixed. Owners appreciate the car's safety features, comfort, reliability, and how well it drives in snow and long distances. However, some owners are unhappy with the car's technology, saying it can be slow or distracting, and mention issues like low fuel efficiency and an unreliable remote start. A few also find the safety alerts annoying and report problems with the car's software and some parts not working properly.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 31 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Review

Oil leak

Ron, 08/14/2024

2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

Less than 4500 miles and an engine oil leak. 2 weeks before dealer can look at. I have to say quality isn’t an issue. They have had this issue for a while. Must be a design flaw. Engineering problem. After its fixed how long before it happens again.

See all 31 reviews of the Subaru Outback

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2025 Subaru Outback Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$151/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	32.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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2025 Subaru Outback

At a Glance:

5 Colors
8 Trims
3 Packages
$29,995starting MSRP

Build & Price Subaru.com

MSRP is subject to change and varies based on availability, trim level, option packages, and retailer-installed accessories. MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, registration, and other fees. Retailer sets actual price. See your retailer for details.

Safety

Key safety features on the Outback include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	18.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

FAQ

Is the Subaru Outback a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Outback both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Outback gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Outback has 32.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Outback. Learn more

What's new in the 2025 Subaru Outback?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Subaru Outback:

Limited trim adds several features as standard equipment
Subaru makes no other significant changes to the midsize crossover SUV
Part of the sixth Outback generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Subaru Outback reliable?

To determine whether the Subaru Outback is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Outback. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Outback's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2025 Subaru Outback a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Subaru Outback is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Outback and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Outback gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Outback is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Subaru Outback?

The least-expensive 2025 Subaru Outback is the 2025 Subaru Outback 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,995.

Other versions include:

4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $29,995
Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $33,060
Onyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $37,970
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $39,720
Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $41,225
Wilderness 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $41,710
Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $42,060
Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $42,280
Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $44,730

Learn more

What are the different models of Subaru Outback?

If you're interested in the Subaru Outback, the next question is, which Outback model is right for you? Outback variants include 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), Onyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), and Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Outback models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2025 Subaru Outback

Pricing

Subaru Outback Video Shorts

2025 Subaru Outback Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: The wildest ride is the Wilderness

Competitors to consider

What’s it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Save as much as $3,395 with Edmunds

Edmunds suggests you pay

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

Which Outback does Edmunds recommend?

Subaru Outback Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Review

Oil leak

Helpful shopping links

2025 Subaru Outback Features & Specs

Compare the Subaru Outback

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Outback include:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Subaru Outback a good car?

What's new in the 2025 Subaru Outback?

Is the Subaru Outback reliable?

Is the 2025 Subaru Outback a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2025 Subaru Outback?

What are the different models of Subaru Outback?

Related 2025 Subaru Outback info

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