Used 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M) Consumer Reviews
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Not as good as I had hoped for.
sknaffl4, Black Mountain, NC, 12/23/2013
Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
69 of 74 people found this review helpful
This Outback is my first Subaru, and sadly, it will probably be my last. I had high expectations for this car considering the excellent reviews from prior models, but now that I've got 40,000 miles on it, I'm not impressed. It burns 1 quart of oil every 1000-1200 miles, which Subaru says is normal. There is a constant vibration at hwy speeds that is NOT tire related. There are large gaps in the body panels, and the hatch doesn't even line up...indicating poor build quality. The seat is already starting to deform, and I'm not a big person. There is a constant rattle on deceleration, and the stock stereo speakers are probably the worst I've ever seen.
My first and possibly only Subaru Outback
John Winter, Gaithersburg, MD, 09/01/2018
updated 03/10/2025
Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought this car primarily for its reliability and that it has been. I have only been back to the dealer once for a recall and that is it. The only part I purchase from the dealer is the gasket for oil changes, which I do myself. The engine and transmission combination are interesting once you figure out where the power is and how much right foot to use. Around town a light right foot is needed because the throttle tip in on the four cylinder is abrupt. On the highway, a light right foot is also helpful when passing. The CVT for the most part is unobtrusive, especially when you are cruising on flat highway, but go up a hill or demand power to pass and the CVT whines and the engine noise goes up too. This is my first CVT and will be my last. Subaru did program in some shift points but in all honesty they are only good when downshifting to pass someone. I use the shift paddles on the steering wheel because the CVT will respond more quickly. Ride comfort is pretty good especially on good roads. The driver's seat is comfortable but the front passenger seat leaves something to be desired in terms of adjustability which is quite limited. Road noise is well suppressed except on very coarse surfaces. Wind noise is also well suppressed except in crosswinds over 20 MPH or if you have the cross bars open to carry cargo on the roof rack. Handling with the stock Continentals was barely marginal and after 22,000 miles I got rid of them. I replaced them with Pirelli P7 Cintourato H speed rated tires. Big world of difference. The Subaru rode more smoothly and was much quieter too. Handling went from barely marginal to nearly sports car like. Almost no drifting on curves at highway speed and instant response to steering inputs and nominal body roll in emergency maneuvers. Brakes are decent but do not hold up well. I had to replace the rear brakes at 42,000 and the fronts at 57,000 with mostly highway driving. I went with solid rotors on the back and cross drilled and slotted in the front. In both cases I am using high performance Hawk pads and since the change over the car stops really well and in less distance. The engine has been dead reliable. No oil consumption issues for my FB25. I change oil every 4000 miles and use 5W-20 synthetic instead of the 0W-20 synthetic. Oil consumption is less than one-half quart in 4000 miles. Oil change is a snap and it takes me about twenty minutes. Do not try a 5W-30 synthetic in this engine. It will run, but badly, at least in my experience. Climate control is excellent with very fast heat in the winter and very fast cooling in the summer. The A/C does take some power away from the performance and about one MPG in fuel economy. The basic radio/infotainment system is the only negative I have. The radio and CD player itself work well and the sound quality is good. Try pairing a cellphone and that in itself is a small nightmare. The instructions in the manual are beyond convoluted. Sometimes the paired phone is not even recognized. Sound quality is horrendous and in one case I had to hold my cellphone against the driver side window to be able to hear the other person or for them to hear me. Subaru and the dealer offered no support whatsoever for this issue. March 4, 2020. Have 87K miles on the car. Have had to do the rear brakes again with rotors and pads. Interior is starting to show it's age with the driver's seat now not as supportive. A bit more wind noise showing up around the outside mirrors too. No squeaks or rattling yet. Fuel economy remains mediocre at 23 to 24 mph combined with barely 28 mpg on the highway cruising at 63 MPH. Starting becoming cranky at times especially in the morning. Battery is in good condition. Transmission shutters from time to time when coming to a stop. Will keep it for another year or so. March 2023. Still have the beast. Has 112,600 on the odometer. Transmission shuttering better after a software update. Much easier to get the gear I want with my right foot. Fuel economy is better and the engine feels looser. Starting to get some very mild oil consumption, about 0.5 quarts per 2000 miles. No oil leaks or burnt oil smell. Ride remains quiet and smooth depending on the tires I have used. Presently have Nokian WR G4 SUV mounted. They are quiet and smooth and excellent in the rain.
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Trailered it to the dealership because all oil was gone
Mel B, Chelsea, MA, 07/08/2015
Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
I had gone through the consumption test at 40k miles and now at 62500 miles (6000 miles since last oil change, 7500 recommended by dealership) it was empty- NO OIL left after adding 2 quarts since oil change at 56,500 miles. We put it on a trailer and dropped it off to be looked at. They suggest replacing the PCV valve at this point, so we'll see. Bought the car in August of 2014, so less than a year, with 34000 miles on it. Tried to trade it in and they offered me $16000 after I paid $24500 less than a year prior. Massive disappointment
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Oil Consuming Outback
russellta, Concord, CA, 10/03/2014
Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
15 of 19 people found this review helpful
Love the car, hate how it burns oil and Subaru knows about it but will not stand behind their product. Oil consumption test done by local Subaru Service department shows 1qt oil consumed in 1,529 miles on our 2014 Outback with 9,253 miles on the odometer. Local Service Department says they did not do the test right, but I looked at the dipstick myself before we took it in. 1qt low at 1,520 miles. Oil consumption test says 1/3qt in 1,200 is out of specification, contacting SOA got us an answer of; go back to the dealer. Really? Stand behind your product Subaru. Read the lawsuit against you and you will see there is no reason for me to go back to my dealer.
Least reliable car I've owned.
Matthew, North East, MD, 10/05/2018
Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
To be fair I drove the heck out of it. Putting on 143k in 5 years. But 3 out or four wheel bearings had to be replaced at just over 100k, recently costing me $1800. And now the car is junk at 143k - full exhaust system including 3 catalytic converters would need to be replaced for around 4k, and my mechanic doesn't recommend doing because it was caused by excessive oil consumption - a known issue by Subaru (there is a class action suit but no recall). I spoke with Subaru national and the dealer today who both said something to the effect of 'sorry buddy, have a nice day'. I used to be a fan, but I will never buy another Subaru.
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