Vehicle Overview
There are vehicles roughly in the same ballpark as the 2017 Subaru Outback, but there's nothing playing the same position. It's a midsize wagon with standard all-wheel drive and more ground clearance than all but the most rugged SUVs. It's definitely an alternative sort of choice, but it also checks off so many practical boxes that we think it's a must-drive for anyone looking for a reasonably priced crossover SUV.
For 2017, the Outback gets a new, ritzier Touring model that dials back the utility in favor of some added style. The Outback's excellent safety credentials also get a further bump this year with the addition of reverse automatic braking to the already well-regarded EyeSight package of accident avoidance tech.
It's a pretty minor update, though, and our shopping advice remains the same as it has been the past few years. If you don't need the Outback's usual trick roof racks and would prefer a plusher cabin, it might make sense to consider similarly high-riding luxury wagons such as the Audi Allroad or Volvo XC60 Cross Country. As for other vehicles to consider, the new-for-2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is the only other rugged wagon with all-wheel drive, but it's smaller and has considerably less ground clearance.
Then there are crossover SUVs. The Outback has the interior space of midsize models like the Ford Edge and Kia Sorento, but has an advantage because of its lower roof (makes it easier to load up bikes or cargo boxes on the roof rails) and a higher ground clearance (for making it over rocks and through deep snow). The same can be said in comparison to smaller and slightly less expensive SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru's own Forester. It's a similar set of advantages for the Outback here plus the further competitive benefit of greater comfort and refinement.
Perhaps such comparisons won't ultimately matter. It comes down to this: Do you like wagons? Then the 2017 Outback offers a just-right mix of attributes that could make your vehicle search a one-stop affair.
Performance and MPG
The 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i trims come with a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed ("boxer") four-cylinder and it's the engine you're most likely to find on dealer lots. It has 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque and drives all four wheels through a standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
In Edmunds testing, this powertrain brought the Outback from zero to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, which is quite slow. Most compact SUVs are quicker. On the up side, the EPA estimates the Outback will return 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city/32 mpg highway), which is a bit thriftier than most compact SUVs.
For those who desire more power, the 3.6R trims feature a 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder good for 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. A CVT and all-wheel drive are again standard. The six-cylinder definitely provides the extra grunt needed in the Outback, but acceleration is still underwhelming, especially compared to its surprisingly quick turbocharged Forester 2.0XT. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 3.6R drops to 22 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway).
Safety
The 2017 Subaru Outback comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and seat cushion airbags (to position occupants correctly in the event of a frontal collision; these are used in place of knee airbags). Also standard is a rearview camera. On the Premium and Limited trim levels, the Outback comes with Starlink Connected Services, which includes emergency assistance and automatic collision notification. This can be enhanced with the optional Safety Plus and Security Plus upgrade, which adds remote vehicle access, remote vehicle locating and stolen vehicle recovery.
Subaru's EyeSight system is available on the Premium and Limited trims as part of the Driver Assist Technology package. It includes a forward collision warning system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking and lane departure warning and automatic intervention. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems are standard on the Limited trims and included with EyeSight on the 2.5i Premium.
In government crash tests, the Subaru Outback earned a five-star overall rating, with five stars for total frontal crash protection and five stars for side impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Outback its highest possible rating of Good in the small-overlap and moderate-overlap front-impact tests. It also earned a Good score in the side-impact, roof strength and seat/head restraint (whiplash protection in rear impacts) tests. The Outback's accident avoidance tech earned a top rating of Superior.
Vehicle Overview
The 2017 Subaru Outback wisely adopts the motto, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The midsize wagon still comes with standard all-wheel drive and possesses the remarkable ground clearance that you would find on more hard-core SUVs, not on a family wagon. While it's different from other vehicles in its class, it would be hard to argue with the Outback's practicality. We're happy to see it remain as an affordable must-drive car for those who are looking into crossovers and compact SUVs and are willing to broaden their horizons.
All the assets that make the Subaru Outback popular are back: superb safety features, a low profile for easy loading and unloading, spacious seating (especially in the rear, where most compact SUVs suffer) and fantastic ground clearance that provides confidence in off-road conditions.
The Outback's impressive optional EyeSight safety package returns, with a forward collision warning system (which includes automatic braking and pedestrian detection), lane departure warning and automatic intervention. For 2017, it packs in more features: reverse automatic braking and automated high beam headlight control.
Also new for 2017 is the addition of a modern touchscreen interface, available in two sizes. It features user-friendly navigation and a host of smartphone-connectivity applications.
The fuel economy for the 2017 Subaru depends on the engine. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder variant will give you a combined 28 mpg (25 city/32 highway), which is a subtle improvement over most SUVs in the compact range. The more powerful 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine drops the numbers slightly to a combined 22 mpg (20 city/27 highway).
As with the 2016 Subaru Outback, the 2017 Outback comes in several different trim levels. Starting with the base Outback 2.5i, Subaru adds practical options to the Premium level, such as a windshield wiper de-icer and automatic climate control. The luxurious Limited increases safety features and adds some style and sound enhancements. For a more spirited drive, the 3.6R Limited gives the car extra power over the regular Limited.
New this year is a Touring level (both for the 2.5i and 3.6R) that effectively makes the car fully loaded and improves the interior/exterior visual aesthetics of the vehicle.
The 2017 Subaru Outback remains a smart choice for shoppers looking for an alternative to the compact SUV segment. Rely on Edmunds for assistance on your quest to finding the 2017 Subaru Outback that is right for you.
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Subaru Outback and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Outback featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
How do people like the 2017 Subaru Outback?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Subaru Outback and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Outback 4.6 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Outback.
Vehicle
3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
Review
I took advantage of the August 2016 Zero down, Zero % APR offer from Subaru to purchase this car. The Outback was on my short list of new cars; I also considered the Kia Sorento, the Ford Edge, the Subaru Forrester, and Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-5 & CX-9. After test drives, much number crunching and internet research and opinions from friends, I went with the Subaru Outback. I love this car! It is quick, quiet, well-upholstered, and has the active safety features I was looking for. DETAILED REVIEWS Engine & Transmission: I have never had a car with a CVT before and I read lots of articles denigrating CVTs. However, as I do not care if my car makes sports car "vroom vroom" sounds or if it shifts like a Ferrari, I did not care about the presence of the CVT (although almost every "car guy" review does). The CVT in this car is super-smooth, except for a *very* slight stuttering at very low speed (< 5 mph) under low acceleration. Past that, the powertrain is nice and smooth, and the flat 6 does a great job getting the car up to highway speed. If you are happy with a sub-7 second 0-60 time (6.9 sec), then you will be happy with the 3.6R. Fuel economy numbers seem to be as advertised. Most of my driving is "city" driving and I drive fast (trying to change this) so after 1 month of ownership I have been averaging 21 MPG. My previous car was a diesel that averaged over 40 MPG during the summer, but the Outback is larger, more powerful, quicker, much nicer, and the fuel (87 octane) is cheaper so it balances out. Interior Trim: I have nothing but praise for the fit and finish of the cabin. The Trim of the 3.6R Limited Edition is great; smooth and attractive to the eye. The (fake?) wood trim is nice, but I do not feel it adds that much to the car. Interior Comfort: I am 6'-1" and this car has plenty of room, front and back. I love the lumbar support of the front seats, but some reviews called it "aggressive lumbar support. The lumbar support sticks out more than any other car I every had, but MY lower back loves it. My wife, at 5'-6", does not, which does not surprise me. It does not appear that the lumbar support can be lowered enough to accommodate her. She says the back seats are comfortable, so that is nice. The seats are just the right amount of firmness for me. Exterior: My main complaint is driver's side visibility. The visibility out of the driver's side mirror is poor IMHO and leaves a huge blind spot. So much that the active safety features for the left side of the car are NEEDED, otherwise you will strain your neck checking your left. The driver's side mirror is of little help. If you can live with that, everything else is great. I think the styling is very nice, great for a wagon and still distinct from other crossover SUVs. Also, mine is Venetian Red which makes it look even better ;-) Electronics/Infotainment: I do not use Subaru's Navigation system because I have Waze and Google Maps on my smartphone, so I cannot rate that Subaru's system. UPDATE - 9/27/2016: I tried it once and it worked fine although the controls are not intuitive. I believe by 2016-17 most people have a smartphone with some type of navigation app built-in that gets frequently updated, so I do not see much point in the USA for Subaru to put much effort into developing a top-of-the-line navigation system. However, if for some reason your phone is dead/lost, and you do not have paper maps (what's wrong with you?!) then this system would be adequate. My phone is linked via Bluetooth to my car (easy to do) and I exclusively listen to Pandora and Spotify through it. So much that I still have not learned how to fully operate the HD radio, such as setting preset stations, et.! When I get around to checking out the HD radio, I will update this review. Cargo: I have not tested the car's cargo capacity yet, but cargo capacity was one of the main reasons for choosing the Outback so I am sure it will great. The molded Styrofoam compartment underneath the cargo area floor mat has lots of little trays that can be used to hold a surprising amount of supplies in an organized fashion. Right now, I keep a voltmeter, bungee cords, flat repair kit and some other useful knickknacks in there. Also, the center console compartment is deep, great for storing the stuff you will use most often. Safety: The two things I insisted on when deciding on purchasing the 2017 Outback were: a 6-cylinder engine and the Eyesight system. The IIHS gives the Eyesight system its highest rating (Superior), which at the time of my research was only shared with Kia's system. Human error is the overwhelming cause of car accidents, and I believe automated systems that HELP us prevent accidents are highly desirable. The Eyesight system works great, although the lane-keeping sensor is a bit sensitive in my opinion. That's it for now. I am really enjoying this car and I hope you do as well.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Subaru Outback
How can Edmunds help?
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Is the 2017 Subaru Outback safe?
The 2017 Subaru Outback earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
What options are available on the 2017 Subaru Outback?
Available Subaru Outback 2017 Submodel Types: SUV, Wagon, Sedan
Available Trims: 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R Limited, 2.5i Premium PZEV, 2.5i Limited PZEV, 2.5i, 3.6R Touring, 2.5i Touring, Base, 2.5i PZEV, 2.5I, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5 XT Limited, Limited, 2.5I Ltd L.L.Bean Edition, 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition, H6-3.0 L.L. Bean Edition, L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5 XT, 2.5I Limited, 2.5i Basic, 3.6R Premium, L.L. Bean Edition , 2.5XT Limited, 3.0 R, 3.0R Limited, VDC, 3.0 R VDC Limited, H6-3.0 35th Anniversary Edition, H6-3.0 VDC
Exterior Colors: Crystal White Pearl, Twilight Blue Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Tungsten Metallic, Crimson Red Pearl, Wilderness Green Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Venetian Red Pearl, Carbide Gray Metallic, Satin White Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Lapis Blue Pearl, Graphite Gray Metallic, Cypress Green Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic/Granite Gray Opal, Deep Indigo Pearl, Champagne Gold Opal, Ruby Red Pearl, Steel Silver Metallic, Obsidian Black Pearl, Azurite Blue Pearl, Diamond Gray Metallic/Quartz Silver Metallic, Deep Bronze Metallic, Harvest Gold Metallic, Seamist Green Pearl/Titanium Pearl, Willow Green Opal/Moss Green Metallic, Atlantic Blue Pearl, Atlantic Blue Pearl/Granite Gray Opal, Seacrest Green Metallic, Sky Blue Metallic, Timberline Green/Titanium Pearl, Mystic Blue Pearl/Titanium Pearl, Newport Blue Pearl, Satin White Pearl/Granite Gray Opal, White Frost Pearl/Titanium Pearl, Caramel Bronze Pearl, Quartz Silver Metallic, Champagne Gold Opal/Granite Gray Opal, Regatta Red Pearl, Timberline Green Pearl/Titanium Pearl, White Frost Pearl/Titanium, Wintergreen Metallic/Titanium, Deep Sapphire / Titanium Pearl, Newport Blue Pearl/Quartz Silver Metallic, Timberline Green / Titanium Pearl, White Birch / Titanium Pearl, Brilliant Brown Pearl, Champagne Gold Opal/Titanium Pearl, Deep Sapphire/Titanium Pearl, Regatta Red Pearl/Titanium Pearl, White Frost Pearl/Moonlight Metallic, Black Granite Pearl/Titanium, Black Granite Pearl/Titanium Pearl, Bright Silver/Titanium Pearl, Garnet Red Pearl, Seamist Green Pearl/Dark Lower Accents, Silver Stone Metallic/Dark Lower Accents, Titanium Pearl
Interior Colors: Slate Black Leather leather, Slate Black Cloth cloth, Warm Ivory Leather leather, Warm Ivory Cloth cloth, Black, Ivory, Java Brown Leather leather, Titanium Gray Leather leather, Off Black cloth, Taupe cloth, Beige, Titanium Gray Cloth cloth, Off Black leather, Ivory cloth, Saddle Brown leather, Taupe, Warm Ivory leather, Gray, Warm Ivory cloth, Off Black, Off-Black cloth
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Aux Audio Inputs, Rear Bench Seats, Fold Flat Rear Seats, 2500lb Towing Capacity, Trip Computer, Alarm, Heated seats, Power Driver Seat, Tire Pressure Warning, Bluetooth, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, USB Inputs, Stability Control, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Back-up camera, Post-collision safety system, Sunroof/Moonroof, Leather Seats, Blind Spot Monitoring, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Keyless Entry/Start, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-collision safety system, Navigation, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Headlights, Parking sensors, Upgraded Stereo, Remote Start, Towing Hitch, Rear Entertainment System
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
