Used 2020 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
Used Outback for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
2020 Subaru Outback Onyx XT review.
John, 03/28/2021
2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a non special niche well rounded vehicle just under 40k. and determined the Outback Onyx XT is the best value in the price range. Niche vehicles in terms they do something exceptionally well (dedicated off-roaders, performance, 3 rows, luxury, efficiency) but may lack in other important areas. Of course if money is not a concern there are vehicles that pretty much can do it all. The Subaru Outback Onyx XT - MSRP 39k, paid 37k checked the most boxes leading to my decision to lease over some competitors in the same price range at the time of sale. For a two row vehicle the outback does very well for itself with good front row legroom and headroom. The drivers seat has excellent maneuverability. The second row reclines a bit, leg and headroom are good, and the cargo room in the back length wise is very good for the segment. Taller items might have a hard time fitting due the wagon style of the vehicle. Could be better for the money - second row sunshades and/or second row seats folding flat. The Onyx XT has good creature comforts with expected convenience and safety technology comparable to any other vehicle in its price range. My biggest complaint is drivers side small item storage. There's no place to put my cell phone which does not fit into the wireless charging area. The wireless charger slants trapping small unwanted things getting stuck or caught. The plug in cord in that area is in a very tight spot and hard to maneuver. The infotainment system works well and generally has no issues. A couple of small frustrations are within the climate controls - adjusting climate controls/heated seats should not be as difficult as it is in the outback having to reach around the gearshift pressing small little screen icons should be improved. Other minor complaints are the onyx XT is a little noisier than I thought, but that can be remediated by spending more money for the touring model. The driving dynamics and styling separated the Onyx XT from its competition. After brief turbo lag, the Onyx XT really gets going and is excellent in passing maneuvers. The ride is very compliant, definitely not soft, and with much less body roll then the outgoing 3.6 R. The Subaru Outback has very good fuel economy for a combustion setup, but my focus will shift to hybrid and/or electric when the lease is up in two years and wonder which automaker will offer the best value blending all the great qualities the Outback Onyx XT offers?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
What my 2017 Outback needed
Yinzr412, 03/31/2021
2020 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Better and quieter ride, finally has apple car play. Not a fan of auto stop/start feature.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2020 Subaru Outback for sale near you
Showing 3 of 110 listings
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $20,59098 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $21,99098 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $24,99098 mi away
See all 110 listings
Great Subie
Charlie D, 09/13/2021
2020 Subaru Outback Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Outback Touring XT has proven to be a great vehicle...plenty of power, comfortable and filled with all the perks one could want. Yes, the stop/start is jarring, but turning it off takes care of that issue. Highly recommend the Outback!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Smooth ride
Susan, 02/02/2022
2020 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great safety features. Very comfortable ride with plenty of room.
love it,may get buy anther
tom, 03/25/2022
updated 09/28/2022
2020 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
comfort and mailige
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Glitches technology
Crewsin, 05/11/2022
2020 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Smooth ride. Great safety features. Seamless cruise control. Gas mileage could be better. Technology is sub par. It does not recognize the driver. It is difficult to switch between apps- you have to take your eyes off the road to change from audio book to Spotify, etc. You need to plug into apps using UBS. EYESIGHT bounces on and off. The potential is there but it is not reliable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
Punchy and fun
Salty Dog, 08/16/2022
2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
50k miles in. No mechanical issues. Several recalls all been addressed but none actually affected me. Regular software updates. Discs were resurfaced but still under warranty. Turbo Onyx XT edition. Utilitarian, fun, terrific off-road capabilit, incredibly fast, value for the money good looking. Has every Bell and whistle you could need for one. Comfortable ride love the eyesight technology works well.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Comfortable ride, lousy infortainment and touch
Andrew, 04/09/2023
updated 03/04/2024
2020 Subaru Outback 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drive this car for 3+ years/27k miles. Base model is good. So far it was reliable, no repairs needed, one pending service - wheel alignment to fix minor uneven tire wear (uneven, but symmetrical). I like comfortable seats, i like that all seat adjustments are manual and rear hitch is also manual. It's not a sprinter, but it feels good and ride is nice for me. Infotainment (i have 2-screen setup) is not good: slow, especially on start, it may loose satellite radio, Apple car play works most of the times, but not always. I really miss buttons for air-conditioning, menu for it is unresponsive. Police may fine you for using phone, but actually they should put a fine on manufacturers for 'equipping' cars with such lousy touch-system. Auto start/stop is jerky and dangerous, i switch it off every time after start or on a first stop when it kicks (major annoyance). I read reviews of newer outback models and see same problem (electronics) persist over several years, not a good sign. I prefer infotainment to remain infotainment, and other functions to be separated and mechanically (knobs/buttons) controlled. Update: at age 4y experienced first major repair: ThermalControlValve replaced [fully covered under warranty]. Seems to be known problem for 2020/2021, read forums. So far the service experience was very good. Anyway, this is a dent in my confidence in the car reliability.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great car
HerkEng, 12/25/2023
2020 Subaru Outback Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Compared to the different wagons and SUVs out there, the 2020 was the right choice. It had more standard features than the top of the line European and American manufacturers. It also beat Volvo in safety. It’s been reliable. It’s efficient, it’s comfortable and it’s practical for me. Getting 0% Subaru financing during the pandemic sealed the deal. The touring model hit all the check marks on my list. Heated steering wheel, seat warmers and coolers and the eye sight system. X drive, ride height, headlights that shift to the direction of the turn and all of the safety tech are terrific. Great mileage on highways and it’s smooth. It has ample room to carry lots of stuff. The only con on this car, the information entertainment display. It was clunky to get used to. As of the 11th of December’23, a major software update fixed most of the issues I had with it. They moved the controls for AC/Heat, fan and seat temp controls to an always visible panel at the lower part of the screen. Love this car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Safe & Reliable
JR, 08/28/2024
2020 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has the extra power I’ve needed to move in traffic. It performs exceeding well during heavy rain.Other than having to replace the pricey battery at 40,000 miles, it has been reliable & dependable. My chief complaint is that it only averages 18-22 MPG.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Safety Tested (the hard way)
Subie_Convert, 11/30/2024
2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the Onyx trim about 3-4 months ago. I LOVE this car! Today, I felt compelled to write a review. Not only does this car run really well with a spacious and comfortable interior, but, after my accident with a deer this morning, I feel safer than ever. I hit a decently sized doe, coming around a curve. The deer was on the blind side of the curve and just popped out. There was hardly any time to react before the inevitable meet up with the doe and my car occurred. I was bracing myself for a good jolt and maybe some airbags in my face. When I tell you I felt very little, I truly mean it. Any involuntary movement from my body was just from the stop in momentum from quick breaking. And that’s all I felt. Like I just came to a really quick stop. The deer rolled down the road several feet and eventually met its demise, sadly. However, the Subaru held up great! There was some headlight, hood, and bumper damage, but my car ran and drove perfectly all the way home despite the damage. You would never know that I hadn’t just gotten into a minor fender bender if it weren’t for the hair from the deer planted in the bumper. I feel so confident, driving this car. Hitting a deer in TN is almost inevitable, and I feel great knowing I have a vehicle that can handle it.
Ferkakta ( Yiddish for screwed up )
Phinnigin, 03/26/2025
2020 Subaru Outback Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1st: thermo Control Valve failed half way on a 1,000 mile trip to S.C. Mid trip dealer said ok to drive as long as it doesn’t overheat. 2 days at destination dealer did repairs. Thankfully, it was covered under warranty. 2 nd: prior to next years trip, home dealer informed me that the cam carrier was “weeping” oil. Ok to drive, but keep an eye on oil level. Did so and level didn’t budge. Will have repairs done when I return from 2025, 2,000 mi R/T. Unfortunately, this repair requires removing the entire engine from the car. . Repair requires removing engine. 3rd: Shoetly after arriving at same destination as the prior years trip, all the warning lights lit up. 8 miles to same dealer as Nr. 1. Diagnosis was bad transmission valve body. 9 days for repairs at trip destination dealer. Thankfully the dealer gave us a loaner as we were at destination for a total of 6 weeks. All these problems occurred between 65,000 and 85,000 miles. In summary all I can say is thankfully, I took the Subaru 7 year 1,000 mile warranty. The car has been maintained by home selling dealer and changed oil every 4,000 moles vs. the 6,000 mile recommended. So do I dump the car after the cam carrier is replaced, or keep it for a couple of years . Overall, otherwise, I like the car, 2020 Outback Touring, 2.5 L Again, thankfully, I have the extended warranty.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Subaru3
KeepFightingSioux, 04/21/2025
2020 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I couldn’t be happier. This car has gotten me through thick and thin.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Carry a battery charger!
Duncan, 06/11/2025
2020 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2020 Outback has less than 26,000 miles and is now on it's 4th battery. Original battery replaced by Subaru at 4,000 miles after repeatedly unable to start. That battery lasted until 10,000 miles until I had to get AAA to replace battery while on a road trip. Just had the car in again to Subaru due to family being left stranded at night. Couldn't get it started. Subaru's solution: a new battery to the tune of $400+. This is the most unreliable car I have ever owned - and that includes my 1978 MGB! I regret owning this nightmare.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Smooth Ride
Gino, 09/27/2020
2020 Subaru Outback Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Research the vehicle before going to the dealership.
Subaru Newbie
Sue W, 06/20/2020
2020 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Love our new Subaru
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Subaru Outback performance
Betty Lee, 06/30/2020
2020 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Outback about 3 months ago and love it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great car
ken441, 09/16/2020
2020 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
very surprised by its handling. Bought the Premium
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love it!
Jessica, 09/18/2020
2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome. This is my second Outback and it has gotten even better.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Total disappointment
Dennis, 09/30/2022
updated 10/03/2023
2020 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have. 2020 Out ack that is a total disappointment. Starting with the monitor screen in the dash. Have had serious problems with it since day one and the problems continue. Subaru dealers finally said they don’t know what the problem is and can’t fix it. Then the miserable gas mileage. Average 17.5 on the highway. The. The thermostat control valve which controls the cooling system. It has been defective for months and no repair in sight. Subaru does not have the repair parts because they are going on all the new car models which are sitting in storage lots because they don’t have chips. My mileage has dropped to 17.2 and I have no heat in the car. Subaru customer advocate program is a joke. This is the last Subaru I will ever own. Can’t wait to get rid of it and go back to Toyota.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value