2025 Subaru Outback

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

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

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 That said, the 2025 Outback is really held back by frustrating, poorly tuned driver aids and an outdated touchscreen.

#10 out of 12

Midsize SUVs

33 Owner Reviews

Pros

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

Cons

Con:Slow acceleration from standard engine
Con:Clunky engine auto stop-start system
Con:Touchscreen looks dated and is slow to respond
Con: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

5 Colors
8 Trims
2 Packages

Build & Price Subaru.com

2025 Subaru Outback Review

Overview

Written by automotive expert Christian Wardlaw

6/27/2025

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.

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.

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 models

The 2025 Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV with five-passenger seating. It is available in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT and Touring XT trim levels.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (182 horsepower, 176 lb-ft of torque) is standard in Base through Touring trims, while the XT variants and the Wilderness model come with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 hp, 277 lb-ft). Each engine pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive.

Base
The most affordable version of the Outback has:

17-inch alloy wheels
Hill descent control
LED headlights and foglights
Roof rails with integrated crossbars
Cloth upholstery
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Automatic climate control
Dual 7-inch center touchscreens
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Four-speaker audio system

Every Outback also comes with Subaru EyeSight, a collection of driver assistance features including:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Subaru and the car in front)
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automatic high-beam headlights

Premium
The Outback Premium adds more comfort and convenience features, such as:

Windshield wiper de-icer
Heated exterior mirrors
Tinted rear windows
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
11.6-inch touchscreen display (replaces the dual 7-inch screens)
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Six-speaker audio system

There are two option packages for the Outback Premium:

Upgrade Option Package 13

Hands-free power liftgate
Keyless entry with PIN code access to the vehicle
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)

Upgrade Option Package 15

Contents of Package 13
Power sunroof
Navigation system

Onyx Edition
This sporty-looking version of the Outback builds on the Premium trim with:

18-inch black wheels
Additional off-road-oriented driving modes
Hands-free power liftgate
Power sunroof
Keyless entry with PIN code access to the vehicle
Heated steering wheel
Water-repellent synthetic leather upholstery
12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Onyx Edition XT
In addition to turbocharged power, this version of the Onyx Edition has:

Full-size spare tire
Power-adjustable front passenger's seat
Heated rear outboard seats
Front-view camera with 180-degree viewing angle

Wilderness
The Wilderness is an off-road-oriented version of the Outback, equipped with a standard turbocharged engine. It builds on the features found in the Outback Premium with:

Upgraded all-wheel-drive system with low-ratio setting
17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
Full-size spare tire
Lifted suspension for increased ground clearance
Front skid plate
Upgraded roof rack with a 700-pound weight limit
Black exterior badging
Copper trim accents
Revised bumper and fender flare design
Hands-free power liftgate
Keyless entry with PIN code access to the vehicle
Water-repellent synthetic leather upholstery
Heated rear outboard seats
12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Front-view camera with 180-degree viewing angle

You can add Upgrade Option Package 22 to the Outback Wilderness. It installs:

Power sunroof
Navigation system
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Limited
The Outback Limited is also based on the Premium trim level, adding:

18-inch wheels
Power sunroof
Hands-free power liftgate
Keyless entry with PIN code access to the vehicle
Heated steering wheel
Leather upholstery
Memory settings for the driver's preferences
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Heated rear outboard seats
Navigation system
12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are distracted or becoming fatigued)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Limited XT
This Outback has the same equipment as the Limited, plus a turbocharged engine.

Touring
The Outback Touring includes everything on the Limited, plus:

Power-folding exterior mirrors
Upgraded leather with contrast stitching
Ventilated front seats
Digital rearview mirror function (allows you to see out of the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Improved pedestrian and cross-traffic detection for the forward collision warning system
Front-view camera with 180-degree viewing angle

Touring XT
Capping the lineup, the Touring XT has Touring trim plus turbocharged power.

Subaru dealerships also offer a wide range of accessories to personalize the Outback and to tailor it for specific uses.

2025 Subaru Outback

At a Glance:

5 Colors
8 Trims
2 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.

Subaru Outback Owner Reviews

4.3

5(61%)

4(21%)

3(6%)

2(9%)

1(3%)

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Touring -great vehicle; too many profiles

JBTX, 01/25/2025

2025 Subaru Outback Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

I am now driving my third Outback - a 2025 Touring 2.5 4cyl. I've had the vehicle five weeks and have less than 700 miles on it. However, I am anticipating several long road trips in the future. I am very pleased with the vehicle as a whole. * The car rides very nicely - maybe a bit firmer ride than the 2018 Outback I previously owned, and it seems I am a bit higher off the road in … the seating position. * The Nappa Leather trim is very comfortable. * The sound system is excellent. * The technology is good but requires a learning curve (more on that below). I like the large center infotainment screen, although occasionally I am frustrated by the number of layers I have to go through to get to what I want - for the most part, I am satisfied. * Wireless Apple Car Play is great! * The layout of the center cluster on the dash (and how to access the information) is VASTLY improved over my 2018. * On my 2018, the radio would turn on whenever I started the car. That no longer happens. * The cargo capacity is as you expect on an Outback. * Outback fuel economy doesn't peak until about 10,000+ miles, but I am not dissatisfied with the mileage I am getting in mostly city driving. All three Outbacks that I have owned have been 2.5 4-cylinder engines, which frequently get criticized for lack of power. I find the power adequate (and acceleration). * I love the digital (smart) rearview mirror - it gives you a much wider field of vision than a standard rear-view mirror. It's a bit disconcerting at first, but it's become my default setting. That said, it's not helpful on unlit roads at night. * The 2025 Outback has the Sirius SM 360L technology, which allows you to store favorites for both "radio" and "streaming only" channels. I like that. The radio interface also has its own voice search function, but one must press an on-screen button to use it. * I am finally becoming comfortable using voice commands - the only complaint that I have is that the responsiveness to the commands is slow. The scope of actions covered by voice commands is great. Here's what I don't like about the car. * The manuals are good, but there are too many - a quick start guide, a Starlink guide, an Eyesight guide, and the typical owner's manual. All are logically laid out, but I have to stop and think which manual I will find instructions for which feature. Tip: You can download all manuals in PDF format without owning a vehicle. * There is a user register feature on the driver monitoring system that will adjust the mirrors, seat position and perhaps a few other things to the driver's saved settings, The scanning of your face is finicky and is required if you update your settings. * There is a second profile system which pairs a person to a phone to settings (radio, car play, etc.) in the vehicle. I found out by accident at the dealership when I picked up my tags that each driver profile can have their own radio presets. That's very nice. What would be super nice is if these two user profile systems were integrated. * One can do voice commands to access SiriusXM channels, but you need to know the channel number (which there is none for streaming only channels) or channel name (works well if you only listen to a few channels). One can store favorites within the radio interface, but I am not sure of the voice command, if any, to access them.

Hardware yes, software NO!

Lakeside Gardener, 12/23/2024

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

I have had my 2025 Outback for a month now. In terms of handling, ride, acceleration (XT edition) it exceeds expectations. But be warned, you are also buying a mother-in-law. “Keep your eyes on the road!”, “stay in your lane”, “check the back seat before you get out”, etc., etc., etc., As a retired systems/software engineer, I deduce they have pushed out immature software that is …

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.

Subarus Eyesight system needs glasses

WhereDidNormalCarsGo, 11/07/2024

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

First off, thank you to Edmunds for having a place to leave reviews as its hard otherwise to get people aware of issues since you cannot rate cars on the manufacturers websites. That said, while there are a lot of minor issues and complaints I have with this car (Abhorrent Infotainment and controls, I am looking at you), for purposes of this review I will only mention the serious … ones. To summarize, Subaru's Eyesight system is flat out dangerous. Automatic braking can and WILL engage randomly at slow speeds, parking lots, and (worst of all) highway speeds. Even if you are already trying to control your braking yourself due to traffic or poor weather, it will still engage (IE override you). Highway speed false activation's are particularly dangerous, nearly getting us into wrecks at freeway speeds since you basically brake-check someone in traffic. Further, the lane assist has no idea what it’s doing and is also a liability. Things like driving around a passenger, construction zones, or even heavy semi-truck loads are not handled properly; it will nudge you to run over that little old lady’s dog rather than cross the lane lines. Or choose the wrong ones to steer into when there is construction. I’ve exhausted my venue with the dealers and Subaru of America – They are absolutely unwilling to tackle the issue, instead accepting there is more risk for the driver at times simply to meet marketing and NHTSA regulations. I will say they are clearly aware based on my calls and unwilling to even engage the discussion (Due to the NHTSA regulation surrounding this thing). It is always addressed as “Working as intended” and they will absolutely avoid the topic of your safety and the ghost braking. In fact, twice at the dealer and Subaru of America case (Terrible support, by the way) if you corner them on the question "Please clarify - Subaru is stating that the car ghost braking at 65mph is considered safe and normal behavior" got me hung up on. Twice! I am sure due to pending class action suits they have been told not to even acknowledge or discuss the issues. That’s how much they are avoiding this issue. The class action suits pending for these state the older years because of when they were filed, but I can tell you this also affects the brand new 2025 ones word for word, because that's what I have. Stay far, far away from these things. Further, if you go for any other modern car please read up on forums on the behavior and risks associated with the newly regulated systems. The dealer sure won’t inform you before you buy and won’t do anything afterwards. People are currently very split on these systems and I think it really boils down to two groups: It’s either never engaged on you before and they like the “concept” of a safety system, and the other group are owners who have had it actually engage on them. Trust me, it changes your opinion very, very quickly.

2025 Subaru Outback