Subaru Outback costs, pros, cons and common fixes

Country of Manufacture
The Subaru Outback is assembled in Gunma, Japan, on the Subaru Global Platform engineered for high rigidity, safety, and ride comfort.
Quick Overview
The Outback is a raised station wagon with sleek yet rugged lines, pronounced wheel arches, and underbody skid plates. It offers exceptional versatility thanks to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, 213 mm of ground clearance, and X-Mode for tackling gravel and slippery terrain. The cabin blends premium materials, long-distance comfort, and an 11.6″ infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Powertrain & Performance
Powertrain | Output & Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top Speed | Fuel Consumption (WLTP) |
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2.5 L naturally aspirated 4-cyl. | 136 kW (185 hp) / 245 Nm | 9.3 s | 200 km/h | 7.5–8.3 L/100 km |
2.5 L e-Boxer mild hybrid | 118 kW (160 hp) / 245 Nm | 10.1 s | 185 km/h | 6.5–7.2 L/100 km |
2.4 L turbocharged 4-cyl. | 184 kW (250 hp) / 350 Nm | 7.5 s | 215 km/h | 8.0–8.8 L/100 km |
All versions use a Lineartronic CVT with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control.
Dimensions & Capacity
Specification | Measurement |
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Length | 4,825 mm |
Width | 1,840 mm (excl. mirrors) |
Height | 1,675 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,745 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,620–1,780 kg |
Cargo Volume | 512 L / 1,848 L |
Ground Clearance | 213 mm |
Turning Circle | 11.5 m |
Trim Levels & Pricing (Italy)
Trim | Price (€) |
---|
Style | 41,000 |
Touring | 44,000 |
Adventure | 47,000 |
Sport | 48,000 |
Premium | 50,000 |
(On-the-road price; VAT included, incentives and delivery fees excluded.)
Maintenance & First Services (Indicative Costs)
Service | Average Cost (€) |
---|
1st Service (1 year or 15,000 km) | 200–250 |
2nd Service (2 years or 30,000 km) | 230–280 |
Front Brake Pad Replacement | 180–220 |
Front Disc + Pad Replacement | 480–600 |
Cabin & Engine Air Filter Replacement | 100–130 |
12 V Auxiliary Battery Replacement | 120–150 |
Tire Replacement (each) | 120–160 |
Pros
Spacious & Versatile: 512 L cargo expandable to 1,848 L
Off-Road Capability: 213 mm ground clearance and standard X-Mode
Comfortable Cabin: premium finishes and 11.6″ display
Subaru Reliability: advanced EyeSight safety suite included
Powertrain Options: from mild-hybrid economy to turbo performance
Cons
CVT Feel can be unengaging under hard acceleration
Fuel Consumption of the turbo variant is above segment average
High Pricing at the top trim levels
Weight may limit urban agility and efficiency
In Summary
The Subaru Outback combines station-wagon practicality with true SUV capability—featuring standard AWD, 213 mm of ground clearance, and a comfortable, well-appointed cabin. Perfect for adventurous families and long-distance travelers seeking reliability and off-road confidence, it only sacrifices some urban agility and fuel efficiency in its most powerful configurations.
Verdict — Subaru Outback (Model Year 2025)
Crossover Wagon AWD · 2.5 L Boxer-4 (185 hp, 245 Nm) · Symmetrical AWD · CVT · 0–100 km/h in 9.4 s · 213 mm Ground Clearance
The 2025 Subaru Outback marries the practicality of a wagon with the rugged capability of an SUV. At 4.93 m long and riding on a 2.94 m wheelbase, it offers family-friendly space while retaining off-road poise thanks to pronounced wheel arches, underbody cladding, and standard roof rails. A refreshed hexagonal grille with honeycomb pattern, full-LED matrix headlights, and C-shaped DRLs give it a modern, premium look.
Inside, the “Open Space” cabin centers on usability and comfort: an 11.6″ central touchscreen for infotainment and climate sits flush in the dash, paired with a 7″ digital instrument cluster. Front seats are heated (ventilated on upper trims) and available in premium cloth or leather with contrast stitching, while an optional panoramic sunroof enhances natural light. Cargo capacity of 512 L (expandable to 1,816 L with rear seats folded) is among the best in class, and a dual-level floor plus multiple “Simply Clever” storage cubbies maximize versatility.
Key Technical Highlights:
Engine & Performance: 2.5 L naturally aspirated Boxer-4 producing 185 hp and 245 Nm; 0–100 km/h in 9.4 s.
Drivetrain: Symmetrical AWD with improved X-Mode for mud, snow, and hill descent.
Transmission: Lineartronic CVT with simulated 8-speed logic.
Fuel Economy: WLTP combined approx. 7.9 L/100 km.
Chassis & Ride: MacPherson front, double-wishbone rear; 213 mm ground clearance.
ADAS Level 2: EyeSight suite with adaptive cruise, lane-center assist, Pre-Collision Braking, and pedestrian/cyclist detection.
Category | Strengths | Performs Well | Limitations |
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Design & Image | Elegant wagon proportions with SUV-style cladding | Modern full-LED lighting and bold grille | Less aggressive stance compared to some crossovers |
Comfort & Space | Generous passenger room; heated/ventilated seats; panoramic roof | Ergonomic layout and excellent visibility | Center tunnel slightly intrusive |
Efficiency & Range | Competitive fuel economy given AWD and size | Efficient regenerative braking | City consumption slightly higher |
Driving Dynamics | Composed ride and handling courtesy of low-mounted Boxer engine | Confident grip on tarmac and light off-road | Steering feedback soft on twisty roads |
Practicality | 512 L cargo (+1,816 L); low loading sill; standard roof rails | Dual-level floor and multiple storage cubbies | Overall footprint can be cumbersome in tight urban parking |
Infotainment & Connectivity | 11.6″ touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto; OTA updates | Intuitive, responsive interface | Built-in navigation requires optional upgrade |
Safety & ADAS | EyeSight standard; top crash-test scores | Reliable emergency braking and lane-keeping assist | Advanced autonomous features reserved for top trims |
Running Costs | Durable Boxer engine; predictable maintenance | Low “fuel” costs with incentives | Specialized AWD and CVT service can be pricier |
Depreciation | Strong residuals in premium wagon segment | Steady demand on used market | High competition from PHEV and EV crossovers |
Who It’s For
Families and adventure seekers wanting a versatile wagon with generous cargo space, comfort on long trips, and genuine AWD capability—ideal for both daily driving and weekend off-road excursions.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you crave a sportier ride or a plug-in hybrid, consider the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, Volvo V60 Cross Country, or Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Recommended Configuration
Executive trim with ventilated leather seats, panoramic sunroof, X-Mode Pro, and 18″ alloy wheels—for the ultimate mix of refinement, versatility, and off-road confidence.