A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
3.7
Practicality
4.4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a reliable SUV that can handle both city streets and weekend adventures? The Subaru Outback might be exactly what you need. This rugged estate combines Subaru’s legendary all wheel drive system with impressive ground clearance and generous cargo space. The Outback sits in the crossover SUV segment, offering more capability than traditional estates while remaining more car like to drive than typical SUVs. It excels in rough weather conditions and light off road use, making it perfect for active families or outdoor enthusiasts. Key features include standard all wheel drive, excellent safety ratings, and a spacious interior that comfortably seats five adults. The raised driving position gives you better visibility while the symmetrical all wheel drive provides confidence in all conditions. While rivals like the Volvo XC60 or BMW X3 offer more luxury, the Outback focuses on practicality and dependability. Its strong resale values and reputation for longevity make it an excellent choice for those seeking a capable family vehicle that won’t let you down. Whether you’re planning a camping trip or navigating snowy roads, the Outback delivers the versatility and peace of mind that modern families demand.
What's the Subaru Outback Like to Drive?
The Subaru Outback focuses on dependable performance rather than outright speed. The most common engine is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit producing around 175 horsepower, paired with a CVT automatic gearbox. This combination delivers smooth, predictable power delivery that’s ideal for long distance cruising. The 0-60 mph time of around 9.5 seconds won’t win any races, but it provides adequate performance for overtaking and motorway merging.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.5L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol
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Power Output
175 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 38 mpg
- Boot Space
- 522 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Subaru Outback: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Outback and you’ll find a practical, well-thought-out interior that prioritises functionality over flash. The dashboard design is clean and straightforward, with large, easy-to-read displays and logically arranged controls. The materials feel robust rather than luxurious, but everything is well put together. The seats are particularly impressive, offering excellent support for long journeys with plenty of adjustment to find your ideal driving position.
The Subaru Outback is a versatile SUV blending rugged capability with refined practicality. Its AWD system and high ground clearance excel in rough weather and light off-roading, while the 2.5-litre engine offers smooth, predictable power for long drives. Though not sporty, it prioritizes comfort and cargo space, making it ideal for families. However, the CVT’s lack of engagement and slightly muted performance may disappoint enthusiasts seeking more dynamic driving.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Subaru Outback?
The Outback’s running costs reflect its size and all-wheel drive system, but remain reasonable for the class. Real-world fuel economy typically falls between 35-38 MPG, which is respectable for a car of this size with permanent all-wheel drive. Insurance groups are moderate, though the all-wheel drive system means premiums will be slightly higher than for equivalent two-wheel drive SUVs.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Subaru Outback
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Volkswagen Tiguan
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Nissan Qashqai
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £32,000 | £29,000 | £26,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.5L Petrol 175hp | 1.5L TSI 150hp | 1.3L DIG-T 140hp |
| Power | 175 bhp | 150 bhp | 140 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 36 mpg | 42 mpg | 45 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 522 litres | 520 litres | 504 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Permanent AWD, High ground clearance, Rugged design | Premium interior, Advanced tech, Efficient engines | Value pricing, Practical design, Low running costs |
Is the Subaru Outback Practical for Everyday Use?
The Outback excels in real-world practicality, offering genuine versatility for active families. The 522-litre boot is spacious and features a low loading lip, making it easy to load heavy items. The rear seats fold almost flat to create a huge cargo area that can easily accommodate bikes, camping gear, or furniture. Roof rails come as standard, adding even more carrying capacity for kayaks, roof boxes, or additional luggage.
We’ve had our Outback for three years and it’s been absolutely brilliant. The all-wheel drive gives such confidence in winter, and we’ve taken it places other cars simply couldn’t go. It’s comfortable, reliable, and incredibly practical for our active family lifestyle.
The Subaru Outback stands out in the competitive family SUV market by offering genuine go-anywhere capability without sacrificing everyday usability. It combines permanent all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and rugged engineering with the comfort and space needed for modern family life. While it may not have the premium interior finishes of German rivals, it excels in the areas that matter for real-world use.