Compact SUVs · BT generation
Good choice Above average
It scores 60 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $12,780 to own, including $2,146 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Subaru Outback.
Reliability
60/100
Above average
Repairs, 5 years
$2,146
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$7,034
29 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$19,509
$17,168 – $21,850, estimate
Recalls
4
on record
Owner complaints
299
filed with NHTSA
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.
Of the years we rate, the 2023 scores best (88/100) and the 2020 worst (25/100).
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Not rated yet |
| 2026 | Not rated yet |
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | 68/100 |
| 2023 | 88/100 |
| 2022 | 44/100 |
| 2021 | 60/100 |
| 2020 | 25/100 |
| 2019 | 34/100 |
| 2018 | 50/100 |
| 2017 | 38/100 |
| 2016 | 49/100 |
| 2015 | 69/100 |
No. It scores 60 out of 100, one of the more reliable compact and small SUVs of 2015–2024.
It scores 60 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is above average. Based on 299 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,146 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $12,780 over 5 years: $3,600 in lost value, $2,146 in repairs and $7,034 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $19,509 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2023 scores best (88/100) and the 2020 worst (25/100).
4 recalls on record with NHTSA.