Subaru Outback? Good, bad?

Hi everyone. My niece is looking to get a new car. She has gotten tired of my lecturing her about buying a reliable car when you really do not have the money to maintain something that might be more exciting like a BMW, etc. She has had a BMW and most recently her small Volvo SUV which just had an engine failure. All so far have been money pits.

She would consider a new Toyota but prices and interest rates are higher than that of something comparable by Subaru.

Anyone have experience or thoughts on new Subaru Outbacks?

 

My fiancé has a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek as her daily. She loves it, zips around, Has updated technology and a lot of safety features. Gas mileage is good. It’s a bit smaller than the Outback but she really didn’t need the extra space. Subarus can be reliable but I have also seen stories of their CVT failing. In my opinion it’s like any other reliable brand, keep up with the general maintenance by the book and it should last awhile.

 

We are on our 3rd Subie in ~18 years and they have been awesome card here in NH. My folks just got the new loaded Outback after years of Audis and BMW's and they could not be happier. Great cars and even better traction in the snow.

 

The folks I know who have them seem to like them and have had good luck. I think there are certain years with weak head gaskets but I don't recall any more details than that.

 

Thanks for the information. I think she is considering to buy a new one versus used. I did a bit of researching myself and see good reviews for the most part. Not sure if there are different motor options for the Outback and if one of them is preferred as far as reliability goes.

 

Looks like in Canada for 2025 we get a naturally aspirated 2.5L and a turbo 2.4L. I'd go with NA even though it's down on power about 80 hp.

 

I think head gasket problems were in earlier years. I know my 97 had the problem, and it carried into the early 00’s as well.

 

All three Subies (2007 Forester (wife killed in a crash she walked w/o any injury), 2011 Outback (traded in at 120k), and 2019 Forester with ~100k currently) have had the 2.5 and we have NEVER had a issue with the engine or CVT. The only issue we have had was the 2011, it went through rear brakes and head lights way to often.

 

Definitely make sure you avoid the head gasket failure years! Otherwise great cars.

 

My wife has a 2024 Outback Wilderness. I have been pretty impressed with it. It does have the 2.4L turbo engine and is very peppy. The build quality is very good. The major complaint you will hear from people is that they use a CVT. I intend to be proactive with the transmission and do more frequent services on it. Subaru say the transmission fluid is lifetime and only recommends services if you fall under the severe operating conditions. If you plan to keep the car a long time I would opt for servicing the transmission instead of ignoring it like Subaru America specs. Toyota maintains a 20% share in Subaru. The Car Care Nut on you tube is a Toyota specialist and has reviewed multiple Subaru models. You should check out the Outback reviews he has done. I know quite a few people in Outbacks and other Subaru models from our local dealer. All of these cars have been reliable and everyone has been happy with the ownership experience.

 

Something else to mention is that the current 2025 models are the last year before a redesign. I don't think much is known about the changes to expect other than a new body style for the 2026 models. I think more information on the 2026 models will be out soon.

 

Thanks for the responses but she has decided to fix her engine in her current car.

 

They're no better or worse than any other cars out there in the same price range. As with any vehicle you buy, make sure you're up to date on maintenance, treat it like a baby, and then it'll still potentially shit the bed on you, but at least you loved on it while you had it, maybe loved it enough to fix it. They're not bad cars by any means. But if you do get unlucky enough to be one of the many who need a trans/engine for no really good reason, it'll be an expensive fix. Maintenace costs are high on Subies, and for good reason; they're built like a toddler installing blocks upside down, in the wrong holes, and most "simple" jobs require removing useless stuff thats in the way. But oil changes are easy! I wouldn't personally be buying one new considering how fast they depreciate, but I still think there are plenty good ones out there worth owning secondhand; but thats only my useless opinion. I've had one, loved it; but it wasn't a truck and I tried to make it be. Was a solid vehicle though, never complained about my abuse. I work with probably 8 or 9 people who own them; 1/2 have replaced CVT's, some more than once. I guess they make enough money to not care, but I wouldn't personally go for anything CVT.