Subaru is a notable Japanese automaker; the company has been producing automobile and auto parts since 1953. The Subaru Outback is one of the brand’s finest automobiles – SUVs.
The Outback debuted in 1994 and has remained in the top 6 positions in various rankings by different platforms and websites. But are Subaru Outbacks reliable?
Yes, Subaru Outbacks are very reliable; the Subaru Outbacks have predicted reliability scores above average on RepairPal and J.D. Power – but it doesn’t stop right there.
There are many things you should know about Subaru Outbacks’ reliability, which are explained in this article.
Subaru Outbacks Overview
The name “Subaru Outback” actually refers to two different vehicles produced by the Japanese automaker Subaru.
Across the six generations, Subaru Outbacks are built uniquely and equipped with the latest in-car techs. However, the Japanese automaker stopped making sedan-based Outbacks after the third generation.
There are 27 model years for the Subaru Outbacks, and to be honest, not all the model years are reliable. Certainly, there are some Subaru Outbacks years you should avoid because they are problematic, and on the flip side, there are a number of recommendable model years to buy from.
See Also: Subaru Impreza Years To Avoid
Are Subaru Outbacks Reliable?
Well, the simple answer is YES. The Subaru Outback is a reliable off-road capable SUV you can take with you anywhere. But then, if you want your Subaru Outback to last for a very long time, you have to use the recommended engine oil and ensure to go for servicing/tune-ups at required intervals.
The Subaru Outback takes home a 3.5 out of 5.0 stars on RepairPal, placing it in the 10th position out of 26 other mid-size SUVs in its category. On J.D. Power, the Subaru Outback takes home 70% out of 100% on reliability and performance while sitting in the number 8th position in its SUV category.
Clearly, on J.D. Power and RepairPal, Subaru Outbacks are rated above average in reliability, quality, and performance. Furthermore, US News & World Reports ranks the Subaru Outback number 3 in the Wagon category, but the SUV slumped to the 15th position compared to other crossover SUVs.
Finally, on Consumer Reports, most Subaru Outbacks managed to secure a 3.0 out of 5.0 overall rating. This also indicates that the Subaru Outback performs above average compared to most other SUVs in its category.
However, these statistics don’t dispute the fact that Subaru Outbacks do have a lot of problems.
How Long Do Subaru Outbacks Last?
If well maintained, Subaru Outbacks can last up to 200,000 miles or 15 years before needing major repairs. Notwithstanding, you may need to do some minor repairs on your Subaru Outback before it gets to 200k miles or 13 years of service life.
More so, if you’re buying a used Subaru Outback, it is advisable to steer clear of some model years.
Pros Of The Subaru Outback
- Subaru is one of the top Japanese automakers with quite a good reputation.
- The Subaru Outbacks can go through off-road terrains without you having to worry about anything.
- Outbacks are incredibly cheap, yet they deliver good performance when properly cared for.
- Subaru Outbacks look decent, attractive, and pretty luxurious inside and outside, even though they’re not classified as “Luxury” rides.
Cons Of Subaru Outbacks
- The Subaru Outback is alleged to give a lot of problems, which typically occur at low mileage.
- It’s difficult to find a Subaru Outback with over 300,000 miles that’s still sound. Hence, most people would prefer the Toyota RAV4 or Highlander to Subaru Outbacks.
Are Subaru Outbacks Overrated?
Practically, NO, Subaru Outbacks are not overrated. They are truly a decent ride you’d get to love; the interior is well designed, and the exterior is well crafted.
However, Subaru Outbacks are quite quirky – though not so unreliable – and they can break down quite quickly. Put simply, Subaru Outbacks are not really overrated, but they definitely won’t be the “Catch” for most SUV lovers.
See Also: Are Ford Mustangs Reliable?
Summary
So, are Subaru Outbacks reliable? Yes, they are reliable and can last up to 200,000 miles if maintained properly. Also, Subaru Outbacks look attractive in their unique designs.
Until 2011, Subaru was actually producing two vehicles under the Outback nameplate: a crossover station wagon, the Outback (Legacy); and an Impreza-inspired hatchback, the Outback Sport. You’d find Subaru Outbacks at affordable prices.