The Subaru Outback has one huge benefit over typical sedans and SUVs—more ground clearance. It’s a fantastic car to take on off-road journeys, as well as a decent family vehicle due to its sizable trunk space. But like any car series, the Outback has had its share of highs and lows when it comes to model years.
According to industry reviews, stats, and customer feedback, the best Subaru Outback years are 2003-2004, 2005-2009, 2012-2014, and 2021-2022. The worst years are 2010-2011 and 2017-2020.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes these specific Subaru Outback model years so great or not-so-great.
Best Subaru Outback Model Years
The figure out what the best Subaru Outback model years are, we have to look at their individual specs, their sales, as well as what users think about them. Based on our research, we’ve found the following Subaru Outback model years to stand out above the rest.
2003-2004
The Subaru Legacy Outback is a smart design all around. On slick roads, its AWD powertrain is a huge asset. The interior of the Outback is pretty spacious, but it maintains a smooth ride, even on somewhat rocky roads. However, the wagon has some drawbacks, including mediocre fuel efficiency, choppy acceleration, and normally good handling that can become challenging on slick or inclined surfaces.
2005-2009
From 2005 through 2009, the Subaru Outback may have been at its greatest. Subaru concentrated on improving the vehicle’s performance during these crucial years, with one significant improvement being the introduction of the 2.5-liter turbocharged XT variant with 250 horsepower. As the market shifted toward a desire for crossovers, the Subaru Outback’s body shape changed significantly, with the brand opting for a more compact, family-friendly design.
2012 and 2014
The 2012 and 2014 Subaru Outback model years are considered to be among some of the most powerful vehicle entries in the compact SUV market. This is mainly due to the impressive milage, wide array of safety features, and continuously variable transmission (CVT) updates.
2021
2020 was a pretty terrible year for the Subaru Outback (more on this later), but the Japanese car manufacturer made some impressive changes to its successor, the 2021 model year. This time around, the electrical system was fixed, and the windshield didn’t crack nearly as often, seemingly out of the blue. Subaru implemented minor year meaningful changes, such as warning lights for rear passengers and adaptive headlamps.
2022
This model year’s version of the Outback outshines many of its predecessors, thanks to features such as the Wilderness trim, improved suspension, and all-terrain tires. Its rugged outward appearance attracts customers who wanted off-road-friendly options without sacrificing cargo and passenger spaciousness.
Best Subaru Outback Specs Comparison Chart
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most fundamental specs of the best Subaru Outback model years.
| Model Year | Length | Width | Height | Total Internal Volume | Max Cargo Volume | Mileage* |
| 2003 | 187.4 in. | 68.7 in. | 63.3 in. | 95.9 cu. ft. | 68.6 cu. ft. | 17/23/19 MPG |
| 2004 | 187.4 in. | 68.7 in. | 63.3 in. | 95.9 cu. ft. | 68.6 cu. ft. | 19/25/21 MPG |
| 2005 | 188.7 in. | 69.7 in. | 63.2 in. | 97.4 cu. ft. | 66.2 cu. ft. | 17/23/19 MPG |
| 2006 | 188.7 in. | 69.7 in. | 61.6 in. | 130.9 cu. ft. | 66.2 cu. ft. | 20/26/22 MPG |
| 2007 | 188.7 in. | 69.7 in. | 63.2 in. | 131.2 cu. ft. | 65.4 cu. ft. | 20/26/22 MPG |
| 2008 | 189.0 in. | 69.7 in. | 63.2 in. | 131.2 cu. ft. | 65.4 cu. ft. | 20/26/22 MPG |
| 2009 | 189.0 in. | 69.7 in. | 63.2 in. | 131.2 cu. ft. | 65.4 cu. ft. | 20/26/22 MPG |
| 2012 | 188.2 in. | 71.7 in. | 65.7 in. | 139.7 cu. ft. | 71.3 cu. ft. | 18/25/20 MPG |
| 2014 | 189.0 in. | 71.7 in. | 65.8 in. | 139.7 cu. ft. | 71.3 cu. ft. | 24/30/26 MPG |
| 2021 | 191.3 in. | 82.0 in. | 73.0 in. | 141.5 cu. ft. | 75.7 cu. ft. | 26/33/29 MPG |
| 2022 | 191.3 in. | 82.0 in. | 73.0 in. | 141.5 cu. ft. | 75.7 cu. ft. | 26/33/29 MPG |
*City/highway/combined
Worst Subaru Outback Model Years
Just as there were years that shined for the Outback, there are a handful of them that Subaru probably wants to forget about. Let’s take a look at some of the most problematic Subaru Outback model years down below.
2010-2011
Perhaps one of the most embarrassing times for the Outback was when Subaru had to recall over 74,000 cars to fix the airbags. There was also a myriad of minor but avoidable mistakes that somehow made it past quality control, such as steering wheel problems, engine-related issues, and flickering headlamps.
2013
The 2013 model year was, yet again, another huge embarrassment for the Subaru Outback. Things got so bad that Subaru was taken to court for its defective piston rings which led to a host of engine-related issues, including total failure in many cases. Many users claimed that their engines would experience huge problems after the 78,000-mile mark or when driving at top speeds down the highway.
2017
The introduction of the CTV drivetrain for the Subaru Outback didn’t exactly go as planned. One user noted how it took a few seconds for the drivetrain to engage when shifting from reverse to drive when backing down slopes.
2018
There are far too many complaints with the 2018 Subaru Outback to mention, but some of the more popular faults include the STARLINK system, fuel software defects, and issues with power steering.
2019
Subaru went to court to settle the windshield problem with many of its customers. Luckily, it was sorted out, but not in the following model year. There were also a few electrical system issues that could be fixed if you drove your Outback to the nearest retailer.
2020
This was the second and final year where windshield issues persisted. Vehicle speed control also showed signs of premature wearing, but the headlamps were a nuisance for both the driver and other motorists. Perhaps its far-too-bright headlamps were used as a way to warn other motorists that they were operating a defective vehicle.
Worst Subaru Outback Specs Comparison Chart
If, for some reason, you still decide to sink your money into a used Subaru Outback from these worst model years, please use the following table to see which of them best meets your spec requirements.
| Model Year | Length | Width | Height | Total Internal Volume | Max Cargo Volume | Mileage* |
| 2010 | 188.2 in. | 71.7 in. | 65.7 in. | 139.7 cu. ft. | 71.3 cu. ft. | 22/29/24 MPG |
| 2011 | 188.2 in. | 71.7 in. | 65.7 in. | 139.7 cu. ft. | 71.3 cu ft. | 22/29/24 MPG |
| 2013 | 189.0 in. | 71.7 in. | 65.8 in. | 139.7 cu. ft. | 71.3 cu. ft. | 24/30/26 MPG |
| 2017 | 189.6 in. | 72.4 in. | 66.5 in. | 143.6 cu. ft. | 73.3 cu. ft. | 25/32/28 MPG |
| 2018 | 189.6 in. | 72.4 in. | 66.5 in. | 143.6 cu. ft. | 73.3 cu. ft. | 25/32/28 MPG |
| 2019 | 189.6 in. | 72.4 in. | 66.5 in. | 143.6 cu. ft. | 73.3 cu. ft. | 25/32/28 MPG |
| 2020 | 191.3 in., | 82.0 in. | 73.0 in. | 141.5 cu. ft. | 75.7 cu. ft. | 26/33/29 MPG |
*City/highway/combined
Trusted Reviewers Summary Table
This table shows the ratings given to each Outback model year starting from 2000 according to some of the most well-known car reviewers.
| Outback Model Year | Car and Driver | Motor Trend | Edmunds | Kelley Blue Book | J.D. Power |
| 2023 | 9/10 | 8.8/10 | N/A | 4.1/5 | 79/100 |
| 2022 | 9/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 4.1/5 | 79/10 |
| 2021 | 9/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 4.1/5 | 77/100 |
| 2020 | 9/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 4.1/5 | 76/100 |
| 2019 | 7/10 | N/A | 7.8/10 | 4.5/5 | 80/100 |
| 2018 | 7/10 | N/A | 7.9/10 | 4.5/5 | 81/100 |
| 2017 | 6/10 | N/A | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 81/100 |
| 2016 | 6/10 | N/A | 7.9/10 | 4.5/5 | 79/100 |
| 2015 | N/A | N/A | 3.9/5 | 4.5/5 | 77/100 |
| 2014 | N/A | N/A | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 | 80/100 |
| 2013 | N/A | N/A | 3.9/5 | 4.3/5 | 80/100 |
| 2012 | N/A | N/A | 3.7/5 | 4.3/5 | 82/100 |
| 2011 | N/A | N/A | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | 82/100 |
| 2010 | N/A | N/A | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | 82/100 |
| 2009 | N/A | N/A | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | 79/100 |
| 2008 | N/A | N/A | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | 78/100 |
| 2007 | N/A | N/A | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 | 75/100 |
| 2006 | N/A | N/A | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | 78/100 |
| 2005 | N/A | N/A | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | N/A |
| 2004 | N/A | N/A | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | N/A |
| 2003 | N/A | N/A | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | N/A |
| 2002 | N/A | N/A | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 | N/A |
| 2001 | N/A | N/A | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 | N/A |
| 2000 | N/A | N/A | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 | N/A |
Which Subaru Outback Generation Is the Best?
Many people would consider 1994 to 1999 to be the golden years for the Subaru Outback. Of course, the features found in the mid-to-late 1990s models are far less impressive than what we have now, including those found in the “worst” Subaru Outback models years, but for its time, the Outback was a game-changer.
Back then, all-wheel drive was a luxury feature, but the Outback changed all that when even the most standard version came with an AWD drivetrain.
However, it wasn’t until the 3rd generation of Outbacks (2005 to 2009) that Subaru introduced a version where performance met utility. The addition of the XT engine offered 100 HP more power than its predecessors. In addition, it received a ton of cosmetic upgrades that made it look more aggressive on the road, which certainly suited what it was capable of doing.
How Long Does a Subaru Outback Last?
It’s hard to pinpoint how long a specific Subaru Outback model year will last since there are huge overhauls between the generations. That said, the average lifespan of an Outback should be between 250,000 and 300,000 miles or around 15 years, whichever comes first.
