Most Popular Subaru Outback Colors (by Polls)

Car colors come and faded into obscurity over time. The same can be said for many of the Subaru Outback’s past color schemes, many of which remain a favorite to this very day. Just in case you’re wondering what the most popular Subaru Outback colors are, I’ll tell you.

Among the various Subaru Outback exterior color options, green is the most popular among present and past owners. Second and third place in terms of favorite colors are white and blue, respectively.

In this guide, I’ll share the results of the poll; describe the differences between metallic, pearl, and silica car colors; and provide a table of past Subaru Outback colors.

Most Popular Subaru Outback Colors

Based on a poll done on SubaruOutback.org, a forum site dedicated to owners (past and present) and fans of the crossover SUV, the most popular Subaru Outback color is Green. Here’s a brief breakdown of what the folks at the forum site voted for:

Source: SubaruOutback.org

Please note that this poll was done in 2019 and in relation to the then-current and previous color options available for the Subaru Outback. The colors you find today may not be reflected in the poll’s options.

What Colors Are Available for the 2023 Subaru Outback?

The latest Outback is available in 10 distinct color options:

1. Cosmic Blue
2. Autumn Green Metallic
3. Brilliant Bronze Metallic
4. Crystal Black Silica
5. Dark Mahogany Pearl
6. Crimson Red Pearl
7. Geyser Blue
8. Ice Silver Metallic
9. Crystal White Pearl
10. Magnetite Gray Metallic

Metallic vs. Pearl vs. Silica Paint

From the current Subaru Outback color options available, you may have noticed how the majority of them contain the word “metallic,” “pearl,” or “silica.” Here, I’ll describe what these mean.

Metallic

Metallic paint is a special kind of car paint that shimmers and shines because it contains tiny metal flakes. Although aluminum is the metal of choice, copper and brass can also be used to make the flakes. The paint’s color and sheen can be modified by varying the size and shape of the metal flakes and the type of metal used.

To put it simply, metallic paint costs more than regular paint because it takes more time and resources to manufacture. It lasts longer and doesn’t fade as easily as regular paint.

Pearl

Pearl paint, also known as iridescent or pearlescent paint, is a paint that contains tiny flakes of mica or another iridescent material. These flakes give the paint a subtle shimmer by scattering light as it passes through them. Pearl paint can be used over any color base coat, but it is most often combined with white or light-colored base coats to create a spectrum of pastel shades.

While more expensive than standard paint, pearl paint is still less expensive than metallic paint. Compared to metallic paint, it has a shorter lifespan and fades more easily.

Silica

The mineral silica is one of the main components of a special kind of paint known as “silica paint.” Painting with silica results in a distinctive, shimmering appearance due to the mineral’s ability to both absorb and reflect light. A variety of metallic tones can be achieved by applying a coat of silica paint over a black or dark-colored base coat.

Paint made with silica costs more than paint made with metallic pigments but less than paint made with pearl pigments. Compared to metallic paint, it has a shorter lifespan and fades more easily.

Subaru Outback Colors Throughout the Years

Let’s take a quick look at the different exterior and interior color schemes made available for the Subaru Outback throughout the years.