In this ultimate breakdown, we’re diving into the Subaru Outback’s best and worst years.
Our analysis combines owner experiences, industry ratings, and maintenance trends to give you an unmatched overview of the Outback’s history.
We’ll highlight how tech advances and design changes have impacted performance and perception.
Ready to discover which Outback years are stars and which are duds?
Let’s roll.
Table of ContentsShow
Subaru Outback Generations
The Subaru Outback isn’t just any car – it’s a unique blend of sedan comfort and SUV muscle.
This automotive chameleon kicked off its journey with its first-generation models, but we’re focusing on the Outback’s development from the year 2000 onwards.
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 2nd generation (BH) | 2000-2004 |
| 3rd generation (BP) | 2005-2009 |
| 4th generation (BR) | 2010-2014 |
| 5th generation (BS) | 2015-2019 |
| 6th generation (BT) | 2020-2024 |
Why start there? Because that’s when the Outback really hit its stride. Knowing these generations is crucial – they’re not just numbers, but markers of significant changes that could make or break your buying decision.
Subaru Outback Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
How do we separate the Outback’s stars from its duds? It’s not guesswork – we dive into a data goldmine. Here’s what goes into our rankings:
- Owner-reported reliability (the real-world test)
- Annual maintenance costs (because your wallet matters)
- Safety ratings (because you can’t put a price on peace of mind)
- Consumer Reports reliability scores (the expert take)
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores (happy drivers tell no lies)
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the official word)
- Edmunds owner ratings (straight from the driver’s seat)
- JD Power owner ratings (industry-respected insights)
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings (the market’s voice)
- VehicleHistory owner ratings (the long-term view)
- Cars.com owner ratings (real talk from real owners)
Ready to see how the Outback measures up? Our upcoming graph lays it all out.
Now, let’s break it down further. We’ve arranged all Subaru Outback model years into three categories: the best, the neutral, and the worst.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd generation (BH) | 2001 | 2002 | 2000 2003 2004 |
| 3rd generation (BP) | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 2008 2009 |
| 4th generation (BR) | 2014 | 2013 | 2010 2011 2012 |
| 5th generation (BS) | 2016 2017 | 2018 2019 | 2015 |
| 6th generation (BT) | 2022 2024 | 2023 | 2020 2021 |
What’s a “Neutral Year,” you ask? Think of it as the Outback’s middle ground – not a superstar, but not a lemon either. It’s the reliable friend that won’t let you down, but won’t exactly set your heart racing.
Here’s a pro tip: while most factors boost a car’s score, some, like NHTSA recalls, knock it down. More complaints and recalls? That’s a red flag for reliability, and it shows in our rankings.
Ready to dig deeper?
Let’s zoom in on the specifics of the best, neutral, and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Subaru Outback 2nd Generation (2000-2004)
The 2000 Subaru Outback
The Outback’s second generation stormed onto the scene from 2000 to 2004. This wasn’t just a facelift – it was Subaru flexing its muscles, showing off improved design and mechanics. Let’s break it down:
The Best Year: 2001
2001 was the Outback’s time to shine. Here’s why:
- Beefed-up engine performance
- Sleeker design that turned heads
- Upgraded safety features (because who doesn’t want that?)
- Tech improvements that put it ahead of the pack
But hold up – it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some owners reported minor engine hiccups:
- Fuel leaks in frosty weather (not cool, Subaru)
- Brakes playing hard to get in the cold
The Neutral Year: 2002
The 2002 Outback? It’s the dependable middle child:
- Carried over the good stuff from 2001
- Solid reliability and performance
But those stubborn cold-weather fuel leaks? Still hanging around.
The Worst Years: 2000, 2003, 2004
Now for the bumps in the road:
2000: The problem child
- Tire tread separation issues (thanks, Firestone)
- Transmission slips and failures (ouch)
- Head gasket failures (double ouch)
2003-2004: The airbag saga
- Potential airbag explosions (yikes!)
- Massive recall in 2016 affecting up to 302,127 vehicles
2004: The unresponsive accelerator
- Drivers reported pedal problems (not what you want at highway speeds)
Best & Worst Years for Subaru Outback 3rd Generation (2005-2009)
The 2005 Subaru Outback
The 3rd Gen Outback (2005-2009) was Subaru’s opportunity to show off. Fresh designs, tech upgrades – the works. But did they nail it?
Let’s find out:
The Best Years: 2007
2007 was the Outback’s year to flaunt:
- Symmetrical AWD system (goodbye, slippery roads)
- Engine options galore (2.5L flat-4 or 3.0L flat-6 – take your pick)
- Safety first with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
- Infotainment upgrade (because every road trip needs a soundtrack)
- Luxe interiors in premium trims (hello, leather!)
The Neutral Years: 2006
2006 was the consistent Eddie:
- Airbag issues? Addressed (mostly)
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) for better stability
But be alert for:
- Gas pedal gremlins (NHTSA reported power lapses and unplanned acceleration)
The Worst Years: 2005, 2008, 2009
Now for the troublemakers:
2005:
- Suspension issues (swerving in wet conditions? No thanks)
- Brake line corrosion (less braking power is never good)
- Major recall in 2014 (affecting 2005-2009 models)
2008-2009:
- Carried some baggage from earlier years
- Recall interventions still needed
Best & Worst Years for Subaru Outback 4th Generation (2010-2014)
The 2010 Subaru Outback
The 4th gen Outback (2010-2014) was Subaru’s big push for fuel efficiency, safety, and comfort. Did they hit the mark?
Let’s see:
The Best Year: 2014
2014 was the Outback’s triumphant lap:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (your high-tech co-pilot)
- Upgraded infotainment (more intuitive, better connected)
- Robust engine performance (power when you need it)
- Off-road capability (because why stick to the pavement?)
Minor gripes:
- Some road noise
- Interior design wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea
The Neutral Year: 2013
2013 was the solid middle ground:
- All-wheel drive standard (bring on the adventures)
- Spacious interior and cargo (pack it all in)
- Fuel efficiency still a strong point
- Safety features on point (stability control, airbags galore)
Watch out for:
- CVT complaints (continuously variable transmission, continuously variable opinions)
- Occasional dashboard electronics hiccups
The Worst Years: 2010, 2011, 2012
The early years stumbled:
2010:
- Airbag inflator issues (recalls in 2019 and 2020)
- Unexpected engine stalling (not cool, especially at highway speeds)
2011-2012:
- Engine stalling problems persisted
- CVT woes (from noise to complete failure)
The Best & Worst Years for Subaru Outback 5th Generation (2015-2019)
The 2015 Subaru Outback
The 5th gen Outback (2015-2019) was Subaru’s tech showcase. Did they deliver?
Let’s break it down:
The Best Years: 2016, 2017
2016 and 2017 were the Outback’s golden years:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (your personal road guardian)
- Infotainment upgrades (smoother, faster, better)
- Fuel-efficient and reliable engines (go further, worry less)
- Top-notch build quality (it shows, and owners noticed)
The Neutral Years: 2018, 2019
2018 and 2019 maintained the momentum going:
- Improved noise insulation (shhh… hear that? Exactly.)
- Suspension tweaks for a smoother ride
But be alert for:
- Fuel pump recall (promptly addressed, but worth noting)
The Worst Year: 2015
2015 encountered some obstacles:
- NHTSA warning for steering column defects (affects some 2015-2016 models)
- Electrical system glitches (inconsistent user experience)
Pro tip: If you’re eyeing a 2015 Outback, check that VIN!
Best & Worst Years for Subaru Outback 6th Generation (2020-2024)
The 2020 Subaru Outback
The 6th gen Outback (2020-2024) is Subaru’s latest and greatest. But does newest always mean best?
Let’s find out:
The Best Years: 2022, 2024
2022 and 2024 are the Outback’s brilliant stars:
- EyeSight X Driver Assist Technology (it’s like having a co-pilot, but better)
- 2.4-liter turbocharged engine option (power meets efficiency)
- Interior upgrades (fancy materials, bigger touchscreens)
The Neutral Year: 2023
2023 keeps things steady:
- Refined existing features (if it ain’t broke, tweak it a little)
- Improved adaptive cruise control (smoother sailing in traffic)
- Infotainment software updates (because connectivity matters)
The Worst Years: 2020, 2021
The initial years hit some potholes:
2020:
- Windshield woes (cracking too easily)
- Electrical system glitches (frozen screens, anyone?)
2021:
- Carried over some 2020 issues
- Overzealous safety tech (false alarms can be real mood killers)
Subaru Outback Average Resale Values
Want to know if your Outback investment will hold up? Our graph breaks down average resale values across model years. It’s your crystal ball for depreciation trends and long-term value.
Conclusion
We’ve taken you on a whirlwind tour of the Subaru Outback’s evolution. From its initial missteps to its recent triumphs, each generation tells a story.
Now it’s your turn. Which Outback year has been your faithful or die? What made it stand out? Maybe it conquered mountain roads like a champ, or perhaps it’s just been the most dependable friend in your driveway.
Drop your Outback yarns in the comments.
Your real-world experience could be the deciding factor for someone’s next big purchase.
Let’s hear it!
