2015 Subaru Outback Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$24,895 to $32,995

Original MSRP

8.2
of 10

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(22 reviews)
8.2
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
9/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
10/10
Form & function
9/10
Cost-effectiveness
5/10
2015 Subaru Outback Test Drive Review summaryImage

Other crossover SUVs might offer the same utility as the 2015 Subaru Outback, but it’ll be tough to find one of equal capability in a variety of driving situations.

Redesigned for 2015, the Subaru Outback is bigger and better than ever before. You might not necessarily need its standard all-wheel drive, but the Outback offers so much more in a package that doesn’t penalize buyers in terms of fuel economy.
9/10

As recently as a decade ago, owning a Subaru Outback meant that people assumed you lived in New England or the Rocky Mountains and had a closetful of tweed sport coats with worn leather elbow patches. That’s because Subarus were known mostly for their all-wheel-drive systems, which meant denizens of warmer regions pretty much discounted the eminently practical yet rather esoteric Legacy-based wagon.

The obvious station wagon look and proportions didn’t help in an SUV-crazy American market. It also didn’t help that, at the time, the Outback suffered from a cramped interior, hard-to-decipher controls and learn-to-love-it styling. Yet people who overlooked these traits found the Outback to be a useful, reliable, safe and affordable vehicle that scoffed at severe weather.

Fast-forward 10 years, and amid a boom in crossover SUV sales, the Outback is no longer esoteric. Although it remains based on the Legacy sedan, the redesigned 2015 Subaru Outback is now mainstream and quite handsome, with a rugged and sporty look that few people can fault. It’s bigger than ever, too, its interior as appealing as any family sedan's.

Nevertheless, this latest 2015 Outback retains some of its quirky flavor, and while other crossovers might offer the same utility as this Subaru, it’s tough to find one of equal capability in a variety of driving situations.

If you decide the Subaru Outback makes sense, you’ll choose between four flavors. The least-expensive Outback 2.5i comes with basic 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, but this model does include a rear-view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen interface for the climate control and audio systems, and a roof rack with crossbars.

Next up is the 2.5i Premium, which upgrades you to 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, fog lamps and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. Get the 2.5i Limited trim level for 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, heated rear seats, active fog lights that point in the direction you’re steering, a blind-spot detection system, a rear cross-traffic detection system, and lane-change assist technology.

For more enthusiastic acceleration, there’s the 3.6R Limited, equipped with a 6-cylinder engine. It includes all of the 2.5i Limited’s features and is distinguished by a set of Xenon headlamps.

My test model for the week was the Outback 2.5i Limited, painted Wilderness Green and equipped with all the frills, including a power moonroof, keyless access with push-button ignition, a navigation system and Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety technologies, bringing the sticker price to $34,135. Note, though, that this also included Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) equipment, a $300 requirement in my neck of the so-called woods.

Liz Kim
Published May 25, 2021 by Liz Kim
Liz Kim has worked within the world of cars for 15 years, at various points reviewing and writing about, or analyzing and marketing, everything automotive. It’s no wonder that she married a fellow automotive journalist. Liz can be found examining and assessing the latest vehicles when she’s not busy keeping the peace between, and the schedule for, her two young daughters.

User reviews for 2015 Subaru Outback

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User rating:
by Tim C
Sep 26, 2024
Body damage on both sides of car, cracked bumper with a hole in it, and a tear in the driver seatSep 26, 2024
by Janice T
Jun 05, 2024
I like the Subaru Outback because I have owned one before. They are very good car as far as being dependable and safe. Knowing that about Subarus, I especially like the color of this perctular car. Still interested. Jun 05, 2024
by E W
Apr 24, 2024
These Outbacks come with ample legroom for tall drivers, with long legs (me). Great visibility and the ground clearance of the traditional SUVs, CRVs, RAV4S, ET.C. The clincher for me is the AWD. Skip the snow tires if you live in the GTA. Thats a grift by tire industry! Car construction is great; produced in the US. Built like Toyotas!!Apr 24, 2024

2015 Subaru Outback Pricing

Original MSRP
$24,895 to $32,995
Price range
$11,241 to $12,192
Average price on CG
$11,300
YoY price change
$12,192 to $11,300

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: vinyl

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 90 amps · Battery: 490 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 6.2 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual seat cushion front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 576 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in-floor · Sunshade: windshield · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 90 amps · Battery: 490 CCA

Exterior Features

Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: cornering · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual seat cushion front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 576 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: in-floor · Sunshade: windshield · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 90 amps · Battery: 490 CCA

Exterior Features

Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: cornering · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: in-floor · Sunshade: windshield · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 90 amps · Battery: 490 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (4)