How much does the 2020 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.51% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,601 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare prices and equipment. If you find a listing below $20,704.60, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2020 Subaru Outback a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Subaru Outback earns a 4.95/5 user rating and a 7.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, ample interior space, and smooth ride, and they also highlight the strong safety feel and impressive power. The expert review backs up that appeal with a focus on utility, performance, and value, while the standard all-wheel-drive setup adds to its everyday usefulness. The main trade-offs are the sluggish touchscreen response and the underwhelming base engine, so you should weigh those against the Outback’s strengths if you care most about tech speed or brisk acceleration. For shoppers who want a versatile vehicle with family-friendly space and all-weather confidence, this model year fits that brief well. With 34.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you room to shop selectively.

Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.95/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle that feels reliable, safe, and comfortable over the long term, with many drivers describing it as a car they can count on. The expert review also emphasizes Subaru’s all-time all-wheel-drive system and the low center of gravity from the boxer engine, both of which support dependable everyday use. The cost-effectiveness review adds that the Outback offers a lot of car for the money, which matters if you plan to keep it for years. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about core durability and more about living with the tech and feature quirks if you choose a higher-trim example.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Subaru Outback?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Start with a history report so you can confirm accident status, title status, and service patterns before you get too far into the process. Then prioritize a thorough inspection of the touchscreen, driver-assistance features, and any comfort equipment you care about, since those are the areas most likely to affect day-to-day satisfaction. You should also pay close attention to overall condition and how the vehicle was used, because the Outback’s appeal depends heavily on whether it still feels well-kept and easy to live with.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base 2.5i trim gets dual 7-inch screens instead of the 11.6-inch touchscreen, and it can feel spartan compared with higher trims. It still includes LED headlights, keyless entry, automatic climate control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a strong standard safety set.
• Powertrain: The base 2.5-liter engine makes 182 horsepower and returns 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. XT trims add a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, which is the better choice if you want stronger passing or towing confidence.
• Safety package: EyeSight is standard and includes adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep alert and assist. Blind-spot monitoring is not standard on the Premium trim, and reverse auto braking appears on the Limited trim.
• Infotainment: The 11.6-inch touchscreen is a major upgrade over the base dual-screen setup, and wireless smartphone integration is not mentioned. The system is easy to understand, but lag is a recurring complaint, and the camera resolution trails the screen size.
• Fuel efficiency: The base engine returns 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The turbocharged engine is positioned for stronger performance rather than efficiency, so it is the better fit if power matters more than fuel savings.

Which 2020 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2020 Subaru Outback is offered in 7 trim levels: 2.5i, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The 2.5i gives you the essentials, but it lacks the larger 11.6-inch touchscreen and feels the most stripped down inside. It still brings standard all-wheel drive and a strong safety suite, so it works if you want the lowest entry price.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Premium trim is the best value for many shoppers because it adds the 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. It is the most balanced step up from the base model.
• Premium/top trim: The Touring trim is the most appealing upscale choice if you want a more luxurious feel, with upgraded leather, ventilated front seats, and a sunroof. It is the trim that most clearly moves the Outback toward near-luxury comfort.
• Off-road trim: The Onyx Edition XT is the one to choose if you want the most off-road capability, thanks to the turbo engine, hill-descent control, and a more aggressive version of X-Mode. It is the best fit if your daily driving includes rough roads or winter conditions.

The safety package is strongest when you remember that Subaru makes a broad suite of driver aids standard, even on the base trim.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Subaru Outback?

The market looks moderate, so you can shop selectively without expecting a fire-sale environment.

• Deal availability: 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,601 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.51% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,704.60, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Subaru Outback's resale value?

The current average of $21,105 sits slightly below last year's $22,819.

That price movement suggests the Outback has already given back some value, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the softer market means you should expect pricing pressure unless your vehicle is especially clean, well-equipped, and well documented. Strong demand for this model year still helps, though, especially because shoppers continue to value its space, safety, and all-wheel-drive appeal.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.95/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Subaru Outback safe?

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard safety suite is a major strength here, and Subaru’s EyeSight system includes adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep alert and assist. Standard all-wheel drive also adds confidence in poor weather and low-grip conditions. The main caveat is that the driver-monitoring system is a disappointment, and the review notes that EyeSight can shut off when its view is obstructed. That means you should not assume every safety feature will behave perfectly in all conditions, especially if you drive in snow, mud, fog, or bright sun.

Should I buy a 2020 Subaru Outback or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.51% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.95/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 brings a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen and the new turbo engine option.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $22,479, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $21,105 average.
• It adds more refined everyday practicality and keeps the same core capability.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2020 is the smarter buy because prices have eased and inventory is healthy. If you are willing to spend more for a newer model year, the 2021 is the cleaner alternative for buyers who want to compare one step up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.