How much does the 2020 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.62% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,597 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $20,708.80, 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 safety features, and many also like the smooth ride and strong value. The main trade-offs are the sluggish touchscreen response and the underwhelming base engine.

For you, that means this is a strong fit if you want a versatile vehicle with family-friendly space and all-weather confidence. It also lines up well with shoppers who want utility and capability without moving into a larger SUV.

Good and great deals account for 34.0% of listings, so there’s still room to find a competitive price.

Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable?

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

Owners describe it as safe, comfortable, and dependable, with praise that points to a vehicle people feel good about living with over time. The expert review also emphasizes Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive and the way the system is active all the time, which supports confident day-to-day use in changing conditions.

The cost-effectiveness review also notes that Subaru’s pricing structure gives you a lot of vehicle for the money, which helps the ownership experience feel more reassuring. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the core vehicle and more about whether the tech and driver-monitoring features have been working as intended.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because even a strong accident-free share does not guarantee the individual car you’re considering has a clean past. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the touchscreen, driver-assistance systems, and overall interior condition, since those are the areas most likely to affect your day-to-day satisfaction. It also makes sense to confirm that the powertrain feels smooth and that all-wheel-drive operation is behaving normally during a test drive.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base 2.5i is the most stripped-down version, with dual 7-inch screens instead of the larger display and a more spartan feel overall. Higher trims add more comfort and convenience, while the Limited and above bring more premium equipment.
• Powertrain: The base 2.5-liter engine makes 182 horsepower and returns 26 mpg city and 33 highway. XT trims use 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 power 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 DriverFocus is available on higher trims.
• Infotainment: The larger 11.6-inch touchscreen appears above the base trim, while the base model uses dual 7-inch screens. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, but the system is known for lag.
• Fuel efficiency: The base engine returns 26 mpg city and 33 highway.

Which 2020 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The 2.5i gives you standard all-wheel drive and core safety tech, but it feels sparse compared with the higher trims. It uses the smaller dual-screen setup instead of the larger touchscreen, so you give up some convenience and polish.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Premium 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’s the trim where the Outback starts to feel much more complete.
• Premium/top trim: The Touring XT is the most upscale choice if you want the turbo engine plus the richest comfort features. It layers in the stronger powertrain with the more luxurious equipment found higher in the range.
• Off-road trim: The Onyx Edition XT is the one to consider if you want the most trail-friendly setup. It adds the turbo engine, heated rear seats, a front-view camera, hill-descent control, and a more aggressive X-Mode setup.

EyeSight is standard, but blind-spot monitoring does not come standard until higher trims.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting a fire sale.

• Deal availability: 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,597 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.62% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,708.80, 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 $21,213 sits slightly below last year's $22,962.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more carefully now. For a future seller, the softer current pricing means resale upside may be more limited in the short term, especially if the market stays well supplied. Still, a model with strong demand and broad appeal can hold value better than a niche vehicle.

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 Top Safety Pick+ recognition from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

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

The standard safety suite includes adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep alert and assist, and wiper-linked automatic headlights. Subaru’s EyeSight system is standard, but it can be sensitive to weather and lighting conditions, and DriverFocus is available on higher trims.

That means you get a strong safety foundation, but you should still test the driver-assistance tech carefully before buying, especially if you plan to rely on it heavily.

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:

• 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.62% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.95/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a new platform, stronger structure, and updated tech for this generation.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $22,653, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $21,213 average.
• It adds more cargo space and a stronger overall safety reputation.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2020 is the smarter buy because pricing has eased and inventory is healthy. If you can spend more and want the next year’s added practicality, the 2021 is worth a look, especially if cargo space matters more than upfront savings.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 31, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.