How much does the 2020 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.16% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,632 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare against.

If you find a listing below $20,706.60, 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 4.95/5 owner rating points to very strong satisfaction with this model year. The expert rating is 7.67/10, which supports that positive reception.

The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners repeatedly praise the Outback for its comfort, ample interior space, smooth ride, and safety features. The model also fits shoppers who want standard all-wheel drive and a practical, value-focused vehicle with a distinctive wagon-like character.

The main trade-offs are the sluggish touchscreen response and the underwhelming base engine, and the expert review also notes that the infotainment system can lag and the camera resolution feels dated. Even so, the Outback’s roomy, safety-minded setup makes it a strong fit if you want everyday usefulness over flash. Good and great deals account for 33.7% of listings, so there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable?

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

Owner feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free feel, with praise for comfort, safety, and the kind of ownership experience you can count on over time. The expert review reinforces that impression by emphasizing standard all-wheel drive and a design built around consistent power delivery and less disruption from wheel slip.

The cost-effectiveness review also notes that Subaru’s pricing structure gives you a lot of car for the money, which can help long-term ownership feel easier to justify. For used buyers, the main risk is less about basic durability and more about living with the tech and feature quirks that may still be present.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on any candidate, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the infotainment system, since lag is a known complaint, and pay close attention to how the base engine feels on a test drive. It’s also smart to confirm that the safety and driver-assist features work as expected, especially if you’re shopping a lower trim.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base 2.5i trim is more spartan than the others, with dual 7-inch screens instead of the 11.6-inch touchscreen, and blind-spot monitoring is not standard until higher trims.
• Powertrain: The base 2.5-liter engine makes 182 horsepower and returns 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway; XT trims use a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque.
• Safety package: EyeSight is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep alert and assist, and wiper-linked automatic headlights. Blind-spot monitoring is not standard on the Premium trim.
• Infotainment: Most trims get an 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the base trim uses dual 7-inch screens. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, but the system can lag.
• Fuel efficiency: The base engine returns 26 mpg city and 33 mpg 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, LED headlights, keyless entry, automatic climate control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a strong safety suite, but it uses dual 7-inch screens and feels fairly bare-bones.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Premium trim is the value pick because it adds the 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• Premium/top trim: The Touring trim is the most upscale everyday choice, with upgraded leather, ventilated front seats, and a sunroof.
• Off-road trim: The Onyx Edition XT is the one to choose if you want the turbo engine plus hill-descent control, a more aggressive X-Mode, heated rear seats, and a front-view camera.

EyeSight is standard, but blind-spot monitoring does not become standard until the Limited trim.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,632 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.16% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,706.60, 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 $21,142 sits slightly below last year's $22,772.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to give you some negotiating room now, but it also means future sellers may not see the same peak pricing that was available a year ago. If you buy well today, you may be able to limit depreciation pressure by starting from a lower entry price.

Strong owner satisfaction can help support demand later, especially for a model that already appeals to practical shoppers. 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, and Subaru makes EyeSight standard across the lineup. That suite includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep alert and assist, while the standard all-wheel drive system adds confidence in poor conditions.

There is a caveat, though: the expert review notes that EyeSight can shut off when its view is obstructed, and DriverFocus is frustratingly overactive. If you’re shopping used, make sure the driver-assist systems are functioning properly and that you’re comfortable with the tech behavior before you buy.

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:

• 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Prices have softened 7.16% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.95/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 brings a new 11.6-inch touchscreen, updated safety tech, and new engine choices.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $22,432, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $21,142 average.
• It emphasizes reliability, low cost, high resale, and extra technology.

The bottom line: If you want the better value play, the 2020 is the smarter buy because pricing has eased and inventory is healthy. If you’re willing to pay more for a newer model-year perspective and a stronger emphasis on long-term ownership appeal, the 2021 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.