How much does the Subaru Outback cost in today's market?

Used Subaru Outback prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Subaru Outback's current nationwide average price is $23,401, and its year-round low is $21,331.21. That gives you a useful snapshot of where this model sits right now in its own used-car market. Recently, prices have come down for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Subaru Outback a good car?

Yes — the Subaru Outback is a strong used-car choice if you value practicality, comfort, and all-weather confidence. The all-generations owner rating is 4.63/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Outback for its reliability, spacious interior, and all-wheel drive capability. They also frequently highlight its smooth ride, strong safety features, and generous cargo space, which makes it especially appealing for families and outdoor-minded buyers.

Expert reviews rate the 2015 and 2018 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs that show up in expert reviews are underwhelming base-engine performance, CVT behavior that can feel droney, and infotainment setups that can be frustrating or dated in some years.

31.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Subaru Outback models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Outback as dependable, comfortable, and well suited to everyday use. Expert reviews also reinforce its reputation for safety, practicality, and confident all-wheel-drive performance across the model years in the data.

• Owners rate the Subaru Outback between 4.33 and 4.96 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk looks manageable overall, but older examples deserve a careful history check and a close look at maintenance records.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 82.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2020 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both operate wirelessly, and a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen is placed higher on the dashboard to reduce distraction
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA estimates the new Outback will return as much as 27 mpg in combined driving (25/31 mpg city/highway) for the base engine and 24 mpg combined (21/29 mpg city/highway) for the turbocharged XT models. The Wilderness brings up the rear with a 23-mpg combined rating (21/27 mpg city/highway).

Which Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers...

• Premium: This is the entry-level trim, and it gives you the new Outback's starting point with the base setup and a strong value case for shoppers who want the latest redesign without moving up the lineup.
• Touring: This trim adds several niceties and driver assists, including premium items that make it the more upscale choice.
• Wilderness: This trim is the most adventure-ready option, with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and electronically controlled suspension dampers.

What Subaru Outback do most buyers choose?

The Subaru Outback years with the most listings are 2024, 2025, and 2023.

These higher-volume years tend to be the most popular used picks because they give you a wider selection of listings and a strong mix of pricing and deal availability. That makes it easier to compare trims, mileage, and condition before you buy.

What is the Subaru Outback's resale value?

Most model years in the Outback lineup are down year over year, which is good news if you're shopping used and want more room to find value. The declines are fairly consistent across the range, with newer and older examples both showing lower prices than a year ago. A few years are falling more sharply than others, but the overall pattern points to a market that has softened across the board.

The 2025, 2017, and 2016 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Subaru Outback safe?

• 2026: 7/10
• 2025: 9/10
• 2024: 9/10
• 2023: 9/10
• 2022: 9/10
• 2021: 9/10
• 2020: 8/10
• 2018: 10/10
• 2016: 10/10
• 2015: 10/10

All 2026 Outbacks come with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, automatic emergency steering, emergency stop assist, haptic steering wheel alerts, a driver condition monitor, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams.

For the safest used buy, the 2015, 2016 and 2018 models all post the highest confirmed score of 10/10.

Should I buy a used Subaru Outback now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2025 model is at −4.08% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −6.31%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 32.6% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 33.6%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $29,216. The Subaru Outback offers a roomy cabin, strong cargo space, and a comfortable, practical character that fits family and road-trip use well.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The base powerplant is a 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder "boxer" engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while XT models go with a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-four, increasing output to 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
• Tech: A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel allows the driver to customize what information is displayed, while a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen is placed higher on the dashboard to reduce distraction.
• Safety: All 2026 Outbacks come with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, automatic emergency steering, emergency stop assist, haptic steering wheel alerts, a driver condition monitor, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams.
• Starting price: The 2026 Subaru Outback has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $36,445 (including $1,450 in destination fees) for the Premium trim, which is now the entry-level model.

If you're buying used today, the 2024 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2027 inventory to mature.

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