2017 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
Review Summary
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
After 2 years with a family of four trying to take road trip adventures in a Prius, we decided we wanted a more spacious and comfortable family vehicle and cross shopped nearly everything family oriented on the market, from compact SUV's to mini vans. We initially test drove over a dozen models, and narrowed down to 3 finalists, the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Subaru Outback. During final test drives the winner was crystal clear.-------------------------------------------------- The Outback has the best overall interior of everything we looked at from comfort of the seats, cleanliness of the dash design, and over all fit and finish quality. Run your hand over gaps in Toyota dash pieces and you will find mold marks, sharp edges, and generally a cheap feeling interior. The Outback build quality and overall interior design feels comparable to the BMW X5. The X5 materials of course feel somewhat richer than the Outback, but at a steep cost premium. -------------------------- Driving the Outback is where the Subaru difference really shines. While the Outback has a lower power spec than most comparable models, the Outback still feels more fun to drive. The high suspension but lower than average center of gravity compared with an SUV makes the Outback buttery smooth on the road. The visibility of the road was the best of anything we drove, and when you move between a car that has poor visibility to the Outback, the importance of good visibility cannot be understated. Even with the relatively low HP rating of the 2.5i engine, the acceleration feels strong thanks to smooth CVT programming and the perfect AWD system. The steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and manual mode add to the fun. On the highway and around town, the Outback was the best drive. -------------------------------------------------------- At the end of our search, had the Outback been the same cost as the other finalists we would have still chosen the Outback. The bonus was that the fully equipped Outback final cost was about $7k less than only a moderately equipped Highlander. The only thing missing is the ability to seat 7 when grandparents visit. If Subaru could some how add the option for old school station wagon rear facing 3rd row seats for small kids, the Outback would achieve a new level of family utility perfection. As is though, we are on cloud 9 driving our new Outback. -------------------------------------------------------- There really is no better all-around vehicle on the market at any price, and yet the Outback manages to be an incredibly good value. If you like to take your family on road trip adventures, this is the best option on the market.
VS
Critical Review
I would not recommend buying this car if you're looking for an adventure mobile. Subaru no longer offers a mechanical parking brake and has removed the manual release mechanism on the electric parking brake in the 2015 Outbacks. If either of the two parking brake actuator motors malfunctions, it completely disables the vehicle. The only option is a tow to the Subaru dealer. This happened in my car, resulting in a 140 mile tow. This is especially frustrating as a non-safety-critical system malfunction can result in being stranded if it happens outside of cell phone service. I am disappointed that Subaru made this design decision in a car which is heavily marketed towards adventurous people. Another thing to note is that the car does not come with a full size spare tire, which is another important consideration if you're planning on using dirt roads or going off-road.
2017 Outback Reviews
Showing 8 of 263 reviews.
It’s perfect
None
Just wanting to know the value of my 2016 Subaru Outback. It’s in good shape. It’s silver. Drives good. Needs right brake and rotors placed.
Safety, styling, reliability, comfort
fuel economy
Bought this car brand new 8 yrs ago. Drove it round trip cross country, very comfortable seating. The 3.6 L engine gave me lots of power and quick acceleration. Car is spacious and my German Shepard dog was comfortable in the back seat. Only problem I've had with it was the screen of the infotainment centre went bad. took car into the dealership and they ordered replacement which arrived in less than a week. As I had purchased extended warranty when I bought the car , it only cost me $100. Love the safety features . My only complaint was fuel efficency, but that probably was related to me having a heavy foot. Would I buy one gain? That would be a definite yes.
This is a fabulous, dependable car ! Yes, it’s my 8th! But every once in a while I go drive other options thinking I might want something different. Sigh, I always come back! These cars have treated me so well over the years.
I bought this unit to hold my recumbent tricycle and the bike. We went somewhere for 3 days and I realized later it has parasitic draw of power from the battery. The worst I have had in 60 years.
My dad bought this car in 2015 and by the time he gave the car to me, it had almost 300,000 miles as he drives many miles to commute to his work every day. He always got the maintenance done on the car whenever it was needed and he always took very good care of that car. When he gave it to me, I also took very good care of it and it was an amazing car. Very reliable and it never had a single major issue. Unfortunately, someone crashed into my car (not at fault) and it was totaled. We went back to Subaru and now I have a 2024 Subaru Outback and I love it just as much as my old one! These cars are built to last. As long as you take care of this car and get the maintenance done, it will give you no problems!
excellent in all weather, comfy to sit in, lots of options, reliable.
infotainment touch screen lacks responsiveness, not the best looking car but it is a wagon, head gasket now weeping oil
had this for 7 years and overall it's been quite good. it's comfortable to drive and I love all the options it came with including 4 heated seats, drivers multi way seat adjust, bluetooth, moon roof etc. I'm not fond of the touch screen responsiveness on the infotainment system. It's roomy for passengers or cargo, pretty good on fuel and absolutely great in the snow and one keeps their freedom from the weather and can drive in pretty much anything. the head gasket has started to weep oil and that's an expensive fix so that's disappointing but there are lots of kms' on this vehicle now.
hAS BEEN A GREAT VEHICLE. BUT NOW WE ARE GETTING CLOSE TO RETIREMENT AND NEED SOMETHING NEW TO PULL OUR 5500LB CAMPER AROUND WITH.
Great driving, premium features, All wheel drive, usually good engine response, easy to maintain value with regular repairs, lots of mechanics in PNW with experience working on these cars
hard to find a budget friendly version of car that's under 12 years old without over 120k miles on it, and those options will be more expensive then other reliable car brands
Great driving, premium features, All wheel drive, usually good engine response, easy to maintain value with regular repairs
