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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $27,979–$35,820 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2020 Subaru Outback is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Technology at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.4/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $27,979–$35,820, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Outback sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.4/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2020 Subaru Outback will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance and technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 Subaru Outback ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $27,979 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 22%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Subaru Outback scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $32,748 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $32,748 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $31,795 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $30,841 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $29,887 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $28,933 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $27,979 | |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $27,025 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $26,071 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $25,118 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $24,164 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $23,210 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Back over prevention / Display function 10/12/2020 · 20V766000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation,… |
|---|---|
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) 09/12/2021 · 21V955000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped. |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 29/07/2021 · 21V587000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Pedals and linkages 18/09/2019 · 19V664000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt. |
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) 08/07/2022 · 22V485000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped. |
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.