2025 Subaru Outback — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2025 Subaru Outback

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $32,748–$43,539
Fuel Economy 30 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,750/yr

Key Specifications — 2025 Subaru Outback

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$32,748–$43,539

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2025 Subaru Outback

Our scoring places the 2025 Subaru Outback at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Technology at 6.5/10 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. We score reliability at 8.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.6/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.5/10 — 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 $32,748–$43,539, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Outback sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.

Our take: The 2025 Subaru Outback is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2025 Subaru Outback ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $32,748 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 9%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Outback Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2022 Subaru Outback scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 7.7 — 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.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.7/10$32,748 Read review →
2025 (this review) 7.7/10$32,748
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 7.5/10$27,979 Read review →
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 →

Pros & Cons — 2025 Subaru Outback

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

More Subaru Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.