Subaru Outback (5th Gen)
15-19 · Subaru Outback
The FB25 finally replaced the head-gasket-prone EJ253, and the 5th gen adds EyeSight driver assistance, making it the first Outback that's easy to recommend without significant caveats.
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
Subaru's best Outback before the TNGA-equivalent redesign. The FB25 is a new engine design that eliminated the EJ253's head gasket issue. EyeSight (pre-collision, adaptive cruise, lane keep) available from 2015 and is Subaru's best ADAS. The Lineartronic CVT is standard, not as durable as a traditional automatic but adequate. Timing belt still due every 60k miles on the FB25.
Why it's on this list
No head gasket concern, standard ESC, EyeSight available, and the best AWD value in the segment at $15k–$20k. For buyers in snow country, the 5th gen Outback is a genuine recommendation.
The honest trade-offs
Timing belt still present on FB25 (60k interval). CVT Lineartronic is less proven at high mileage than Toyota/Honda equivalents. Oil consumption on some FB25 units, check between changes. RepairPal $652/yr.
What to buy and what to avoid
17-19 2.5i Limited or Touring with EyeSight. Verify timing belt history. Check for oil consumption above 80k. EyeSight is worth selecting, it's one of the better ADAS systems of the era.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.
Looking to buy a Subaru Outback?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
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