What’s Outback really like? How does it drive? Get the inside story from owners and motoring press experts
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Any car purchase is going to be a compromise, but I've never had a car that does so many thing so well! Best things about it - performance, handling, 50mpg solo and 30mpg towing. Worst things - Fiddly delayed routine for checking the oil level. Distance to nearest dealer (though in fairness they collect and deliver for services).
Subaru Outback
Paul A of Sutton Coldfield, 2016
What can I say, if you have owned a Subaru you don't need me to tell you why they are such great cars, and if you haven't owned one you should give them a try, and then you can fall in love with the brand just like everyone who owns one does. I'm on my third Subaru now, having had 2 Legacy's and now an Outback, and every time I decide to replace my car I honestly can't think of another brand that I'd rather have. They are everything to all men/women, practical, reliable & comfortable, yet a real driver's car with superb handling and road holding ability, and in bad winters with ice and snow I feel safe and in control while everyone else around me is crashing or getting stuck. I have loved all of my Subaru's, and I hope the brand will continue making great cars that appeal to me in this way, so I can be a Subaru owner forever!
Subaru Outback
Mr H of Hull, 2016
Our second Outback diesel (last one was a 2008 ReN). Really pleased with the last one and bought another due to reliability, excellent 4WD and fantastic dealer support (Simpsons in Highworth and Brookside in Anglesey). The 2016 version has moved on considerably in every way - smoother, quieter, more room etc. Overall very pleased with the car so far having completed 2500 miles. Any issues are very minor, but include: - Voice recognition is so unreliable it is effectively useless. - Electric boot opening is frustrating as it sometimes unlocks but does not actually open, and when it does open it is too slow - there is no reversional manual mode. - Headlamp main beam are not LED/halogen and appear yellow next to the dipped beam. - No spare wheel as standard - not a good trend on a 4WD vehicle. - It would be nice to have the full panoramic sunroof back. Subaru - please don't put gadgets on the car unless they work faultlessly or can be switched off! These are minor niggles and we are on the whole delighted with the car and the Subaru dealers.
Subaru Outback
Mr W of Gaerwen, 2016
Well built, comfortable, fuel efficient (57mpg), nice to drive
Subaru Outback
Mr B of GLASGOW, 2016
As a man who loves to fish, with a wife who loves to paint, the perfect car has to meet a lot of expectations. The boot must be large enough to accommodate not only the suitcases for the trips, but a panoply of fishing tackle, easels, canvases and paints (did I mention wader, wellies, waterproofs etc?). It must perform well both on and off-road with the ability to navigate muddy slopes, mountain passes and deep puddles. In addition, in order to perform in these situations, it requires excellent ground clearance and perfect stability. We have tried many 4x4 vehicles, but Subaru is the only car that delivers. The low centre of gravity afforded by the boxer engine gives a virtually roll free experience in all situations; a feature much appreciated by my wife who fell queasy in all other 4x4s that we test drove. The robust engineering is such that I do not anticipate a replacement in the near future, but when I do, there will be no contestants!
Subaru Outback
Doctor R of AYLESBURY, 2016
I love my Subaru, it is fantastic.
Subaru Outback
Mrs A of KNUTSFORD, 2016
I am a great fan of Subaru cars, and am presently driving my fifth. Living in Scotland at a height of 300 ft. above sea level the 4Wd is invaluable and means we can get out of our village when we have snow in the winter, whilst others can't. However even in towns the Outback has so many helpful features and I especially appreciate the wonderful turning circle. Nearly as good as a black cab.
Subaru Outback
Sir M of CUPAR, 2016
2016 Outback 2.0 D SE Premium at last is a specification that now brings the comfort of the front seat passenger into line with that of the driver. I refer to the long awaited provision of an electrically adjustable seat for the front passenger the lack of which I complained to Subaru UK several years ago. I also appreciate the increased leg room for both front & rear passengers & the ability to recline the rear seats. However, all is not good. I regret that the Ivory trim option is no longer available. I have already found myself scrabbling around in the inky darkness of the front under fascia with a hand torch to locate some of the difficult to see controls.
Subaru Outback
Mr S of LEIGHTON BUZZARD, 2016
I have only covered 650 miles in the 14 days since I collected the car. But it really is a joy to drive, I have been quite disappointed when I reach my destination! Tomorrow I will see how it performs pulling our caravan. John Austin
Subaru Outback
Mr A of SWINDON, 2016
I have been driving Subaru's for 20 years and have recently taken delivery of my 7th vehicle. This is my first Outback, having previously owned 4 Impreza's, a Forester and an XV. Even after only two weeks, it is already returning over 40 MPG on a combined cycle urban and motorway driving. So far it hasn't put a foot wrong - something I've come to rely on with the brand. The car is very smooth, very comfortable and much quieter than my previous diesels - exactly how the flagship model should be. I only have 2 criticisms at present.. 1 (minor) - although the side lights and dipped headlights are led fittings, the main beams are halogen bulbs which are very yellow by comparison, but they do illuminate the road well. 2 (not so minor) - the infotainment system does not have DAB at all! If you want to listen to digital stations, you have to set it up via apps on your phone - only advisable if you have a decent data package. I find this very disappointing. I have every confidence the ability of the car during the upcoming winter months - they've NEVER failed to get me where I needed to be! Given the Outback's reputation, I'm sure it won't let me down.
Subaru Outback
Mr A of CONSETT, 2016
Second Outback we now have, the latest very smooth and quiet with the gear box improved. We have found the Outback invaluable in the adverse weather conditions of recent history. On the negative 1st Outback, we have had trouble with the fancy clutch, failing suddenly and apparently these new designs are giving trouble generally. The two keys have had to be fitted with new mother boards, both incidents at considerable cost! Not being a techi (too old not having had training) certain features have been a challenge on the second new Outback. Sat Nav 'Town' should also read 'or Post code' leaving a space in it. Quick list required, how to liven up without engine running, warning passenger cannot leave their key in the car if wanting to lock up, and reminder one can alter the wheel position for comfort. Just little wrinkles would help getting used to the new. But otherwise very happy and the mpg guide very useful.
Subaru Outback
Mr T of POULTON-LE-FYLDE, 2016
This is my first Subaru car, I purchased an Outback. I have owned Mercedes Benz cars for over 25 years so this was a big brand move. I wanted a large estate car, the Subaru Outback seemed to tick all the boxes. My test drive was booked and the dealer said take the car and do whatever you want to do. I spent about an hour on my test drive, so motorway and some back road. I enjoyed the higher seating position and the seating was very important for me as my current Mercedes was giving lower back pain when getting in and out of the car. I have had the Outback for nearly six months and can say I have had no back pain with this car. Over Christmas I took the car to Switzerland for a family holiday. The car was outstanding and giving me around 45 mpg for the whole journey. I tried the car in the snow with standard tyres and the car done everything I expected. I also found the eyesight cruise control to be a great asset on the motorway and in crawling traffic. The eyesight has also worked when a bicycle came across the road in front of me, the car automatically applied the brakes. This I must say happened all very quickly but it worked.
Subaru Outback
Mr R of Prenton, 2016
Our new Outback is a hit with everyone in the family. High quality interior, acres of space, all the equipment we need, pleasant styling plus the usual Subaru strengths (great traction and seemingly indestructible). Power tailgate an enormous hit with our seven year old son.
Subaru Outback
Mrs H of LONDON, 2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.0ltr diesel SE Premium, manual 6 speed. One month ownership from new. Overall impressions are that the car is very large - particularly long, has a very smooth and remarkably quiet diesel engine which is currently returning 48.1 mpg. The driving position, pedal location and general erganomics are excellent. I like the elevated seating position, the precise gear-change and the entertainment system (although I have yet to get into the system settings to 'personalise' the various functions). The Bluetooth telephone system paired very easily with two devices and operates faultlessly. There is plenty of room both in the front and back and the leather seems to be of a good quality and the interior has a well put together feel. Nice touches are the single touch tailgait opening/closing and the keyless entry, although a little quirky and is taking some getting used to. Coming from a LandRover Freelander, I am missing the extra height to the driving position and the front/rear parking sensors. The Outback is equipped with a reversing camera which although useful doesn't give any audible indication to help you guage distance to objects. I've looked into getting sensors as an accessory but the cost is a little prohibative at circa £800.00. The car drives very well and feels very secure on the road. The brakes are excellent and the raft of airbags and safety features are impressive. The buying experience with SG Petch in Richmond was first class and I would definately recommend them. This is my second Subaru and I'm looking forward to many years of trouble free motoring in a car which appears to have been designed to 'go the distance'. So far, so VERY good.
Subaru Outback
Mr C of RICHMOND, 2016
As the other Subaru's before a trusty reliable companion . Just a little concerned about the quality of paint - especially inside the door handles which are becoming scratched from persons opening the door.Some of the interior fittings are not up to standard, but overall pleased
Subaru Outback
Mr R of ST. ALBANS, 2016
This is our fourth Subaru, we have enjoyed two Forester's and this is our second Outback. This one is the Outback 2.0D SE Premium Lineartronic Eyesight. In my view the brand just goes from strength to strength, the latest iteration of the Outback is in my view simply stunning in terms of its abilities and quality of materials used. We use it as intended, for shooting and towing trailers, collecting logs etc. its a real country car, but it is a very lazy and comfortable drive on the motorways down to our house in south of France be it pulling a trailer or boat it just takes it in its stride with no fuss. The new sat nav and infotainment system is really great, it works exceptionally well. I cannot recommend this vehicle highly enough. More importantly is the excellent service and back up provided by Carstins (Unity Automotive) they really know how to look after you with good old fashioned service that seems to have disappeared elswhere
Subaru Outback
Mr M of WARWICK, 2016
Subaru Outback
Mr P of OSWESTRY, 2016
The Outback is my second Subaru. I am well pleased with my current model which has the seven speed auto box. Both the six speed manual and the seven speed auto both return me around the forty mpg. I would drive around thirty thousand miles per year. In the luggage area I carry a large tool box and fittings which takes the weight of the vehicle up to two ton with driver in it. Some of my customers may be off the M2 in Belfast or my next call is up at Lough Fea above Cookstown at a sand pit. The car is very driver friendly either on the motorway or up single track roads. Like the general layout of the controls, the bar graph of mpg is a distraction, also when you turn side/driving lights it's night time and the dash screens go dark. Tyre wear is around the forty thousand mile mark, very good consider some of the roads I am on. Seat after a few hours would get a bit hard on the old bottom, maybe just me. would buy again. Also very good service from dealer.
Subaru Outback
Mr M of COLERAINE, 2016
Exceptionally pleased with the car, shape and colour. Comfortable ride. On the first lengthy journey I got 41.6 mpg going and 40.7 on the return journey. More than I expected.
Subaru Outback
Mr M of MANCHESTER, 2016
The 2016 Subaru Outback se Premium Lineartronic that I recently purchased is an absolutely perfect all rounder. After years of driving a number of German marques I can honestly say that the Subaru is simply better from a comfort, capability, technology and value perspective. What it lacks in high end interior finish it more than makes up for in character and practicality.
"Perhaps the best tribute we can pay to this now well-sorted car is that, despite a heavy schedule, atrocious weather and busy roads we never once felt stressed out. Here’s a car that’s always a pleasure to drive."
"Off-road, the Outback's permanent, symmetrical all-wheel-drive system helps it to stand out among its peers. Its approach, departure and break-over angles are greater than those of most rivals, too, helping you traverse even deeply rutted tracks with greater confidence"
"What a practical, capable car this is. It's Subarus flagship vehicle, selling in the hundreds of thousands world-wide and it's one that perfectly reflects the Brands' core values. It's hugely able on the road, nearly imperious off it, has acres of space inside and cabin quality has moved up a notch too."
"That's because its proven all-wheel-drive system allows the car to go almost anywhere, anytime, under almost any circumstance. This means that on those days where it should really be a snow day, but the school district just won't cancel, your kids are going to be the ones getting to school. "
"If the current crop of fashion-led SUV's bring you out in a rash, Subaru's polished yet no-nonsense Outback offers a good blend of versatility, useful technology, all weather practicality and understated style."
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