Subaru Outback (09 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 03 February 2010
With its sophisticated four-wheel drive systems and extra ground clearance, the Subaru Outback offers the off-road capability of a more traditional 4x4, but in an estate-sized package. Previous versions have built up a reputation for reliability and bullet-proof build quality, strengths which have kept owners incredibly loyal to the brand. It's also why the Outback is a popular choice in rural areas, both as a workhorse and a family vehicle. This version, based on the Legacy Tourer, is more refined than before but it's not the most sophisticated car around, especially when compared to similar models such as the Skoda Octavia Scout, with a rather utilitarian cabin. It comes with a decent diesel engine though, offering useful economy while there's a large boot and plenty of interior space too.
3 out of 5

Other Subaru reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

While fuel economy is good on the 2.0D with 44mpg, the petrols are less impressive with the 3.6-litre engine returning just 28mpg - although that's not bad for a four-wheel drive car producing 260bhp. Subaru servicing is good value for money and the dealers have a strong reputation for customer care - one of the reasons so many Subaru owners are loyal to the brand. To keep repair costs down, impact-absorbing crash boxes are installed behind the front bumper and collisions of approximately 9mph or less can be absorbed without affecting the main body. Each part of the radiator is attached by bolts, rather than welding, making parts replacement during repair easier, quicker and cheaper. Insurance costs are about average at group 21 and 22 for the diesels going up to a more pricey 29 for the 3.6R.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,860 - £2,192 *

Diesel

£1,364 - £1,364 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

12,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£170.00 - £460.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
    155
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
    232
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Despite having a diesel engine, the Outback still fares quite poorly on the environmental front. It's not helped by having two thirsty petrols with high CO2 emissions - the 3.6-litre emitting 232g/km. The 2.0D is more acceptable, it puts out 167g/km of CO2 and averages 44mpg - that's better than the less powerful 2.0 TDI in the Skoda Octavia Scout.

Find the exact engine and CO2