Subaru Outback FAQs

• Is the Subaru Outback a good car?

  The Subaru Outback is a great alternate for motorists eyeing the practicality and space of a larger sports utility vehicle, yet upholding the swiftness and liveliness of a more compact roadster. Drawing inspiration from the Subaru Liberty as its platform, the Outback gets an upgrade as far as the dynamics and capabilities to go off-roading. With the choice of 2.0-litre turbo diesel variants, 2.5-litre direct injection models, and a hefty 3.6-litre outback-tackling beast, your options are endless. Add to that a thorough serving of tech equipment, renowned reliability and sweeping comfort, you're looking at a genuine star right here.

• What problems do Subaru Outbacks have?

  If you cast back to the period between 2011 and 2014, there were a number of complaints raised about the transmission in the Subaru Outback, although that has since been overhauled and improved dramatically such that it is no longer a problem. More recently, the 2018 and 2019 versions of the Subaru Outback encountered some modest problems, with the most-reported issues being a dead battery and a windshield that is more susceptible to cracking. It's worth noting, however, the occurrence of these issues is still relatively rare.

• Which is better, Subaru Outback or Forester?

  The Subaru Outback and Forester offer different experiences, so you'll have to decide what matters most to you. In the case of the Outback, this unit is longer and slightly wider, which offers more space inside the cabin and also helps the ride feel more smooth, stable and free-flowing. The Forester, with its slightly taller profile, provides superior visibility on the road but also comes with a more lively dynamic. If you're in need of pulling power, the Outback also wins out there, where you have that mighty 3.6-litre variant available to raise the performance stakes. Both cars have a suave and well-equipped interior, with the dearer pricing on the Outback rewarding you with a few more goodies. Otherwise, the Forester's more affordable price-point makes for compelling value.