2013 Subaru Outback

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Rating7.8

Ranked #5 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$23,495 - $32,095
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 18, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

All-wheel drive is standard

Underpowered base engine

Redesigned front fascia

Large cargo area

No manual transmission with the bigger engine

Upgraded suspension

Seats offer good support and comfort

Second-generation CVT

Specs & Features

$28,495

price

256 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

247 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

torque

5-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

3.6L 6cyl AWD 5A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2013 Subaru Outback starts at an MSRP of $23,495, offering superior driver-assistance features, revised base engine and CVT, and improved suspension setup. Subaru has even updated the front grille styling and interior features. The 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter engine options offer 174 horsepower and 256 horsepower respectively. The 2.5i and 3.6R trims offer a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 lbs and 3,000 lbs respectively. 

 

 

2013 Subaru Outback Buying Advice 

The 2013 Subaru Outback offers a good blend of fuel economy, interior space and overall practicality. The wagon market is quickly losing out to capable SUVs but Outback competes well with its affordability and practicality. However, customers have reported several problems with the 2013 Outback, related to electrical, mechanical and safety systems of the car. If you find a good car with rectified issues then you can surely opt for one or else go for higher model years i.e 2019 and above to be on the safer side. 

The 2013 Subaru Outback is offered in five different trim configurations, with two different engine options and three transmission options. The rugged wagon is decently spacious and offers a welcoming interior setup. Subaru has taken care of different classes of customers and the Outback has something for everyone in terms of performance, practicality and affordability. With capable rivals like Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5, does the Outback stand a chance? Let’s check out in our in-depth review

2013 Subaru Outback for sale

The 2013 Subaru Outback continues to be an affordable option in the wagon segment. The 2013 does improve on power, efficiency and comfort as compared to the previous model year. If you are interested in buying one, then a used example of 2013 Outback makes good sense and can save a lot of money. You may find some good cars starting at as low as $8,495 and going up to $25,000. The final price depends on multiple factors like condition, service history, odometer mileage.

Buying Advice

The 2.5i Premium trim makes more sense and is much better value for money than other trims. The base 2.5i trim might be too bland for customers and for just an additional $1,500, Subaru offers many desirable features. The features like 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel and a 6 -speaker audio system are offered with the Premium trim. If you require better performance at a budget then the 3.6R trim should be your choice.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2013 Subaru Outback is available in five different trim configurations and four main trim configurations: 2.5i, Premium, 3.6R, and Limited. The Limited trim is further subdivided into 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited. The 2.5i and 3.6R trims are powered by 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter engines with enhanced output of 173 hp and 256 hp respectively. As per consumer reports, the J.D.Power Consumer Rating for the 2013 Outback is 80 out of 100 which can be considered as Good. 

The rugged wagon scored a “Great” score of 81 out of 100 in quality and reliability. The resale value score is 83 out of 100 which is even better. However, the Outback scores low in the driving experience department, earning only 74 points out of 100 points. The estimated annual maintenance cost of the 2013 Outback is $634, translating to $3,170 for five years. The availability of EyeSight driver-assist technology makes it earn the Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS

Buying Advice
8.0/10

The 2.5i Premium trim makes more sense and is much better value for money than other trims. The base 2.5i trim might be too bland for customers and for just an additional $1,500, Subaru offers many desirable features. The features like 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel and a 6 -speaker audio system are offered with the Premium trim. If you require better performance at a budget then the 3.6R trim should be your choice.

Features
8.0/10

The 2013 Subaru Outback is offered in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6 R, and 3.6R Limited. Each trim level is well-equipped and offers a multitude of standard features. The 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter engines produced 173 and 256 hp respectively. The 3.6R and 3.6R Limited trims are only offered with the 3.6-liter engine. The good thing is that all the trims get Subaru’s symmetrical AWD standard. 

The 2013 Outback 2.5i comes with 16-inch steel wheels, silver metallic interior trim, roof rails with retractable and adjustable cross bars, auto on/off headlights, 4-speaker audio system, and cloth upholstery as standard. The 2.5i Premium trim adds 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, body-colored side mirrors, fog lights, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and better infotainment system with 6-speaker audio system. 

Trim

2.5i

2.5i Premium

2.5i Limited

3.6R

3.6R Limited

MSRP

$23,295

$24,795

$28,695

$28,295

$31,695

Key Features

16-inch wheels

Adds/upgrades to the features of 2.5i trim

Adds/upgrades to the features of 2.5i Premium trim

Adds/upgrades to the features of 2.5i trim

Same features as the 2.5i Limited trim

  Cloth upholstery

17-inch alloy wheels

Leather-trimmed uphlostery

17-inch alloy wheels

3.6-liter flat-six engine

  Silver metallic interior trim Fog lights

Woodgrain accent interior trim 

4-speaker audio system

 
  4-speaker audio system  Leather-wrapped steering wheel 

Power-adjustable front seats

Fog lights

 
  Roof rails with retractable crossbars 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat Dual-zone climate control     
    6-speaker audio system 

9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

   
           
           

The 3.6R is very similar to the base trim and offers a more powerful engine and offers alloy wheels, fog lights and automatic transmission. The 2.5i and 3.6R Limited trim offer leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, woodgrain interior trim, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, premium sound system, All Weather Package, and gauges with LCD color display. The special apperance package offers black- and gray-colored exterior and interior elements for an accentuated look. Some other optional packages are navigation system package, power moonrood package, and EyeSight driver-assist package. 

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

Subaru claims that the second generation CVT is more efficient and refined as compared to the previous model year  With the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the EPA-estimated gas mileage of the 2.5i trims is 21/28/24 mpg in city/highway/combined conditions. With the optional CVT, the mileage is increased to 24/30/26 mpg in city/highway/combined conditions. The 2013 Outback 3.6R and 3.6R Limited offer better performance at the cost of fuel economy and offer only 18/24/20 mpg in city/highway/combined conditions.

Model

Subaru Outback

Honda CR-V

Ford Escape

Mazda CX-5

MPG (city)

24

23

22

25

MPG (Highway)

30

31

31

35

MPG (Combined)

26

26

25

26

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

18.5

15.3

15.1

14.8 

Range (City/highway)

444 /555 /481 

352 / 474 / 398

332 / 468 / 378

370/518/385

As for fuel economy, the Honda CR-V averages 26 mpg combined, which is in line with the Mazda CX-5. With a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, the Ford Escape is the least fuel-efficient vehicle in the segment. A fuel tank capacity of 18.5 gallons distinguishes the Subaru Outback from other models in its segment. As a result, it manages 444 and 555 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively. So, if you are looking for a better range and decent gas mileage than the Outback should be your choice. 

Interior
8.0/10

The 2013 Subaru Outback offers subtle yet practical interior design. The quality of interior trim elements could have been better. Nonetheless, they are made to last. Subaru has used lots of hard plastic in the cabin, but to give the interior an elegant look, a silver metallic accent trim is given on the dash and inside door panel. This trim can be replaced with the wood grain-patterned accent on the Limited trim. The front seats offer good comfort and the outside visibility is also good. The 3-spoke steering wheel feels good to hold and mounted controls offer added convenience. 

The cloth upholstery found in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 3.6R is available in black striated and ivory striated format. The 2.5i and 3.6R Limited trims get access to leather upholstery available in off-black, saddle brown and warm ivory colors. The outside visibility is very good and the passengers would enjoy a scenic journey. The headroom and legroom across both the rows is adequate. The rear seats are decent and the cushioning is also flat, allowing for usage of car seat or child seat with ease. Some features like heated front seats and power-adjustable driver’s seat are offered from Premium trim onwards. 

Subaru's rugged wagon is not short of practicality in any way. The interior dimensions of the cabin allows for a decent cargo capacity of 34.3 cubic feet. If you require additional cargo space then simply fold the 65/35-spli rear seatbacks and you'll get access to a massive 71.3 cubic feet of volume. The passenger volume with and without available moonroof is 102.4 cubic feet and 105.4 cubic feet respectively. Subaru has also offered multiple storage spaces near the center console and the door trims. The 2.5i and 3.6R Limited trims offer some additional creature comforts like dual-zone climate control, trim, power-adjustable front passenger’s seat and rear air conditioning vents. 

Model

Subaru Outback

Honda CR-V

Ford Escape

Mazda CX-5

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

40.8/56.3/43.0

39.9/56.8/41.3

39.9/56.0/43.1

40.1/57.5/41

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.3/56.1/37.8

38.6/56.4/38.3

39.0/55.3/36.8

39/55.5/39.3

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

34.3 

37.2

34.3

34.1 

The standard for the segment is a seating capacity of five passengers. The Honda CR-V features the largest cargo capacity with 37.2 cubic feet, followed by the Ford Escape and Subaru Outback with 34.3 cubic feet respectively. With a cargo capacity of 34.1 cubic feet, the Mazda CX-5 is at the bottom of the table. However, it offers the best rear seat legroom for a more comfortable rear seat ride. The Outback offers the best rear seat headroom, allowing even taller riders to sit comfortably. 

The base trim doesn’t get any infotainment screen, but the 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited trims have a 4.3-inch LCD display. You can access the 7-inch touchscreen which is available for the Limited trims under the optional Navigation System Package. The same package also adds a navigation system, voice control, and Aha connected service. Some standard features offered on the 2014 Outback are a 4-speaker sound system, AUX jack, Bluetooth, and a USB port. SiriusXM, HD radio, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon system is offered on the 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited trims.

Some key interior features of the Outback include: 

  • 10-way power-adjustable driver seat
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Moonroof
  • 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
  • 7-inch touchscreen (available)

Exterior
7.0/10

The 2013 Subaru Outback receives an updated front fascia with redesigned front grille. The Outback continues to look distinct with its wagon profile. At the front, projector-beam low-beam and multi-reflector high-beam headlights are given as standard. The black-finish headlight inner bezels is optional on the Limited trims. The gray finish slats is also optional and is a part of special appearance package. The front underguard is available with all the trims and is standard on the Limited trims.  Even the fog lamps are offered for no additional cost from 2.5i Premium trim onwards.

The side profile is nothing special but body-colored side mirrors and roof rails with retractable and adjustable cross bars make it look rugged. The 2013 Outback has standard 16-inch steel wheels, but as you jump in the trim range, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are offered as standard. Subaru offers diferent exterior colors like White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Blue Metallic, Green Pearl, Red Pearl, Bronze Pearl, Indigo Pearl, Gray Metallic, Brown Pearl, and Crystal Black Silica. The wide range of colors make the subtle wagon look attractive. 

Model

Subaru Outback

Honda CR-V

Ford Escape

Mazda CX-5

Curb Weight (lbs)

3498 

3,305

3,515

3194 

Length (in.)

189

178.3

178.1

179 

Width (in.)

71.7 

71.6

72.4

72 

Height (in.)

65.8

64.6

66.3

65.7

Ground Clearance (in.)

8.7 

6.3

7.9

8.5

Wheelbase (in.)

107.9 

103.1

105.9

106 

The Subaru Outback, with its 189-inch length and 107.9-inch wheelbase, leads the segment with respect to exterior dimensions. The Mazda CX-5 is the lightest car at 3,194 pounds, followed by the Honda CR-V at 3,305 pounds, and Ford Escape is the heaviest at 3,515 pounds. A  longer wheelbase helps with better stability at higher speeds and better rear seat legroom. A higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches makes the Outback more off-road capable than its rivals. 

Some of the key exterior features of the Outback are: 

  • 17-inch wheels
  • Fog lights
  • Front under guards
  • Body-color folding side mirrors
  • Windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors
  • Roof rails with integrated and retractable crossbars

Safety
8.0/10

The impeccable safety ratings of the 2013 Outback is surely one of its USPs. The rugged wagon earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Even NHTSA rated the 2013 Outback a perfect five stars on overall safety. Subaru Outback 2013 models come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, vehicle dynamics control, brake assist, traction control, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags that protect both rows. 

In addition to adaptive cruise control, precollision braking, lane departure warnings, and sway warnings, Subaru's EyeSight system offers a host of other safety features. In comparison to conventional radar systems mounted on the front bumper, Subaru claims EyeSight uses two cameras mounted within the upper edge of the windshield to provide more information and less response time.

Some of the key safety features of the Outback are: 

  • Brake Assist
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Available Blind Spot Monitor
  • EyeSight Driver-Assist System. 

Competition
8.0/10

2013 Subaru Outback vs 2013 Honda CR-V 

The Honda CR-V is a more prominent name in the segment and offers better performance then the Outback. The Outback offers rugged build quality and much better range, owing to a larger fuel tank. The Honda CR-V offers better interior features and better cargo capacity

The Outback offers AWD drivetrain as standard and higher ground clearance for mild off-roading. The wagon body profile helps with easier loading and unloading of luggage. The Honda CR-V offers better rear seat legroom. 

2013 Subaru Outback vs 2013 Ford Escape 

The 2013 Ford Escape offers similar performance despite being less powerful than the Outback. The Outback is more fuel efficient and offers better range, courtesy of larger fuel tank. Both of them offer same cargo capacity but Outback has an upper hand in terms of rear seat legroom 

The Subaru Outback offers better cargo volume with second row down. The Outback comes with AWD as standard, allowing for better off-road performance. However, The Outback lacks in the infotai nment department and Ford Escape offers better infotainment setup. 

2013 Subaru Outback vs 2013 Mazda CX-5 

The Subaru Outback is not as capable as the Mazda CX5 in terms of outright performance. The Mazda CX-5 offers better output and fuel effciency as compared to the Outback. The Outback is slightly more fuel efficient and offers better range, courtesy of larger fuel tank.

The Subaru Outback offers slightly more cargo space but better rear seat legroom is offered by the CX-5. The overall bulid quality is of the CX-5 is also superior and it offers a more upmarket feel. But Outback has an advantage of higher ground clearance and lower center of gravity with boxer engine.

Final Verdict

The 2013 Subaru Outback presents a fresh and distinctive interpretation of Subaru's heritage, with contemporary styling cues and innovative interior features that make this car stand out in a crowd. Stepping inside the 2013 Outback reveals its unique personality. Interior styling reinforces the crisp, confident lines of the exterior. With features and benefits designed with you in mind, the 2013 Subaru Outback is an excellent choice for a midsize crossover vehicle.

Trims

    Base
    $23,495 onwards
    • 16-inch steel Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM/Satellite-Prep
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Remote keyless entry
    Premium
    $24,995 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    Limited
    $29,095 onwards
    • 17-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Heated mirrors
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Xm AM/FM/HD/Satellite

Compare to similar cars

Price

$23,495- $32,095

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.8

Horsepower

256 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

247 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$34,320- $39,420

Gasoline

7.85

273 hp @ 6200 rpm

251 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$35,900- $51,400

Gasoline

8.13

211 hp @ 4300 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$30,800- $38,600

Gasoline

8.07

240 hp @ 5000 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,195- $30,795

Gasoline

7.8

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$29,100- $40,780

Gasoline

7.92

290 hp @ 6500 rpm

255 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

7

Read Review

$22,470- $32,120

Gasoline

7.75

168 hp @ 6000 rpm

170 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,700- $39,150

Gasoline

7.73

285 hp @ 6500 rpm

253 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$34,050- $47,945

Gasoline

8.06

288 hp @ 6300 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

$29,520- $41,270

Gasoline

7.67

250 hp @ 5700 rpm

253 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

8

Read Review

2013 Subaru Outback vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.8 sec16.9 sec106 mph
    2013 BMW X1

    Ranked #1

    6.2 sec14.3 sec127 mph
    6.7 sec13.2 sec122 mph
    6.8 sec15.4 sec122 mph
    6.9 sec--
    7.2 sec15.6 sec-

    2013 Subaru Outback vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg18.5 gal.388.5/518 mi.
      26 mpg35 mpg29 mpg14.8 gal.384.8/518 mi.
      2013 BMW X1

      Ranked #2

      24 mpg34 mpg28 mpg16.6 gal.398.4/564.4 mi.
      24 mpg31 mpg26 mpg15.9 gal.381.6/492.9 mi.
      23 mpg30 mpg26 mpg13.6 gal.312.8/408 mi.Jeep USA
      22 mpg28 mpg25 mpg16.6 gal.365.2/464.8 mi.

      2013 Subaru Outback vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        189 in.71.7 in.66.1 in.8.7 in.107.9 in.
        200.8 in.78.9 in.70.4 in.7.6 in.118.9 in.
        200.6 in.76.2 in.68 in.8 in.113.2 in.
        197.2 in.77.2 in.69.6 in.6.5 in.114.2 in.
        197.1 in.78.9 in.70.4 in.7.6 in.112.6 in.
        196.6 in.74.7 in.65.7 in.6.2 in.110.1 in.

        2013 Subaru Outback vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          34.3 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.71.3 cu.ft.
          10.3 cu.ft.145.7 cu.ft.95.4 cu.ft.
          31.6 cu.ft.108.6 cu.ft.64 cu.ft.
          47.2 cu.ft.97.3 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.
          32.2 cu.ft.108.4 cu.ft.68.9 cu.ft.
          34.3 cu.ft.98.1 cu.ft.68.1 cu.ft.

          2013 Subaru Outback vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            71.3 cu.ft.34.3 cu.ft.71.3 cu.ft.-
            66.8 cu.ft.27.9 cu.ft.66.8 cu.ft.-
            74.4 cu.ft.8.3 cu.ft.74.4 cu.ft.-
            59.7 cu.ft.25.7 cu.ft.51.3 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.32.2 cu.ft.68.9 cu.ft.98 ft.
            11.8 cu.ft.26.1 cu.ft.61.3 cu.ft.-

            2013 Subaru Outback vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2700 lbs.1199 lbs.3423 lbs.
              5200 lbs.1756 lbs.4656 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1700 lbs.4400 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1728 lbs.4185 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1661 lbs.4534 lbs.
              4700 lbs.1285 lbs.4050 lbs.

              2013 Subaru Outback SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              12

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              290

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2013 Subaru Outback User Reviews

              4.0

              [1 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [100.0%] [1 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              CP

              Connely Packard

              2012 Subaru Outback

              4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)

              4

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: May 9, 2024

              A car for everything

              Pros - It is very reliable, Plenty of room

              Cons - Lacks in power, Seats could be more comfortable

              "I have had my outback for several years now. They say when you want a car, you can choose 2 of the following: cheap, fast, reliable. This car is cheap and reliable. I have owned several other cars, as well as an older model outback that I tried intentionally to kill many times and just couldn't. I live in the western US, and like to camp and get off paved roads often. When I was looking for a ca...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review