2017 Subaru Outback

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Rating7.8

Ranked #3 in 

Midsize SUV
Write Review
$25,645 - $38,195
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 17, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Comfortable ride

Laggy infotainment system

New Trim - Touring is introduced

Decent cargo capacity

No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

Enhanced safety features with Touring and Limited trims

Notable off-road capability

Underwhelming four-cylinder engine

Spacious cabin and interiors

Specs & Features

$25,645

price

175 hp @ 5800 rpm

horsepower

174 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

6 CVT w/od

transmission

2.5L 4cyl AWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

For the 2017 model year, Subaru has added a new top trim level: Touring. With a starting price of $25,645 for the 2.5i trim and going up to $38,195 for the 3.6R Touring, the 2017 Outback is a capable and rugged wagon. It offers good specs and continues to be powered by two different engine options. A 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 175 hp and 3.6-liter flat-six engine with 256 hp on tap. However, the bigger engine is available with 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring trims only. All the trim configurations offer a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds. 

2017 Subaru Outback Buying Advice 

The 2017 Subaru Outback is a capable and practical wagon. However, owners have reported several problems with its CVT gearbox, electrical issues, infotainment issues and few issues with the braking system. As per NHTSA records, the same model was recalled for issues related to braking, airbags, steering and safety. You can review all the problems of the 2017 Outback here and in our opinion you should look out for 2019 Outback and above to be on a safer side. 

The 2017 Subaru Outback is available in four main trims and two sub trims of the Limited and Touring configurations, bringing the total count to six. Subaru sells this rugged wagon at a starting MSRP of $25,645 and offers good specifications, features and build quality. The five-seater wagon cum crossover SUV is spacious but don’t expect anything fancy from the interior. However, its safety quotient is impeccable and it has won Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS (when equipped with available front crash prevention and specific headlights). It faces stiff competition from the likes of Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V

2017 Subaru Outback for sale

The 2017 Subaru Outback adds a new top level Touring trim. The Touring trim is available with both the 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter engines. The average list price for a used 2017 Outback ranges anywhere from $12,995 to $27,900. The final sale price of the car depends upon mileage, condition, trim configuration and service history. The good thing about Subaru cars is their lower rate of depreciation and rugged built quality. If you are lucky enough, you may find a well-maintained Outback for sale at an attractive price. 

Buying Advice

Considering the pricing, specifications, and features, the 2.5i Premium offers good value. For just an additional $2,050 over the base 2.5i trim, you get access to a larger 7.0-inch multimedia screen, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, All-Weather Package, dual-zone automatic climate control system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Even Subaru’s StarLink Safety Plus is enabled. However, if you need more power, you’ll need to opt for one of the 3.6R trims. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

"The Outback takes on weekend road trips with ease thanks to its smooth ride, comfy seats, spacious cabin, and class-leading cargo space."- Edmunds

The 2017 Subaru Outback will cost you between $25,645-$38,195, depending on the trim configuration and excluding destination charges. A destination charge ranging from $875-$950 is levied on different models over the base price. The steering is more car-like and comfort is good too. However, the dynamics around the corners is not that good. The J.D Power has given the 2017 Outback a score of 82 out of 100 in its overall consumer ratings. It also scores 80/100 in quality and 83/100 in resale value, making it a “Great” buy. 

Considering a five-year ownership period, the 2017 Outback can be considered as average only. It depreciates by $10,040 over a five-year ownership period. The fuel and maintenance charges are estimated to be $10,728 and $7,883 which can be considered to be on a slightly higher side for its segment. In comparison, the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are easier on the pockets and more well-suited for long-term ownership. 

Buying Advice
8.0/10

Considering the pricing, specifications, and features, the 2.5i Premium offers good value. For just an additional $2,050 over the base 2.5i trim, you get access to a larger 7.0-inch multimedia screen, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, All-Weather Package, dual-zone automatic climate control system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Even Subaru’s StarLink Safety Plus is enabled. However, if you need more power, you’ll need to opt for one of the 3.6R trims. 

Features
9.0/10

"The 2017 Subaru Outback two-row midsize crossover features exclusive all-wheel drive, two engine options, and six trim levels." - Motor Trend

With the addition of the new Touring trim and two engine options, the total trim count comes to six. The 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R Limited, 2.5i Touring and 3.6R Touring are well-sorted and cater to different needs of buyers. For those looking for leather upholstery, elegant interior trim and added safety features must opt for the Limited and Touring trims. The 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter boxer engines continue to offer 175 hp and 256 hp respectively. The performance from the base engine is simply underwhelming. 

Starting with the base 2.5i trim, features like 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 6.2-inch multimedia touchscreen, X-Mode with hill descent control, and welcome lighting are standard. From the 2.5i Premium trim onwards, Subaru offers desirable features like dual-zone climate control system, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat and larger 7.0-inch infotainment system with multiple connectivity options as standard. The Limited and Touring trims offer a premium audio system, 18-inch alloy wheels, enhanced safety features, leather-trimmed upholstery, and power moonroof as standard. 

Trims

2.5i

2.5i Premium

2.5i Limited

3.6R Limited 

2.5i Touring 

3.6R Touring

MSRP

$25,645

$27,695

$32,390

$34,995

$35,995

$38,195

Features

17-inch alloy wheels

Adds or upgrades to 2.5i

Adds or upgrades to 2.5i Premium

Adds or updates to 2.5i Limited

Adds or updates to 2.5i Limited 

 

Hill descent control

Heated exterior mirrors

Blind-spot monitoring system

3.6-liter V6 engine

Drivers Technology package

3.6 liter V6

 

Bluetooth connectivity,

7-inch touchscreen

Rear cross-traffic alert

HID headlights 

18” wheels with touring design Adaptive Cruise Control
 

Subaru's Starlink 6.2-inch touchscreen interface

Heated front seats

12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

Auto-leveling headlights 

Roof rails without crossbars Lane Departure Warning 
 

Rearview camera

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Keyless ignition and entry

Cross-Traffic Alert 

Adaptive Cruise Control  Dual exhaust outlets
 

Roof rails (with integrated cross bars)

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Leather upholstery

Dual exhaust outlets

Leather Upholstery  
 

Air-conditioning

Eight-way power driver seat

Driver-seat memory functions

  Heated Steering Wheel   
 

Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel

Voice controls

Four-way power passenger seat

  Navigation System  
 

Height-adjustable driver seat

Optional Adaptive Cruise Control 

Heated rear seats

  Lane Keeping Assist   
    Rear privacy glass 18-inch wheels      

Subaru offers many different optional accessories like auto-dimming mirrors with approach light, compartment separator, door edge guards, rear bumper cover, remote engine starter and splash guards. Even Thule accessories like roof cargo carrier and bike carrier are available. Subaru offers EyeSight driver-assist technology, blind-spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, power moonroof and power rear gate as optional features

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The 2017 Outback is not the most fuel efficient car in the league of crossover SUVs. However, the 2.5-liter flat-four engine delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25/32/28 mpg in city/highway/combined conditions. The 3.6R Limited and Touring trims deliver 20/27/22 mpg in city/highway/combined conditions. With a 18.5 gallon tank on all models, the Outback 2.5i and 3.6R trims offer a combined range of 518 miles and 407 miles respectively.

Model 2017 Subaru Outback  2017 Ford Escape 2017 Mazda CX-5 2017 Honda CR-V 
MPG (city) 25 21 24 26
MPG (highway) 32 29 31 32
MPG (combined) 28 24 27 28

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

18.5

15.7

14.8

14

Range (city/highway/combined) (Miles)

463/592/518

330/455/376

355/459/399

364/488/392

When it comes to fuel capacity, the Subaru Outback trumps the competition with its 18.5-gallon fuel tank capacity. This means that the 2017 Outback can go 518 miles without filling up. It is followed by the 2017 Ford Escape, 2017 Mazda CX-5 and 2017 Honda CR-V. Despite offering similar fuel economy as the Outback, the CR-V loses out in range, courtesy of a smaller tank. The Ford Escape is the least efficient and offers the lease range. 

Interior
9.0/10

"Subaru did a nice job updating the Outback's interior controls from the last generation. Beyond that, all the previous Outback goodness remains: plenty of passenger and cargo room and terrific outward visibility"-Edmunds

The interior of the 2017 Outback is well-designed with respect to ergonomics and cabin space. However, don’t expect anything fancy here, as everything is designed for functionality. The exterior view is good and the driving height is sufficient for a good view of the road ahead. Subaru has utilized soft touch plastics over the dashboard and door panels. The base trim lacks some creature comforts but higher trims offer heated steering, powered driver’s seat and premium leather upholstery as standard. 

Subaru offers the interior cloth and leather upholstery in different colors like Slate Black and Warm Ivory for the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited. The Java Brown leather upholstery is reserved for the 2.5i and 3.6R Touring trims. The rear seat can accommodate three passengers with decent support and comfort and even the rear legroom is adequate for comfort on long journeys. The maximum passenger volume is 108.1 cu-ft while with the available moonroof, the passenger volume drops to 104.5 cu-ft. 

With all seats in place, the cargo capacity is limited to 35.5 cu-ft. However, the rear 60/40 seat back can be folded down completely, extending the cargo space to 73.3 cu-ft. In-cabin storage solutions are also plenty, with seatback pockets, door pockets, and other cubbies for small-item storage. Other convenience features include heated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, etc.  

Model 2017 Subaru Outback  2017 Ford Escape  2017 Mazda CX-5  2017 Honda CR-V
Passenger capacity 5 5 5 5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) 40.8/58.1/42.9 39.9/56.0/43.1 39.7/57.1/41.0 40.1/57.9/41.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) 38.9/57.3/38.1 39.0/55.3/36.8 39.0/54.8/39.6 39.2/55.6/40.4
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) 35.5 34.3 30.9 39.2

The 2017 Subaru Outback has 38.9 inches of headroom and 38.1 inches of legroom in the rear. Comparing with rivals, the Honda CR-V has the most legroom, followed by Mazda CX-5,Subaru Outback and Ford Escape. The Honda CR-V can be considered as the most practical option with the best trunk space, followed by Outback, Escape and CX-5. Surprisingly, Ford Escape offers the least rear seat legroom. 

Subaru offers a 6.2-inch multimedia touchscreen display with the base 2.5i trim. The rest of the trims are equipped with a larger 7.0-inch screen. However, both the touch screens offer dated graphics and Subaru’s StarLink interface does not help either with slow touch response from these screens. The Premium and Limited trims get access to navigation as an optional feature, while the Touring trims get it as standard. Some features like Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, 4-speaker audio system, and Siri Eyes Free are standard. 

Some key interior features are: 

  • Keyless access with push button start. 
  • Heated front seats
  • 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat 
  • Leather-trimmed upholstery 
  • 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (Limited and Touring)

Exterior
7.0/10

"The Outback Touring for 2017 adds some visual flair to what is already a solidly handsome crossover SUV. There's a unique-to-the-model Brilliant Brown color that looks good, even though "brilliant" is an odd adjective for brown"- Kelly Blue Book

The exterior design of the 2017 Outback belongs to the “love it” or “hate it” category. The wagon profile is practical but isn’t for everyone. The exterior design is very much inspired from the Legacy sedan. The front headlamps and small hexagonal grille look subtle but match the wagon appearance quite well. However, the front bumper is different from the Legacy sedan and we believe it's designed for a more rugged experience. The side profile is unexciting to be honest and devoid of any sharp angles or curves

Model 2017 Subaru Outback  2017 Ford Escape  2017 Mazda CX-5  2017 Honda CR-V 
curb weight(lbs) 3580 3515 3527 3307
Length(in) 189.6 178.1 179.1 180.6
Width(in) 72.4 72.4 72.5 73.0
Height(in) 66.1 66.3 65.3 66.1
Ground clearance(in) 8.7 7.9 7.6 NA
Wheelbase(in) 108.1 105.9 106.3 104.7

Probably, the best part of the Outback's build is its impressive ground clearance of 8.7 inches. The Outback's off-road compatability is unmatched. The rugged wagon flaunts a wheelbase of 108.1 inches, helping with improved stability at high speeds, decent cargo space and rear seat legroom. It is also the longest in the comparision, followed by CR-V, CX-5 and Escape. 

Some key exterior features are: 

  • Weird-but-appealing wagon outline
  • Distinct hood curvature
  • More upright grille
  • Lower-body cladding
  • Steeper windshield pillar

Safety
9.0/10

The 2017 Subaru Outback might lack aesthetics but compensates with impeccable safety features. The NHTSA has given it a 5-star rating for its impeccable safety. Even the IIHS has given it a Top Safety Pick+ award when equipped with an optional front crash prevention system, included in the available EyeSight driver-assist suite. Also, the top safety accolade is applicable to models equipped with specific headlights. 

According to Subaru, EyeSight reduces rear-end crashes with injuries by 85%, which is a huge claim in itself. It does have other advanced features as well like blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. Subau’s StarLink Safety Plus and Security Plus features are optional with all the trims except the base trim. However, the good thing is that a high-resolution rear view camera is standard on all the trims

Some key safety features are: 

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
  • Blind-Spot Detection
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert6 and Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
  • Standard Rear-Vision Camera
  • High Beam Assist (HBA) 

Competition
6.0/10

2017 Ford Escape vs 2017 Subaru Outback

The 2017 Escape is less powerful with 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque.  The Ford Escape S's beginning price of $23,750 is probably its USP. However, it offers lower fuel economy as compared to the Outback. The Outback offers better cargo space and rear seat legroom as well. 

With a high ground clearance and AWD as standard, the Outback offers unmatched off-road compatability. However, Ford Escape offers better infotainment system than the Outback and even driving dynamics are better. 

2017 Honda CR-V vs 2017 Subaru Outback

The Honda CR-V is another key rival to the 2017 Subaru Outback. It is powered by a 2.4-liter I-4 engine that produces 184 bhp and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. The Outback takes 1.5 seconds more to sprint from 0-60 mph than the Honda CR-V.  The vehicle achieves a combined fuel efficiency of 28 mpg, same as the Outback. 

With a bigger fuel tank, the Outback offers higher range and AWD is offered as standard. The higher ground-clearance allows Outback to take on some mild off-roading. The Honda CR-V offers better rear seat legroom and cargo space than the Outback. 

2017  Mazda CX-5 vs 2017 Subaru Outback

The Mazda CX-5 Sport has a starting price of $24,045. It is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It does, however, produce somewhat more power, with 187 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque.  The vehicle achieves a gas mileage of 27 mpg. It boasts a comfortable front seat and a spacious back seat. 

The Subaru Outback offers higher ground clearance and trunk space than the Mazda CX-5. Even the rear seat legroom is more than the CX-5. However, the CX-5 offers better performance than the Outback and looks sleeker  

Final Verdict

With a plethora of outstanding features at its disposal, the 2017 Subaru Outback SUV is a clear champion in its class. The trunk space is more than adequate, the seating is spacious and comfortable, the furnishings are fantastic, and so on. So, there are a plethora of reasons why various customers choose SUVs. The Subaru Outback SUV is appealing to daily drivers since it allows them to enjoy short journeys as well as extended excursions. The 2.5i grades have a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg, which attracts the attention of virtually anybody looking for a pleasant SUV ride with excellent efficiency.

Trims

    Base
    $25,645 onwards
    • 60/40-Split folding rear seat
    • Air-Conditioning
    • Automatic headlights
    • Four-Speaker sound system w/ CD player
    • Hill holding assist
    • Rearview camera
    • Tilt-And-Telescoping steering wheel
    Premium
    $27,695 onwards
    • Dual-Zone automatic climate control
    • Eight-Way power-adjustable driver seat
    • Foglights
    • Heated exterior mirrors
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Rear privacy glass
    • Windshield wiper de-icer
    Limited
    $32,390 onwards
    • 12-Speaker Harman Kardon sound system
    • Blind-Spot monitoring system
    • Driver-Seat memory functions
    • Heated rear seats
    • Keyless ignition and entry
    • Leather upholstery
    • Rear air vents
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    Touring
    $35,995 onwards
    • 18-Inch wheels
    • Dark exterior trim
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Premium leather upholstery
    • Wood grain interior trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$25,645- $38,195

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.84

Horsepower

256 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

247 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$33,750- $35,750

Gasoline

6.89

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

5

Read Review

$40,050- $48,950

Gasoline

6.75

240 hp @ 5000 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,990- $31,965

Gasoline

7.2

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$34,065- $44,960

Gasoline

6.87

197 hp @ 6300 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,100- $31,790

Gasoline

7.11

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$28,700- $44,045

Gasoline

7.01

281 hp @ 6300 rpm

266 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm

8

Read Review

$21,000- $27,600

Gasoline

6.39

138 hp @ 4900 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$29,995- $47,690

Gasoline

7.02

293 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,195- $33,895

Gasoline

5.99

173 hp @ 6000 rpm

166 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

2017 Subaru Outback vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    9.3 sec17.1 sec123 mph
    2017 BMW X3

    Ranked #1

    6.2 sec15 sec130 mph
    2017 BMW X1

    Ranked #2

    6.6 sec15.3 sec127 mph
    6.7 sec15.2 sec132 mph
    6.9 sec--
    6.9 sec15.4 sec-

    2017 Subaru Outback vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      25 mpg32 mpg28 mpg18.5 gal.462.5/592 mi.
      52 mpg49 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.618.8/583.1 mi.
      34 mpg30 mpg32 mpg14.8 gal.503.2/444 mi.
      29 mpg34 mpg31 mpg12.7 gal.368.3/431.8 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg14.5 gal.- -
      29 mpg28 mpg29 mpg17.2 gal.516/481.6 mi.

      2017 Subaru Outback vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        189.6 in.72.4 in.66.1 in.8.7 in.108.1 in.
        203.7 in.78.5 in.69.9 in.7.2 in.118.9 in.
        201.2 in.75.8 in.70.9 in.8.1 in.119.8 in.
        199.4 in.77.5 in.69 in.8.8 in.115.3 in.
        198.5 in.77.2 in.69.6 in.7 in.114.2 in.
        198.3 in.78.9 in.70 in.7.8 in.112.8 in.

        2017 Subaru Outback vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          35.5 cu.ft.108.1 cu.ft.73.3 cu.ft.
          23 cu.ft.104.4 cu.ft.63.4 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          10.3 cu.ft.128.2 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
          26.9 cu.ft.75 cu.ft.57.3 cu.ft.
          47.2 cu.ft.-89.7 cu.ft.
          31 cu.ft.102.2 cu.ft.61.9 cu.ft.

          2017 Subaru Outback vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            73.3 cu.ft.35.5 cu.ft.73.3 cu.ft.-
            83.7 cu.ft.13.8 cu.ft.83.7 cu.ft.-
            56.3 cu.ft.18.4 cu.ft.56.3 cu.ft.-
            76.9 cu.ft.17.2 cu.ft.85.1 cu.ft.-
            60.6 cu.ft.18.5 cu.ft.50.8 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            2017 BMW X3

            Ranked #6

            15.5 cu.ft.27.6 cu.ft.15.5 cu.ft.-

            2017 Subaru Outback vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2700 lbs.1115 lbs.3580 lbs.
              9200 lbs.1310 lbs.2967 lbs.
              6200 lbs.1180 lbs.4545 lbs.Jeep USA
              6200 lbs.1330 lbs.4756 lbs.
              6000 lbs.1693 lbs.4292 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1700 lbs.4400 lbs.

              2017 Subaru Outback SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              4

              Recalls

              1

              Investigations

              897

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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