Subaru Outback 5GEN 2.5i (2014-2019)

Great touring wagon – Mainly used for distance driving and holiday touring. I use this vehicle about twice a month. I have a second Subaru Outback 2013 that I use for daily local running around town. Both vehicles are serviced in accordance with the manual recommendations. The 2017 model only has around 40,000 Kim’s and is a really comfortable vehicle to drive. I’ve… Read more ·  1

had no issues with it mechanically and I run Premium 98 petrol in it. Only problem that I had was when The vehicle suffered a broken windscreen. In order to replace the windscreen with a genuine Subaru screen I had to get the Eyesight feature recalibrated. This was expensive - combined cost was about $ 1,500 - fortunately the insurance met half that cost.

The most uninspiring Subaru Ive ever bought – <updated for 12 month ownership> Bought this vehicle having been a dedicated Subaru driver since the venerable L series - a 1990 champion car. This gen5 is the base model 2.5i AWD. I drive mostly long highway runs of 250km plus. Rarely do I poke around city commuting. This Gen5 Outback isn't a bad vehicle by any means, but it is certainly not… Read more

'off road inspiring', 'sporty', or exciting in any way at all. Its a pedestrian and dull vehicle to drive. Smooth, reliable and less than inspirational acceleration. The CVT gearbox is adequate on road and the gearing, in any mode, works to conditions. However, there are quite a number of annoying flaws and design 'features' which I disliked from this first 11 months in the car. These may not sway your purchasing decision, but they've made my latest Subaru experience probably the last.

Lane Keep Assist - an over active and slightly flawed warning system. Turned it off after 30 minutes in the car. Too annoying. Stop/Start - not quite quick enough to fire up off the lights. Turn it off every time I get in. Collision Avoidance - Every time I do an overtake or swing past the bumper of any car (even a lane change) this thing lights up the dashboard like a disco. Very annoying. I only leave it on because I assume its connected to the autonomous emergency braking, which may be handy one day. Otherwise I'd turn that off too. Integrated roofrack - seemed like a good idea, until you actually try and tie loads to it. IMHO a complete disaster of a design. I'm still trying to work out how I successfully carry 4 or 5 boards on my next road trip surfari and tie them down, theres no loops or tie off points. Yes, the roofrack is infuratingly bad. Wheels and tyres - I didn't give it much thought at the time, but the soft shiny chrome wheel outers on the 2019 model are not fit for offroad use in any way. They will be scratched beyond redemption. Utter fail for a car that claims to be some ind of 'adventure' vehicle. The tyre size 2225/60R18 has very very few options available on the Australian market for anything resembling an offroad/gravel tyre (AT or M&S fittings). The 17" on the forester had a great range of good, chunky offroad options. I went with a Coopers M&S last change. Offroad - The car does its thing on smooth gravel and dirt roads, even handles slippery wet mud just ok, but as an 'offroader' as soon as the car is off camber, theres a slip on wet grass or a wheel is lifted it all just gives up completely. Between the less than ideal tyre options and the AWD system it is nowhere near as capable as the older pre-CVT drivetrains. As in half as good, maybe even less. Not confidence inspiring at all when things get tricky. This is by far the biggest disappointment of this vehicle - it is not an offroader in any respects. Headlights - The headlights are adequate, but not inspiring. My partners 2014 Hyundai ix35 has LED lights of better quality. Seating - broad, flat and made for fat. The seats are however comfortable, just dont expect them to hold your butt in place on a spirited corner. Reversing camera - doesnt warning beep when closing in on objects. this is an active safety feature by design i.e. you need to pay attention not just wait for the beep, but it gave my partner a surprise! 12V rear cabin socket - A 12V socket in the rear compartment has been standard in Subaru for so long I forgot about it. Guess what? Its an optional extra on this model @ $70 Protective wheel arches - Again, optional on models from 2018. Guess what, they are $720 !!! for some moulded bits of plastic. Subaru are really taking the mickey on this very popular option. Cargo blind - still nowhere convenient either under the floor or elsewhere to tuck away the cargo blind, other than its default position. I now have 2 of these lying around in my shed, useless. Dual zone aircon - I thought this meant front and back, nope, its driver and passenger, which arguably is completely pointless in the single cabin area. Power Folding Mirrors - I have to press another switch to fold in the mirrors before I get out of the car. This should be automatic. USB connectivity - is buried deep in the storage in the centre console. Absolutely appalling design. Car info - some of the display options on both the centre screen and on the dashboard are just toys and/or completely useless 'features' that do nothing but 'flashy lights'. Fuel economy - nowhere near as good as claimed numbers. I struggle get it below 8L/100km, even driving like my grandma. I sit around 8.2L/100km - and I drive 90% highway. I have never been able to get it below 7.7L/100km. For a car of this era that is just appalling.

Likes: Radio stays on for a few minutes until I open the door, even with the car switched off. Steering wheel is a great feel and response feedback is solid and consistent. The suspension settings are 'limousine' on the open road. Brakes are great. ABS is smooth and effective. Still has that 'scenic view' feel from the drivers seat (including to the rear), only slightly diminished by the A pillar being too far out front. Car is very smooth and solid on the road. Steering wheel controls are intuitive and easy to use -and despite being 'busy' dont get in the way at all. Full size spare ! 100% required for going deep into the outback. (or anywhere really) Android Auto (other vehicles have had this for years so really ...meh)

Comparison Notes: Is it so much better than the 2011 Forester I traded in? Not really. 8 years later, and it isnt '8 years better' The '11 Forester had better seat fit, a livelier response in the gearbox, a surprisingly capable offroad capability, and drove well in all conditions, as good as this Outback. Absolutely the Gen5 Outback is a more refined vehicle that cannot be argued, complete with all the mod con phone and app integrations, but has lost some of that 'All 4 the Driver' that Subaru used to claim. Its completely and utterly uninspiring, even if it is surefooted, quieter and smoother. And those many usability and design flaws are infuriating. For that, I miss my 2011 Forester. That's how disappointing I feel this new Outback is in its complete lack of delivery in anything beyond a smooth gravel road, for the dollars being paid I expected a bit more, a better considered and equipped vehicle. Did I mention the integrated roof racks?? The CVT, the lack of drive on anything but flat level surfaces, the slightly dodgy Android Auto integration and the reduced 'standard' options from previous models really make me think twice. After many years as a Suby advocate and user of a very capable vehicle across many years and models, I am not sure I'll ever buy another if this is the future for these vehicles.

Shattered – I purchased an new outback in 2014. Unfortunately this week the CVT completely failed, and the initial costing from the dealership is around the $10,000 mark! Doing some basic research this is not in a unique problem for 2014 Subaru’s in general. I was hoping to even trade in the vehicle on a new outback if financially viable. Show details

Subaru – Just purchased a new Subaru Outback and initial view is not great. The car appears to be good quality finish, but first drive on the highway, I found the front to be wandering requiring continuous corrections with the steering. Tyre pressures did need adjusting which gave a slight improvement. A bit disappointed with this. After a couple of attempts, the steering issue has been sorted. Seems the wheel alignment was the issue Show details

Excellent – Really happy with the car even though I'm not a fan of 4WD vehicles and this was as close to a family station wagon that I could get. Doesn't sit that high off the ground as other 4WDs do. If there was a Liberty wagon at the time of purchase I would have went for a Liberty wagon but they stopped making them. I also would have went a Camry wagon… Read more

but they stopped making those as well.

Build quality is excellent. Feels like it will go on forever.

Excellent all round – Very comfortable driving. Heated front (leather) seats and sunroof are a joy. High front seats (for those of us a little older) make getting in and out so much easier. Easy visibility, incl larger side mirrors, makes driving (incl changing lanes) easy. And have the comfort of it being all wheel drive. Highly recommended.  Show details

Affordable, practical, reliable car – We purchased our 2015 Subaru Outback in February of 2015 and have driven nearly 90,000 km in the past three years with trips from Queensland to VIC, another trip to SA, and this year a trip to WA. We have the 2.5i which is not overpowered, but we have no trouble keeping up with traffic or in hilly terrain. We carry a cargo box on top of the car… Read more

for long trips and the stock rails work perfectly.

While not a true off roader we have taken the Outback on some pretty ordinary dirt roads and have never had any trouble anywhere. It goes and goes smoothly. I am not a super fan of the CVT, but it is OK and has not left me down.

Seating is adequate in front and the back seat is spacious with a great deal of legroom. The dual climate control in front and air in the back keeps everyone comfortable. The rest of the interior looks quite nice. The steering wheel has a good feel and with important controls within reach, it is well designed. The infotainment system is adequate, but not spectacular and the speakers are a weak point.

The Eyesight safety feature is top notch and I especially like the adaptive cruise control. The lane departure is OK I guess and I have never needed the crash avoidance, but the feature may be of benefit.

The back seat will fold down nearly flat and holds a great deal if you are running to Bunnings, shopping for groceries, or even making a run to the tip. We put in the optional mat in the back to protect the interior from any damage from the many items we have carried.

I didn't particularly like the tyres that came with the car and I would rather have 17" wheels instead of 18," but it is not a big deal.

I know our car isn't old, but I have had no problems whatsoever to this point. If I were buying a new car today, the Outback would be at the top of my list again.

SUV? Wagon? This is OUTBACK a true Utility vehicle – I bought this car for my sister who needs car with a good driving position and a decent space at a reasonable price we initially wanted to buy Nissan dualis or Renault Koleos but ended up buying this beautiful car and we are so happy with our decision. This car is probably the most spacious in its segment and my first impression was like 'WOW'… Read more

when I was sitting at the back it was so much more comfortable than other car in this category such as Tiguan, Dualis, Q5, Asx and Koleos

Infortaimemnt system would be a downfall for this car though comparing to the other European cars but it still offers all the bells and whistles even though it is a basic model( a basic model still comes with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, emergency stop etc... thanks to Eyesight)

I think this is a perfect family car and the most underrated car on the market

Fantastic – Great to drive , plenty of room and comfort. .elegant easy to see and use dash and controls . doesn't look like a spaceship from another galaxy like many other SUV's. Expensive servicing, every 6months other makes are 12 months .excellent fuel economy 6.7 litres per 100km .this is my 3rd outback and first new one (2015) . an outback in 2000 cost… Read more

around $40,000 today you pay less with all the Improvements and new tech . adaptive cruise control is wonderful ,I can knit a jumper while driving up the coast (only joking)

2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i: I LOVE THIS CAR – I love this car. I replaced my Q7 with the 2015 Outback and absolutely love it. It just goes. No stupid maintenance issues, no stupid over-priced parts, it just works. For the baseline model you would expect a basic interior, but it is genuinely solid feeling, comfortable, not tacky or tinny, and always smells nice. The steering wheel… Read more

construction is sturdy and luxurious, the dash presentation incredibly practical, and accessibility of its components too easy for even the most unseasoned driver.

I love its adaptive cruise control and forward collision safety system which beeps and illuminates the dash if you're too close or driving over a line, and its reversing camera display is incredibly clear.

The spaciousness in the cabin rivals that of my old Q7 which was exceptional, with plenty of leg room for all heights, and rear/side visibility is not inhibited by any of the seats unlike the Q7.

For its engine capacity it has grunt when needed and is really fuel efficient averaging about 500km in the city on a tank of 95 fuel.

If I had my chance over again though I would have accessorised the car with the rear step panel to protect the paint but it wasn't suggested at the time of purchase - not good. Otherwise it's a total winner.

Petrol 2.5l Third Subaru and each one gets Better. REALLY GOOD CAR! – I have owned a 98 Impressa RX, 05 Forester X, and now a 2015 Outback 2.5l Petrol. Note: Petrol not Diesel. First two cars have been excellent and still going strong at 250,000km each plus so when I needed much more safety to compensate for a new job and a lot of City Driving risks I got a ex Demo white Outback with 2000km for $35,990 drive… Read more ·  4

away.

It had a few extras included like mats, rear bumper cover,etc... but the real bonus was at the time I scored an extended End of Fin Year sale warranty offer taking it to 5years less the 6 months it had been registered as a demo. So all in all, I saved $4,000 and got longer 4.5 year warranty. Considering I expect to do 50,000km per year that cover until over 200,000 km of driving.

Since pickup we have two minor warranty issues. Rear door lock would not work from outside - cable disconnected. Boot was misaligned. and something beep as open when not. Both fixed under warranty no issues.

WHAT WE LIKE:

JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING but specifically:

LOOKS even as a Subaru fan, i admit, often they are ugly cars. New Outback is not. Looks good inside and out. Simple, elegant, practical ( cloth seats, etc)

WRAP AROUND PLASTIC WHEEL GUARDS I live in regional vic and I need something that will not scratch on the first gravel road.

CLEARANCE and ALL WHEEL DRIVE a Subaru speciality. Safe, secure, no risk of bogging. Again I live in the bush so bogging is a real risk.

SAFETY - I bought it for the Eye Sight System and as someone doing 150km every work day in heavy freeway traffic it has already saved me from 5 potential bingles and one absolute bingle, nose to tail, all my fault. This system is amazing. Note: system will turn off in heavy fog or full sun glare. but it works 99% of the time.

FUEL ECONOMY completed 25,000km, mostly freeway in 6 months, averaging 7.1 litre per 100km on 91 octane ULP. Note : engine is very happy on 91 octane.

QUIET and BUILD is both very good. Typical Subaru.

ENGINE AND CVT works very very well. Not issues with the CVT.

AUTO BRAKING AND ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL saves on fatigue, saves on accidents, all in all, amazing.

SIZE it is huge yet economically, and we need large boot and this delivers.

AIR CON is super efficient. I like in foggy area and it can defog the front windscreen in about 30 seconds. The dual climate control works well.

SMART FEATURES YOU FIND:

WINDOW TINT is standard on the rear seats, rear boot and back boot windows. Only need to tint front windows.

BOOT is huge, 60/40 split so you can drop one or both rear seats from the boot which is great when loading which we do a lot.

REAR SEATS tilt to allow kids to sleep when tired or provide more room for big persons.

BUILT IN ROOF RACK great idea as we use them but don't want the drag when not required.

AUTO LIGHTS & AUTO WIPERS very good and we have them on all the time. For get they are there.

REAR BLIND can be stored under the boot floor when not needed or when loading.

FULL SIZE REAR TYRE with allow wheel. it a real SUV not a pretend one.

REAR CAMERA when backing was not a priority before, but is it so useful I use it all the time now.

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

REAR AIR VENTS a few more please. One central x 2 outlets only is a bit weak.

AUDO SYSTEM is huge leap on the 05 forester but does not come with apple play (new one does) and can get stuck and glitch, with an auto reset sometimes. Some time phone gets confused. On the upside you can link 5 devices but answer only one at once.

WHAT WE DONT LIKE

CLOCK positioned in console, very hard to see.

NO REAR USB or POWER CHARGER simply a cheap decision when the kids need to charge iPads, games, portable fridge.etc...

FRONT SEAT are comfy but seat base need more side support and cushioning. I am told premium model is better but I not paying $5k more for a fatter seat. Subaru please improve this.

DEALERS SALES PUSH to buy extras like clear coat, etc.. No means no.

WINDSCREEN fine scratches easier than previous models. Acceptable but not great.

WHAT I WISH WAS BETTER

Diesel Particle Filter.........I wanted to go the Diesel engine model as I can do with the fuel economy but I am so glad I did not. Even one dealer said effectively, "don't buy the diesel" and he had one to sell on sale. From all my reviews, searches etc... the DPF is still an issue and regularly costs $500 to "regenerate" (fix) and $5000 to rebuild.

As I am getting 7.1 litre per 100km on mostly freeway at 114km per hr, to save me only $3 each day was not worth the risk.

A PLEASANT SUPRISE subaru insurance ( via Allianz ) was very cost effective and for only $2 a week cover the windscreen and you want to cover the windscreen as to replace is $900 because of the eyesight system attachment and that it is rubber less fit.

MY ADVICE as always, get the base model for best value for money. Add what you want after market or haggle with the dealer. Don't get extras. Look for end of year warranty deal and consider a demo model. It was spotless and to save $4000 in exchange for 1815km of city use, was a no brainer.

Good car let down by dodgy ergonomics – Bought an Outback to replace our aging Prado. The CVT takes a bit of getting used to but it works well enough. Great interstate car (drove it from Queensland down and back to South Oz) - quiet, economical ( av. 7.1l/100k, low 6.2l/100k) and seemingly strongly built. Nothing rattles or vibrates and there are plenty of nice touches in the cabin.… Read more

However, the bugbear is the really uncomfortable driver's seat. It's fine around town but any stint in it over a few hours results in an aching back and legs. I haven't had any trouble in any car until I bought the Outback. I drove my old ute over to WA and back without suffering any pain. Problem may have been fixed by fitting one of the electrically adjustable seats from the Premium model but apparently you can't retro fit them.

Things I like:

Quiet , economical, strongly built, good tourer

Things I don't like;

The appalling drivers seat

If you're going to buy an Outback , spend the extra coin and get the Premium model with the better seats - the base model seats are (literally) a pain.

Shitbox – Just be carefull who want to buy new subaru outback with cvt transmission. I got my cvt transmission locked up at 80000 km and causing a rear end collision. Email subaru and subaru try to blame my preferred qualified mechanic from mta. The ridiculous thing they said dont need to change transmission oul eventhough its dirty live it untill broken. I use genuine subaru cvt oul but still faulty cvt hate it first and last subaru product Show details

2014 2.5 Auto Outback - Nice transmission, pity about the interior – Just traded in the old 2005 Subaru 2.5 Outback with around 200k on the clock on a new 2014, 2.5 auto model. Was hesitant to get the auto at first but have since fallen in love with it. The 6 speed auto trans is just lovely, smooth and a delight to drive and despite the 2014 version outback being slightly larger (and heavier) at 1.7t, fuel… Read more

consumption (so far) is looking a lot better than the old manual model. The vehicle is typical Subaru; not quite a Volvo, Mercedes or Beemer, but still a damm nice car to drive and has that a solid, well built feel. A solid vehicle that is a true station wagon, rather than a short SUV Cheap looking, plasticky interior finish. Need to do better here Subaru.