- Sign in
- Write a review
Subaru Outback 5GEN 3.6R (2014-2021)
Also referred to as: Subaru Outback 5GEN 3.6R 2020 and Subaru Outback 5GEN 3.6R 2022.
FerrisBuellerPerth
- 7 reviews
- 1 like
110,000km of excellence
Purchased our car at two years old (ex Govt lease) with only 22,000km on the clock. I managed to add another 90,000km in just over three years and found the whole experience of ownership to be trouble free. The car has ample power, speed, and driver feedback with the 6cyl well worth the extra spend. I'm only disappointed that Subaru won't be continuing with this engine in the new series. Since the Subaru used only 91Ron fuel its thirst was off-set by savings by shopping around. I changed the tyres to Kumho last year and saw a major improvement ...Read more
to handling, quietness and ride quality over the OEM Bridgestones. I wish I'd made that change earlier. I appreciated the fact I could turn off the lane departure warning since that really annoyed me with its constant chirping (too sensitive on Australian roads that are constantly under re-development). So that was permanently off (I wish my new car would do that!). The auto tail gate was also infrequently delinquent depending on whether you had a gentle breeze (or worse) around you at the time. But these annoying little idiosyncrasies where more than made up for by the positive ownership experience. I found only one occasion to call on Subaru for support and they organised for the RAC of WA to come out to me only to find the trailer I was towing had caused a minor fuse to blow. The RAC mechanic also only had good things to say about the Outback. Worth noting is that around the 100,000km mark two things start to happen - with the 6cyl you have a timing chain which doesnt need replacing. With the 4cyl you will have a timing belt which will cost around $1,200 to replace. Be cautioned that you're not swindled by a repairer for this task. Second, my 6cyl started using a little oil (within manufacturer spec) but if you don't keep the oil up you're likely to have issues with the head where its not being adequately lubricated - a costly issue as well. So if you have one, be sure and check the oil levels often.Purchased in March 2017.
1 comment
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
tinkertoyNSW, 2000
- 21 reviews
- 9 likes
Perfect family car
- Previously owned a Subaru liberty (3.6) and it was great. Though a bit thirsty with the fuel but was great to drive.
- Went in for the 2020 outback 3.6 and I’m glad I did. It is however a bit heavier than the liberty but I can already feel that Subaru has made improvements to the engine, drive and suspension.
- Average fuel numbers in city driving but good numbers on the highway
- Plenty of space
- Plenty of grip
- Solid build quality
- Comes with 5 year warranty now which is great
- Very comfortable for long and short rides
Cons...Read more
- CVT engine - No more six cylinders on offer. I heard that Subaru will stop offering 6 cylinder engines from 2021 which is a shame. Also, the design of the next outback is hideous.Purchased in October 2020 at Tynan Motors.
1 comment
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ tinkertoy, Thank you so much for your review. We really appreciate your honest feedback and hope that you enjoy your Outback as much as your previous Liberty. If we could ask one favour, we would... Read more
love to see your review on Google as well. The Subaru Team.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Linda MareeMurrumbidgee Region, NSW
- 9 reviews
- 6 likes
- Outback 5GEN 3.6R (2014-2021)
- Verified purchase
Outback 2019 3.6
I agonised over what car to buy, can’t believe how much I love this car. The smooth power and great steering the comfort of the drivers seat to the enormous space of the back seat.
The little things like a light coming on under my door stepping out into a dark garage, so cool it’s awesome!
1 comment
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ Linda Maree, Thank you so much for your excellent review! We love that you are enjoying everything that the Outback has going for it. If we could ask one favour, we would love to see your review ... Read more
on Google reviews as well. Thanks again and safe driving. The Subaru Team.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Subaru Outback 5GEN 3.6R compares to other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Know better, choose better.
Great car, can't beat the performance safety and reliability and overall value of the 3.6r outback.
Brilliant car, love the thick torque through rev range, Much quicker than the 2.5l litre liberty 10.5sec 0-100 , 3.6r 7.5 sec 0-100. Fuel consumption great on highway and average around town if you're enjoying the engines instant strong power. Adaptive cruise control eyesight is very nice and I feel good knowing my wife and family are in one of the safest cars around.
It's not a race car but has very good real world performance.
Purchased in May 2019 for A$35,000.00.
1 comment
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ Adam P., Thank you so much for your excellent review! We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying your Liberty. Even more importantly we are so happy to hear that your Subaru gives you the co... Read more
nfidence that you and your family are safe. If we could ask one favour, we would love to see your review on Google Reviews. Thanks again. The Subaru Team.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
AlanPerth, WA
- 4 reviews
- 4 likes
Well designed car. Local dealer not so good.
Had the vehicle 2 years now and very happy with the product. Subaru have done a good job in the design and engineering. The eyesight system and adaptive cruise control is reliable.
I tested the 2.5 before and it was nice to drive but the 3.6 is relaxed power and there is no revving with the CVT it's incredible smooth.
It's a lot of car for the money. Well done Subaru.
Negatives: the only issue the car has is with the multifunction unit. It has stopped working twice and keeps getting poor radio reception (not related to location)
The dealer has not been so good: Melville Subaru. They messed up the factory 5 year warranty then tried to give me an insurance plan. On one service they forgot to tighten the oil drain plug back up.
Purchased in September 2018.
1 comment
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ Alan, Thank you so much for your fantastic review. We'd love to see it on Google reviews as well! Our Customer Relations Team is also available to discuss your experience with the multifunction u... Read more
nit and Melville Subaru. You can reach us on 1800 226 643 or feedback@subaru.com.au. The Subaru Team.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
dior2009Greater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 18 reviews
- 16 likes
Best car I've ever owned
Bought a new Outback 3.6R a month ago, seriously this is the nicest car I've owned. Super quiet and silky smooth, built well, very refined and has all the technology for a safe drive. Especially love the Harman Kardon sound system. Looking forward to good times in this car. Thanks Subaru
Purchased in June 2019 for A$46,700.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
GilMelbourne
Drives well
Good safety features. Maps vastly superior to the older version in our 2012 Outback - speed zone notifications in maps and on instrument screen are especially useful. Car has plenty of go and is very comfortable. Lot's of space in the back seats and boot. Happy now the Starlink system has been replaced.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
NickMelbourne
2018 Outback 3.6r - Mixed feelings
I bought this car because I was impressed by my experience with my last car 2005 Subaru liberty 2.5i. That was my first Subaru. It had a mesmerising pull when it occasionally downshifted to 1st gear when flooring the pedal below 40-50km. It engages the rear differential and revved up all the way to redline bringing the car to 60-70km in such a short time. The first time I did this it almost choked me cause I couldn’t breathe as I wasn’t expecting the acceleration to suddenly press my body against the seat. It also sticked to the road when corne...Read more
ring, you could feel the outer wheels holding the car from going outside the turning trajectory. it was such a sure-footed, confidence inspiring car in 4EAT mission. That made my decision to buy another Subie. And this time a wagon with even a bigger engine because I wanted that mesmerising experience. But Outback 3.6r in CVT trans was nothing but that. Granted the eyesight combined with this trans is very quiet and comfy. Ho-hum. But accelerating in CVT I noticed it just gives a split burst of torque. It doesn’t build rev and give a predictable amount of torque. Basically not linear. And also don’t have much of linear engine braking. So I feel less in control and hard to predict driving this car compared to my old Liberty sedan. Its body rolls in corners and sometimes the car doesn’t stay in the lane after changine lanes where it is going down and turning in a big diameter. I can feel the G force not just going in lateral direction but in vertical direction aka suspension sinking too much unlike my last 4 gen Liberty. The suspension is very soft aimed for comfort. After months of driving I just drive Outback very carefully like I’m driving a bus. The only time I can appreciate this engine is when speeding in a straight line with minimum cars around. I simply don’t feel safe to do spirited driving because the driving experience is numb. Numb handle, weak engine braking, non linear torque building or revving. S and S# is also not THAT different from I mode which is eco mode. When it is crusing, the mode just jumps additional 200 rpm from each other. So I can be doing 1500 rpm while cruising on 70km. If I switch to S mode then 1700rpm, S# to 1900rpm. The throttle response gets just tad sharper. That’s it. Now I admit that the car is very quick off redlight if you’re in S# mode although it doesn’t feel like it. You’d notice it IS actually when you notice you’re easily half a car to a car space ahead some FF cars next to you. This Outback AWD offers a quiet and less obvious rear wheel traction feel (compared to my old Lib which pushed violently from behind like a rear wheel drive which was eye-opening fun) but it can still smoke most cars off redlight. Driving in a very hilly suburbs, you still can lose momentum if you’re cruising uphill at 60km on S mode. Engine rev can be something like 1500-2000 but then the car can slow down to 50km on CVT. I was wondering why a crappy 20 year old daihatsu turbo mini car can stick so close to my tail on uphill. It’s just that the Daihatsu can control the high revs better than this OB CVT. I was mainly utilising paddle shifter for engine braking down hill and putting back to D mode on uphill assuming that the flat 6 engine would keep up the cruising speed uphill but on low revs, it can’t keep the heavy 1.7 tonne car with 3 passengers on speed on partial throttle! Torque is not strong enough in 1500 rpm. And because the car is so quiet it’s hard to notice you were losing momentum. At some point I was letting Eyesight Adaptive Cruise Control do the job since I must admit ACC can regulate the speed on downhill quite impressively. I don’t know how it manages to control the speed on a long down hill without creating almost any noticeable G force or without obvious engine rev up like manual engine braking. It doesn’t feel like it is applying brakes either.. It actually might but it doesn’t indicate in the driver’s console where there is a car figure that shows when brakes are applied. But because there was quite a few blind corners, I had to disengage ACC (otherwise it will keep going steadily on cruising speed without considering risky situation be it uphill/downhill) and drive normally with paddle shifters aid. Anyway manual shifting on CVT has no fun. The 4EAT on 4 gen Liberty had more accuracy and fun. I could even match rev the 4EAT by adding a slight throttle to down shift with almost minimum shift shock. Summing up, if I knew that 3.6r would only be good for super quiet automatic cruising on Eyesight and very quick off redlight (although I rarely do this unless I have to overtake to cross a lane) or tow something heavy which I never do, or driving rough terrain which also I don’t as I drive exclusively on paved roads, I would just have chosen 2.5 4 cylinder version of OB. Or else get a Mazda wagon for it would be more fun. The flat 6 Outback although maybe quicker compared to my old car in straight line and definitely in the speed range above 60km, the 4 gen Liberty 2.5i felt much safer and composed and much more fun like an European Audi A4 I’d imagine.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
SocGreater Melbourne (Inner), VIC
- 4 reviews
- 4 likes
Outback
What a great car, excellent overall in regards to space height, room and more so the roof racks. Great family car and price is spot on. The only thing i could find is why are they using full synthetic oil on a daily driver? Really happy with this car i will buy another soon.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Subaru Outback 5GEN 3.6R compares to other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Know better, choose better.
Garry MAU
- Outback 5GEN 3.6R (2014-2021)
- Verified purchase
Great Car
This is my fourth Subaru over a 18yr period, two Foresters & now on my second Outback. I test drove a lot of different SUV’s & did a lot of research, thinking it may be time to move onto another brand.
I was able to eliminate all the diesel models partly for the interior noise levels & the other factor being the dpf (diesel partical filter problems) as I do a mix of short trips & long trips, short trips not being good for a diesel.
Our previous Outback 2013 model with 2.5 motor was a great car & after reading motoring reviews on the new mode...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
AntMacquarie Park
- 6 reviews
- 7 likes
Best Subaru Ever By Far
I have driven Subaru's since 2001. They have always had something special about them, but I noticed over time other brands had not only caught up but were exceeding the Subaru on most levels. Seeing the newly designed Outback, I had expectations of a small improvement over previous generations. Boy was I wrong! This generation is such a big change in every way. The quality of build, the quietness in the cabin, the safety features, the entertainment system, everything is automatic and you are now even warned when your washer fluid is low. I am not saying the Subaru is more advanced than other cars, it has just finally caught up in one big leap. I love this car and think it's the first one I will hang on to for quite some time. 5 Stars.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
CLBSydney, NSW
- 3 reviews
- 2 likes
We love our Outback
We chose the Outback for the space and its capability on country roads. Purchased new in Nov 2016 we were aware that some people have labelled the 6 cylinder model a bit thirsty, but we are delighted with the fuel consumption - much better than expected on our month-long road trip around Victoria & South Australia. The vehicle's comfort and power has exceeded our expectations. We would recommend this vehicle to anyone that wants to explore the country in comfort with confidence.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
VVMelbourne
- 11 reviews
- 4 likes
Perfect for growing family and trips
Bought my Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium brand new in 2015. The engine is powerful without being heavy on fuel, I get an average economy of 9.0L/100k with mix of highway and city driving (60/40), obviously this will depend on lot of other factors for many.
Love the space especially for our family trips. The car is packed with safety features and the constant AWD boosts confidence while driving in wet conditions.
The only thing i hate is the way the headrests are placed on the driver and passenger seats. They are almost pointing downwards and don't suit me being used to seating straight. But that is an issue for me and may not be for others.
Overall a very well built, reliable and safe car.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
TruereviewerVictoria, Australia
- 4 reviews
- 9 likes
The vehicle does it job .
I was a bit disappointed initially . The driver's leather seat developed a wrinkles bulge after two weeks . Complainted to the dealership and after 3-4 visits and numerous phone calls the whole seat was replaced . The right front pillar cover start to come off after a month . The dealership fixed it .
No other major issues within the last 7 months . The vehicle is pleasant to drive , though the rear seat buckles are very difficult to fasten due to bad ergonomic design . Obviously , you need to do your research before you buy . I'd recomme...Read more
nd to base your opinion on the current owners feedback rather than people that have had the previous gen vehicles since there is no connection between models and quality of assembly would be totally different .Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Nissan Patrol
4.0(128)Land Rover Discovery
3.9(135)Volkswagen Touareg
4.2(61)Toyota LandCruiser 200
3.8(190)sbmtbMELBOURNE
Very thirsty and poor off road ability with CVT
I picked up my Outback almost 12 months ago now. I must admit it was a step back from the previous car I owned being a Volvo XC60 diesel. The first thing I noticed was the drone (noise) from the transmission. It reminded me of driving in a ford falcon taxi. Also and I'm not sure if it's related but we all felt car sick when driving the Outback for the first few months. I think it was due to the wallowing of the cars handling. I hadn't noticed these things when I test drove but that was a quick 15min drive with the sales guy.
Driving off roa...Read more
d is dangerous....you need to be sure what you are going to encounter as the CVT can really catch you out. it'll limit drive to the wheels if it has to work to hard, leaving you standard. On the open road though it's smooth and easy to drive with the eyesight system taking car of the adaptive cruise. Urban traffic though and the car will eat fuel like a V8. I regularly get 15L per 100. the other thing is the full tank is small. so you feel like you are using more fuel because you are at the full station more often. I don't rate the dealers very highly but I guess thats a reflection of having previously dealt with Volvo who were exceptional.Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Subaru Outback 5GEN 3.6R compares to other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Know better, choose better.
WAH
- 3 reviews
- 2 likes
Excellent car and I love it, but a few minor bugbears
The 2015 3.6R Outback is a brilliant car. I love the performance, both raw power and agility on twisty roads. I am well used to CVT transmissions, my two previous cars (Mitsubishi Outlanders) had them. The Outback's is superb -- always in the right gear at the right time. I drove the Outlanders with the paddle shifts all the time -- no need to do so with the Outback. I have driven the Outback using the paddles shifts on mountain roads however, and it is a tremendous experience.
The car is extremely comfortable. Another reviewer complains abou...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Questions & Answers
graemeasked
I am a very happy Subaru owner during the last 12years and during the last 5 years a 2015 3.6 R premium outback. This car is outstanding and easily the best car i have owned in approximately 50 years of driving various makes and models. The Outback has a great power to weight ratio, superb driving / handling characteristics, comfortable, able to handle reasonably serious off road conditions, has a great Harmon Kardon stereo and lots of nice tech ( do yourself a favor and check out the spec,s on this vehicle )
Another great attribute with this Outback 3.6 R is it runs on ordinary 91Ron unleaded petrol. the best economy I have achieved is 7.6 litres per 100kl,s. It is not to difficult to achieve around 8.4 to 9.5 average with sensible driving.
I have recently considered upgrading my Subaru Outback to the newest model, a bit more refined, more power maybe ,upgraded tech, suspension and so on. Not a big ask for Subaru. Wrong ! ! ! Very wrong.
Trying to get real information about the new 2021 Subaru Outback is akin to pulling teeth, however I believe the new model only has a 2,5 litre engine and ( your kidding us ) no turbo available. The crazy part is they have increased the tow value from 1800 KG,s to 2000 KGs. REALLY.
Subaru, you may have known what you were doing, but what were you thinking. you have made a major blunder ( in my opinion) by robing your customers of owning a Subaru with decent, safe power.
It appears that to own a 3.6 Outback now the 2020 model is the last available. Very sad. So, get onto the car sales websites, have your money handy and buy one . you won,t regret it.
Graes
2 answers
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ Graeme, Thank you so much for your review. We know that there is a great appreciation for the 3.6R model in the Outback. While it may not be an available option in the new Outback, we're constantly working with the factory in Japan about future possibilities for us. We recently released specs and pricing on the 2021 Outback which you can check out here but there will be more to come as we get closer to its release in March. The Subaru Team.
Thanks Subaru Australia for your reply. I look forward to Subaru Japan having a light bulb moment and re-introducing the 3.6 engine or similar in 2022 . We should not be limited to underpowered smaller engines that do not cut the mustard, especially when towing/overtaking. People will pay a premium price for a premium vehicle / engine combination.
I hope we get the goods in 2022.
Graes.
Alanasked
The power and torque figures of 129kW and 235Nm under details are incorrect for the 3.6
No answers
Details
| Category | Large / 7 Seater SUVs |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | A$54,877 |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable (CVT) |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Wheels | 18" Alloy |
| ANCAP Safety Rating | 5 Stars |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L |
| Engine | 6 Cylinder 3.6L |
| Max Power | 129kW @ 5800rpm |
| Max Torque | 235Nm @ 4000rpm |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
| Safety Features |
|
| Extra Features |
|
| Ground Clearance | 213 mm |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (braked) | 1,800 kg |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (unbraked) | 750 kg |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 3 year(s) |
| Release date | Dec 2014 |
Visit official website
Other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Mitsubishi Pajero
4.3(236)Isuzu MU-X
4.3(127)Kia Sorento
4.2(144)Toyota Kluger
4.4(73)Lexus RX
4.6(52)Toyota Prado
4.0(256)Hyundai Santa Fe
4.0(181)Mazda CX-9
4.1(123)Nissan Patrol
4.0(128)Land Rover Discovery
3.9(135)Volkswagen Touareg
4.2(61)Toyota LandCruiser 200
3.8(190)Other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Mitsubishi Pajero
4.3(236)Isuzu MU-X
4.3(127)Kia Sorento
4.2(144)Toyota Kluger
4.4(73)Lexus RX
4.6(52)
Listing monitored by Subaru Australia representatives.
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ FerrisBueller, Thank you so much for your excellent and detailed review! We do understand that there is a great appreciation for the Outback 3.6R and while we may not see it in the 2021 Outback l... Read more
ine up, we are constantly working with Subaru Japan on possibilities for the future. If we could ask one favour, we would love to see your review on Google reviews as well. Thanks again. The Subaru Team.