2017 Subaru Outback

Average Score

Overall Rating 4.8/5Overall Rating 4.8/5Overall Rating 4.8/5Overall Rating 4.8/5Overall Rating 4.8/5
4.8
(140 Reviews)
Category Summary
(Avg. out of 10)
    Value
  • Features
  • Build Quality
  • Fun
  • Reliability
  • Performance
  • Exterior
  • Comfort
  • Interior
  • Styling

Reviews

Overall Rating 4.8/5Overall Rating 4.8/5Overall Rating 4.8/5Overall Rating 4.8/5Overall Rating 4.8/5
4.8
(140 Reviews)

Reviews


MM
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MICHAEL M.
2017 Subaru Outback
Overall Rating 2.0/5Overall Rating 2.0/5Overall Rating 2.0/5Overall Rating 2.0/5Overall Rating 2.0/5
01/16/2017

1st time Subaru owner

Not impressed. Actually disappointed. Salesman said wonderful in the snow. I've owned it for 3 months and can't wait to trade it in. I've been stuck 3 times so far. I live a rual area so I have to have an AWD/FWD vehicle I previously drove a Toyota Highlander and never got stuck. The outback just doesn't seem to have the power I was expecting. Seats are extremely uncomfortable. Just expected more from a 5 out 5 rated vehicle. I got sold on the safety and all the hype of how great Subaru was for snowy regions. Salesman said everyone who buys a Subaru loves them and once you own one you will never buy anything else. Sorry Subaru lovers. I'm Not loving my Subaru.
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JC
JIM C.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 2.0/5Overall Rating 2.0/5Overall Rating 2.0/5Overall Rating 2.0/5Overall Rating 2.0/5
08/19/2021
Verified Review

Bad PCM Design

Powertrain Control Module is a poor design. PCM turns off alternator if load is not sufficient. It’s counter-intuitive to tell owners that you have to keep your lights on or run the A/C at max to allow the alternator to charge the battery. It doesn’t make sense to shut off the alternator and save 0.5 mpg and run the A/C and lose 1 mpg. Despite a TSB that provides a memory flash to fix it, some dealers like Kearney Mesa Subaru in San Diego say they know nothing about the problem and can’t find any service bulletins.
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CB
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CHERYL B.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5
09/07/2017
Verified Review

2017 Outback

Needs some improvement.
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TD
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TAYLOR D.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5
01/31/2018
Verified Review

Practical, not fun and poor manufacturing standards

The Outback scores high on practicality. It has lots of space to carry you, your friends, and all their belongings around, or comfortably sleeps two with the rear seats folded flat. It's confident off road and fairly quiet on road. Runs smooth too, though the engine doesn't make the most pleasant noises at low RPMs and in certain gears. In the so called Premium trim, it lacks any active safety features that others in its class include as standard at this price point and in the 2017 model doesn't include advanced car connectivity like Android Auto. The real problem is the quality of manufacturing that went into producing this vehicle. There's a terrible crunching noise from the front wheels that has gone undiagnosed even with four visits to the dealership's service center. Parts have been replaced but no progress made. My sister has the same year vehicle and hers also suffers from a phantom noise but located under the shifter. Unacceptable for what Subaru would call their flagship model (until the Ascent debuts). Underpowered too, with mediocre gas mileage, although 25/32 mpg would be considered decent today, shamefully.
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HB
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HOLLY B.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5
01/05/2020
Verified Review

2017 Subaru Outback Premium

In general I like the way the vehicle handles; but if I had to do it over again I would have gotten the Forester model as I struggle with the overly dark windows in the Outback and there are LOTS of blind spots for me with all the window frames and headrests. I am old school in that I was taught to look back and over my shoulders before backing up so using the review camera is really not a security overall as the model that I have does not have the eyesight assist package, which I believe is now on all Outback and Forester models. Also, the 2017 has the 'tunnel' cups for the Odometer dials and it is really not necessary and makes the dash seem congested. Again, I am aware that Subaru has done away with this and brought back the basic flat dash odometer but I cannot afford to go buy a newer model. Because they have 'fixed' the eyesight assist as now standard and brought back the flat dash for the newer models my lasting complaint is the over dark windows where those of us with night visions issues struggle to see out, especially during stormy weather where there is rain or snow against the windows, and with an all black interior it is visually impairing to see either inside the vehicle or outside thru the dark windows. I would not purchase an Outback again if I had opportunity to do so for these reasons. Oh, and the digital control panel on the 2017 Outback is just wrong. With all the push for not taking your eyes off the road, the way it is layed out has all the pertinent information at the bottom under the screen like the time and temperature and controls so you are forced to look away and down to read them; the newer models it appears they have corrected this, at least in the Forester. My sister has the Forester Sport (2019) and after having ridden with her both during the day and at night, it is definitely the better design between the two styles, hands down. If I was in a position to do so, I would trade in a heart beat.
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TD
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TOM D.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5
05/01/2021
Verified Review

Disappointed

The six cylinder engine burns oil and needs oil added before the oil change. Subaru dealer performed oil consumption test to try and isolate the issue. The test did not show an issue. This leaves me worried the problem will increase and the maintenance cost will increase.
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RC
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RICHARD C.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5Overall Rating 3.0/5
06/28/2022
Verified Review

Less than I want, More than I need

I purchased as a certified pre-owned with 19k in 2019. I wish it had more power to pass, and less safety assist stuff to calibrate, repair or replace
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LM
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LORETTA M.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
07/31/2017
Verified Review

New to Subaru

This is our first Subaru. My husband is a very big guy and it has more room then any other midsize out there. Lots of cargo space and not bad looking. Can't wait to try it on the snow.
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LM
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LORETTA M.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
12/06/2017
Verified Review

Great car

I really like the room and smooth ride, I have the 4 cylinder but would get the 6 next time.
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MH
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MARJORIE H.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
08/08/2018
Verified Review

Subaru Outback

Serviced
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CC
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CLETO C.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
12/14/2018
Verified Review

2017 Outback

Love the car except for two things; 1- when it is wet and cold the outer lid to get to the gas cap freezes and I have issues with getting it open. Water collects at the very bottom and freezes it shut. 2- when there is snow on the roof and I don't sweep it off- car warms up- I hit the brakes- can't see where I am going due to the snow falling off the roof. The design should be at a slant to go behind the vehicle not the front when the snow falls. Real safety hazard
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PG
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PATRICIA G.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
02/19/2019
Verified Review

The defroster doesnt work

Great little car, does well in the snow. However, below 20 degrees ALL of my windows fog up and make driving dangerous. I have brought car in 4 times and no cause can be found, I live in north Idaho and if I cant drive when it is below 20, I cant drive most of winter. I would give the car 5 stars and defrost system minus 2.
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RB
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ROBERT B.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
07/17/2019
Verified Review

2017 Subaru Outback

Very happy with the vehicle, except overly complex buttons & software, and following items: Cargo lift button often does not work from inside, too many options cancel it. Cannot change mph to kilometers without complex procedure not described in manual. Factory installed windshield had huge crack after small pebble collided. After repair and installation of new windshield, large pebble created small damage, easily repaired. Also factory battery went dead with no warning, and although replaced, I was fortunate this did not happen in wilderness. Seat height does not seem to be adjustable, and a higher position would be desirable. Exterior mirror motor did not work at time of purchase - quickly repaired with generous apology. Finally, parking in condo garage is always a challenge. Eye coverage on 2 front corners would be welcomed. Would I buy another Subaru? Maybe.
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SP
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SANDRA P.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
02/10/2020
Verified Review

please go back to smooth leather - NO perforation

overall I love my Subaru. It is actually the 2nd one I have owned. My only complaint is the perforated leather seats. The whole reason I get leather is the durability and EASE of CLEANING. Having dogs & kids, I want something that doesn't absorb liquids and dirt. Perforated leather defeats the this and makes it not much better than fabric!
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JF
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JOHN F.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
03/21/2020
Verified Review

Does everything I desire.

My 3.6R Limited has the power, room, and traction I need for my day to day outdoor activities.
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VS
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Vera S.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
05/13/2020
Verified Review

Outback 2017

This 2017 Outback model has been modest yet very comfortable & reliable vehicle. My only problem had been with deployment of the temporary tire system which my new 2020 ONYX Outback improves upon with inclusion of a real spare tire. Gas use and driver controls have been most satisfactory. While the lane control warning signals have been at times annoying, yet, in driving around the country roads in Chester County Pa I have found them to be good alert signals. The simple GPS and mapping functions have been wonderful in my 2017 model. I will have to adjust to the increased power & features in the new much larger version of my replacement 2020 Outback. My new car has a way more powerful engine which was designed to support more diverse all terrain travels that I have yet to explore!
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WB
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WINFRED B.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
09/20/2020
Verified Review

Good to drive

Handles well on curves. Drivers seat, position comfortable. Passenger seat lacks support. Safety features work very well. L
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JF
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JOHN F.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
11/10/2020
Verified Review

Almost perfect

Only issues have been a dead battery and brake pad replacement at 60k miles.
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RO
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ROBERT O.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
01/08/2021
Verified Review

Love it!!

Love it!!
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MK
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MATT K.
2017 Subaru Outback
verified customer Verified Owner
Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5Overall Rating 4.0/5
02/23/2021
Verified Review

2017 Subaru Outback

My first Subaru. Things that would to see change would be more comfortable seats and instead of the factory roof rack I would rather have roof rails like the Forester. The Outback rack is ugly and the cross bars are too flexible for 2 sea kayaks and other heavier items. The older Outbacks came with roof rails , not sure why they got away from them? This car does handle as well as my previous Jetta wagon. I do like the extra ground clearance which is handy for our Vermont road conditions
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