2017 Subaru Outback Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What's New
Subaru didn't go back to the drawing board with the latest Outback, but it wasn't necessary. However, the manufacturer slipped in a few updates, including an entirely new top-level Touring trim level that includes special exterior and interior trim. The popular optional Eyesight Driver Assist Technology package has been improved to include automatic high beam control and reverse automatic braking. Additionally, alloy wheels are now standard on all trims, so you get a little more by investing in a 2017 Outback.Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Subaru Outback – The Pros
Some great reasons to buy the latest Subaru Outback include:
1. Standard All-Wheel Drive
On many crossover SUVs in this class, all-wheel drive is only available as an optional upgrade or on higher trims. Happily, Subaru has made it standard across all trims on the 2017 Outback. It goes a long way toward making this vehicle a force to be reckoned with off the road.
2. Exceptional Off-Road Capabilities
Most people who buy SUVs have little or no intention of taking them off roads. The newest Outback is designed for people who actually do. While there are certainly better off-road vehicles out there, this crossover is loaded with features that make it handle incredibly well off the pavement. All-wheel drive is combined with technologies like hill-descent assist to make this a nimble off-road choice.
3. Innovative Roof Rails
A lower roof makes it all the easier to load gear on the roof of the latest Subaru Outback. This vehicle was clearly designed for on-the-go types, as its roof rails have an innovative design that makes life easier. The roof racks swing inward to become cross bars, so there's no need to remove and replace them or to put up with the additional noise that they create by keeping them in place.
4. Generous Standard Features
The 2017 Subaru Outback is offered in six trims, and each reflects the engine size that is offered: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited and 3.6R Touring. The base 2.5i model is loaded with standard features, including: 60/40-split folding backseat; four-speaker stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio jack, USB port and smartphone app integration; Starlink 6.2" touchscreen interface; Bluetooth; roof rails with integrated cross bars; rearview camera; tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; and hill-descent control.
5. Great Options Packages
For 2017, the Subaru Outback can be upgraded with a number of great options packages. Some are only available for specific trim levels. The Driver Assist Technology package is a popular choice. It adds steering responsive foglights, automatic high beams, upgraded gauges, adaptive cruise control and the Eyesight suite of accident avoidance technologies.
6. Excellent Visibility
With its high ground clearance of 8.7 inches, large windows and other features, the 2017 Outback is virtually devoid of blind spots. On city streets and off roads, this comes very much in handy and enhances the overall safety of this popular crossover SUV.
7. Superior Safety Features
The 2017 Subaru Outback is jam-packed with standard safety features, including active front head restraints; side curtain, front side and seat cushion airbags; antilock disc brakes; stability and traction control; and a rearview camera.
The vehicle has also earned top safety marks in government crash tests, earning a perfect five out of five stars overall and five out of five for side impact protection and total frontal crash protection.
8. Ample Cargo Space
For 2017, the Outback offers a whopping 73.3 cubic feet of total cargo space, making it one of the roomiest crossover SUVs on the market today. The boxy design of the cargo area makes it even better. Most trims come standard with a rugged rubber cargo tray, which is a nice perk.
9. Plenty of Room for Passengers
In addition to boasting plenty of room for equipment, luggage and other gear, the 2017 Subaru Outback offers ample amounts of space for passengers. Two grown adults can sit comfortably in the back, and they will even be comfortable if a teen or child sat back there too.
10. Great Fuel Economy
2.5i trim levels of this crossover are equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that gets 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission and has a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg--25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. 3.6R trims have a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine that gets 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy drops to a combined 22 mpg--20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Subaru Outback – The Cons
A few relatively minor reasons not to buy the latest Subaru Outback include:
1. Sluggish Acceleration
Outbacks that are equipped with the 2.5-liter engine accelerate from zero to 60 in 9.6 seconds, which is considerably slower than similar models in this class. The larger engine doesn't improve the fact that the gas pedal tends to be jumpy and slow to respond at times.
2. Soft Braking
Drivers may feel a bit less in control due to this vehicle's unfortunately spongy brakes. However, it's fairly easy to get used to.
3. Less Refined Cabin
The vast majority of drivers will be pleased with the interior of the 2017 Subaru Outback. However, those who want plusher rides are better off looking at similar crossover SUVs in this class.
Conclusion
A few minor complaints aside, the 2017 Subaru Outback is a finely equipped crossover SUV that gives drivers access to refined city driving and effective off-road driving.
• Why buy a 2014 Subaru Outback? w/ pros vs cons.
• Why buy a 2015 Subaru Outback? w/ pros vs cons.
• Why buy a 2016 Subaru Outback? w/ pros vs cons.
