Used Subaru Legacy Outback 2009 - 2014 review

What's the used Subaru Outback like?

Like the Audi A4 Allroad, the Subaru Legacy Outback is an estate that’s dressed up to look like an SUV.

Four-wheel drive is standard across the range. And while many owners will never go far off road, the Outback is actually better at coping with rough terrain than most proper SUVs.

Overview

A stereotypical Subaru – sacrifices interior appeal and ride comfort in favour of reliability and all-round ruggedness.

Pros

• Rugged reliability
• Spacious interior
• Gutsy diesel engine

Cons

• Old-fashioned interior
• High emissions
• Thirsty petrol engine

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Subaru Outback

2.5i SE Lineartronic 4WD Euro 5 5dr (SNavPlus)

£1,500

Subaru Outback

2.0D SE 4WD Euro 5 5dr (SNavPlus)

£1,790

Subaru Outback

2.5i SE Lineartronic 4WD Euro 5 5dr

£1,890

Subaru Outback

2.0D RE 5dr (leather)

£1,950

Subaru Outback

2.5 LPG S 5dr

£2,495

Subaru Outback

2.0D S 4WD Euro 5 5dr

£2,495

Subaru Outback

3.0 Rn 5dr (Nav, leather)

£2,499

Subaru Outback

2.5i SE Lineartronic 4WD Euro 5 5dr

£2,499

Subaru Outback

2.0D SE 4WD Euro 5 5dr

£2,790

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Sadly, the Outback is nowhere near as impressive on road. The steering is vague and the ride is far too firm and unforgiving (a surprise, given the long-travel suspension).

The plain, mostly plastic interior is another disappointment. However, you do get a big boot, and standard equipment is decent.

Ownership cost

What used Subaru Outback will I get for my budget?

The Subaru Legacy Outback holds its value well, so be prepared to pay through the nose, even for an older car.

The cheapest 59-reg Outback we could find came with an asking price of £4,995, but at least it was powered by the desirable diesel engine. Oddly, the cheapest petrol version, also a 2009 car, was significantly more expensive at £7,900.

Subaru buyers, it seems, tend to hang on to their cars for longer than most, because when you get to the newer model years, Outbacks become even more scarce. A 2012 example would easily command £15,000 and there are still some touching the £20,000 mark.

Our recommendations

Which used Subaru Outback should I buy?

When the Subaru Legacy Outback was new it looked pricey compared with the Audi A4 Allroad and Skoda Superb Estate 4x4. As a result, the Outback was never a big seller, and tracking down good used examples can be tricky.

Even when you do, your engine options are limited to a 147bhp 2.0-litre 'Boxer' diesel and a very thirsty 2.5-litre petrol. Neither is ideal, but in spite of the diesel’s relatively high emissions, it’s the one we’d choose.

We’d also recommend SX trim, which gives you 17in alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a reversing camera, and climate and cruise control.

Our favourite used Subaru Legacy Outback: 2.0D SX

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Subaru Outback?

Somewhat strangely, there are two Skoda models that are more or less direct rivals to the Outback. In terms of prestige and overall size, the Superb Estate 4x4 offers even more space in the cabin and a truly massive boot, but even though it has four-wheel drive, it can’t match the Outback’s off-roading ability. For that you’ll need the Octavia Scout, which has a raised ride height.

Another strong VW Group rival is the Audi A4 Allroad quattro. If anything they’re even thinner on the ground than Outbacks, but have rather more badge appeal and are more conventionally handsome, if less roomy inside.

Finally, you may want to consider the Volvo XC70 Cross Country. It’s similar in size to the Outback, both inside and out, but with a much classier dashboard. The five-cylinder diesel engine is both long-lived and quiet, if a touch thirsty, but like the Outback, it’s disappointing to drive on road.

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