Overview & Reviews

The 2013 Subaru Outback features a restyled front end, a more efficient four-cylinder engine, an updated continuously variable transmission (CVT) and revised suspension tuning. New features include keyless ignition/entry and newly available adaptive cruise control with a collision avoidance system.

• Generous cargo volume
• Clever roof rails
• Spacious interior
• Comfortable ride
• Excellent visibility
• Confident off-road ability.

• Weak base stereo
• Lacks agility
• Fussy controls on upper trims.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 62.00

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  MPG not as advertised - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By qphenic - October 8 - 12:29 am

  Outback 2.5i Limited rides and handles fine. Overall utility of the car is good. And the interior satisfies in most respects, including nav and sound. But the car often feels as if it is fighting headwinds, even on gradual descents. I attribute this to the CVT, or perhaps a lack of power. There is also a noticeable vibration which travels up the seatback at idle. But the biggest disappointment by far: I am averaging 21-22 MPG with this car (60/40 city/hwy, non-aggressive driver). EPA combined is listed at 26, so I am not happy.

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  Good Basic Transportation after 20k miles just OK - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By electricvette - May 19 - 12:02 am

  This is my wifes car. I tell every one I do not like it for the following reasons. 1. The front seat will not go full horizontal so my wife has two towels in the back. 2. road noise is terrible. 3. heavy steering... its like they put the smallest freekn power steering pump in to get better gas mileage and you have to work the wheel on trips. 4. radio knobs are not log enough. 5 poor ride comfort. MY GMC Denali rides soooo much better than this. 6. seat comfort is poor. Will not be a repeat customer. Looking for something quieter on my next car.

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  2013 Outback Adds Bells and Whistles - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By bepete - April 12 - 6:11 pm

  The Subaru Outback has always been on my watch list because of its high reliability / resale value coupled with proven AWD performance. When Motor Trend awarded its SUV of the Year Award to the redesigned and larger 2010 Outback, I took a closer look but felt the vehicle lacked tech and comfort features that were commonplace in the new vehicle market. The top of the line 2013 Subaru Outback has changed all that, and was worth the wait. The Outback Limited (especially with the Special Appearance Package) was a clear choice for me relative to the awkward looking (Honda CrossTour, Toyota Venza) and the pricey (Acura RDX, Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland). The 3.6R has been a blast to drive.

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  2013 OB 2.5i CVT 9 month update - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By outie_quattro - April 8 - 2:42 am

  Performance? is Meh, but it can handle fast bumpy on/off ramps with sublime decorum. Roll on speed 40 to 70 is fairly respectable for a family Wagon, and upshifting/downshifting is far smoother in the CVT...Hooning lightly around town in the snow will reveal one startling realizaiton...downshifting with all 4 wheels engaged + traction control on snowy roads is surreal! If your in this car on snowy roads, watch your back at icy stop signs and intersections; getting rear ended by those who cant possibly stop as fast is a real issue. Still too new to judge reliability..Add snowtires and go nealry everywhere in the snow. bottom line: I feel safe with my family in this car in all conditions.

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  Great except for black interior and NAV system - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By cmlsudbury - August 31 - 7:48 am

  Very good in all respects EXCEPT 1) the choice of interior (both light and dark show every single mark, especially along door where low entry almost guarantees your toes will mark the lower door panel) and 2) the AUDIO/NAV systems (which are easily the least-intuitive and most frustrating interfaces I have ever used in my life). They are so bad that they deserves a recall to fix the software

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  1st Subaru - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By dmuzyka - August 16 - 2:05 am

  This purchase (2013 Limited with Special Appearance package) was the culmination of 2 years of research (I keep my cars 12-15 years, 200k+ miles). A big change from my mid-size 4WD SUV; Im loving the driveability and handling. Just as roomy inside except not as tall as my old one. No road wandering Ive noticed after 2500 miles including 2 road trips. 2.5 is more than enough for me, although others may want more. The other finalists were Volvo XC70 and Audi Q5, although they cost $$ more and were nicer trimmed of course. The OB feels just as solid on the road. Honda CRV AWD was the only close-price contestant and the OB felt much more solid. I liked the CRVs front storage though

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  Perfect for a family of four - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By biglake7 - July 10 - 7:36 am

  My first OB, coming from a 04 Galant. Im glad I did the research and waited to get the 13. We have two younger children, 10 and 7. I have 4000 mi. on it. Weve taken a 1,000 mi. trip and several shorter ones ranging from 200-300 per trip. Im looking forward to testing out the tried and true AWD in our midwest winters (WI). Cabin is spacious, especially backseats. While Im not tall at 57", there is an incredible amount of legroom in the backseat. While I never test drove the 12, the re-tuned suspension in the 13 seems to be spot on. Theres virtually no body roll in corners (i.e. on and off-ramps). I chose it for the re-tuned engine, MPG, re-tuned suspension, and AWD combination.

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  First Subie Love - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By joepawlicki - July 7 - 6:56 pm

  Weve had our 2013 Outback since the Winter and its been awesome. The suspension was definitely stiffened up this year which can make poor road conditions more noticeable but high speed and back road handling is spot on. Our latest road trip was 400 miles to NH and we averaged 33.6 MPG with 3 people, cargo and lots of mountain roads. Weve hit a few off road trails and the car has tackled mud and dips with ease. The interior is quiet, spacious and the harmon kardon audio is very good. No issues to date!

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  American Fuji - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By snowmass1 - July 3 - 9:41 pm

  What a surprise. Ive always wondered how this vehicle would be to own and so far have no disappointments. Well engineered and perfectly assembled in the good old U.S. of A

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  Love My Subaru - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By jlewis51 - January 22 - 10:33 pm

  Needed a new vehicle and read tons of reviews as well as drove a lot of crossover type SUVs. We were impressed with the Subarus safety ratings and consumer reviews so we bought this 2013 Outback. We love it! Gas mileage is awesome. 34.2 on highway so far and around 24 in city and its not broke in as yet. Only downsides: the beige cloth seats get dirty easily so get seat covers ASAP; air conditioning is a bit hard to regulate. Its roomy and comfy inside. I have a horrid back and find that Im not getting as stiff and achy after riding in this for long periods of time. Were very impressed with Subaru! Owned a Honda Accord before.