The Most Reliable Used Midsize SUVs - Subaru Outback Hits The Sweet Spot

What is the best 5-year-old midsize SUV to buy right now? With the new car shortage, you might not find a new 2022 Subaru Outback on retailers’ lots. A used model is a good choice, and Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the 2017 Subaru Outback hits the sweet spot for midsize SUV shoppers this winter.

Ranked from first to sixth in terms of reliability, the best five-year-old midsize SUVs are the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander, and Toyota 4Runner. All six vehicles are the most reliable midsize SUVs based on Consumer Reports’ annual auto surveys of their members. They also picked models with standard safety technology that get the best fuel economy.

Why does the 2017 Subaru Outback hit the sweet spot for SUV shoppers?

CR says, “With the Outback, Subaru split the difference between a wagon and a crossover, creating a winning combination. It’s an intriguing alternative to a traditional midsized SUV, with more cargo space and less thirst for fuel.”

What is the price of a Subaru Outback?

Consumer Reports says the price range of the 2017 Subaru Outback is between $19,925 and $28,350.

What is the fuel mileage of the Subaru Outback?

With the 2.5-liter engine, CR measured fuel economy of 24 mpg overall and said, “Although this engine won’t win you many races. Six-cylinder 3.6R versions are much quicker and even quieter, with little penalty in fuel economy.” CR got 22 mpg overall with the 3.6-liter engine. Cr says, “The Outback rides very comfortably, and handling is plenty responsive and secure.”

What are the Outback’s safety scores?

In 2017, the EyeSight suite of active safety systems, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, became standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2017 Outback the highest Top Safety Pick+ award. And Outback received a five-star award from the NHTSA.

The best four-year-old midsize SUVs

In another new report, Consumer Reports ranked the most reliable four-year-old midsize SUVs, and the 2018 Subaru Outback scores one of the eight best used SUV choices. A four-year-old used Subaru Outback costs between $18,908 and $28,998, according to iSeeCars data.

In addition to the 2018 Subaru Outback, the other seven models Consumer Reports ranks high are, listed alphabetically, the 2018 Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

In another study, iSeeCars put the Subaru Outback on its SUV list of the most likely midsize SUVs to go over 200,000 miles. Check out the complete report here.

If you can’t find a new 2022 Subaru Outback, used SUV shoppers looking for the most reliable, safe vehicle that retains its value should check out the 2017-2018 Subaru Outback.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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