Used Subaru Crosstrek, Outback Prices Take An Unexpected Turn

Things are changing for used Subaru shoppers. 

The popular Subaru Outback midsize SUV and Crosstrek subcompact, which were 1- to 5-years-old, were the hardest to find and brought a high price in the last two years. Now, it's a buyer's market, and prices have dropped. Here is what changed.

A new report from iSeeCars, a trusted automotive research firm known for its comprehensive and reliable data, says, "High-volume, popular ( 1- to 5-year-old) used models have gotten more affordable in the past year." 

That's great news for used Subaru model shoppers. With the cost of new cars rising, there are much better deals now on 2019-2023 model year Outback and Crosstrek SUVs. 

iSeeCars says that used cars are becoming cheaper and less used. They have been driven less and have fewer miles on the odometer. 

The report says a drop in the average mileage of these vehicles has accompanied the drop in used car pricing. This means buyers are not only paying less, but they are also getting used models with fewer miles. 

More good news

Even better, some of the most significant mileage drops are in the lowest-priced segments, with used cars under $10,000 having 9.6 percent fewer miles and used vehicles between $15,000 and $20,000 having 9.2 percent fewer miles.

How much are the Subaru Outback and Crosstrek?

Price Changes for Best Selling Used Cars: 2019-2023 and 2023-2024 – iSeeCars Study.

Used Subaru Outback 1- to 5-years-old

• The average price in 2023 for a used Outback was $29,306. The average price in 2024 for a used Outback is $27,348, a 6.7% decrease.

Used Subaru Crosstrek 1- to 5-years-old

• The average price in 2023 for a used Crosstrek was $26,433. The average price in 2024 for a used Crosstrek is $24,699, a 6.6% decrease.

"In a complete reversal from the COVID era, where used car buyers had to pay more money for cars with more miles on them, today's used car buyers are benefitting from not only lower prices but lower miles," said Brauer. "They're getting a less used car at a better price."

Changes in Average Mileage of Best-Selling Used Cars Priced Under $20,000: 2019-2023 and 2023-2024 – iSeeCars Study

Used Subaru Outback 1- to 5-years-old

• The mileage in 2023 for a used Outback was 104,257. The average mileage in 2024 for a used Outback is 91,280, a 12.4% decrease.

Used Subaru Crosstrek 1- to 5-years-old

• The mileage in 2023 for a used Crosstrek was 89,273. The average mileage in 2024 for a used Crosstrek is 78,592, a 12.0% decrease.

"The reduction in average mileage for high-volume models means additional value for today's used car shoppers," said Brauer. "What makes many of these cars so popular is their long lifespan, with shoppers enjoying a higher percentage of that if they buy today compared to a few years ago."

In my recent report about which SUVs are the most likely to last 250,000 miles and beyond, the Subaru Outback made the top twenty longest-lasting vehicles. 

The Outback consistently makes the top-20 list of vehicles with longevity. Check out my report here. 

"Given the rising cost of both new and used models, it's encouraging to see so many vehicles capable of hitting 250,000 miles," said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. "A consumer paying today's higher purchase prices can still see a relatively low cost-per-mile if they leverage these long lifespans."

The Outback is better than average.

iSeeCars says SUVs can serve various needs, accumulating more miles than other vehicle types. Most longest-lasting SUVs are three-row models, offering the greatest flexibility regarding people moving, cargo hauling, and trailer towing. 

However, some midsize SUVs (like the Outback) and even a few compact SUVs make the top 20 list for better-than-average lifespans.

A used Outback is a smart choice.

For those on a budget, you can also feel confident purchasing a well-maintained used Subaru Outback. You know it keeps going long after many SUVs have bitten the dust. Buying a used Outback can be a cost-effective way to enjoy the vehicle's longevity and reliability. 

Which five-year-old SUVs are the most reliable for shoppers this year? 

According to a recently updated Consumer Reports ranking (by subscription), there are dependable used SUVs you should put on your list. CR says the 2018 Subaru Outback ranks among the nine best and scores higher than two popular Toyota SUVs. More information on buying a used Outback can be found in my report here.

Which are the most reliable used Subaru models?

Consumer Reports only recommends the most reliable 3-year-old cars and SUVs, and the Crosstrek was identified as a top pick based on CR's Annual Auto Surveys of its members. How reliable is it?

Consumer Reports rates the 2021 Crosstrek as highly reliable, giving it a score of 78/100. It's the most reliable small SUV, with an owner satisfaction rating of 4/5, making it a cost-effective choice for used SUV buyers.  

Conclusion:

The landscape for used Subaru shoppers is continually shifting, and staying abreast of these changes is essential. I'll keep shoppers informed of the market conditions. 

The good news is that Subaru Outback and Crosstrek prices are falling. The average mileage is also dropping. The combination makes both an excellent choice for used SUV shoppers this fall. 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Tucson Subaru