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I Regret Buying This Subaru Outback

I purchased a 2014 Subaru Outback and would not buy this same trim level again. Here's my story about buying the wrong vehicle and having buyer's remorse. 

Don't make this mistake.

Looking back at my purchase of a 2014 Subaru Outback, I've come to the realization that I should have chosen a different trim level. Let me share my story of making the wrong choice and the regret that followed.

The Subaru Outback is an excellent vehicle, so I purchased a low-mileage 2014 Outback midsize SUV. It's got everything I wanted in a 10-year-old model. At least that's what I thought when I bought it. 

This 2014 Outback Limited had 103,000 miles on the odometer, and it was clean. At first, I loved the new all-wheel-drive wagon. It came with the optional 3.6-liter Boxer engine and had plenty of power for mountain driving.

  • It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, so it's easy to get in and out of. 
  • It has an excellent safety score from the IIHS. It earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award
  • Its standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology is perfect for the Colorado winters, severe weather, and snowfall where I live. 
  • It has plenty of cargo-carrying ability with both seats folded flat. It holds much more than I expected. 
  • It came with standard roof rails, so I could carry more oversized cargo on the vehicle's top if needed. 
  • The Outback rides like a car, it's easy to live with, and it has the utility and versatility of an SUV. 

It sounds perfect, right? Ok, so what's wrong with the Outback?

It’s not THE Subaru Outback that’s the problem. It's This Outback 3.6R trim level that did not come with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist safety technology. My other vehicle, a Subaru Crosstrek, does have it, and I love it.

My wife and I took our "new" Outback on a road trip to Cypress, Texas, outside Houston, to visit our daughter and family. It's about 1,100 miles one way.  

The first part of the trip was uneventful, and the car rode well on the open highway. I set the cruise control, and we had an enjoyable time driving. 

Then I realized I did not have the adaptive cruise control my Crosstrek has with the EyeSight driver assist technology. Read my report here for more information.

That tech allows me to set the cruise control, and it will automatically slow the vehicle when I approach another slower car or semi-truck. When I get into the left lane to pass, the vehicle speeds back up to its original setting. 

This feature, known as adaptive cruise control, is part of Subaru's EyeSight technology, which also includes lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, and more.

I've driven the same route in my Crosstrek with EyeSight and barely touched the brake or gas pedals for the 1,100-mile trip. The adaptive cruise did all the work. 

Here's what I noticed. 

I was much more fatigued after getting to Cypress in the Outback without EyeSight than in my Crosstrek after the long trip. The Subaru EyeSight technology is worth every penny. 

I'm disappointed that I didn't get the Outback with EyeSight. 

One of my biggest disappointments with the Outback was the absence of the EyeSight technology. I found myself wishing I had made a different choice.

Another aspect that disappointed me was the fuel mileage. The best I could get was 25 mpg on the highway, and I averaged 22 mpg in city driving with the Outback's six-cylinder Boxer engine. Not bad for the larger 3.6-liter Boxer, but I want better fuel efficiency. 

I know what you're thinking.

Since you know Subaru vehicles so well, why did you buy this Outback and not look for a 2.5-liter with Eyesight? Great question. I knew the lady who owned this Outback and how it was driven, maintained, and serviced. And the price was right.

Ten-year-old, well-maintained low mileage Subaru Outback SUVs are not that easy to find. That's why I jumped on this one. 

Still, if given the chance, I would make a different choice and opt for the 2014 Subaru Outback with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine and the EyeSight safety tech feature. Hindsight is always 20-20. 

Tell us about your Outback experiences. Any regrets?

If you've had a similar experience with a Subaru vehicle, or if you have any questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you. Click the red 'Add new comment' link below to share your thoughts and join the conversation.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter 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 SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl 

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