Subaru is a well-loved brand that makes reliable SUVs. Some of the best used Subaru Outback SUV years are from the most recent generation, but there are plenty to choose from. Which years of this outdoorsy sport utility vehicle are worth hunting down, and which one is worth skipping?

2019 is one of the best used Subaru Outback SUV years

When looking at the history of this sport utility vehicle on Consumer Reports, the 2019 Subaru Outback is a particularly good year. The reliability and owner satisfaction scores were both above-average. Areas that are reliability trouble spots for some vehicles, such as the engine, transmission, and drive system, all received high marks as well. The 2019 version still managed to get 24 mpg overall, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,240.

Forbes says 2022 is a good year for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, so try to find a CPO 2019 Outback with a bit of warranty. That means it has been inspected and cared for by the dealership and will hopefully have fewer problems.

2016 is another good option for the best used Subaru Outback

Going back to a previous generation, the Outback received an update in 2015. That means the 2016 version has some excellent upgrades while still offering buyers a reliable SUV. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2016 year the Top Safety Pick Plus award. In addition, most of the IIHS crashworthiness tests received the highest score of “good.”

The engine, transmission, fuel, and electric systems received good marks from Consumer Reports. Owners also reported fewer issues with these areas than similar vehicles. With 24 mpg combined and an annual fuel cost of around $2,240, the 2016 version is one of the best used Subaru Outback SUV years.

The 2006 year is a good one to avoid for this sport utility vehicle

Looking at the years of reliability history, the 2006 Subaru Outback SUV sticks out as a bad year. Both the reliability score and the owner satisfaction score are far below average. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued seven recalls for the 2006 Outback. Most of the recalls related to the airbag recall that many cars from that area have an issue with. The others relate to the service brakes and brake line corrosion.

The NHTSA did give this sport utility vehicle five stars on many of its crashworthiness tests. 2006 will also be missing some of the more critical driver and active safety features. This year will have anti-lock brakes (ABS), but electronic stability control (ECS) wasn’t standard until 2009.

Keep an eye out for good deals on the outgoing year as Subaru rolls out the 2023 version. You might be able to find a 2020 or 2021 with some warranty left. Low miles are always a good thing, but a warranty will give you peace of mind as well.