r/Subaru_Outback

Debating Between 2.5i or 3.6r - Which is More Worth It?

Hello! In a few months when my lease ends I'll be in the market for a new-to-me vehicle and I want an Outback and would like some guidance/advice on choosing the right one for me.

I've heard that 2018/2019 are pretty reliable years, and I've spent the past several months researching and fixing my eye on several 2018 3.6rs. Specifically I've been looking at a couple 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) vehicles. I've heard in online posts and from testimonials that the 3.6r is generally better for reliability - especially with it being an 8-year-old car that's an important factor to me - so that's been my front-runner for a while. However, with all that's happening in the Middle East and gas prices rising with the fear they won't come down for a while, I'm worried about how much more I'll end up paying at the pump compared to the higher fuel economy of the 2.5i. I'm also curious how much people have noticed/experienced a difference between the 2018 and 2019 models, as my insurance quote for the 2019 has a much lower APR offer than the 2018.

So these are my main questions:

  1. Is it worth it to choose an Outback with the 3.6r engine over the 2.5i engine in terms of maintenance costs, get-up-and-go (which I value), longevity, etc? And if so, by how much more is it worth it?

  2. Is there any noticeable difference between the 2018 and 2019 models?

For reference, this would be my daily driver and I usually drive 15 miles to and from my job in Baltimore with minimal to no off-roading. I don't often haul much, but after leasing a Hyundai Kona for 3 years, I desperately miss the trunk space.

Thanks in advance!

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u/dummy_dummy_dum_dum — 13 hours ago

Android Auto/infotainment question

Hi all. I just bought a 2026 Outback premium with a 13 package, going from a 2016 Crosstrek (so far the size isn't as much of an adjustment as I was afraid of), so I'm not new to Subarus.

There's been two things I haven't been able to figure out.

  1. When I make a 90 degree turn, the sound turns down. This has been happening whether I'm listening to FM radio or through my phone. I turned off speed volume control and it's gotten better but still happens

  2. Is there anyway to not have the infotainment default to playing whatever is on my phone for Android Auto? For example, if I'm listening to FM radio when I go into work, I would think it would stay with the FM radio, but so far as soon as it connects it starts playing whatever I had on my phone instead.

Photo for tax. I got the green because I liked it and didn't see many around that were green, but it seems like everyone on this sub that bought one got the green. I guess I'm in good company

u/FooledNB — 14 hours ago

How much would it cost to purchase full size spare wheel + tire

I’m trying to decide between a 2026 Touring XT and Wilderness.

I really like the full spare of the wilderness but if it wouldn’t be too much to get one for the Touring XT, it would make the decision easier?

Also wonder how much I could sell the spare for?

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u/Few-Introduction5414 — 14 hours ago

Fuel

I have a 25 wilderness. Just moved into a high altitude area where the cheap gas is 85 octane. As I understand it that can damage the engine if you have a turbo. I can get 87, but it's actually cheaper to get 91 octane at Costco. Will running the 91 cause any damage l?

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u/readitareyoudeaf — 19 hours ago

Outside Temp never Matches Weather App Display

In the example, the outside temp is accurately 76F and the displayed app temperature for the same location (Boulder, CO) is 53. It's literally always off by 15-20F despite being in the right location in settings. Onyx 2023. Anyone have any idea what's up or how to fix. Just kind of annoying.

i.redd.it
u/ShawnCButler — 17 hours ago
🔥 Hot ▲ 101 r/Subaru_Outback

New Outback VS other boxy SUV and 6th gen OB.

Took some photos of my new 2026 Outback compared to a Hyundai Santa Fe, and a 6th gen Outback. Digging the boxy SUV vibes of the new Outback design, also noted that the old Outback was parked next to RAV4 which blurred the look of both-wagons? SUV’s? Regardless, I love the design of the new Outback, much better than most (including Santa Fe) and awesomely reliable. But haters gonna hate.

u/doctor-squared — 1 day ago

Would I Be Insane?

The car I currently drive is getting close to retirement and for the next stage of my life I am hoping to build a weekend warrior car camper/ light overlander build and want advice.

I am currently hanging between buying a 22-25 Outback Wilderness and a 26 Mazda Cx-50 Hybrid. I want to know if I would be totally insane to buy the CX-50 over the Outback. I dont know who here would have experience with both brands for overlanding it appears no ones really tried the Mazda's much. The reason I am considering this is the CX-50 Hybrid uses a Toyota eCVT transmission which is supposedly much more reliable than traditional CVT'S it also is AWD with similar HP to the wilderness and it gets 40MPG. It also has over 8 inches clearance. Its not as all around useful as the wilderness but to me it looks like it could be an underated overlander.

The main problem is the lack of AM support for MAZDA compared to the Outback.

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u/Humble-Giant — 20 hours ago

Power liftgate

Our 2016 outback hatch never opens. It beeps starts to open beeps again and shuts. Every time it opens at different heights beeps and closes. Im sure we messed it up when we over stuffed the back with a large chair and traveled home with the hatch closed 3/4 shut but rattling around the entire trip. Any help on a diy fix or maybe some ideas what I should try to diagnose the issue would be appreciated

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u/Pretend_Mechanic_331 — 9 hours ago
🔥 Hot ▲ 80 r/Subaru_Outback

I changed my Loyalty badges

A couple weeks ago, I posted that I installed my new loyalty badges on my Subie. After several comments about them not being straight I decided to remedy the situation. AND also readdress the loyalty NUMBER on them. I had a seven, and after some thought and math ( I know not hard math, LOL) I realized I have actually had 9. Not including any parts cars. Just cars I have owned and driven for more than a few months.

So, using the VIN from my GT, I ordered a new set with the 9th and have installed them with more care. Attempting to get them as straight as possible. It does however look like I got the 9th a little crooked. BUT, it's way better than the last attempt.

For those wanting their own, go to Subarugear.com and enter your vehicle info. You can get them from 1 to 10+ (meaning you've owned more than 10).

Thanks for looking. Subie forever.

u/PlaceUserNameHere67 — 1 day ago

What little upgrades do you recommend?

Just upgraded from a 2016 to a 2024 Onyx Edition this past November. Absolutely in love with the Outback!

What other little upgrades have you done or recommend, including where to get them (e.g. Amazon or specific websites/vendors)? My first item is to get the front windows tinted to match the back ones, maybe in a month or so for a birthday gift to myself.

Did a nice detailing this morning and took my first photo shoot lol, hope y’all enjoy. Have a great week, my friends!

u/WallySteve — 1 day ago
🔥 Hot ▲ 187 r/Subaru_Outback

I bought my first Subaru.

I ended up trading in my Mazda cx-50 for an Outback. Everything about the Outback is better than my cx-50 from my personal experience. From quality, comfort, technology and driving experience. I’m happy I made the switch and plan to keep the Outback for a long time. Still learning all the features it has to offer, I’m very happy with this purchase.

u/SourApple19 — 2 days ago

2017 3.6r Outback maintenance list

The car has only 40K miles. I do a yearly oil change with the filter, air filter, cabin filter. It probably needs some time based maintenance even with low mileage. Can you guys help put a list of maintenance items.

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u/Vidco91 — 19 hours ago
🔥 Hot ▲ 122 r/Subaru_Outback

Did a thing

Went from a '21 Ascent Limited to the '26 Outback Premium.

Ascent was almost at 47k miles, had positivity equity of 5k. No warranty on Ascent and rather than worry about 60k mile service, new tires at some point, and whatever issues may pop up cause of it having a lift kit. I have no need for a 7 passenger SUV for my dog and I. No turbo need anymore either or 5k towing. Had added ditch lights and a brush guard which aesthetically I enjoyed a lot.

But I'm starting back over with a new ride.

I'm losing the moon roof, upgraded sound system and heated steering wheel. The only thing I'll maybe miss the most is the upgraded sound system. I can wear gloves for cold weather. I never used the moon roof except to worry when it was going to leak again. The Ascent was a great car and drove great for the 25k miles i put on it within last few years, but it just was overkill at this point for me.

PA dealer, and knew I might have some leverage since the cars aren't selling the best right now. They wanted 38k for the car. I got it to 34k. Added trade in since they adjusted from 18k to 21.5k for the Ascent, since I had another dealer offering 22.5k. They tried to add 2k to some random car care, silent security and had them removed both of those lines. No money down, locked in at 4.9% for 72 months through Subaru. I told them I need that rate or I won't finance through them since my bank was offering 5.5. Went in at 1, left at 3 cause they needed to detail it etc. Came back at 4:30 and by 7 I was out after the finance guy tried his best to get me to do extended warranties etc for $4400!! I told him to basically save it as I'm not planning on any of the fluff besides I did agree to add the maintenance package for oil changes, wipers etc for 3 yrs. Payment went from 411/m for the Ascent to 505/m. Dealer closed at 5pm and the salesman and finance manager both had to stay till 7 with me as they really wanted to sell the car.

Hoping to enjoy this ride for a very long time. The color is gorgeous and looks really nice with the black cladding and even though a lot of people don't like the new look, I enjoy it.

Did I make out good on this deal?

u/dewthedrew90 — 2 days ago

Going to shop for an outback wilderness this week. Negotiating advice

I'm trading in a BMW X5 2025. Kelly Blue Book says the average I should get for trade in is 60.5k.

I see that a "good" deal on a OBW is about 5k off of retail.

Should I be able to get the 60.5k trade in value and 5k off of retail? Or is that really pushing it?

reddit.com

3D print key fob w/ OEM buttons

Tried to find one, couldn’t - so I’m learning how to make one. Doing test run and fine tuning this week but this is the gist. Will be about half as thick and almost 20mm shorter than OEM fob but will use existing buttons. Hoping to figure out some way to add colour accents more than just the front and back, but that’ll be V2 once I’ve confirmed the build works.

u/WDFalc — 1 day ago
🔥 Hot ▲ 144 r/Subaru_Outback

Got my first Subie! Here is my experience

I'm loving my 2026 Outback Wilderness! I had a 2023 Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid that Kia bought back due to lemon law. I was between the 2026 Outback Wilderness or 2026 RAV4 Woodland. Subaru has the safety and reliability going for it but I would be back to a gas engine. Toyota is known for their hybrid system but I live in the mountains with no garage. So it was expensive gas but will last forever vs hybrid.

The Subaru salespeople were very nice, very knowledgeable, and the new outback feels very luxurious. I was able to drive the exact trim I wanted and look at other package options. They only texted me per my request and I never felt pressured. I shopped around and was working with 2 dealerships. One was next to where I live and one next to my grandparents an hour away. I got a super good deal with the one next to where I live. I had to turn in my Kia at a dealership that was an hour away closer to my grandparents. Subaru offered to pick me up and had no problem getting me and my dogs. My dogs were also very spoiled when we got to the dealership. Finance was easy and negotiations continued for protection plans. I felt like everything was priced fair or very well.

Toyota is doin this fake fomo crap and not having any stock to look at is ridiculous! The salesmen would just push for a deposit. I called around and since I contacted multiple dealerships I was getting 5+ calls a day asking for a deposit! I told everyone to only text me and I was getting so many calls from Toyota that I had to block certain numbers. They would call me just to say they still don't have any and I should reserve one. They did offer at one point to reserve one without a deposit but it was too little too late. I did get to drive an XLE last week and it felt soooo cheap on the inside. They don't come in a gray color and I wanted to see the colors they had in person and they couldn't even do that.

I'm very happy with my purchase and experience with Subaru. I may get the hybrid Outback in the future, but only if gas stays wildly expensive. Even then just having the piece of mind of an engine that can be worked on is nice again. The ride is surprisingly smoother and has less body rolled than my Kia. The turbo gives it plenty of get up and go, to pass people on the mountain. Android Auto works nicely and maps is integrated into the dash. The only thing I'm having an issue with, which I knew I would, is the app. Where I live cell reception is spotty and Verizon is the worst. My Kia used Verizon. I told Subaru about my past issues with the Kia app and they said, impossible our app works everywhere. Well it doesn't, so no remote start from home but, I can use it and the other fetaures when I'm out and about. Still 10/10 would recommend.

u/Purple_penguin42 — 3 days ago

OEM window guard question

I’m looking to order these, however, I’m a little confused about the pictures. Both of these images are from the same listing and showing two different withs. Both have the exact same item number but come down from the car to the exact same spot but one is visually shorter than the other. I emailed customer service but all I’ve gotten is crickets.

I want to assume that it’s a dumb photoshop showing off the different ways you can mount them but I wanted to be sure before I buy.

I hope to mount mine like the second image. I’m curious to see if anyone can show off theirs?

I’m open to alternate guards if anyone has suggestions but I like the smooth look of these.

Thanks!

u/Dragoncrazy098 — 2 days ago