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2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback is a compact SUV, rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year.

2020 Subaru Outback
© Dinkun Chen · CC BY-SA 4.0
Combined MPG
29
NHTSA safety
Starting price
$30,000
Recalls
6

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Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeSubaru
ModelOutback
Model year2020
Vehicle classCompact SUV

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement2.5 L
Cylinders4
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S8)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG26
Highway MPG33
Combined MPG29
CO₂ tailpipe308 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$2150

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Outback AWD29 MPG combined
Outback AWD26 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City26 MPG
Highway33 MPG
Combined29 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Outback29 MPG
Class average32.2 MPG

About 10% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$528/mo
Amount financed
$27,000
Total interest
$4,697
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5-year fuel cost
$6,931

$1,386/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG29
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Extended warranty & insurance

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Cost to own

Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.

Safety ratings & recalls

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
Overall
Frontal crash
Side crash
Rollover

Recalls (6)

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION20V766000 · 2020-12-10

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software and, if necessary, replace the Cockpit Control Module, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-20.

  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)21V955000 · 2021-12-09

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

    Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V587000 · 2021-07-29

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES19V664000 · 2019-09-18

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.

  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)22V485000 · 2022-07-08

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

    Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.

  • AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V227000 · 2024-03-22

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the MPG of the 2020 Subaru Outback?

The 2020 Subaru Outback is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway).

Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable?

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2020 Subaru Outback. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.

How safe is the 2020 Subaru Outback?

The 2020 Subaru Outback earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2020 Subaru Outback?

At 12,000 miles per year, the 2020 Subaru Outback costs roughly $1,386 per year to fuel, or about $6,931 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.

What type of vehicle is the 2020 Subaru Outback?

The 2020 Subaru Outback is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.

Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC