2017 Subaru Outback Buyer's Guide: 2.5i vs 3.6R & Fair Prices

The Adventure Wagon

The 2017 Outback sits in the sweet spot of the fifth generation—refined from early production issues and benefiting from Subaru's mid-cycle updates. Every Outback comes with symmetrical AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it genuinely capable on unpaved roads.

The 2017 update made EyeSight driver assist standard on Premium and above trims. This system uses stereo cameras for adaptive cruise, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. It's one of the better driver assist systems of this era.

Engine Options

2.5L BOXER (175 hp) - Most Common

The base engine in most Outbacks. Provides adequate power for daily driving with 32 MPG highway. The CVT works well with this engine—smooth and unobtrusive. Towing capacity is 2,700 lbs. The main concern is oil consumption at higher mileage.

3.6L BOXER (256 hp) - Power Option

Available on Limited and Touring trims. Significantly more powerful with 247 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity increases to 3,000 lbs. Fuel economy drops to 25 MPG combined. The 6-cylinder boxer is smooth and doesn't have the oil consumption issues of the 2.5L.

Trim Level Guide

2.5i Base ($14,000-$17,000)

Basic model with 6.2-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and backup camera. Missing EyeSight driver assist. Cloth seats are durable. Good choice for buyers who prioritize simplicity and price over technology.

2.5i Premium ($17,000-$20,000)

The value leader. Adds EyeSight, 7-inch touchscreen, roof rails, heated front seats, and all-weather floor mats. The blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert is included. This is where most buyers should focus.

2.5i Limited ($19,000-$23,000)

Leather seating, 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, power liftgate, and Harman Kardon audio. LED steering responsive headlights added for 2017. Good balance of features for buyers wanting more refinement.

3.6R Limited ($21,000-$26,000)

Gets the more powerful 6-cylinder with Limited features. Better for mountain residents, frequent towing, or buyers who want the extra power margin. Fuel costs are higher but the engine is more reliable.

3.6R Touring ($23,000-$28,000)

Top trim with ventilated front seats, Java Brown leather, panoramic moonroof, and enhanced navigation. Full luxury treatment. Only worth it at significant discount—depreciation has hit these hard.

The CVT Question

All 2017 Outbacks use Subaru's Lineartronic CVT. It's one of the better CVT implementations—smooth, quiet, and reasonably durable. Some buyers prefer the feel of a traditional automatic, but the CVT contributes to fuel economy and works well with Outback's character.

What to Inspect

• Oil level check: Verify level on cold engine. Low oil between changes indicates consumption.
• Oil consumption records: Ask for documentation of any Subaru oil consumption tests.
• EyeSight function: Test adaptive cruise and lane departure. Cameras must be calibrated correctly.
• Windshield condition: Cracks can affect EyeSight. Replacement requires recalibration.
• CVT response: Should be smooth with no shuddering or hesitation.
• Head gasket history: Less common in FA-series engines but check for coolant leaks.

EyeSight Considerations

The EyeSight system uses two cameras mounted near the rearview mirror. Keep these considerations in mind:

• Windshield replacement requires calibration ($300-$500 additional)
• System doesn't work in heavy rain, snow, or fog
• Adaptive cruise is one of the smoothest in the industry
• Pre-collision braking has prevented many accidents