Subaru Outback (FB25) 2.5L
is it a safe used buy?

The modern Outback, paired with the meaningfully improved FB25 and Subaru's Lineartronic CVT — a confident choice that sidesteps the older EJ25-powered Outback's defining concern covered elsewhere on this site.

GENERATION5th gen (2015–2019)

ENGINE2.5L FB25

POWER175 hp

USED PRICE$16,000–25,000

How the engine fits this car

This generation's Outback pairs the meaningfully improved FB25 with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT — both covered on their own dedicated pages, and both carrying a reputation meaningfully stronger than the components found on the older EJ25-powered Outback.

If you've read about the older Outback's head gasket issue on this site, this generation's engine is the direct, well-documented answer — a genuinely different proposition from a reliability standpoint.

Subaru Outback (FB25)-specific pros and cons

This is about the car itself — for engine-specific failure points, see the dedicated engine page below.

WHAT HOLDS UP WELL

FB25's meaningfully improved reliability reputation, detailed on the engine page, carries through fully here
Genuine all-wheel-drive capability and comfortable ride quality that define this model's enduring popularity
Lineartronic CVT's chain-driven design is regarded as more durable than some rival belt-driven CVTs
Strong resale value reflects broad, sustained buyer confidence in this model's dependability

WHAT TO WATCH

Early production years within this generation saw a documented subset of CVT chain and clutch pack wear complaints
Minor engine oil consumption has been reported on a small subset of examples
Fuel economy, while reasonable, is a genuine consideration given the vehicle's size and all-wheel-drive drivetrain
Infotainment system on earlier examples within this generation feels less refined than later updates

Pricing on the used market

Mileage band

Typical price

What to expect

Under 60,000 mi

$21,000–25,000

Lower-mileage, well-kept examples

60,000–100,000 mi

$18,000–21,000

Sweet spot, verify CVT fluid history

100,000+ mi

$16,000–18,000

Still a confident buy with documented maintenance

The engine itself

This Outback is a defining application of the meaningfully improved FB25, paired with the Lineartronic CVT. Full detail on both lives on their dedicated pages.

FULL ENGINE BREAKDOWNSubaru 2.5L FB25 Flat-Four — Reliable or Not →

Other engines in this generation

This car's CVT has its own, separately documented set of considerations worth understanding before you buy.

Lineartronic CVTThe transmission paired with this engine — check its own page before buying

Pre-purchase checklist for this generation

Test drive under both light and firmer acceleration, feeling specifically for CVT shudder or hesitation, per the guidance on the transmission page.

Ask whether CVT fluid has ever been serviced, and treat an unserviced example as a candidate for proactive service.

Check oil level yourself if possible, given the minor consumption reports on a subset of engine examples.