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- Huge, Family-Ready Trunk Space: Surprisingly Large Cargo Space. For a smaller, wagon-style vehicle, the Outback delivers huge trunk space. It easily fits a full-size stroller and still has room to spare—perfect for everyday family life.
- Excellent for Two Car Seats: With great rear-facing clearance and removable headrests, the Outback makes car seat installation really manageable—especially for families with one or two kids.
- Strong Value (Especially Pre-Owned): Because Subaru doesn’t change the Outback drastically year to year, you can find amazing options on the used market that still feel current, safe, and reliable.
The Exterior
What Is the Outback, Really?
The Outback sits in a unique category—it’s essentially a wagon/hatchback hybrid with SUV-like capability. That means:
- Easier to drive and park than a full SUV
- Lower to the ground (great for kids getting in and out)
- Still offers impressive cargo space
It’s one of those cars I often recommend for:
- A “dad car” that still works for the kids
- Families living in the city
- Teen drivers or secondary vehicles
Why It’s a Smart Buy (Especially Used)
One of the biggest strengths of the Outback? Value.
Subaru doesn’t drastically change this model year to year, which means:
- The 2015+ models (5th gen) and 2020+ models (6th gen) feel very similar
- There are tons of great options on the pre-owned market
- You can get a reliable, safe car at a really solid price
This is why the Outback consistently lands on my list of most recommended used family cars.
First Row
Interior & Tech: Functional, Not Flashy
Let’s be honest—the Outback is not winning awards for its tech.
The interior leans more practical than polished:
- Larger physical buttons
- Slightly clunky infotainment system
- Design that feels a bit dated compared to competitors
But here’s the thing—you’re not buying this car for cutting-edge tech.
You are getting:
- Heated and ventilated seats (on higher trims)
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless charging + USB/USB-C ports
- Rearview camera mirror (great for visibility with kids in back)
It may not be glamorous, but it gets the job done.
Second Row
Second Row Comfort
The second row is surprisingly roomy for the size of the vehicle:
- Good headroom and legroom
- Heated seats
- Rear vents + charging ports
- Smart storage (including divided seatback pockets and side cubbies)
It feels comfortable and functional—exactly what most families need day-to-day.
Third Row
Trunk
Cargo Space: The Standout Feature
This is where the Outback really shines.
For a smaller vehicle, the cargo space is seriously impressive:
- Easily fits a full-size stroller
- Wide and deep trunk area
- Fold-flat seats for even more room
It honestly feels like half the car is trunk space, which is exactly what you want as a parent.
Safety
The 2024 Subaru Outback is an IIHS Top Safety Pick and earned 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA.
Car Seat Setup: Great for Two, Not for Three
This is where we really break it down from a family perspective.
The Good:
- 5 lower anchors + 3 tether anchors
- Excellent rear-facing clearance (even for taller drivers)
- Removable headrests (huge win for installs)
The Not-So-Great:
- Buckles are rigid and recessed
- Seat shape makes installs tricky
- Three-across setups are very difficult
After testing multiple configurations, this is my takeaway:
👉 This is an excellent car for TWO car seats
👉 I would not buy it with the intention of doing three across
Even if you can make three work, it likely won’t be practical long-term as your kids grow and needs change.
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