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Consumer Reports Says Subaru Outback Is Your Best 10-Year-Old SUV Pick

The Subaru Outback is now one of the three best ten-year-old used car picks and the best SUV choice for shoppers. Check out the top picks from Consumer Reports that are under $15,000.

With new cars hard to find and used car prices rising, you want the best vehicle available. Consumer Reports (CR) announced its best ten-year-old used cars and SUVs for shoppers to buy now. The 2013 Subaru Outback is among the top three on CR's newly-updated rankings.

Vehicles had better than average reliability, scored high in performance, owner satisfaction, and got top safety scores from the IIHS.

The 2013 Subaru Outback was the highest-ranked SUV in the ten-year-old used car category. The 2013 Honda Accord was the highest-ranked used car, and the 2013 Toyota Prius V was the highest-ranked Hybrid car.

2013 Subaru Outback

Consumer Reports says, "The Subaru Outback is a smart alternative to traditional SUVs. Seek models with the camera-based EyeSight safety system."

The 2013 Outback EyeSight driver-assist system comes with a pre-collision braking system, capable of pedestrian detection, lane-departure, sway warning, and adaptive cruise control.

2013 Subaru Outback

What is the 2013 Subaru Outback safety score?

Subaru's standard all-wheel-drive vehicles excel in all-weather driving, but the brand is also known for its exceptional crash protection and safety record. As a result, the 2013 Outback earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS.

New upgrades for 2013

The 2013 Outback 2.5-liter engine received upgrades. The new models debut a new double-overhead-cam 2.5-liter engine with increased performance and fuel efficiency. The new engine produces 173 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to 170 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. with the previous engine.

What is the fuel mileage of the Subaru Outback?

The 2013 Subaru Outback with the 2.5-liter engine gets an estimated 24/30 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg with the automatic transmission and 18/24/20 with the 3.6-liter engine. CR says the owner reported fuel mileage is 25 mpg.

What is the price of the 2013 Subaru Outback?

Consumer Reports give a price range of $10,150 to $13,525 for a ten-year-old model. You can check local inventory here.

Three Trim Levels

The 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i models came in three trim levels; Base, Premium, and Limited. 2013 Outback 3.6R models were offered in Base and Limited.

Consumer Reports says, "Subaru's popular Outback gained some welcome refinement with its 2015 redesign. The interior is nicely finished, roomy, and spacious, and the touch-screen infotainment system is a major improvement. The Outback rides very comfortably, and handling is responsive and secure."

Are you looking for a vehicle that’s newer?

The 2017 Subaru Outback also ranks among the most reliable and fuel-efficient used 2-Row SUVs if you are looking for a newer used model. The 2017 Subaru Outback is one of the eight top models that are five years old. Consumer Reports says it's family-friendly, not as bulky as a 3-Row SUV, gets top safety scores, and is fuel-efficient.

Consumers looking for the best used SUVs under $15,000 have many choices. The Subaru Outback ranks the number one ten-year-old SUV. Check out the used Subaru models to avoid.

You Might Also Like: 10 Best Used SUVs Under $15K - Subaru Outback, Forester Are The Top Picks

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA