Trucks and SUVs

2025 Best Compact SUV: Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is no stranger to top marks in the annual AutoTrader Awards. After considering every model in this segment, our jury of experts has once again voted the 2025 Subaru Outback as the Best Compact SUV to buy in Canada, signifying a four-time win for this well-rounded crossover.

Our experts are confident recommending the Outback because it’s roomy, practical, comfortable, easy to drive, extremely flexible, very dog-friendly, and offers solid value when it comes to safety, fuel economy, and long-term value.

The Outback’s slightly longer and lower shape with a full-length roof gives it a wagon-like appearance that opens up additional benefits for drivers and their families. With the seats folded flat, the Outback’s cargo hold can easily accommodate taller items like dog kennels, while other competitors might come up short. The Outback’s shape and height also mean that a dog could jump in and out more easily than a taller SUV model, and drivers can access roof-mounted accessories without needing a ladder.

The Outback’s just-right height also enables a taller and more upright driving position that many shoppers love about SUVs, but without towering above the road. With plenty of tall, open glass, outward sightlines are excellent.

If you do a lot of travelling on rough surfaces, you’ll appreciate the Outback’s comfortable ride. If you find other SUVs too stiff, give the Outback a shot. Drivers who prefer a comfort-first approach to their SUV’s ride will appreciate the softness and control built into the Outback’s suspension. The setup does an admirable job of soaking up challenging surfaces while maintaining good body motion control and relatively low noise levels. 

Other favourite features include terrain modes for different conditions like mud or snow, and the adaptive headlights that work well with automatic high beams to help improve visibility and reduce eye strain, especially on winding unlit roads.

Shoppers on the fence between the Outback and Crosstrek have some thinking to do since several trim grades of each overlap on price. Both were voted as best in their segments by our experts this year, so you can’t go wrong with either one, but the Outback is roomier and has a higher towing capacity, without sacrificing efficiency.

The 2025 Subaru Outback is available in seven trims with pricing from the high-$30,000 to the low-$50,000 range.

All models are standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the award-winning EyeSight driver assistance and safety system. This camera-based technology incorporates functions including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and adaptive headlights with high beam assist. Available blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert further increases driver confidence. 

As the EyeSight system continues to evolve, a new automatic emergency steering feature has been added for 2025 to help drivers avoid obstacles. 

Engine choices include the proven 2.5L boxer four-cylinder with 182 hp as standard, and the turbocharged 2.4L boxer engine with 260 hp on select models.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the model range, with wireless connectivity of both systems standard from the Premium trim and higher. Other notable features include a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, power tailgate, premium audio, front-view monitor, rearview mirror camera, and more. 

Opt for the Wilderness model if you frequently tackle rough and challenging terrain. With a lifted ride, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, upgraded suspension, and tougher tires, the Outback Wilderness was designed for the adventurous driver looking for a factory-built, high-capability option.

Top safety scores from industry authorities and an AWD system that makes easy work of challenging conditions help the 2025 Subaru Outback be ready for anything that the road or Mother Nature has in store, making it an undeniable best buy in this segment.