At a time when truly affordable new cars have all but vanished from the American automotive market, Subaru is swimming against the current. Amid a widespread affordability crisis affecting nearly every sector of consumer spending, the Japanese automaker has announced pricing for the 2027 Subaru Outback, revealing price cuts across almost the entire lineup and introducing a brand-new base trim level.
The 2027 Subaru Outback will start at $34,540, marking a nearly $2,000 reduction compared to the entry point of the previous model year. While a mid-$30,000 vehicle may not fit the traditional definition of a budget car for the average earner, it represents an exceptionally strong value proposition within the midsize crossover segment. This pricing strategy mirrors Subaru’s recent moves elsewhere in its portfolio, such as the reintroduction of the base trim for its WRX sports sedan.
Despite dropping the price of entry by roughly $2,000, Subaru has ensured that the new base Outback is far from a stripped-down, bare-bones vehicle. The entry-level model comes generously equipped with the brand’s signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. Buyers will also find heavy-duty roof rails, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, a power-operated tailgate, and 18-inch silver wheels. Inside, the cabin features modern technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Subaru’s updated 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. With this extensive list of standard features, the new base Outback establishes itself as one of the most accessible all-wheel-drive midsize SUVs on the market.
More features, less dough
The restructuring of the Outback lineup means that last year’s entry point, the Outback Premium, now sits one step above the new base model. Although Subaru adjusted its destination charges upward for the 2027 model year—which slightly offsets a small drop in the vehicle’s base MSRP—the Premium trim arrives at $36,540, representing an increase of just $95 compared to the previous year. For that price, buyers upgrade from cloth seating to faux leather, gain a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and receive a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Moving further up the ladder, the Outback Limited sees a more substantial price reduction, costing $1,625 less than last year with a starting price of $41,540. Stepping into the Limited trim adds built-in navigation, automatic rain-sensing wipers, a wireless smartphone charger, a heated steering wheel, a power moonroof, genuine leather upholstery, heated rear seats, an 8-way power passenger seat, and a premium Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system.
At the upper end of the standard powertrain range, the Outback Touring is priced at $45,040, which is $1,805 cheaper than the previous model year. This luxury-oriented trim features Nappa leather seats, ventilated front seats, a 12-way power driver’s seat, and expanded Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) capabilities, including Subaru’s new hands-free highway driving system.
All of the aforementioned trim levels are powered by Subaru’s familiar 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine. The standard naturally aspirated powerplant generates 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, routing power to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Power-hungry buyers get savings too
For buyers seeking more performance than the standard 2.5-liter engine provides, Subaru’s turbocharged powertrain options have also received notable price cuts for the 2027 model year.
The turbocharged lineup kicks off with the Limited XT, which serves as the most affordable way to access the punchy 260-horsepower turbocharged engine. Priced at $45,140, it is $675 cheaper than the equivalent model from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the rugged, off-road-oriented Outback Wilderness starts at $45,540, reflecting a $905 price drop. The Wilderness distinguishes itself with a raised ride height, adaptive dampers, the 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, and distinct exterior styling. Buyers can also opt to equip the Wilderness with an optional package that adds luxury touches such as Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power passenger seat, and hands-free highway driving functionality.
Sitting at the very top of the hierarchy is the Outback Touring XT. Priced at $48,140, it represents a significant savings of $1,305 compared to last year’s model, while incorporating all the luxury features found in the non-turbo Touring trim. To freshen up the exterior, Subaru has introduced three new premium paint colors for the 2027 model year, each available for an additional $395: Sand Dune Pearl, Daybreak Blue Pearl, and Snowfall White Silica.
Subaru’s decision to lower prices across the seventh-generation Outback lineup positions the vehicle favorably against segment competitors. Rival midsize crossovers and SUVs—including the Honda Passport, Toyota Crown Signia, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and Chevrolet Blazer—frequently command thousands of dollars more while lacking the brand’s established reputation for rugged capability, standard all-wheel drive, and long-term resale value.