Truly cheap cars are all but gone from the new car market in the United States, a trend that rather inconveniently coincides with a widespread affordability crisis affecting virtually every other sector of the economy. While a purchase price in the mid-$30,000 range is not exactly cheap for the vast majority of everyday buyers, it represents a remarkably strong value proposition for a modern, highly capable midsize crossover.
Subaru has officially announced pricing for the 2027 Outback, revealing that the crossover will start nearly $2,000 cheaper than last year, coming in at $34,540. This significant price reduction is primarily made possible by the introduction of a new base trim level. Other Outback trim levels across the lineup have also seen price cuts, signaling that the automaker is making a concerted effort to ease financial pressures on consumers. This shift follows Subaru’s recent strategy of reintroducing base trims on other models, such as the spunky WRX.
Despite being the entry-level offering, the new Outback base model is far from being a stripped-down, bare-bones vehicle. It comes generously equipped with Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment, along with heavy-duty roof rails, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer. Convenience features like a power tailgate and 18-inch silver wheels are also included right out of the box.
Inside, the cabin features standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Subaru’s much-improved 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Altogether, this makes the base Outback the least expensive all-wheel-drive midsize SUV currently available on the market, positioning it as an exceptionally compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on weather-ready capability.
More features, less dough
The Outback Premium served as the entry-level model last year, but with the addition of the new base car, it now sits one step up in the hierarchy. While Subaru increased its destination charge for the 2027 model year—effectively erasing what would have been a $225 price drop for the Premium—the trim sees only a modest $95 increase, bringing its starting price to $36,540.
Stepping up to the Premium trim rewards buyers with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and durable faux leather upholstery in place of the base car’s cloth seating. For shoppers looking for even more refinement, moving up to the Outback Limited now costs $1,625 less than it did last year, with a starting price of $41,540.
The Limited trim adds a comprehensive suite of upscale features, including built-in navigation, automatic rain-sensing wipers, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a heated steering wheel, a power moonroof, genuine leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, heated rear outboard seats, and an 8-way power passenger seat.
At the upper end of the standard powertrain range is the Outback Touring, which is now $1,805 cheaper than last year, priced at $45,040. This luxury-focused trim includes premium Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, an expanded 12-way power driver’s seat, and advanced driver assistance systems featuring Subaru’s new hands-free highway driving capability.
All of the aforementioned trim levels are powered by the standard 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, which generates 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to all four wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Power-hungry buyers get savings too
For buyers who desire significantly more performance than what the Outback’s standard naturally aspirated engine provides, Subaru offers a turbocharged alternative across select trims, and these models benefit from price cuts as well.
The Limited XT serves as the most accessible entry point to the gutsy 260-horsepower turbocharged engine, starting at $45,140, which is $675 cheaper than the previous model year. Meanwhile, the rugged, off-road-focused Outback Wilderness starts at $45,540—a $905 decrease from last year.
The Wilderness variant comes equipped with a noticeably raised ride height, specialized adaptive dampers, the 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and distinctive off-road styling cues. Buyers of the Wilderness can also opt for a comprehensive package that adds Nappa leather seating, ventilated front seats, hands-free highway driving aids, and a power-adjustable passenger seat.
At the very top of the lineup sits the Outback Touring XT, which sees a substantial price drop of $1,305, bringing its retail price to $48,140. It includes all the luxury amenities found in the non-turbo Touring model, paired with the potent turbocharged powerplant. To freshen up the exterior styling for the new model year, Subaru has introduced three new premium paint colors, each available for an additional $395: Sand Dune Pearl, Daybreak Blue Pearl, and Snowfall White Silica.
The seventh-generation Subaru Outback has already established a strong reputation for versatility, but the decision to buck industry trends by actually lowering prices across the lineup elevates its overall value proposition. Direct competitors in the midsize crossover and SUV space—such as the Honda Passport, Toyota Crown Signia, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and Chevrolet Blazer—frequently carry price tags thousands of dollars higher while often lacking Subaru’s trademark blend of mechanical ruggedness, dependable all-weather capability, and strong long-term resale value.
