Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel to give you an honest review. If you're considering this car, you've come to the right place. We'll cover everything from performance and fuel economy to comfort and reliability. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel

The 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel is a popular choice for those seeking a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability. It's essentially the same as the petrol version, but with a diesel engine under the hood. This makes it an attractive option for people who do a lot of long-distance driving or who need extra torque for towing. The Outback has always been known for its ruggedness and reliability, and the diesel variant aims to enhance those qualities. It offers a spacious interior, plenty of cargo room, and Subaru's signature symmetrical all-wheel drive. All of these features combine to make it a versatile vehicle suitable for both city driving and weekend adventures. The Outback Diesel was designed to compete with other diesel SUVs and wagons on the market, offering a unique combination of features that set it apart. One of the key selling points is its fuel economy, which is significantly better than the petrol version, making it a cost-effective choice for high-mileage drivers. In addition, the diesel engine provides more torque, which is useful for towing and off-road driving. Subaru has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Outback Diesel is no exception. It's built to last, with a strong chassis and durable components. Of course, like any car, it has its pros and cons, which we'll explore in more detail in this review. But overall, the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a lot of value for the money. Whether you're looking for a practical family car or a capable adventure vehicle, the Outback Diesel is worth considering. And with its combination of fuel economy, torque, and reliability, it's easy to see why it's such a popular choice among drivers.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about how the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel performs on the road. The diesel engine provides a good amount of torque, which you'll notice when accelerating or climbing hills. It's not the fastest car off the line, but it has plenty of power for everyday driving. The engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel, producing around 150 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a decent amount of grunt for overtaking and towing. The Outback Diesel comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can take some getting used to. It's designed to maximize fuel economy, but it can feel a bit sluggish at times. However, it does a good job of keeping the engine in its optimal power range. Handling-wise, the Outback is stable and predictable. It's not a sports car, but it feels planted on the road. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The symmetrical all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. Whether you're driving on wet roads, snow, or gravel, the Outback feels confident and secure. Off-road, the Outback Diesel is surprisingly capable. It has a decent amount of ground clearance and the all-wheel drive system can handle most terrains. It's not a hardcore off-roader, but it can tackle dirt roads, forest trails, and even some rocky terrain. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride on both smooth and rough surfaces. One of the downsides of the diesel engine is that it can be a bit noisy, especially when cold. But once it warms up, it settles down to a more reasonable level. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel are solid. It's not the most exciting car to drive, but it's practical, capable, and comfortable. If you're looking for a reliable and versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions, the Outback Diesel is a good choice.

Fuel Economy

One of the biggest advantages of the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel is its fuel economy. Diesel engines are known for being more fuel-efficient than petrol engines, and the Outback Diesel is no exception. You can expect to get significantly better mileage compared to the petrol version. The official fuel economy figures are around 35 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city. However, real-world figures may vary depending on your driving style and conditions. In general, you can expect to get around 30-35 mpg on average. This is a significant improvement over the petrol Outback, which typically gets around 25-30 mpg. The fuel economy benefits are especially noticeable on long road trips. You'll be able to drive further between fill-ups, saving you time and money. The diesel engine also has a longer range than the petrol engine, which is useful if you're planning on doing a lot of highway driving. One thing to keep in mind is that diesel fuel can sometimes be more expensive than petrol. However, the increased fuel economy usually offsets the higher cost of fuel. Over the long term, you'll likely save money by driving the diesel version. Another factor to consider is that diesel engines require more maintenance than petrol engines. You'll need to change the oil more frequently, and there are some specific diesel engine components that may need to be replaced over time. However, the extra maintenance is usually worth it for the fuel economy benefits. Overall, the fuel economy of the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel is excellent. It's one of the main reasons why people choose this version over the petrol version. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions, the Outback Diesel is a great choice.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel, you'll find a comfortable and spacious interior. The seats are well-padded and supportive, making them ideal for long drives. There's plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The interior design is functional and straightforward, with easy-to-use controls. The materials are of decent quality, but they're not as luxurious as some of the competitors. The dashboard is well-organized, with all the essential information clearly displayed. The infotainment system is easy to use, with a touchscreen display and intuitive menus. It includes features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Outback Diesel also has a good amount of cargo space. The rear seats fold down to create a large, flat loading area. This makes it easy to transport bulky items like luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment. The ride quality is smooth and comfortable, even on rough roads. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes. The cabin is also relatively quiet, with minimal road noise and wind noise. One of the downsides of the interior is that it can feel a bit dated compared to some of the newer SUVs on the market. The design is functional, but it's not particularly stylish or modern. However, the comfort and practicality of the interior more than make up for its lack of style. Overall, the interior and comfort of the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel are excellent. It's a great car for long drives, with plenty of space, comfortable seats, and a smooth ride. If you're looking for a practical and comfortable SUV, the Outback Diesel is a great choice.

Reliability and Maintenance

When considering the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel, reliability and maintenance are important factors. Subaru has a good reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Outback Diesel is generally considered to be a dependable car. However, like any car, it has its potential issues. One of the most common problems reported by owners is related to the diesel particulate filter (DPF). The DPF is designed to trap soot and other particles from the exhaust, but it can become clogged over time. This can lead to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption. To prevent DPF problems, it's important to drive the car regularly at highway speeds. This allows the DPF to regenerate and burn off the accumulated soot. Another potential issue is related to the fuel injectors. Diesel engines use high-pressure fuel injectors, which can be sensitive to contaminants in the fuel. To avoid fuel injector problems, it's important to use high-quality diesel fuel and to change the fuel filter regularly. In terms of maintenance, the Outback Diesel requires more frequent oil changes than the petrol version. The recommended oil change interval is around 6,000 miles. It's also important to check the coolant level and the condition of the belts and hoses regularly. Overall, the reliability of the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel is good. However, it's important to be aware of the potential issues and to follow the recommended maintenance schedule. By taking good care of your Outback Diesel, you can help ensure that it lasts for many years to come. Subaru also offers a comprehensive warranty on the Outback Diesel, which covers many of the potential issues. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you're protected against unexpected repairs. If you're considering buying a used Outback Diesel, it's a good idea to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic. This can help you identify any potential problems before you buy the car. By doing your research and taking good care of your Outback Diesel, you can enjoy many years of reliable and trouble-free driving.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel:

Pros:

• Excellent fuel economy
• Good torque for towing and off-road driving
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Reliable and durable

Cons:

• Diesel engine can be noisy
• CVT transmission can feel sluggish
• Interior design is dated
• Potential DPF and fuel injector issues
• Requires more frequent maintenance than petrol version

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel? Overall, it's a solid and versatile vehicle that offers a lot of value for the money. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions, the Outback Diesel is a great choice. It's especially well-suited for people who do a lot of long-distance driving or who need extra torque for towing. However, it's important to be aware of the potential issues and to follow the recommended maintenance schedule. The diesel engine can be noisy, and the CVT transmission can feel sluggish at times. But overall, the Outback Diesel is a reliable and practical vehicle that's well worth considering. Whether you're looking for a family car or an adventure vehicle, the Outback Diesel is a great choice. And with its combination of fuel economy, torque, and reliability, it's easy to see why it's such a popular choice among drivers. So, if you're in the market for a diesel SUV, be sure to check out the 2017 Subaru Outback Diesel. You might just be surprised at how much it has to offer. Thanks for reading our review, and we hope it helped you make a more informed decision!