2013 Subaru Legacy/Outback
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Subaru Legacy/Outback is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 32 highway), 7% better than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2013
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 25 to 27
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Legacy/Outback →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +7% | $2,500 | 330 |
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | +21% | $2,600 | 341 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | -5% | $2,800 | 375 |
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +12% | $2,800 | 375 |
| Legacy AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -21% | $3,350 | 443 |
| Outback AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -7% | $3,350 | 443 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Subaru Legacy/Outback.
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Legacy/Outback.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2013 Subaru Legacy/Outback is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru Legacy/Outback in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2013 Subaru Legacy/Outback buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru Legacy/Outback. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Legacy/Outback years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 Legacy/Outback | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 Legacy/Outback | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 Legacy/Outback | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 Legacy/Outback | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Legacy/Outback | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 Legacy/Outback | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →