Importing a Subaru Outback from the USA: generations, model years and what to check

The Subaru Outback is a raised wagon (a crossover-wagon) — sedan comfort, wagon space and SUV clearance in one. Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on every trim. It appears regularly on US auctions (Copart, IAAI). The key detail before customs: older generations have a big 3.6L flat-six, and engine size is an excise lever — so the engine you choose affects the price as much as age does.

Generations and model years

4th generation (BR), 2010–2014

Boxer engine: 2.5L (170 hp) or the 3.6R flat-six (256 hp). An older generation — deep over 6 years old in 2026, and the 3.6L large displacement means a high excise. Cheap at auction, expensive at customs.

5th generation (BS), 2015–2019

2.5L (175 hp) or the 3.6R flat-six (256 hp), Lineartronic CVT standard. EyeSight safety available. The 2018 facelift restyled the front and updated the multimedia. A budget-friendly, durable pick.

6th generation (BT), 2020–2024

Built on the Subaru Global Platform — better handling, safety and a big 11.6" portrait screen. A 2.5L (182 hp) plus a new 2.4L turbo XT (260 hp) that replaced the 3.6L flat-six. EyeSight standard. The Wilderness (off-road) was added from 2022. This generation is the most popular to import.

7th generation, 2025+

The new, more SUV-like generation is slowly appearing at auction — still limited in number and priced high.

Outback year by year — 2015 to 2024

Below, each model year is covered separately — what changed that year and what to keep in mind when importing in 2026 (especially age, engine size and excise).

Outback 2015

Start of the 5th generation (BS) — new design, more space, a CVT and EyeSight. 2.5L or the 3.6R flat-six. In 2026 it is already over 6 years old, so the higher (triple) excise applies — but it is the cheapest Outback at auction.

Outback 2016

A carryover of the 2015 with minor changes — improved equipment. 2.5L or 3.6R. A reliable budget option. Over 6 years old, so the excise is high.

Outback 2017

Equipment updates and EyeSight became more widely available. Both the 2.5L and the 3.6R are available. A well-equipped used car. Over 6 years old in 2026.

Outback 2018

A facelift — restyled front, better multimedia and more standard safety. Importing an Outback 2018 from the USA is a good balance of equipment and price, though it is over 6 years old → higher excise.

Outback 2019

The final BS year — the most refined of this generation and the last 3.6R flat-six Outback. A dependable option, but the big engine means a higher excise and more fuel. Over 6 years old.

Outback 2020

An all-new 6th generation (BT) on the Subaru Global Platform: a big 11.6" screen, and a new 2.4L turbo XT (260 hp) replacing the 3.6L flat-six. Importing an Outback 2020 from the USA is popular; it turns 6 in 2026 — the excise is borderline, so confirm with the calculator.

Outback 2021

Equipment updates and EyeSight improvements. 2.5L or the 2.4L turbo. Still under 6 years, so the excise is low — a worthwhile pick.

Outback 2022

The new Wilderness trim was added — raised clearance and off-road gear. Importing an Outback 2022 from the USA pays off: it is comfortably under 6 years, so clearing it is cheap. A balance between price and being recent.

Outback 2023

Minor equipment and safety updates — modern features plus a low excise. One of the best choices to import in 2026.

Outback 2024

The final BT year before the 2025 new generation — the most sorted of this generation. The newest → the lowest excise (well under 6 years). If your budget allows, the Outback 2024 is the best balance of recency and price.

For the exact customs on any year see the 2026 excise rules or use the calculator.

Engine and drivetrain — which to choose

• 2.5L boxer: simple, reliable, economical — most Outbacks are this.
• 3.6R flat-six (2010–2019): smooth and strong (256 hp), but the large displacement means a higher excise and more fuel.
• 2.4L turbo XT (2020+): the modern performance version (260 hp) — smaller in displacement than the 3.6. Unlike the Forester, the Outback kept a turbo.
• Symmetrical AWD: all-wheel drive is standard on every Outback — there is no front-wheel-drive version.

What to check before bidding

• Damage history: most Outbacks come with a salvage title — check the damage type and frame integrity.
• CVT gearbox: on high-mileage cars, check the Lineartronic CVT condition and service history.
• Turbo (XT) / flat-six: on the 2.4XT check the turbo; on the 3.6R check the oil-change history.
• Recalls: some years have known recalls — a VIN check is essential.

To assess a damaged lot see the Copart guide and run a VIN check.

Common problems — what to watch for

The Outback is reliable overall, but each generation has known weak spots:

• BS (2015–2019): some 2.5L (FB25) units show higher oil consumption; the 3.6R flat-six is durable but thirsty. Check the oil level.
• BT (2020–2024): mostly sorted; on high mileage watch the CVT and wheel bearings. Early units can have 11.6" screen freezes and known battery-drain cases.
• General: test the A/C, the large windshield (cracks are common) and infotainment — on damaged lots these are often the affected parts.

Fuel economy and mileage

The 2.5L boxer uses about 9–10 L/100 km in the city and 7–8 on the highway. The 3.6R flat-six is thirstier (12–13 L in town), the 2.4L turbo about 10–11 L. With proper care an Outback lasts 250,000+ km. At auction, 100,000–150,000 km (60,000–90,000 miles) is a good balance between price and remaining life.

Outback vs the rivals — Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Volvo V60 Cross Country

The Outback's main edge is standard all-wheel drive, high clearance (≈22 cm) and wagon space — practical for long trips and poor roads. The Subaru Forester has the same AWD but is a more compact, taller crossover; the Outback is longer and lower, so it is better on the highway. The Toyota RAV4 holds resale value better. The Volvo V60 Cross Country is more premium but parts are pricey. If space and highway comfort are the priority, the Outback leads.

Why the Outback is popular in Georgia

Standard Symmetrical AWD and high clearance are ideal for Caucasus roads — the Outback handles snow and poor roads confidently, while the wagon space is practical for a family. The boxer engine keeps a low centre of gravity. Parts and service are available. That is why the Outback stays an in-demand model to import.

Customs and price

The Outback excise depends on age and engine size — an under-6-year 2.5L or 2.4L turbo is significantly cheaper to clear, while the old 3.6L flat-six is expensive because of its large displacement. See the 2026 excise rules. For the exact cost of a specific lot use the calculator or get a personal quote.