Subaru Outback Review
2017-2023
The Subaru Outback (BS 5th Gen and BT 6th Gen Series) is Kenya's undisputed flagship estate crossover tourer. Combining limousine-like rear legroom, 213 mm – 220 mm ground clearance, Symmetrical AWD with Dual X-Mode, 522 L boot space, and robust 2.5L NA or 2.4L Turbo boxer engines, it delivers unmatched ride comfort on long trips to Naivasha, Nanyuki, or Mombasa.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Exceptional long-distance ride comfort: Plush suspension absorbs upcountry road ripples effortlessly.
- High 213–220 mm ground clearance: Easily tackles unpaved murram roads, ruts, and deep puddles.
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: Both 2.5L and 2.4T engines qualify for 25% excise tax bracket.
What’s not so good
- Long 4.87-meter overall length: Requires care when parallel parking in tight Nairobi streets.
- Lineartronic CVT under towing: Demands auxiliary CVT fluid cooler for heavy trailer towing.
Most popular: Outback Limited / Touring / X-Break / XT 2.4 Turbo
5 doorsPetrolAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Subaru Outback (BS / BT Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- Estate Crossover Tourer
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol
- Engine sizes
- 2,498 cc (2.5L FB25) / 2,387 cc (2.4T FA24)
- Transmission
- Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
- Drivetrain
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
- Ground clearance
- 213 mm (BS) / 220 mm (BT)
- Source market
- Japan / UK (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 14.0 km/L (2.5L) / 11.8 km/L (2.4T). Tank: 63 L (about 882 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 2,026 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,376 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 16,211
- Full tank (63 L)
- KES 14,298
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
2.5i Limited / Touring / X-Break / Outdoor / Limited XT
- Setup
2.5L direct-injection boxer (182 hp / 239 Nm) or 2.4T (260 hp), Lineartronic CVT, SAWD with X-Mode, 14.0 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
The undisputed long-distance touring choice in Kenya (KSh 2.8M – 5.5M) offering supreme ride comfort.
Package tiers
Package options for JDM and UK imports.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Limited / X-Break | Executive tourer | Water-repellent seats, EyeSight v4, dual X-Mode, power tailgate, and 18-inch alloys. |
| Touring / XT | Flagship luxury | Nappa leather, 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, heated steering wheel, and sunroof. |
About the Subaru Outback
Kenya enforces an 8-year age restriction from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Outback models sit cleanly inside the legal import window.\n\nWith 2,498 cc (2.5L FB25) and 2,387 cc (2.4T FA24 Turbo) engines, all variants sit strictly at or under 2,500 cc to trigger KRA's standard 25% excise duty tax rate.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
