This Extremely Popular Vehicle Is One Of The Best For A Retiree

The 2025 Subaru Outback was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best vehicles for older drivers, due to the model's comfortable seats and a host of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, collision warning system, lane-centering assist, and various other safety features.

It isn't just U.S. News that likes the vehicle. Consumer Reports gave the Subaru Outback an overall high score of 85 out of 100 for being a good functional SUV with above average reliability. The vehicle was named in Car and Driver's 2025 Editors' Choice list. And a review from Edmunds.com described it as a safe, durable, all-weather vehicle.

In short, the 2025 Subaru Outback isn't a car brand retirees will instantly regret buying. On the negative side, the vehicle's infotainment system was criticized by U.S. News and Edmunds for being confusing, and the model's standard trim has received some snipes for having an underpowered engine. But on the positive side, the 2025 Outback can seat five people comfortably. There's 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space, or 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which provides plenty of room for huge shopping trips or maybe even camping expeditions. The vehicle can drive well on forest service roads. Most of its trims can travel 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

Unfortunately, the 2025 Subaru Outback isn't all that cheap. Its prices range between $29,060 and $44,730 per Edmunds, depending on the trims and/or deal. Such price points might be out of range for someone almost entirely dependent on Social Security for income, which after the official Social Security COLA increase of 2026, will average at $2,076 a month for retired workers, according to an SSA.gov fact sheet.

What about retirees who can get a decent deal, receives more than the Social Security average, and/or earns enough income from other sources that they are eligible for the Big Beautiful Bill's 'senior deduction'? They will still need to prepare for somewhat pricey potential repair bills. According to CarEdge, it will cost $8,633 to maintain and fix a Subaru Outback during its first 10 years of service, which is $467 higher than the average popular SUV. Plus, a Subaru Outback will depreciate by 43% in its first five years, per CarEdge. So, don't expect to get much if you try to resell after that time period.

Still, U.S. News & World Report, gave the 2025 Subaru Outback an excellent value rating, meanings the online publication believes the vehicle is well worth the price. Just make sure buying one won't hurt your post-retirement budget. Otherwise, there are three used cars retirees could consider buying for $10,000 or less.