14 Reliable Cars That Are Cheaper Than A Subaru Outback

Subaru has developed a hard-earned reputation as a producer of reliable, high-quality vehicles. In fact, both J.D. Power and CarBuzz ranked Subaru above competitors like Nissan and Toyota — and even some luxury brands — on their roundups of manufacturers known for their dependability. The Subaru Outback is one of the brand's most in-demand models, with Subaru reporting 157,716 units sold in 2025. In keeping with the marque's track record, the Outback is recognized as highly dependable: The 2022 model year has a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability rating of 74 out of 100, a metric that tracks real-world feedback from owners across several years.

Unfortunately, the 2022 Outback is out of reach for many buyers, with Kelley Blue Book (KBB) reporting a fair purchase price of $19,500 on August 14, 2026. Luckily, you don't have to spend this kind of money for premier dependability, and we've compiled a list of 14 solid vehicles that are cheaper than the Subaru Outback. To avoid predictive metrics, we only considered 2022 models. We set a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 81 out of 100 as the baseline, as this is the lowest score the group classifies as "great" compared to industry averages. These models are listed from the most to least expensive in terms of upfront pricing as of August 2026, though we've also included annual repair cost estimates for additional financial context. For perspective, the Outback has an annual maintenance cost of $607, per RepairPal.

The Equinox remains a top seller in the Chevrolet lineup. According to KBB, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox has a fair purchase price of $17,150, which means it's 12.1% cheaper than the Subaru Outback released in the same year. This is down from an original MSRP of $27,195. Additionally, this SUV has an above-average J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 85 out of 100. RepairPal indicates that the average annual maintenance and repair cost for the Equinox is $537, which undercuts the Outback by 11.5%. Altogether, this model is more affordable than the Outback in terms of upfront and long-term costs, while outpacing the Subaru's dependability as well.

This five-seater SUV is recognized for its stylish design, comfortable driving experience, and spacious interior. Additionally, this vehicle comes standard with lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning. The standard 2022 Chevrolet Equinox has an average fuel efficiency of 28 miles per gallon combined, according to FuelEconomy.gov, which is the federal government's official database on fuel economy ratings. In terms of fuel expenditure, Equinox drivers can expect a pretty similar experience to what they'd get driving an Outback: The 2022 Outback gets a combined 29 miles to the gallon.

The Toyota Corolla has long been lauded for its long-running blend of affordability and dependability, which has garnered it consistent demand. KBB reports that the 2022 Corolla has a fair purchase price of $17,100, showing the cost hasn't fallen too far from its initial MSRP of $21,420. Overall, this model is roughly 12.3% more affordable than the Subaru Outback from the same model year. Notably, the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score for the 2022 Corolla is a solid 87 out of 100, outrunning the Outback in dependability as well. According to RepairPal, the typical Corolla racks up a modest annual maintenance and repair bill of approximately $362. That makes this model's upkeep costs 40.4% lower than those of the Outback and the most affordable on this list by far.

The 2022 Corolla is recognized for its spacious cabin, robust value retention, and a long list of standard safety features. More specifically, this model comes with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. FuelEconomy.gov indicates that the 2022 Corolla gets 33 miles per gallon when used for combined and highway driving, outperforming even many newer models.

The Buick Encore GX is one of the best cars for retirees on Social Security due to its balance of affordable pricing and dependable design. More specifically, the 2022 Encore GX has a fair purchase price of $17,000, as estimated by KBB, which is a notable discount from its original cost of $25,595. Overall, this model is 12.8% cheaper than the 2022 Subaru Outback. Meanwhile, the 2022 Encore GX also exhibits superior trustworthiness to the Outback, earning an 87 out of 100 on the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability scale. RepairPal doesn't have any information specific to the Encore GX, but Buick models have an average annual maintenance cost of $608, which is only $1 higher than that of the Outback.

The 2022 Encore GX sets itself apart from the competition by offering a premium-quality feel at a widely accessible price point. Furthermore, the entry-level version of this model comes with a Driver Confidence package that provides drivers many of the safety features standard in other models on this list, as well as a following distance indicator and automatic highbeams. On average, the 2022 Encore GX achieves a combined 30 miles per gallon, per FuelEconomy.gov, slightly outperforming the 2022 Outback.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is one of the SUVs that cost less to own than a Honda CR-V, but this model's standout features also give the Outback a run for its money. According to KBB, the 2022 Trailblazer has a fair purchase price of $16,800, an over $6,000 drop from its original MSRP of $22,995. Looking at upfront costs alone, the Trailblazer is 13.8% more affordable than the Outback. Furthermore, this SUV features a premier J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 84 out of 100, outranking the Outback by several points. RepairPal estimates that the average owner of the Trailblazer should budget about $524 annually for routine maintenance and repairs, falling under the Outback's upkeep costs by 13.7%.

The 2022 Trailblazer is a five-seater SUV known for its stylish exterior, spacious interior, and solid combination of standard tech and safety features. The baseline trim comes with the marque's Chevy Safety Assist package, which includes automatic high beams, forward-collision alert, following distance indicator, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. FuelEconomy.gov reports the baseline 2022 Trailblazer also outclasses many cars of its size, achieving a combined 30 miles per gallon.

The Hyundai Sonata is heralded as one of the best cars for a retiree because of its combination of reliability and affordability. However, these attributes make it a compelling option for all drivers, especially those looking for reliable cars that are cheaper than a Subaru Outback. According to KBB, the 2022 Sonata has a fair purchase price of $16,750, down considerably from an initial sales price of $25,595. This puts this Hyundai sedan's upfront cost 14.1% below that of the 2022 Outback. On top of that, this model is robustly dependable, with a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 83 out of 100. For further financial context, RepairPal estimates that the standard Sonata comes with an annual maintenance and repair bill of $458. That makes this sedan 24.5% more affordable to maintain than the Outback.

The 2022 Sonata combines the quintessential perks of a midsize sedan, such as above-average fuel economy and a comfortable experience behind the wheel, all in a stylishly advanced package. All Sonatas from this year come with automatic emergency braking when the car's in reverse, along with cyclist and pedestrian detection. FuelEconomy.gov indicates that the 2022 Sonata gets a laudable 32 miles per gallon for those driving it on highways and city streets.

The Nissan Altima is a longstanding nameplate that has been a recurring fixture for those looking for affordability and quality from a midsize sedan. The 2022 model year has a fair purchase price of $16,400, as estimated by KBB, which makes it 15.9% cheaper than the 2022 Outback. This specific Altima's cost has fallen from an original MSRP of $25,995. Beyond being more financially manageable than the Outback out of the gate, the 2022 Altima also has a higher dependability rating. More accurately, this sedan received an 84 out of 100 on the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability index. Furthermore, RepairPal indicates that the Altima usually accrues annual servicing costs of $483, which makes it 20.4% cheaper to maintain than the Outback. Given these characteristics, it should come as no surprise that the Altima is ranked highly among the best Nissan cars for retirees, although drivers of all ages may appreciate what it has to offer.

The 2022 Altima is an inoffensive midsize sedan that delivers on the mainstream expectations of buyers with an affordable price tag, decent fuel economy, and a comfortable interior. The baseline safety package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2022 Nissan Altima achieves a combined 32 miles per gallon, as reported by FuelEconomy.gov.

The Kia Sportage is the first of many models from this affordable marque to show up on this list of reliable cars that are cheaper than a Subaru Outback. As one of the top-selling SUVs that are perfect for retirees, the Sportage has proven its ability to offer quality and dependability at a comparative discount to many other models — and you don't have to buy new to enjoy these advantages. The 2022 Kia Sportage has a fair purchase price of $16,300, as estimated by KBB, which is 16.4% more affordable than the 2022 Outback. Furthermore, that price tag is down from an initial MSRP of $25,305. If that relative accessibility wasn't enough to make the case for the Sportage, this 2022 model also has an exceptional score of 85 out of 100 on the J.D. Power Quality and Reliability index.

On top of a solid fuel economy, the 2022 Kia Sportage is noted for its spacious-for-its-size interior and the high-end materials lining it. All models come standard with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. However, the 2022 Sportage does fall off a bit in terms of combined fuel economy, achieving a slightly below-average 26 miles per gallon by FuelEconomy.gov's estimates.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact SUV spin-off of the marque's now-dicontinued, sports-focused sedan. It also happens to compete heavily with the uber-successful Outback in the realms of cost and dependability. KBB estimates that the 2022 Eclipse Cross has a fair purchase price of $16,000, which makes it 17.9% cheaper than its Subaru competitor. For more perspective, the Eclipse Cross had an initial purchase price of $26,680. Additionally, the 2022 Eclipse Cross boasts superior dependability, with an above-average J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ranking of 84 out of 100. Similar to some other models on this list, RepairPal doesn't keep records of the maintenance costs associated with the Eclipse Cross, specifically. However, the publication estimates that the brand-level annual average repair cost for Mitsubishi is $535, which is 11.9% lower than the Outback's annual upkeep expenses and far from the point at which repairs stop being worth the cost.

Some highlights of the 2022 Eclipse Cross include a new-for-its-year redesign and a built-in 8-inch infotainment screen. It comes standard with various safety features, including a forward-collision prevention system and pedestrian detection. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2022 Eclipse Cross performs only slightly less efficiently than the Outback when it comes to fuel, getting approximately 27 miles per gallon.

The Ford Escape can help owners evade the higher costs associated with the Subaru Outback without giving up dependability. To be sure, the Escape is one of the most popular Ford cars for retirees, and the 2022 model upholds its nameplate's reputation well. According to KBB estimates, the 2022 Escape features a fair purchase price of $15,600, making it 20% more affordable than the 2022 Outback. While that's a significant drop from its original MSRP of $28,660, the vehicle's dependability doesn't suffer for it. J.D. Power gave the 2022 Escape a Quality and Reliability score of 82 out of 100. However, it's worth noting that that considerable discount in upfront costs does stall slightly when looking at repairs: This SUV's annual maintenance expenses average $600, according to RepairPal, which is only $7 less per year than what you might expect while driving an Outback.

The 2022 Ford Escape is heralded for its comfortable driving experience, well-designed interior, and spacious cabin. Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety system provides an array of standard safety features across the 2022 Escape's trims, including automatic high beams, a lane-keeping aid system, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. On top of all these useful offerings, the baseline 2022 Escape gets a combined 30 miles per gallon, according to FuelEconomy.gov.

In such a crowded segment, it's easy to overlook the Kia Forte — especially since it was discontinued after the 2024 model year. However, this sedan is a financially viable option for many people looking in the pre-owned market. To be sure, the Forte stands among the best used cars under $15,000 that are perfect for retirees, and the 2022 Forte fits this description: With a fair purchase price of $14,750, according to KBB, its starting price is a full 24.4% cheaper than the Subaru Outback from the same year. Notably, this difference is almost exactly proportional with how the Forte's maintenance costs compare to the Outbacks: RepairPal projects Fortes rack up an annual repair bill of around $451, which is 25.7% lower than the Outback's. And while the Forte's relatively mainstream sedan appearance may not invoke the same feelings of confidence the Outback does, its J.D. Power Quality and Reliability rating of 85 out of 100 may make up for what it lacks in looks.

The 2022 Forte is recognized for its top-tier safety track record and spacious interior. This nameplate comes standard with automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. On top of all the other assets, the 2022 Forte also achieves a remarkable combined fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon, per FuelEconomy.gov.

The iconically boxy Kia Soul has remained a serious competitor for consumers looking for models at the intersection of financial accessibility and quality design. Although the marque officially ended the long-running Soul ahead of the 2026 model year, the pre-owned market is where the real deals are to be found, anyway. In fact, the Soul is one of the most affordable Kia cars for drivers on a budget. KBB reports that the 2022 Soul has a fair purchase price of $14,700, which has fallen from an original MSRP of $20,585. When stacked up against the 2022 Subaru Outback, the Soul from the same year is 24.6% more affordable. With a long-standing reputation as a dependable model, this Kia nameplate doesn't disappoint with a J.D. Power Quality and Reliability rating of 85 out of 100, further solidifying its position above the Outback. The average Soul owner should budget about $437 in annual upkeep and maintenance, as calculated by RepairPal. That means the Soul is 28% cheaper to maintain than the Subaru.

The 2022 Soul comes with several advantages, such as its aesthetically unique exterior design, cavernous interior, and user-friendly infotainment system. Unfortunately, features like forward-collision avoidance and blindspot monitoring do come at an extra cost, but the low starting price could still make these accessible to many potential buyers. Additionally, FuelEconomy.gov estimates that this release year averages a combined 30 miles per gallon, so fuel savings could balance out some of those added potential expenses.

When ranking the best Nissan cars for retirees, the Kicks lands closer to the positive end of the spectrum — and many of its best features also make it a strong Subaru Outback competitor. According to KBB, the 2022 Kicks' original MSRP of $21,285 has dropped to a fair purchase price of $14,600. This makes the Kicks' initial costs 25.1% lower than those of Outbacks from the same model year. But where this SUV really blows its Subaru counterpart out of the water is in the dependability category: J.D. Power gave the Kicks an impressive Quality and Reliability score of 88 out of 100. RepairPal hasn't provided estimates on the Kick's upkeep costs specifically, but Nissan's average annual maintenance and repair expenses come out to around $500 — roughly 17.6% less than what you can expect to spend on Outback upkeep.

Those who already drive a 2022 Kicks appreciate its surprisingly spacious cabin, as well as its workable selection of standard safety features: Both forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking come standard in the Kicks. Meanwhile, FuelEconomy.gov suggests this model averages a combined 33 miles per gallon.

For those consumers who are thinking twice about buying a new car, the 2022 Hyundai Accent is proof that affordability and reliability aren't mutually exclusive. Consider that this vehicle has a fair purchase price of $12,900, according to KBB, which is down from a staggeringly low MSRP of $17,740. The 2022 Accent's pricing is 33.9% more affordable than the Outback from the same release year, and yet J.D. Power gave this model a remarkable 90 out of 100 on its Quality and Reliability score — the highest on this list by a considerable margin. Accent owners also benefit from a relatively modest maintenance cost: RepairPal estimates that this model has an annual repair bill of $444, which falls 26.9% below that of the Outback.

The 2022 Accent is championed for its roomy interior, even in the backseat, and its practicality as a daily driver. It also boasts an extremely solid combined fuel economy of 36 miles per gallon, per FuelEconomy.gov, and comes standard with a vehicle stability management system.

For those looking for affordable Outback alternatives, the 2022 Kia Rio gets our highest recommendation — and also happens to be cheaper than the Ford Escape. Its original MSRP was just $17,545, which has since decreased to a fair purchase price of $12,450, per KBB. All told, the Rio is 36.2% more financially accessible than an Outback from the same model year. J.D. Power gave the 2022 Kia Rio an 88 out of 100 on its Quality and Reliability scale, once again underscoring that these low-priced Kias don't cut corners when it comes to longevity. RepairPal reports that the average model demands about $434 in annual upkeep expenses, beating out the Outback by 28.5%.

The 2022 Rio is available in both hatchback and sedan variants, and is recognized for its comfortable driving experience and impressive suite of features. It comes standard with a rearview backup camera and vehicle stability management, and features like forward-collision mitigation  and lane keeping assist are optional add-ons. Additionally, FuelEconomy.gov reports the 2022 Rio gets a combined 36 miles to the gallon, making it one of the most fuel-efficient models on this list to boot.