Your Subaru Outback offers more than meets the eye—it comes packed with features that can make every drive easier and more comfortable. This guide highlights these less obvious yet very useful features.
From tech settings that can adjust to your driving needs to practical features built for convenience, there's a lot your car can do to make each trip better.
Ready to explore what's available? Let’s get started.
1. Cargo Area Tricks
The cargo area in your Subaru Outback includes hidden perks, like a 12V power outlet for small electronics and adjustable tie-down hooks that can be repositioned to secure various cargo types.
Rear Seatback Release Levers fold down the seats from the back, creating a flat surface for bulky items or a sleeping area without needing to open side doors.
Under the cargo floor, there’s a concealed compartment with a molded plastic tray—great for storing emergency items, keeping valuables hidden, or separating dirty gear from the main area.
The retractable cargo cover also has a dedicated spot under the floor for easy stowing when you need space. These features add versatility to your Outback.
Planning to haul some gear? Learn more about the Subaru Outback's weight-carrying capacity to stay within safe limits.
2. Driver Recognition Tech
A discreet near-infrared camera above the steering wheel scans the driver's face upon entry, enabling personalized settings for up to five drivers.
Set up this feature through the center touchscreen: tap Settings, then 'Car,' followed by 'Driver Monitoring System.'
Once a profile is created, the car automatically adjusts the seat, climate, and mirrors to saved preferences upon recognizing the driver. If needed, a manual rescan can be triggered in the settings.
The camera monitors for distraction or drowsiness and sends alerts as needed. For manual control, the feature can be disabled in Driving Assistance settings.
3. Hidden Keyless Tricks
Your car's keyless system includes a PIN-code access option. Set a 5-digit code in the settings menu, then unlock the car by pressing the rear liftgate button in sequence—no key fob needed, ideal for active days without keys.
Valet Mode can be activated via the touchscreen or MySubaru app to restrict access to navigation, contacts, and other functions and lock the trunk when someone else is driving.
The keyless entry system allows locking and unlocking by touching the door handles. The vehicle finder function helps locate your car, and automatic locking preferences can be customized via the STARLINK® Touchscreen.
If your key gets stuck in the ignition, don’t panic—here’s a quick guide on what to do.
4. Smart Lighting Features
Your car's lighting system packs some surprising tricks. Did you know about the Hidden Headlamp Washers? Tucked into the front bumper, they automatically clean your headlights when you use the windshield washers.
For manual activation, hold the washer button a bit longer. Steering Responsive Headlights pivot to improve nighttime visibility and can be adjusted or turned off in the menu.
To combat sun glare, make use of the extendable sun visors. They slide and tilt to block light from various angles, which comes in handy during sunrise or sunset.
5. Advanced Driving Controls
Your car features X-Mode, designed to enhance traction and stability on challenging surfaces by optimizing the engine, transmission, and braking systems.
X-Mode also includes Hill Descent Control, which helps maintain a controlled speed on steep downhill slopes.
The Paddle Shifters on the steering wheel provide more control by allowing manual gear changes in the automatic transmission system.
Pull the right paddle to simulate shifting up and the left paddle to simulate shifting down. The current gear position is displayed on the screen for reference.
While using the paddle shifters, the system offers a degree of manual control, but it will automatically upshift or downshift when necessary to protect the engine and ensure smooth operation.
6. Tailored Comfort Settings
Your car has several comfort features to improve your ride. Rear seat heated controls on the rear center console let passengers select High, Low, or Off, with indicator lights showing the setting.
The Heated Steering Wheel warms key areas at 9 and 3 o'clock, and its intensity and duration can be adjusted in the settings menu.
The power driver's seat offers multiple adjustments, including forward, backward, height, cushion angle, and seatback recline. Some models add lumbar support and a thigh extension for extra comfort.
Once set, save your ideal position in the memory settings for future drives.
Wondering if your Subaru Outback supports Apple CarPlay? Here’s what you need to know.
7. Lesser-Known Dashboard Capabilities
Your car's touchscreen has a Display Off option—press the button or hold the volume knob to mute audio and turn off the screen to reduce distractions.
Create a Driver Profile on the home screen to save radio presets, sound settings, and phone connections, loading them automatically via Bluetooth®.
Adjust alert volumes in the sound settings menu for Eyesight and lane departure warnings, customized for city or highway driving.
The home screen can be customized by pressing and holding icons to rearrange or remove them or by adding shortcuts in the settings menu. The instrument panel dial allows you to adjust the indicator light brightness for better visibility.
8. Clever Exterior Elements
Your car's exterior has some practical features. The power-folding mirrors can be set to fold automatically when locking and unfold when unlocking through the "Door Mirror Setting" menu.
The passenger-side mirror tilts down when reversing for better visibility—this can also be customized in the same menu.
The power liftgate has a memory function; set the height by lifting it manually and holding the close button for three seconds until you hear a beep. This pairs well with the hands-free feature for easy cargo access anywhere.
9. Customizable Safety Tech
Your car's Eyesight Safety System offers some useful controls. The Pre-Collision Braking Override in settings lets you temporarily disable automatic braking, which is ideal for challenging terrain.
Alert sensitivity and specific functions can be adjusted or disabled for conditions like snow through the settings menu.
The system’s cameras detect obstacles and hazards, with options to customize warning volumes and cruise control behavior on the touchscreen.
The rear seat reminder prompts a check when turning off the car and can be adjusted or linked to your smartphone for added convenience.
Need to start your Subaru Outback from afar? Learn how to use the remote start feature for convenience.
10. Seamless Stop-and-Go Solutions
Your Auto Start-Stop system shuts off the engine at stops and restarts when you release the brake. Control it via the Auto Start-Stop button on the display, with indicator lights showing its status.
This pairs well with Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH), which keeps the car steady without pressing the brake. Activate AVH through the display button; it works when the gear isn’t in “P,” and a flashing light shows it’s engaged.
To move, press the accelerator or brake. Turn off AVH before an automatic car wash; it only functions when the driver’s door is closed, and the seatbelt is fastened. These features make driving in traffic more efficient and comfortable.
11. Easy Navigation & Service Updates
Updating your car's navigation system is simple. For a full USA map update, visit www.subaru-maps.com and download it to a USB device.
You can also update up to eight regions at a time over Wi-Fi—connect to a network, go to Settings on the touchscreen, select Navigation, and choose the update option.
For maintenance, use the in-vehicle scheduler by tapping the MySubaru icon and selecting "Make an Appointment" to book with certified service centers.
This feature is great for locating nearby service centers when traveling and is accessible via the MySubaru app or website, making car care easy.
12. Engine Care for Longevity
The first 1,000 miles of your car's life play a crucial role in its future performance. During this period, keep the engine under 4,000 rpm and vary your driving speeds.
Aim for smooth acceleration and gentle braking. When it's oil change time, opt for 0W-20 synthetic oil. The 2.5L engine takes 4.4 quarts, while the 2.4L needs 4.8 quarts with a filter change.
These simple practices can significantly impact how your car runs and how long it lasts. By following these tips, you're setting up your car for years of reliable performance.
Need help choosing the right oil? Find out the best oil for your Subaru Outback here.
13. Window Customization
Your car's driver window features one-touch controls for quick opening and closing. It also includes a safety function that stops and reverses if something blocks it while closing.
If the auto function seems off, recalibrate the window in the settings—useful after a battery change.
The settings also let you control which windows operate from the driver's seat and enable child locks, giving you easy control over comfort and safety.
Your Outback's Full Potential
Your car is thoughtfully engineered with a range of capabilities that go well beyond its rugged looks.
Learning about these lesser-known features provides a deeper understanding of how to get the most out of your vehicle and make every drive more enjoyable.
There are many options to explore—some are clear, while others might take a bit of looking to find. Keep trying out different settings, and take time to check your owner's manual. You may find more useful features that fit your needs.
For more essential tips and hidden gems, check out our guide on the 10 things every Subaru Outback owner should know.