The Subaru Outback is one of the more mount-friendly vehicles on the road. The windshield sits at a comfortable angle, the cabin is roomy, and there are multiple solid placement options. The one thing that changes the equation on 2020 and newer models is the 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen — it dominates the center stack and affects how accessible the vents are depending on trim level.
This guide covers the 6th generation Outback (2020–present) and 5th generation (2015–2019), with notes on key differences between them.
| Mount | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|
| szyuchen Subaru Vent Mount | Custom fit for Subaru vents | Vent |
| iOttie Easy One Touch 5 | Best windshield mount | Windshield / Dash |
| Andobil Air Vent Mount | Universal vent option | Vent |
| Andobil MagSafe Vent Mount | iPhone MagSafe users | Vent |
| iOttie Easy One Touch 5 | No windshield preferred | Cup Holder |
Which Generation Is Your Outback?
The biggest interior difference between generations is the infotainment screen. The 6th gen (2020–present) introduced Subaru’s 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen, which takes up significant center stack space and affects vent positioning. The 5th gen (2015–2019) has a more conventional layout with a smaller screen, more accessible vents, and on some trims a CD player. Mount placement is generally easier on the 5th gen for this reason.
6th Gen Outback (2020–Present)
1. iOttie Easy One Touch 5 — Best Windshield Mount (2020+)
On the 6th gen Outback, the windshield is the cleanest primary location. The 11.6-inch portrait screen leaves less room around the center stack vents, making windshield placement the more reliable option for most drivers. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is the pick here — telescoping arm, one-touch cradle release, and a suction cup that locks firmly to the Outback’s windshield glass. The cradle holds phones up to 3.5 inches wide and rotates 225 degrees for portrait or landscape.
2. szyuchen Subaru Vent Mount — Best Custom Vent Fit (2015–2024)
Subaru uses narrow vertical vents across its lineup, and generic universal vent clips regularly slip or wobble on them. The szyuchen Subaru Vent Mount is purpose-built for Subaru’s vent slats with a V-shaped clip that grips them properly. It covers the Outback from 2015 through 2024 as well as most other current Subaru models, fits phones from 4 to 7.1 inches, and rotates 360 degrees.
On the 6th gen Outback, the side vents on the outer dash are the better placement choice for this mount — they’re further from the large center screen and give the phone better visibility from the driver’s seat.
3. Andobil Air Vent Mount — Best Universal Vent Option (All Years)
The Andobil Air Vent Mount is a strong universal vent pick if you prefer the vent location over the windshield. Its locking clip handles Subaru’s vertical vents better than most generic options, the cradle opens to 3.75 inches, and the ball-and-socket joint gives you full 360-degree positioning. iPhone MagSafe users should look at the Andobil MagSafe Air Vent Mount instead — same clip, magnetic attachment. See our full Andobil review for more detail.
5th Gen Outback (2015–2019)
4. iOttie Easy One Touch 5 — Best Overall (2015–2019)
The 5th gen Outback has a more conventional center stack without the large portrait screen, which means vent access is less restricted. All three mount types — windshield, vent, and cup holder — are workable here. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is the top pick on windshield or dash. The szyuchen and Andobil vent mounts are equally solid choices on this generation.
Works on All Outback Years
5. iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Cup Holder Mount — Best Cup Holder Option
The Outback’s cup holders sit toward the rear of the center console, which puts them further from the driver than ideal — particularly for shorter drivers or those with the seat pulled close to the wheel. If the position works for your driving setup, the iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Cup Holder Mount is the pick: weighted base, telescoping neck, one-touch cradle. Check your reach before committing.
What to Avoid
Seat bolt mounts: The Outback’s front seat bolts are covered with plastic trim — not accessible without removing the covers. Not worth pursuing.
Dash surface adhesive mounts: The Outback’s dash surface doesn’t provide a reliable grip for suction or adhesive mounts. Use the windshield glass instead.
CD slot mounts on 2020+ models: Most 6th gen Outbacks do not include a CD player. On 5th gen models (2015–2019) with a CD slot, it remains an option — but it will partially block the infotainment display if the screen sits directly above it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vent mounts work on the 2020+ Outback’s large touchscreen model?
It depends on vent placement. The 11.6-inch portrait screen takes up the center of the stack, which makes center vents harder to use. The outer side vents on the edges of the dash are typically less affected. The szyuchen and Andobil mounts both handle Subaru’s vertical vent design well — just choose an outer vent on 6th gen models.
Why do generic vent mounts slip on the Subaru Outback?
Subaru uses narrow vertical vent slats that standard spring clips weren’t designed for. The szyuchen mount solves this with a V-shaped clip built specifically for Subaru’s vent configuration, which gives it a much more secure grip than a universal clip.
Is the cup holder mount a good option in the Outback?
It works, but the cup holders are set toward the rear of the console. Taller drivers with the seat further back will find it accessible; shorter drivers with the seat pulled forward may find it awkward to reach. Try the windshield or vent first.
Will a 5th gen Outback mount work in a 6th gen?
Universal mounts like the iOttie and Andobil work across all years. Custom-fit mounts are generation-specific — always verify the compatibility listing for your model year before buying.
What’s the best spot for a windshield mount in the Outback?
Lower center of the windshield, slightly toward the passenger side of center, works well in the Outback. This keeps it out of the main sight line while staying within easy reach. Avoid placing it too high, which can conflict with the rearview mirror and EyeSight camera housing on 2020+ models.
