Overview & Reviews

Designed with the North American market in mind, the Subaru Outback wagon provides many popular SUV traits without the associated drawbacks. Based on Subaru's midsize Legacy, the Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, a raised suspension for better ground clearance, and special interior and exterior styling details.

There have been four Outback generations. At its debut, the original Subaru Outback was pretty much the only vehicle of its type and was an instant hit with consumers. More recent iterations lost a bit of an edge as other automakers came up with similar crossover wagons and SUVs at the start of the new millennium, but the latest fourth-generation Outback is more like a crossover SUV than ever. New or used, the Outback is a strong contender for shoppers interested in a car that provides plenty of everyday versatility with the type of all-season capability needed for frosty climes.

Current Subaru Outback
The five-passenger Subaru Outback is a tall wagon available in a number of trim levels -- 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited -- distinguished by powertrain. The base engine is a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder that makes 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. It comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Also available is 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine good for 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, with a five-speed conventional automatic as the only available transmission.

Even the base Outback comes with roof rails, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-telescoping steering column, a height-adjustable driver seat and a CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. Higher trims add niceties like alloy wheels, foglights, powered and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, iPod/USB inputs, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity and a Harman Kardon sound system. There's also an optional voice-activated navigation system.

More so than previous Outbacks, the new model is meant to appeal to more mainstream buyers by being larger on the inside. To this end, while bumper-to-bumper length has shrunk by almost 1 inch, the wheelbase has grown by nearly 3 inches, width by 2 inches and height by 4 inches, enlarging interior space considerably and putting the Outback on par with other midsize crossovers. With the rear seats folded, there are an impressive 71 cubic feet of cargo space available.

In reviews, we've commented favorably about the current Outback's roomier interior. Performance with the base four-cylinder is unremarkable, however; if you want some zip, you'll need to ante up for the 3.6-liter engine. We miss the previous Outback's turbocharged boxer-4, a boon for owners living in mountainous areas. Handling is also unimpressive, as the Outback's elevated ride height and soft suspension tuning do their best to obscure the vehicle's sedan roots. Overall, the latest Outback is a solid choice for utility-minded families, but it's not as enjoyable to drive as previous models.

Used Subaru Outback Models
The current, fourth-generation Subaru Outback was introduced for 2010. There have been no significant changes since then.

The third-generation Outback was produced from 2005-'09. There were several trim levels: base 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5i Limited, 2.5 XT Limited, 3.0 R, 3.0R Limited and 3.0R L.L. Bean Edition.

For power, 2.5i trim levels had a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that made 170 hp. The XT level upgraded to a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 243 hp. The 3.0 R model came with a 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder (H6) good for 245 hp. All-wheel drive was standard across the board.

Models with either of the 2.5-liter engines could be equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic was available on 2.5i models, while 2.5 XT models got an optional five-speed auto. The 2.5i Limited models were four-speed automatics only, and the H6 came only with the five-speed automatic.

If you're shopping for a used model of this generation, there are a few items to note. An Outback sedan was offered from 2005-'07. Additionally, all Outbacks prior to the 2008 model year lacked a telescoping steering wheel and auxiliary audio jack. Horsepower figures were lowered for 2007 due to revised SAE standards, but actual performance was not affected. The luxurious L.L. Bean trim levels were discontinued after 2008, replaced by a single 3.0 R Limited model, and stability control also became standard.

In reviews, this third-generation Subaru Outback received praise for its standard all-wheel drive, long list of features, strong turbocharged engine, above-average build quality and balanced ride and handling dynamics. While it didn't quite have the off-road capabilities of a true SUV, it could take on light-duty terrain without complaint. Negatives brought up in reviews typically centered on the vehicle's smallish backseat and the sluggish response from the automatic transmissions.

The second-generation Subaru Outback (2000-'04) was also available as either a sedan or a wagon. In its first year, this model was available in base and Limited trims, and had a 165-hp, 2.5-liter engine. The following year, Subaru introduced the L.L. Bean Edition and the VDC trim levels. These featured the more powerful 212-hp six-cylinder engine.

Compared to the current car, the second-generation Outback is a bit smaller and not quite as refined or capable. Subaru made minor improvements to this generation during the years, but none are significant enough to make any particular model year stand out. In Edmunds.com road tests, reviewers liked its standard all-wheel drive and car-based comfort. Some felt that the four-cylinder models were underpowered, however, and that it was eclipsed by newer competition in its later years.

When the original Subaru Outback model debuted in 1995, it was little more than a trim package on the Legacy wagon. In 1996, the Outback (officially known as the Legacy Outback for this generation) gained its raised suspension, large foglights, SUV design cues and optional 155-hp 2.5-liter engine. Further improvements during successive years included the addition of a leather-lined Limited model, dual sunroofs and powertrain refinements. As the Outback was one of the first crossover wagons to be designed, consumers interested in this type of vehicle from the late 1990s will likely find it to be quite suitable, especially compared to SUVs from the same period.

User Reviews:

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  Fantastic car - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By budrew - January 18 - 2:01 am

  I have previously owned Outbacks: Gen 1, 2, 3 (turbo). I skipped Gen 4 as I did not like the styling at all. In the interim I leased a VW GTI, a very different (fun) car. However, it did not fit our lifestyle and made my family car sick, so I longed for a return to the Outback. The 2015 Outback is simply amazing - it seems to surpass all previous Outbacks in most every way. The styling is vastly improved, sharp in fact. It is a very comfortable car with a great ride. Acceleration is perfectly fine, steering is nice and tight, CVT is better than expected. Audio is very good if not fantastic, nav and other "tech" work great. Twilight Blue Metallic with dark interior - super sweet!

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  Happy with car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By flamanatee - January 17 - 4:22 pm

  The OB matches the comfort level of my 04 Rainier. Love the gas milage especially on longer trips. Over all very pleased with this car. Chose Premium version because we live in FLA and do not need the all weather package that is standard on Limited.

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  I love Subaru Outback - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By research - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  I just purchase this vehicle for couple months and made 2000 miles on this car with a trip to Tahoe. Kind of lack of power when up the hill on the Tahoe but thats 4cyl car design. The only thing I dont like and realized after the trip is the armrest too low, I have no place to rest my arm. So far this is the first Subaru car I bought and its fun to drive.

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By FirstTimeSubaruOwner - January 13 - 6:16 pm

  I owned my last car for over 10 years and I bought this with the intention of owning it just as long. This car has the best combination of utility, good mileage, low emissions, and safety (my priorities) that I could find...only the Forester came close. I was fully aware that to maximize these qualities I had give up a bit of power (Im not passing many cars when driving up to the mountains), but this was a trade-off I was more than happy to make. I went for the comforts of the Limited because I plan to have the car a long time - the sunroof and leather together made that decision worthwhile. Everything about the car exudes solidness and smart design. I couldnt be happier!

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  I cant wait until I trade it in - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By denisa - January 10 - 9:43 am

  As a former Legacy owner, I planned on a Forester, but bought an Outback because the seats were far more comfortable. I regret my decision daily. The projector beam headlights are horrible - they create a dark "curtain" that dips up and down and cuts visibility. They also blind other drivers and I am constantly being flashed. There is steady wind noise on the drivers side. The tires are terrible - slid off the road in slush my first storm out. Shifts between gears too much. The rear window is high, angled and small and makes parking and backing up difficult. The back-up lights are not bright. No keyed trunk release! The seatbelt bell is a nuisance. So-so on fuel. I hate this car.

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  It Rocks! - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Jim - January 7 - 4:53 pm

  This is my third Outback and this is a quantum leap over my 2001. Smooth, strong acceleration, great sport shift, good mileage, 20-22 mpg in town. Beautiful interior and paint. Love the firm but compliant suspension. New sunroof is big and now opens all the way. Looked at Lexus, Acura, Infiniti. Subaru beat them in all categories above, and about $8,000 dollars less. Do not exceed 4000 rpm for the first 1000 miles and use the accelerator sparingly and you will not be disappointed. After that, let her rip. I also own a pristine 2001 BMW 530 w/SP. Would rather drive the Subaru. The best value on the market.

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  Time Will Tell - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Walter - January 6 - 3:40 am

  I had a 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 crew cab. I no longer need the truck to go into the woods. Several friends have Subarus. They always talk highly of them. I traded my truck in and got this vehicle. At first I wasnt pleased. It is a vehicle that takes time to get used to. I just went to NYC with my vehicle. I got 33 mpg, 27 mpg in the city. If you obey the speed limits you will get very good mileage. If you need to "punch it" when driving, it is very slow to respond. The back seat isnt made for adults. I do like the dash board display. If you need to replace 1 tire, then you need to replace all 4 of them because of the symmetrical awd. Thats something they dont tell you when you buy the car.

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  35 th Special Ed - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By LLBen - December 31 - 2:00 am

  So far so good, we also have a 3 year old Forester that has been A++. I wish the Outback was just a little larger inside.

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  Im Back With Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By wunderkid49 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  After a brief fling with a terribly made Ford Taurus, Im back with Subaru. Bought it three years old for under half the new price. The wagon seems adequately powered to me, even with the automatic. I can haul my recumbent bike inside, and still sneak my six year old in the split back seat. The handling is a real pleasure, and the brakes are powerful. Averaging 26 mpg in rural driving. Security system can only be disarmed by the remote, and I cant figure out how to disconnect it!

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  Sports Car? - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By BD - December 24 - 3:30 pm

  We traded in an 01 Outback wagon for a sedan for my wife. Kids in college, time for a fun car. This thing handles! The "small" engine is 175HP and it has some legs. During the test drive I took a 90 degree turn on a back narrow road at 30 mph. ABS kicked in for second then hit the gas and she never missed a beat. The car is fun to drive (not that my wife has let me get my hands on it since the test drive). Sharp looking too. Inside nice with leather, moon roof, 6 CD player, and many other features. I think the taupe leather is going to be tough to keep clean but other then that, we are happy. This is the last year for the sedan, grab one while you can.