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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  Luxury Swiss Army Knife - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By jg63 - November 18 - 5:20 am

  Sold my BMW 330xi and got my new Outback 3.6R Limited. Ive gone from the "ultimate driving machine" (which drove great, but didnt have a lot of room for people and stuff, didnt have a lot of ground clearance, and was getting very expensive to maintain) to the "ultimate do absolutely everything pretty well" machine. Tons of room for its exterior size. Plenty of power. Nice ride. Great value. Well built. Amenities are pretty good for this price point. While I miss a bit of how the old car drives when pushed hard on a curvy road, on all other points, I prefer the Subaru.

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  Go for the 3.6R Limited! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By rpr - November 13 - 6:30 am

  Our 2005 Forester was in an accident so we test drove the new Subarus and were thoroughly impressed with the 2010 Outbacks. The 4 cyl didnt have enough power for us, so we went w/ the 3.6. Didnt like the fabric on the seats on the Premium models, and we needed bluetooth, side view mirror defrost & auto climate control, so we went with the Limited. Outstanding redesign, plenty of power, good fuel economy, extremely comfortable interior, very quiet (much improved w/o the frameless windows). One thing to look out for, these 3.6 engines can have a fairly bad hesitation when accelerating from low speeds. Many may not notice it, but I trust/hope there will be a TSB fix from Subaru.

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  Nice car with small irritiations - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By fladabosco - November 9 - 10:38 am

  Its a nice, solid, comfortable car and gets amazing mpg considering how big the car is. The CVT transmission takes a little getting used to. The paddle shifters are a fun toy but if you think you can drive this thing like a Lambo you are crazy. Three complaints - the computer system is poorly designed. If you have your phone plugged in and do anything it turns the radio on! If you are in reverse you cant turn the radio off or down! The whole thing is unnecessarily confusing and complicated. Its like Windows from 1994. The keys really suck. They are huge and sharp and cost $430 to replace! There is no reason for that other than being a rip off.I

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  swell subaru for the dough - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By snowflame - November 3 - 10:00 am

  one of the most impressive handling cars for its price,about 30000 and awd to boot.Owned lots of sport sedans but this wagon really takes the cake.I get more impressed every day and lots of opportunity to put this machine through the moves with my 85 mile commute on back country Connecticut roads.The 250 hp boxer is a marvel and the response is even and seamless,it even has shifters on the mo-mo wheel for hands on driving.I have never had a Subaru before and was I in the dark about this value car!!!!move over Audi and save the dough for a nice cruise when you need away time.Fit and finish are nice and creature comforts abound.Its a must drive auto.........

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Bill - November 2 - 5:33 pm

  Weve had our Outback for about 2 months and it has 3300 miles. It handles well, the 4 cylinder boxer engine is quiet and performs excellently in the city. It was capable on our road trip to Washington D.C. and got 33.8 mpg (vehicle computer said 33.2 but my hand calculations were 33.8 mpg). City driving is an outstanding 28 mpg, no need to spend $8K to 10K extra on a fancy hybrid. We looked at 10 cars while making our decision and found the Subaru the leader. Interior and exterior fit and finish are outstanding, the heated leather seats are very comfortable, even on our long trip. The 10-way driver power seat has an excellent lumbar feature. Road and wind noise are at a minimum.

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  A good vehicle for active people - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By J.Sgambelluri - November 2 - 4:03 pm

  One immediate benefit is that one steps in, not down into or up into this car. For handicapped or elderly this is immensely helpful. Nice cab proportion and good cargo area layout accommodates everything from the family dog to a kayak if so desired. It is a surefooted vehicle with adequate power even in Southern California freeway traffic. Very quick steering reaction, good control.

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  Reliable - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Sorin - October 31 - 11:46 pm

  I bought it brand new and now I have 140.000 on it. Drives like the first day. Have not had ANY engine/transmission problems. Wasted money on extended warranty. Did oil change myself, fuel filter only changed a couple a times, transmission fluid drained twice, Serp belt went at 100K. Changed spark plugs (major pain, buried deep) at 100K, looked like new. VERY reliable in all kinds of weather. Cons: wind noise (only if you want to drive above 80, and then I guess its a good thing, it keeps you alert). Not enough leg room. Those who think a 6 cylinder will accelerate faster forget about it, it doesnt, because its heavier. It is friendly, though, once you get to know it.

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  Its like a cockroach - its almost indestructible - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By sherry32 - October 28 - 9:14 am

  My 2006 Outback Wagon has over 132,000 miles on it, and has been completely trouble free for 7 years. It drives no differently than it did when it was new. Id actually kind of like a new car, but its hard to justify the expense when this one is paid for and is so reliable.

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  Great car - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Mary Remington - October 25 - 11:22 am

  Stepped outside the box on this vehicle and bought the top of the line. Absolutely love this car. I is very comfortable with 10 point driver seat adjustments. Wish I could raise the passenger seat but only moves back and forth. The safety features of the EyeSight are really great, so glad we opted to get this. The dash is well designed. Only downside is on rare occasion there is a glare from the screen but only on rare occasion. Four cylinder has really has good pickup.

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  Wont get burned again. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By outback - October 22 - 1:43 am

  Bought an Outback summer of 2005. Came highly recommended by everyone I talked to. I have no idea why. Had to realign at 5000 mi and I hit nothing. OEM tires shot at 20000 miles. Replaced with cheap Cooper tires, ride and handling better than OEM Bridgestones. Seats are very uncomfortable and back seat is way too small. Gas mileage is good (26 to 28 very careful hwy, no A/C) but if you add a roof carrier and bike rack, drops to 23 to 24 mpg. Car is underpowered. Also, the Outback is not an SUV or truck. Not durable.