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:

• 

  Subaru Outback could use better navigation - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Ron Beck - July 3 - 8:25 am

  The car is used most often by my wife. I am used to a six cylinder and the four cylinder Outback is a little underwhelming. I know its a sign of the times to get more fuel efficient an I can appreciate that. Overall I enjoy driving the car. It still has temporary plates on it (still brand new), and heard so many good things about its performance in the snow. The one thing I do not like about it is the navigation system. It is a real pain. Even typing a destination onto the screen is an effort. We may go back to the dealership or I have to study the manual. But it is certainly not intuitive. I like the warning system for moving outside of the lane. Havent tried the cruise control yet where the speed adjusts to the car in front. However I did try and love the high beam safety feature. I live in a more rural area. I left the high beam on the other night. As a car approached ahead, the beam automatically went to low beam and back up to high beam after the car passed. Terrific feature!

• 

  the worst car ever - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By James Yerks - July 2 - 4:14 am

  The worst car and the worst company support .Please look elswere and don.t buy any subaru .Our car has very bad steering and no held but alot company b-s.Kelly and megan are a company [non-permissible content removed] and won.t buy back our car that we call a skate board. Do yourself favor and don.t buy a subaru.Jim Yerks

• 

  Great for families (my intended purpose) - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By marbs34 - June 30 - 1:35 pm

  I really like this car, Ive been looking into it for the last couple of years. All of the merits fit what Ive wanted it for. Lots of room, reasonable gas mileage, car-like handling, off-pavement ability... This car gets it done, after the first couple of weeks getting adjusted to sitting up higher than what i traded in, (2013 Buick Regal GS) I took it on a road trip 400 miles each direction and was very happy with its comfort for the trip. The seats are great,supportive yet soft while not creating circulation hot spots over long periods, the driver lumbar support is actually very, very good as well.

• 

  Stylish & practical value wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By nigel1000 - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Exterior - improved over the 04 model, with the silver/grey and gold/grey combinations particularly attractive. More conservative than the Mazda 6 but more interesting than the equivalent Audi & VW wagons Interior - one of the most attractive available for less than 25K, with very nice materials and workmanship, and an elegant and simple dash; std 8-way heated power seat Performance - very stable and quiet on the freeway, even at speed over poor surfaces; nice & precise cornering with very little lean or bounce; base engine power adequate, which SprotShift auto improves somewhat Saftey - outstanding, with good manoueverability, excellent visibility and

• 

  2013 subaru outback - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By tiger59 - June 25 - 11:43 pm

  never owned a subaru outback....so far...excellent! will get alot of funtionat of this wagon....big family trips!

• 

  $$$$ maintenance - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By hotwheels - June 25 - 4:36 pm

  No mechanical problems until dealer check at 114,000 miles. Cost $2100 to bring car up to speed, new water pump (even though I never had a water leak or change in antifreeze levels), was told oil valve leak on spark plug wires, needed $600 100,000 mile checkup with this bill and needed new rear brakes too. Wind noise is annoying. Bottom of driver door seal is loose and leaks. During freezing North Dakota winters the spring loaded gas cap freezes shut, cramped interior with just average gas mileage. Have been driving 41 years and never have had $2100 repair bill on any of my Hondas, Toyotas, or Nissans (some of them with 200,000+ miles). If I have one more problem, this car is going.

• 

  You gotta luv it! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Coloradolefty - June 25 - 10:00 am

  My first Subaru. Value per dollar spent is the best of any car I have owned. It is a marvelously easy car to drive and its inclement weather capabilities are second to none. If you live in snow or wet weather climates, this is the car...very stable and sure footed on the road.

• 

  Not Lovin It - 2017 Outback 2.5i Limited - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Lee H. - June 24 - 2:40 pm

  Ive owned this car now for four months and have about 2300 miles on it. Ive read the reviews on here and this is my take on the 2017 2.5i Limited with EyeSight: 2.5i engine is severely lacking . This engine only has 175hp, and for such a heavy car acceleration is terrible. Forget any kind of "fun" driving experience because you go from zero to sixty in over ten seconds - painfully slow if you are trying to do any kind of quick maneuver (which you must not do in this car lest you cause an accident). Honestly Subaru should not sell this configuration and should only do the 3.6R (which really isnt all that much better). The CVT transmission for the most part is sufficient, but again paired with this 2.5i engine, it is not a great transmission choice for a car lacking in horsepower. The "sport" shift paddles in the limited are a joke. Except for down shifting, there is no reason for them because they do not enhance performance in any manner. In fact if you use them, you cant really go faster than 65 - it is limited to about that speed, but if you go back into auto mode you can go faster. Makes no sense! I also am not getting the mileage promised on the sticker. It says 25 city but I am getting about 19 - not a great fuel savings for having to put up with a lackluster engine. For a Japanese car, the feature set is perplexing. The Starlink system is confusing with similar features offered in multiple apps, and some of the subjects offered like sports and stock info is redundant because if you have a smartphone you already have this. There is menu upon menu and honestly it is very convoluted. I have an iPhone and youd think in 2017 they would use Car Play and the voice activation assist Subaru provides is useless as well. You can do it faster manually than asking the car to do it. Also Perplexing is that there is no auto start available even as an option. In 2017 a $16k Chevy has auto start. You can however buy a dealer installed device, but thats another $600 or more and it is a bit confusing as there are two types offered. One that uses the existing remote (with extremely limited range) and one that is a separate remote (with a long distance range). If you opt for it the car promptly shuts off when you open the door which is very odd considering other manufacturers do not do this. Also some of these message boards indicate that you get the auto start with 2017 Limiteds. This is not true. The dealer has to "turn it on" and it costs you whatever they decide. One of the features that is supposedly superior is the symmetrical all wheel drive system. Ive owned Volvos, Fords and GM vehicles with AWD systems and have used them in heavy snow. I see no difference in Subarus system compared to other manufacturers and honestly before other manufacturers started offering it, that was Subarus niche, but now just about all car companies have AWD models and they all perform just as well as the Subaru. Also as reported the door locks are not programmable. All you can do program them to unlock all doors or just the driver when you grab the door handle. Otherwise the doors do not lock or unlock when placed in gear or when driving away. Also when the car is in reverse, the rear windows will not go down and you cant adjust radio volume. Again really stupid features! The radar cruise control feature is okay and works just as well as other cars Ive had - nothing special but the lane assist feature is annoying. The car over compensates and is very clunky. I never turn it on because of this. The lane departure warnings are extremely annoying and if you drive curvy roads it just adds to the annoyance factor. Same with the auto bright lights. If you use it, it constantly turns the brights on automatically and usually blinds oncoming cars because it cannot compensate for curves. Again I have to keep this off. Overall there is nothing special for this vehicle. If I had known all of this before I bought I would not have gotten this brand - there are a lot more negatives than positives and having had other vehicles with the same feature set as this Outback I can honestly say there is no compelling reason to pay the large sum of money I paid, and I feel a bit betrayed as this car has not turned out to be what it was promised. I will more than likely turn it in for something else once I have equity. Oh also the other real big detraction for me is that this car is extremely pedestrian and common. I chose the white and in my city there are THOUSANDS of Outbacks in white and other colors. I am not kidding when I say Ive gone up to the wrong car in a parking lot on more than one occasion!

• 

  Like a bad marriage. When it starts breaking, DUMP IT. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By freeskier118 - June 21 - 4:05 pm

  I loved my turbo Outback. It was absolutely bulletproof in the snow--unstoppable with snow tires. It was fun to drive with lots and lots of power. The interior is super comfortable. Unfortunately it did not love me back. Over the last year it was in the shop overnight at least 5 times for major engine and transmission repair. And on the turbo model, everything is more expensive to fix. A lot more expensive. If it would just hold together I would drive it into the ground. But in the end, its just not worth bankrupting myself. It was great for a fling, terrible for the long haul. Now I read reviews from Honda drivers complaining about a $700 timing belt replacement and just laugh.

• 

  Good Wagon - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ben Smith - June 18 - 8:46 am

  I live in the pacific northwest where AWD is a must, and the outback exceeds my expectations. Snow, Rain, and sleet have no effect on this ride. Its simply a must in the rough weather. The Heated seats are a charm in the cold, plus they heat up fast.