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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Subie #2 - 2001 Subaru Outback
By flacke - October 20 - 10:00 amThis is my second Subaru. I like it but I too find the 5 speed to shift a little rough. The clutch is graby and reverse is hard to find a lot. It also has to low of a final drive gear. At 80mph my 93 runs at 3100rpms the 01 runs 3800rpms at 80mph. This makes the engine a little more torquey but doesnt help the trany/clutch problems, MPG and engine noise level. Dont get me wrong I love the car I just have to be very smooth when shifting. The AWD system feel great in snow and mud. It corners well and is smooth feeling on the highway. The Limited is Great Highway road tripper, around towner and backroad shuttle vehicle.
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so far so good - 2003 Subaru Outback
By dad/35 - October 20 - 10:00 amMy Subaru Outback has so far been a great wagon. I have put 15000 miles on it in 9 months with no problems. The first winter I had it I tried to get it stuck in the snow I couldnot do it. granted it is not a monster mudder so I did not go crazy. However I do have a very steep drive way and we had a lot of ice last winter. One time a stopped half way up the hill and could not start from the stop. But that was to be expected.
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Great in the snow - 2005 Subaru Outback
By LMay326 - October 19 - 7:56 amGreat in the snow.
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Didnt know I liked Subaru until I drove - 2010 Subaru Outback
By JTAlabama - October 16 - 9:53 amMy wife and I own a Honda Pilot and we love it. When it was time to replace our Grand Prix with a small SUV we narrowed our list to CR-V, RAV4, and Forester. We wanted something with good MPG but a nice ride and good quality/reliability. We went to Subaru and found the Forester not worth while, but they suggested the Outback. It was GREAT! We dont like wagons, but this is a true SUV. It drove much better and quieter than the RAV4 and CR-V and with better fuel economy! Weve had it a month now and it is so much fun to drive. Excellent space and combined mpg is ~30 mpg! Overall, this is great so far. Hopefully the reliability remains good.
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My new baby - 2013 Subaru Outback
By blu3 - October 14 - 12:37 amLove the car its my 2nd one!
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Traded in 2007 Outback XT Limited - 2011 Subaru Outback
By Chassol - October 13 - 9:40 pmGoing from the 2007 2.5 turbo to the 2011 3.6R was a great deal. The turbo was fun and got good mileage (avg 22 mpg). Nice to go from Super unleaded to regular, saves $.30 a gallon. At just over 800 miles avg mpg for the 3.6R is just over 23. Great for regular gas. Dont be fooled the 3.6R (256 hp) has guts equal to the turbo (243 hp). Also no timing belt in the 3.6R to replace at 105,000, as it is chain driven cam. Subaru has done amazing changes in 4 years time with everything - styling, trim, materials - everything. We plan on keeping this Subaru for probably, at least 6-7 years. Look at Subaru they are fantastic vehicles.
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From 4Runner to Outback - 2011 Subaru Outback
By Lee - October 11 - 3:26 amReplaced wifes 2000 Toyota 4Runner. New 4Runner is too big for her & too expensive for me. Outback is a big improvement over 4Runner: much more stable, much faster, gets better MPG, and has a great interior with all the gadgets (Limited). Granted, we didnt use full capabilities of truck- based 4Runners 4WD. We are really impressed with the Outback not like the 1987 wagon I had! Very quiet & stable at highway speed. 6 cyl is fast, getting ~20 mpg overall after 600 miles of mixed driving. No evidence of front end "shimmy" some 2010 Outback owners reported. Really impressed so far.
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Excellent choice - 2016 Subaru Outback
By Amanda - October 10 - 7:23 pmMy only complaint is that the heater could be quicker to kick in.
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1st Subaru - 2007 Subaru Outback
By Craig - October 9 - 8:50 pmI traded an Audi A6 Quattro for my outback. The Outback costs 1/3 less than the Audi to replace. The Outback is virtually the same vehicle. I lost heated rear seats and the ride is more stiff. The first day I owned the car I drove in a 8" snow storm and the car handled every bit as well as the Quattro. I have owned 3 Audis and I am a convert. This is a tremendous car for the money.
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wind / mirror noise - 2015 Subaru Outback
By elantra6 - October 1 - 5:26 pmI like this car, except the window noise.... It starts over 40 mph, and around 70 mph is intolerable. Ill take it to the dealership and if they cant fix it (or dont want to fix it ) Ill be very -very unhappy.
