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:

• 

  Great car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By ty - October 1 - 1:56 pm

  This is my second Subaru. Had a Legacy wagon previously and loved it. The new 3.6R outback I bought is higher but more powerful. Love the paddle shift and handling. Highly recommended. The version I purchased has identical power seats on both sides (no height problems here).

• 

  The Right Decision - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By PDB - September 27 - 6:43 am

  Weve had our 3.6 Limited Outback for three weeks now and couldnt be happier. The ride is solid and quiet, and the suspension is compliant yet conveys sufficient road feel to keep the driver involved. The fit and finish of the interior are first rate: the buttons and dials are uncomplicated and intuitive, and the seats are well designed, comfortable and provide plenty of support. The 3.6 liter engine supplies ample power for a car this size, and it has a refinement I didnt expect. Subaru has built a well-thought-out car which has certainly resonated with us and raised the bar for this category.

• 

  Head gaskets - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Not so lucky - September 25 - 7:33 pm

  I also had the head gaskets problem. Only when I bought my car in (at 102K) the dealership did not want to repair them on their cost because they would only do so for cars below 100K. This while my car had been in the dealership at 97K and they found nothing. I find it a bit fishy they only found it after the 100K had passed. For me no Subaru anymore, although they drive great, dont expect to get much further above 100K without significant repairs.

• 

  Love It! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By miss_m - September 24 - 12:06 pm

  I absolutely love my Outback. I wanted a station wagon but few auto makers have them. It basically came down to a Subaru Outback or a Mercedes station wagon. I opted for the Subaru, which seemed far more practical and easier to maintain.

• 

  My OB - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By tmccln - September 23 - 11:16 am

  I just purchased my OB last week and I was a former owner of a Honda CR-V. I started having problems with the CRV Air Condenser. Last year I had to have my air conditioner replaced to the tune of $700 plus, because there was a hole in the condenser they said. Less than 6 months later, my air conditioner went out again. I refused to get it fixed. I instead endured driving during those hot, hot summer days. All I could think about was trading it in for a more reliable car that didnt have a condenser exposed to the outside elements. Needless to say I did my research and decided on the Outback. I couldnt be happier.

• 

  Nicest Ride Suburu for $ - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Eric SUNDQUIST - September 19 - 10:29 pm

  Dont look anymore. Find a one owner .We have every option available. Just now writing review. 49,000. Perfect. Just follow owners manual. Very quick 2.5 I 6 speed with flippers. Sweet Harmon Carmen 9 speakers. Overall awsome and fun economic

• 

  Exhaustive comparison - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Bobby W - September 14 - 2:26 am

  My wife and I did an exhaustive comparison between the Outback Limited, KIA Sorrento, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Rav 4. We test drove each of the models above -some of them two or three times. We compared features, poured over projected reliability data and read countless forums about each model. I even contacted the Service Managers at each dealership in an attempt to gleen information about common problems. In the end, the Subaru Outback excelled in every category, including advanced safety features like the Eyesight technology. Moreover, the ride of the Outback handled better and seemed more comfortable, as well as more responsive in our test drive than the other models. Subarus Symmetrical All Wheel Drive was also a key factor in our decision. It is a superior system and due to the design, eliminates torque steer due to engine weight displacement during emergency handling. Less important features, like the self-storing roof crossbars, which eliminate drag and wind noise, pointed to the overall intelligent engineering of the vehicle. Little details like that are indications of practical design that I believe extend throughout the car. The comfort and convenience features are as nice as any $40-50,000 car. I should point out that choosing a new car in this category was not easy. Some of the other manufacturers have very competitive cars with outstanding feautures. But in the end, after literally months of research, we chose the 2017 Subaru Outback Limited because it seemed superior and met our needs. We are extremely happy with our decision.

• 

  Dependable workhorse - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By ctac - September 13 - 1:23 am

  Our family has been running this Outback for almost four years. We put a little over 50K miles on it, with probably 30K of daily commute and 10K of annual ski trips. Subarus are usually praised for their AWD, but in the first couple of winters I had some skidding incidents (shouldnt have pressed the gas pedal so carelessly on tight turns! This is a manual transmission car, so not all of the fancy electronic stabilization systems are available). Once that has been figured out, we found ourselves working as a snow taxi for our friends in a small Midwestern town. I was disappointed with the fuel economy at first (it was clearly below the nominal rating), but then it somehow got better.

• 

  My First Subi - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Steve - September 12 - 9:30 pm

  This is my first time buying a non-GM car. Have only driven 300 miles. No problems yet. Love the way this car handles. Great acceleration and smooth ride. Was perfect to drive during a recent snowfall. Looking forward to taking this car on next backwoods camping trip. So far no regrets I didnt buy GM.

• 

  We absolutely love it. - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Veejay146 - September 12 - 1:26 am

  I have owned this car for a little less than a month. Our family has always trusted Honda but after a disagreement with their dealership we stormed out and went straight to Subaru who was 2nd on our list. So far driving this car has been excellent, so much better than I first anticipated. It had all of the features that we were to get from the CR-V and some more. At first I thought I would have some difficulties driving a longer car but not at all. It handles very nice and smooth, gets pretty good gas mileage (25 mpg driving in mostly hilly neighborhoods and occasional freeway). Bluetooth handsfree is a bonus that we did not expect!