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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  Second review after 3 months - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By gtskier - August 29 - 8:13 am

  Great fun to drive. Mileage is better than expected, 24 mpg in SI Drive - "S" mode driving up and down canyon 5400 to 9200 feet on weekly shopping trips and local mountain driving daily. Handles great on curves, highways, dirt. One exception: factory Bridgestone tires squirm excessively on grooved pavement. Road noise is a bit high, but crank up the great stereo with SRS-WOW, MP3 CD and jack. Cant wait to see the VDC work on snow and ice this winter.

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  Sad Face! - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By thinkingintext - August 28 - 2:38 am

  This is my first Subaru. I traded a 2011 Jetta Wagon TDI for it. I traded because I wanted an AWD for weather situations, and mountains. I knew it would have lower gas mileage. However, I was not expecting such a vast difference in fuel mileage. I am now angry almost daily, as I watch the gas meter drop before my eyes. I clearly have made a terrible mistake. The gas consumption of this car is disgusting. I want my TDI back (sad face).

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  Great Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By larry - August 26 - 4:16 am

  Very happy with this car. Excellent build quality, pick up and handling. Very reliable and with snow tires, unstoppable. Winter package especially appreciated. Excellent cabin comfort and cargo capacity. This is our second Subaru and the ownership experience has been pleasant for both. Only nits are the crappy front sunroof and the climate control system is annoying. we have 60K trouble free miles so far. We opted for a new CRV this round but will keep an eye on Subaru when we sell this beast in a few years

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  love it - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By keywest305 - August 25 - 10:50 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive.The comfort is soft and plush but the build is tough and stable on bumps and turns.This vehicle did awesome in snow.I love the power of the 3.0 250 hp. The engine is smooth quiet and quick.

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  First Subaru - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By JOSEPH RISPOLI - August 24 - 7:07 pm

  Happy wife happy life😁

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  Not enough time for valid reliability - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By NewSubie - August 22 - 6:50 am

  Wife and I were thinking 2010 Forester, but 2010 Outback, though more expensive, is a much more solid and quiet rig. Compared to 09 Outback, significant improvements in front passenger and rear passenger leg room (major factor for us). CVT tranny also a major plus due to significant fuel economy boost (with 40 miles on engine, we average 27.2 mpg on 15 mile drive home with some stop/go city driving and mostly highway driving). I always wonder about new design quirks with model year re-designs, but the car addressed our key objectives of legroom and fuel efficiency. Forester had a few squeaks in interior during test drive. This outback was rock solid over bumpy roads and railroad tracks.

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  Great car for family - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Alan Litz - August 22 - 5:22 am

  If you live in the mountains, the 3.6 would certainly be the better choice but anywhere else, the 2.5 is going to be perfectly adequate and everything else about the car is darn near, perfect.

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  2001 OutBack - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Mike - August 20 - 4:36 pm

  Really have nothing to complain about except the fact I had to replace the catalytic converter at 90,000 which was expensive! I have had many vehicles with many more miles and NEVER had to replace a converter. just be warned if you buy one youre in for a expensive replacement part as this seems to be common.

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  Glad to have chosen a Subaru. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Sheryl Venton - August 19 - 6:21 pm

  Great car for road trips and everyday use. Well thought out design.

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  Under Rated - Great Car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Chuck F. - August 19 - 2:56 pm

  Have 1000 miles driven and Im loving this car. CVT is very smooth and the 2.5i performs surprisingly well. Handles real well and has a solid and smooth highway feel. Did a 350 mile trip recently and had no road fatigue. Ergonomics for the driver are well designed and the more familiar I get the happier I become with how they laid things out. Fit, finish and workmanship appear outstanding. The manual mode is a dream when driving mountain roads and the paddle shifters are wonderful. First Subaru for me- fell in love with a 2009 loaner and when I went to buy one I found the newly designed 2010 - with a bigger interior (the one drawback I felt the Outback had) So, it was an easy sell.