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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  cruise (out of) control - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By fred - June 25 - 8:53 am

  Had an 03 Forester with cruise control that worked great. Why did they change it? Have they never heard "if it aint broke, dont fix it"? Have had it "worked on" several times including sending the unit to regional office for re-programming and it still "hunts" while going down hill. Very annoying! :-( Is the factory going to recall the 05s and correct it? Am losing my patience! Otherwise, I think it is a very fine vehicle.

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  Only a month in but we LOVE it - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Scott Graham - June 24 - 8:20 am

  Weve only had the car a month but love it so far. The EyeSight system is awesome. Very solid safe feeling car.

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  Love Our 2013 Subaru Outback Limited - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By sus77 - June 22 - 3:26 pm

  Traded in our 2007 Ford Expedition for a 2013 Outback 2.5i Limited with Moonroof. We are so glad we did! We have about 1000 miles on the car and its been a blast to drive. The car handles well and the 2nd generation CVT is very smooth. Our gas mileage has ranged between 26 and 29 MPG in 50/50 mixed driving. The new front end and grille makes the 2013 Outback stand out. The interior is spacious and seems to be made of material in high quality. The harmon karmen sound system is great as well. This is our third Subaru and it wont be our last!

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  Fancy new mom car for the win! (Im not a mom yet) - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Autumn Crossett - June 16 - 2:56 am

  Have had my 2017 Subaru Outback for a month. We call it Gandalf because he keeps me safe by beeping at me when I start to go out of my lane or theres an object in front of or behind me. Incredibly comfortable with limited road noise. Not a huge fan of the stereo but I think thats because the vehicle is so large.

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  Mr. Dependable - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By David Schmidt - June 15 - 9:40 am

  Traded in a 2001 LL Bean Outback. Was very impressed with the overall design, roominess, and comfort level. Also looked at Honda CRVs. There is no comparison value wise. The Subaru comes with many features that the Honda lacks, ie: power drivers seat. My concern about power in the mountains was a non-issue when using the sport shifter. Gas mileage is 27-28 on regular gas.

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  Confidence to drive anywhere! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By kaddison - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Our main reasons for our decision in the purchase of the Subaru were safety and reliability; we found both in the Outback. This car will give you the confidence to drive anywhere, even on rough terrain

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  unique wagon - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By zimboy - June 4 - 9:21 pm

  i did lots of research looking for a car that combined practical space, versatile in all weather conditions, cross-over aspects, a sense of adventure but confidence....something different from the hundreds of dreary over-sized SUVs out there. always knew Subaru were renowned in the AWD adventure/sport category but was surprised by how versatile the Outback is.

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  LL Ban: Amazing Grace - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Dogman7 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  In myfifth moth of ownership, with a 60- mile daily commute. I am 1005pleased with the car. I traded and Explorer Eddie Bauer and my wife has a Saab 9-5 wagon. This car is better than either. The Explorer felt agricultural by comparison, and while the Saab is comparable, its not worth the extra 10 grand. (Proof: We take the Subie on road trips.) This car is comfortable, good-handling, quiet, and sturdy.

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  Eleven Subarus and counting - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By John - May 29 - 9:40 pm

  Yep this is number eleven. First one was an 82. We think they are the best car for the money bar none, especially when you live in cold, snowy or wet climates. At one time had three all Outbacks.

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  Worst Car I Ever Loved - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Pilgrim 54 - May 29 - 4:53 pm

  North western PA winters were no match for the Sube. Foot of snow; no problem. Need lots of ground clearance, fine. Need service...good luck. Yes you WILL need service. We bought ours new and sold it after 4 years. Had numorous problems with the cruise control operation. Replaced the timing belt tensioner TWICE! On the way to the dealer when we were trading it in we were having second thoughts till the check engine light came on!!