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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  A great overall car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By subarudavis - May 15 - 8:42 pm

  I remember reading that the Subaru Outback is good at everything but great at nothing before I bought one a year ago. This is very accurate except in terms of reliability and mud handling. Being from northern California I do not experience snow but I can attest to its mud ability, which is excellent (be sure to turn traction control off). I have pulled Sea Doo boats and Yamaha Jet Skis with ease, surprising for a 4 cylinder, but it was competent as long as the load wasnt over 2500lbs. Ride and comfort could not be better (it beats my 2000 BMW 328i by a long shot). I could not wish for a better car, only thing are a few rattles and squeaks which I hate and its exterior looks suck.

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  Addicted to Outbacks. - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By PC - May 15 - 9:50 am

  Cant believe I just traded my 2011 for a 2017 - but all the new safety stuff got to me (see Suburu EyeSight system - it is better than anything else I researched). Am tired of backing into things. Drove some other stuff to do due diligence. Nothing even comes close. Drives like a real car almost but tons of space. My repair bills in 5 years consisted of oil changes, one set of new wipers, 2 screws in a loose heat shield. New brake pads too I think - but with just 42K miles never needed tires. AWD essential in New England. Never getting stuck in snow is a priority (never have). Cant imagine a better vehicle. Oh - forgot to mention that auto lift and closing gate thing in the back! Got tremendous value from the dealer on my 2011. 9/2017. No complaints. Same review as in 2016. Havent backed into anything!

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  Amazing family car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By johnyoo - May 15 - 9:22 am

  Starting a new family, I had to give up my compact and this was the best choice for us. Great power, spacious interior (key for car seats), cargo room, AWD, and reasonable fuel economy. Primarily looked at a Murano which was more luxurious, but a bit smaller cargo-wise and you need to run it on premium so went with the Subaru. After about 3k miles Im glad we did. Its extremely comfortable on the roads and was a lifesaver in the recent snowstorms. It doesnt handle as well as the cars Im used to, but I didnt expect super crisp handling going into a larger vehicle. I wish some of the tech was more up to date, but its good enough for our needs and should serve us well.

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  Should have bought one sooner - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Mark Greene - May 14 - 12:28 pm

  We have owned our new Outback about 3 weeks now, and with over 2,000 miles on it already, are extremely pleased with it. We have averaged 30+ mpg over two 400-mile round trips. This car is quieter, rides better, and gets much better mileage than my 2012 Veracruz, and the traded in Mercedes convertible. I love the adaptive cruise control, it can control your speed/spacing distance down to 30mph if you need it to. The eyesight system is something all cars should have! The fit and finish are impressive, controls are pretty well placed overall, and operating the various systems is pretty intuitive. There is quite a learning curve to get all the various system options set the way you want, but once you do, life is good. The CVT is just a touch whiny if you hit the throttle hard from a stop, but the rest of the time, it feels like a standard 6-speed automatic transmission should. It is easy to get in and out of, the seats were comfortable for our one 5-hour drive, and visibility is very good. The roof rails are folded into the side rails until you need them, which makes the car quieter. The storage is equal to our Veracruz, with a smaller overall body, a higher road clearance, and a much lower roof rack access, which is a bonus for us. The sound system is one area my wife is disappointed with, but she is comparing it to her Mercedes sound system. As the title says, should have bought an Outback sooner.

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  Best bang for the buck! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Chris S. - May 13 - 7:53 am

  Best all around value and functionality from any manufacturer! Its like taking a sedan, SUV, and sports car and fusing them together. Gets 30 MPG on the highway after switching to Mobil 1 5w-30 synthetic.

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  Outfitted w/3rd party Hand Controls - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Naboo - May 12 - 12:00 pm

  I bought the Subaru Outback LTD (no NAV) to replace my old SUV. Been driving truck based SUVs for 20 years. Had hand controls installed to assist with my MS related issues. So far as ADA vehicle it has been great. no issues with gas on the other side. Spent lots of time checking out vehicles on-line, through friends and finally did the sit test for MS - ingress/egress on several types of vehicles. The Subaru Outback was the easiest for in/out - even better than the Forester. Although I have long legs and am used to trucks - it has been a nice ride and wonderful to have better MPG. love the light interior as well.

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  Nice car but... - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By hutch7 - May 10 - 3:13 am

  We rented this car in Oregon for a week and drove it over 700 miles. A lot of mountains and curves, muddy back roads. I found it to be a little too underpowered on hills, very "shifty". Liked the "Sport" mode in the auto tranny. Base engine doesnt hack it. Useless arm rest just like my 97 Outback.

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  An outstanding vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By reinman2 - May 3 - 5:47 am

  I have owned quite a few cars in my 45 years of driving and this is one of the best. It doesnt have the element of luxury my BMWs and Mercedes have had in the past but it is far and away the most trouble free and reliable cars ever. I have had it in storage since I bought it and used it briefly in 2010 driving from West Coast to the east but through, snow, ice and tornados and incredible winds it was effortless. A quality automobile and although I love driving Beemers I hate taking them to the shop which is a constant. Subaru does it right and the 2010 redesign was an excellent example of fine engineering, while not the fastest definitely the safest and most reliable I have owned.

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  Great Value - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By bananafish - April 25 - 2:55 pm

  Good pricing on high end 2016 at end of model year. Loaded with features, great value. Interior is very comfortable with nice finishes. Safety is superb, full-time AWD hugs the ground in rain and snow. Good visibility. Lane alert, active stopping, and blind spot alerts are great.

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  New owner - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By tblvr0885 - April 21 - 11:13 am

  Only 750 miles. So far, everything I expected. Love the white with corresponding black, headlight design, and overall look. Interior design and layout very good. Wish list: auto headlight delay when shutting off; make memory seats and adaptive cruise separate options; lift gate window open separate from lift gate. Knew these werent there before purchase, but would be good features/options for future. Voice command navigation hard to use.