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 Fantasic Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By alinki - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has everything . It is one fine auto.

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  The go anywhere do everything vehicle! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By thesubarunut - June 13 - 7:40 pm

  Our 2010 model is our 3rd Outback. Have owned a 97, 2007 turbo and now the 2010. Previous Outback models have been fantastic and suspect the 2010 will be also. All have been incredible vehicles! Very dependable, inexpensive to own and a real joy to drive! We LOVE our Subarus!!! Everyone should have at least one of these vehicles!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Melissa M - June 11 - 10:16 am

  We purchased this car because we are seriously considering a move north of Florida. I had an 06 4-Runner we turned in, and although I loved that SUV, I really love this new Suby too. It sits lower than the 4-Runner did, comparable to my husbands Escape, but it handles much better, sportier than the Escape. Takes some getting used to in traffic since I am accustomed to sitting higher off the road. I really wanted the Tribeca to start (for the 3rd row seats), but the extra $10K wasnt realistic - or necessary - because I am more than satisfied with this purchase...highly recommend for a small family who wants a sporty car with plenty of room and plenty of life for an excellent price.

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  GREAT FAMILY CAR! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By doc5339 - June 11 - 4:59 am

  Overall this is an awesome car. The Outback merges safety with functionality, and driving fun. The opposed 4-cylinder (H4) has great pick-up.

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  Love it! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Damage450 - June 8 - 10:46 pm

  We purchased our first Subaru ever in July of 2010 and we couldnt be happier. The car rides great, is comfortable, has plenty of cargo room, and gets great fuel mileage. We are averaging 31.8 MPG over the first 1500 miles we have put on it. Now, we do drive the speed limit so I am sure that helps.

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  1st time Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By 1st time Subaru - June 5 - 11:20 am

  As a first time Subaru owner I did not know what to expect. It is the first car that I have owned that does not have a frame around the doors windows. Maybe I do not drive the way the others do but my mileage has been less than expected. My last car was a Toyota Highlander and did really well in the snow and not bad on mileage, so this new car has a lot to live up to. I have owned others, Acura, Nissan, Audi and Toyota and, in my opinion, all had better initial quality. I am looking forward to the snow because I have heard great things.

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  I should have done more research - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Rich B. - June 5 - 9:16 am

  This is certainly a much quieter and more comfortable vehicle than the 96 Outback its replacing. It handles nicely, has adequate power for my needs, and is very versatile in many ways. There are, however, some features that really irk me: 1. The roof rack design is very inflexible compared to the typical set of rails on most SUVs. 2. The sideview mirrors do not fold. 3. In order to make Harman-Kardon stereo in the 2.5 Limited fully functional with an iPod, the dealer quoted nearly $600 in parts & labor for the "media hub." 4. Cost to add a bumper hitch was quoted at $675 due to bumper mods. My advice - look closely before you buy the 2010 Outback; it comes up short in a few key areas.

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  Head Gasgets blown twice - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Steve - May 31 - 1:23 pm

  We have had several Subarus but this one started having problems...head gasget went at 60k then again at 110k, radiator went at 110k, CV Boot replaced 2x, plus other problems..one major plus is Subaru stood behind their vehicle and covered the head gasget even when out of warranty.

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  Love My Subaru.. - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Outback - May 31 - 6:03 am

  Loving my Outback, I am a first time Subaru owner and it is great and fun to drive. Comfort level wonderful and enough room for a car seat in the back with plenty of leg room for a toddler. Just the right size. My husband drives and SUV and we agreed to scale down. I looked at all crossover, Rav $, CR-V, GMC and this one was the bested priced, best rating for safety. Hands down this car came in first and a good all around.

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  Great car for tall people - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By lala09 - May 30 - 9:37 pm

  This is the first Subaru Ive ever purchased. My husband is 67" and when we saw the legroom of 43" we did not believe it would ever work;however he has plenty of leg room and head room (more than Tahoe, Yukon, Sequoia, etc) with way better gas mileage. The gas mileage is right on target of 24.6 mpg with all mountain driving (very curvy with lots of hills). The 4 cylinder is plenty enough power. We also live on a very steep dirt road and does very well. Have not gotten any snow yet, so not sure how will handle. Very impressed with features in "base model". 2nd row passengers (2- 3 year olds) have plenty room and love the cup holder between them.