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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  Very Pleased - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By jeffm55 - March 20 - 12:23 am

  Weve had this car for about 3 weeks. We took a 900 mile trip last week & are very happy. Got 29.5 MPG doing about 65 MPH. Like the CVT. There is enough power to pass, go up hills, etc. Drivers seat comfort is very good. Good also in the back. Smooth, quiet ride on most roads. Fit & finish are very good. Has a feeling of quality to it. Good front & side visibility. Not so great in rear, but we got the NAV with the backup camera, so that helps greatly. Bluetooth & iPod connection work well. On the down side, over assisted steering feel at highway speeds. Passengers seat can not be adjusted for height. Choppy ride on rough roads.

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  Very Disappointed for Many Reasons - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Lisa Smith - March 17 - 11:13 am

  There are so many things that are disappointing to me with this car. Some off them include: after 6 different trips to 2 different dealers I learned that the random hesitation I was experiencing was due to a bad coil pack on a spark plug. The reason it took me more than 15 hours of drive time back and forth to the dealers is because the computer they have running the car randomly decides when it wants to save error codes. For my mechanical issue the engineers who created the computer felt it made sense for it to only hold my error code when the check engine light came on for the exact same reason in 2 consecutive ignitions. My cylinder 1 misfire was impossible to duplicate by the dealer until I made the 6th trip to dealer and I just got lucky because the engineers who created the computer felt it is not necessary to store my previous misfire error codes. Another disappointment is the hatchback. It will not release unless the vehicle is in park and all the doors are unlocked. So, I am guessing the engineers who created this have never dropped a child off at ball practice or been in a slow moving school pick up lane before. If they had they would know you never put your car in park and unlock the auto lock doors before your child jumps out to grab their bags from the back and you quickly get out of the way of the next family dropping off or picking up. I also absolutely hate the keyless FOB. it is my first time owning one and I will never purchase it again. You cannot lock the car with the FOB inside. As a human I should be able to decide when I want my car locked and when I dont regardless if I have a key inside or not. I could elaborate more on this but this may just be a personal preference thing versus an engineering mistake. It is ridiculous to me that this car does not have one dedicated USB for charging a phone when it is not running. Their is no possible way that 1 cell phone can draw enough power to damage a car battery if it is not running. The fuel mileage has been disappointing too. I have never averaged more than 25 mpg regardless if it is combined driving or not. Lastly, the dealership I bought my Subaru from was a joke. Lou Fusz in St. Louis could have cared less about my random misfire problem. They did nothing to help me troubleshoot my random glitch and poor performance and they eventually just blew me off as did Subaru themselves when I called them. They simple said it is covered under warranty but the caveat to that is that it is ONLY covered if they can get the problem to duplicate at the dealer. Finally the second dealership, Webster Groves Subaru in St. Louis helped me to say that I should go to an auto parts store and ask them to do a code reading on it when the check engine light came on given that the car does not store any of the information after I turn the engine off. Needless to say, I do not LOVE. my Subaru....

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  Suspension is a little hard as are the interior plastics - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By theooutback - March 16 - 8:45 am

  This is our second Outback, the first being a 2006. Whats nice - the interior styling, the very good AWD, and FINALLY rear air vents (at least in the Limited) that have been available on non-US Outbacks for years. But they did stiffen things up a bit and this is described by some professional reviewers as improved handling. In real world driving, it means that imperfect pavement (really normal pavement these days) is always there with you. Its not bouncy, just hard. Which brings me to the interior plastics - tap on them with your nails to get a knock on the door sound. The materials seem fairly cheap aside from the seating surfaces. A lesson from recent Toyotas?

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  Outstanding Outback! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By jwa741 - March 15 - 7:56 am

  Purchased my first Subaru about a week ago, an Outback 3.6R Limited. Traded my 2004 Lexus RX330 in on this jewel. The Outback is awesome on the road; quiet, smooth and comfortable - quieter than the RX. Got the Nav system, and I like it a lot. And for those who have complained about not being able to make Nav and Bluetooth selections while driving, get over yourself! Its a safety issue! This is the most fun-to-drive car I have ever owned, and the fact that it takes regular gas is great. I look forward to many adventures with "Alice" (as in Alice Springs, located in the Australian Outback). I even have a mascot for Alices back seat - a small stuffed Kangaroo, named "Subie-roo"

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  Hidden Cost - Replace tires in pairs - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Tired of run around - March 13 - 6:43 pm

  Per the Service Manager at Dallas Subaru, tires must be replaced in pairs, either the two front or the two rear, at the same time. My 2005 Outback wagon has 25,000 miles on it and pulls so hard to the right, its hard to keep it on the road. I have one off-brand tire and the dealer requires that I replace it and the other rear tire with matching major brand tires before they will even put the car on the rack to check the alignment. He says that every time one tire goes out, two must be replaced so they will have identical wear. Otherwise, warranty on the car does not apply and the car will not handle properly. I think this is an unreasonable expense and hidden cost.

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  Best car for the money - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Mary - March 12 - 10:55 pm

  I got a lot more car for my money with this Subaru than if I had bought a Lexus for $10,000 more. I have had no problems (knock on wood) with this car. Service has been great.

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  2007 Legacy Outback 2.5 w/ 125K - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Karl B - March 12 - 4:24 am

  Have 2007 legacy Outback purchased as used lease car. Once over 100K had timing belt (expected), head gaskets, both front axles due to ripped boots. I going to learn how to replace just the boots next time. Had Cat converter replaced. CEL stated all 4 cyl misfiring. Turned out to be EGR valve.Could have replaced it myself for half of what dealer charged. Then CEL showed 2 cyl misfiring; wires and coil. Also LR wheel bearing. Hoping this is it for a while. Like winter traction. Dont see any benefit from 17 in wheels. Get rid of that light switch on the steering column. Accidently turns on when resetting trip odometer and lites on kills battery if you dont catch it. Needs more room under wheel well for snow tires. Cannot get better than 27 mpg;ave is 23. Plastic cover under engine needs to fastened better. Mine ripped off after just 3 winters of driving.

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  DFW WINNER! OUTBACK HANDELS TEXAS LIKE A PRO - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Lonestar Driver - March 12 - 4:03 am

  I researched this and other cars before buying my Outback 2.5i Limited in July, and its curious to me if I have the same car as the reviewers. Ive read much about the lackluster acceleration of the 4cyl engine and the quirkiness of the CV transmission. I simply dont experience the negatives described. Yes, the engine is not a rocket by any stretch but it more than gets the job done. Dallas drivers are typically heavy on the throttle and theres no lack of stop-n-go traffic, yet when I need to move the car takes the command in stride and it responds. The so-called, jerkiness of the CVT and sensitivity of the braking, is a mystery. Ive had this car on the open road and in heavy DFW traffic and the shifts are as smooth and effortless as Ive ever experienced. The reviews of this combination just dont add up to my experience. This car is quiet, very comfortable and well mannered. Interior materials are excellent. I will agree the clock placement and size need improvement. The A/C is excellent and quickly cools the interior from the Texas heat.

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  We love this car! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - March 11 - 7:46 am

  To be fair I need to state that this Outback is my 6th Subaru. Its obvious that I like them and gravitate to them. We love Subaru AWD and dependability. Our previous car was a 2008 Legacy Ltd which we really liked and never had any trouble with it, but it was coming up on 9 years - time for something newer. We went to Quality Subaru - our nearest dealer - and were made to feel very comfortable. This time my wife wanted a higher ride height and better visibility than the Legacy. The obvious choice was the Outback. We test drove the Premium model and several Limited models. When we saw how well equipped the Limited was there was no turning back. We really liked all the safety features offered in the Limited model. The test drives of several Limiteds revealed a very quiet and very responsive car that felt absolutely solid. Driving this car gave one a feeling of confidence. So what started out as my wifes must have moon roof turned into us getting a very capable car with many cool safety and tech features. After 4 months of ownership we are still learning the full extent of all the cars features. Handling is excellent for a car with this much ground clearance. The ride quality is somewhat firm and still somewhat supple - a great balance. The transmission is a bit noisy under initial or hard acceleration. We feel the car has adequate power under acceleration and passing. Gas mileage has ranged from 22mpg around town to 31mpg on the highway. Road noise is minimal. The Harmon Kardon sound system is excellent. We also like the voice command capabilities. The information display provides way information than we could normally use, but it is nice to know it is available. We have not had opportunity to use the automatic distance control while set in cruise. We do not like the fact that you have stop the car to initially access the navigation system. We have not driven the car in much snow, but we expect it to perform well based on our past experiences. It took a while to get used to the keyless start and also how the key fob works, but now we like it. We are starting to use the back up camera more and more - it came in handy when I messed up my back and could not turn. Our passengers love the heated back seats. I love the comfort of the seats, the perforated leather will be nice in hot weather and we both like the seat position memory function. The headlights are awesome - very good visibility at night. Sometimes the cornering light is helpful too. Environment controls are easy to use and work well - even the voice commands. Another cool feature is that the oil filter is on top of the engine right near the dipstick - it will be easy changing it. I usually cant wait to drive this car - technically it is my wifes and she drives it the most. This is the first new car that we both actually love. The very few things we do not care for pale in comparison to all that we do like. Our dealer - Quality Subaru and our salesman - Mike - both treated us well. Mike was very thorough, patient, and knowledgeable.

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  Great car, easy choice - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Alison Young - March 8 - 9:18 pm