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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  New to Subie - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By wayne johnson - January 30 - 7:40 pm

  I have driven primarily Hondas & Toyota over the years, so far the Subaru has surpassed both. At this point in my life the Outback meets/exceeds my requirements. Comfort, reliabilty, utilitarian & economical

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  Some Good and Bad - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jason Meissner - January 30 - 4:30 am

  This is my first Subaru; some of the main reasons for my purchase were the size, versatility, and AWD system. It offers a very rugged look with a solid, safe ride, great sound system and auto climate control. I never thought I would find myself behind the wheel of a wagon, however the style inside and out makes your think twice. So far it has been dependable, but Subarus customer service has been least favorite on my list thus far. This car is very solid in winter weather, the best I have ever driven. Gas mileage has been horrific, ~23 mpg on mostly open road. I have read other reviews here, and Subaru boasts of increased gas mileage...this is definitely not my experience.

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  great car - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By 67celtic - January 26 - 7:36 pm

  After 16000 miles, no problem with my wifes 2012 outback. No problem on the highway at high speeds. Great car, different ride than our 05 outback.

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  Bought for wife - too much technology for her - - - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Dennis Bencher - January 25 - 2:21 pm

  I bought this car for my wife who is technology challenged to begin with. For example, she has an iPhone6 and all she can do with it is make calls and take pictures. Thats it. With this car you have to like to read the Owners Manual for things like using the radio and turning on the bright lights - which by the way you cant directly. Shes had the car about 1600 miles and loves it - thought she hasnt driven it in the winter so well see. So far she likes the safety features especially EyeSight. After shes had it for 6 months or so well see how many of the features she learns to use. My guess is no more than 20%. This car replaced a Lexus 330. She also has a BMW Z4.

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  6 Month Review - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By JM94 - January 24 - 8:53 am

  I reviewed my "tank" at 1000 miles, now a follow up. 2.5i Nav. now 6700 miles. I average 23-25 mpg mixed, no problems so far. Has enough power for day to day, not a speedster. Ride is smooth, car has been very reliable. Great cargo room w/ seats down, enough for a 40 inch tv and stand. Took it out in the snow today. It handles well, great traction. It took hard acceleration and irresponsible turns to get it to fishtail, but it will. I floored it, jerked the wheel and found myself hitting a curb. The Outback was fine, but I think I broke the sidewalk. I did this in an empty parking lot, hey if youre going to drive in the snow, you have to know your vehicle. Confident, solid car, not sexy.

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  Killer Value - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By ljnymd - January 17 - 9:29 pm

  There are a few key changes for the OB in 2013 that were important, so I was willing to wait for that model. These include the Eyesight safety system, the strengthened chassis, and the improved 4 cylinder engine. These were worth waiting for, as this car now offers killer value in terms of a package that is off road capable, very quiet, good gas mileage, and really comfortable.

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  Finally, a 6 cylinder! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Auzzieboy10 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Just got my Outback 6 Cyl. Wagon two weeks ago and so far I really love this car. Had a Sedan 20 years ago and really liked it, but I needed a SUV and wasnt going to settle for a 4 cyl. Found out the Outback had a 6 cyl. on Friday and bought it on Saturday:) However, at 212hp is only adequate in my opinion, but good handling and braking make up for continued lack of power.

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  Love the 2010 outback...so far - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By 1st-sub754Xwagon - January 17 - 6:50 am

  Initial impression is great. Loving the comfort of the leather seats and legroom. agree with other comments about rear and rear-backside visibility. Feels like a car in the corners, and a truck going over bumps and ruts. Kind of amazing that it has such a complient, yet sporty suspension set up. Spoil yourself with the limited, luxury interior touches, booming stereo, heated seats, sunroof, especially all that, 29 mpg on the highway, less than a stripped down, used highlander.Paddle shifters are a hoot. Total control and very fun. You can squeeze a little fun out of that 170 hp motor. Do miss a real temp gauge/ oil pressure gauge. Also, really need a backup camera in mirror, not NAV sys only.

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  A trifecta! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Susan Boesch - January 17 - 3:09 am

  This is the 3rd Subaru wagon Ive owned since 1980. I had forgotten what an awesome vehicle the Subaru is. When I decided to move on from my mid-size Ford SUV, I searched diligently for a replacement and finally decided on the Outback. I had forgotten what a wonderful vehicle the Subaru is. Safety is at the forefront of the design & the "Eye sight" option is a definite winner. The all wheel drive & its ability to take a little tougher terrain than a paved road are excellent-one of Subarus legendary qualities. In addition to safety, the interior has been highly upgraded. The leather package in the Premium level is second to none. The leather is plush and has a soft, buttery feeling to the touch, not hard like my Ford. I would like to have a little more user friendly system for the voice commands but only Ford has the Microsoft Sync system which is the best. But I did not buy my Outback for the voice command system. All things considered, the 2016 Subaru Outback is a winner and I anticipate getting well over 100,000 miles out of it with only routine upkeep & maintenance!! GO SUBIE!!!!!

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  We love our outback and so do our dogs! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By blackbird69 - January 16 - 6:31 pm

  We picked up our Outback on 12/1/10, the day we had the first "real" snow of the 10-11 winter. The Outback was put to the test right away and was great all winter. It performed really well in snow and on icy roads. Gas mileage is great too. We were looking for a vehicle to haul our four dogs. The Outback has plenty of space for them. The ride, seating, and handling are as good or better than anything else weve owned. Were up to 10,000 miles and the more I drive this car the more I love it.