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 nice car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Bill - December 15 - 10:53 am

  Has all the positive attributes of an SUV - AWD, roomy, ground clearance, smooth quiet ride - without the MPG penalty or awkward size. I am getting over 25 MPG in mostly in-town driving, so I expect around 30 on a road trip, which is way better than the EPA estimates and most of the competition. This is my second Subie - I put 142K on my first with few issues, so I anticipate great reliability.

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  Great Car - Poor Transmission - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By R. Wagner - December 12 - 3:53 am

  This is my fourth Subaru. I really enjoy it. The build quality is the best Ive ever seen. Winter weather performance is unbeatable. That being said.....The transmission has a mind of its own. When the engine is cold, the transmission will downshift at the slightest touch of the accelerator. You almost have to use the sportshift just to control the downshifting. Cold weather starting is just acceptable. It has always started, but we havent hit the coldest part of the winter yet in Wisconsin. The seat belt sensors are malfunctioning. The warning beeps even when no one is in the passenger seat. Still, there is no other car I would rather drive on a snowy day.

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  I love my Outback! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Donna - December 11 - 5:33 pm

  I owned my Honda Accord for almost 10 years and wanted another car that I could keep that long. I researched safety, performance, reliability, value, mileage, everything. I thought I was going to get the Forester, until I drove it. Too "trucky" for me, and the dealer suggested I drive the Outback. Smooth ride, nice interior, fun to drive; I was sold. I chose the 2.5L engine for the mileage and the fact that it is a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle, at least in California. The option to shift it into Sport or Manual while climbing hills is huge and really helps the engine performance. Its nice to drive a car that you dont see every fifty feet on the road!

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  Im lovin it - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By DJ-ATX - December 9 - 12:33 am

  Ive had it two weeks now and have put about 300 miles on it already. Im absolutely thrilled with it. I had a BMW X5 prior to this and to be blunt, I like the outback better! It is peppy, drives like a sports car, gas mileage is fantastic (comparatively speaking) and its so quiet inside. This is my first Subaru and I wish I had thought to buy one years ago. Im totally in love. And since its so new, I get tons of looks, stares and compliments! We cant wait to take it to the beach or on a trail! My recommendation - RUN, dont walk, RUN out and get one as quickly as you can.

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  Good but not Car and Driver car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bob_bj - December 5 - 12:26 am

  I have had Subarus and this is not the top car of its time. I bought the car more as of being loyal to Subaru than the performance. It is a roomy car and will get you from point A to point B but not with performance of previous Subaru like my Subaru Outback 2005 Auto. The CVT transmission is good for fuel saving but not performance. When you rev your engine the acceleration is more of a small little moped than a big car with a lot of power. The engine is underpowered for this big of a car. The appearance of the new OB is relatively nice. I like the interior better than exterior. Interior is nicely done and does not feel so cheap. Exterior looks more like GM or Ford car now. Need a bit spice.

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  Larger interior is great - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Third Outback Owner - December 2 - 5:00 pm

  The larger size finally resolved the "too small" feel of all the previous Outback generations. It feels more durable. The interior and exterior designs are both very satisfying. The CVT noise distracts from the driving experience. Radio/stereo isnt too swift. Paddle shifters work well for downshifting going down hills, but revs the engine too high on highway merging and hill climbing. The Hill holder is a nice feature. Rear seats fold easily, far better than former Outbacks. Steering feels firm and secure, but is not weighted well, taking a while to get used to. Handling is secure for this size of car.

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  SUPER CAR--But buy used - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Scottysubaru - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever owned...until I found out they rented them! Not one problem with the car at all. Little things like the radio controls being too small, the back seats not reclining a bit, etc. But, because they rent them, there are an abundance of current model year units on the used car lots in 6 months. Look to chop off $10 grand in the first year in depreciation. Quite a blow..and something you dont expect in a Subaru. SO, BUY A USED ONE....you can save a ton or look at a Forester (they dont rent them yet). I wish I would have.

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  Fine car, at least till gas went up - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By John - November 30 - 12:00 pm

  1st class well designed and works well. AC needs a "single" button for one occupant or youre changing two dials to get one change. Bridgestone standard tires simply awful - didnt last long and slid about all over the place. Replaced with Goodyear triple tred and now handles like on rails wet or dry, but more road noise and lost at least 2 mpg. No reliability problems, one set of headlights (33k right now), but mpg is bad. Town driving normally, I get 17-18, put your foot down a little and average barely 16. Long run, get 27mph predictably. Think of her as a 4cyl wagon and thats disappointing. Think of her as a V8 fast, low COG SUV - the best kept secret in motoring!

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  My first Subaru - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By RIBob - November 30 - 10:00 am

  After having driven Ford products for my entire adult life I have purchased a brand new Subaru on an impulse. I was drawn to its sleak design and sporty appearance. What brought me to the Subaru dealership was my interest in trying an AWD vehicle. So far I am very impressed with the ride and the handling. I certainly hope this vehicle will continue to perform as one would expect from a Subaru.

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  Love my Subaru! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Linda - November 30 - 5:01 am

  Its hard to believe some of the other reviews are talking about the same car. This is my 3rd Subaru (one Forester and 2 Outbacks). I bought it pre-owned from the dealer with 35K miles on the odometer. Im at 50K and change now. These cars run forever with just basic maintenance. When I wanted a Subaru my husband said, "thats a Mom-Mobile". Then he drove it and agreed that this is a great car. Solid handing in wet or dry conditions, I have never experienced the drift some reviewers mention. I do notice better handling since I bought new tires, I got better quality than the ones that came stock on the car. I dont like the placement of the clock (my 2007 Outback had it near the speedometer) and the AC/Heater controls on the 2007 were more user friendly. But those are pretty trivial complaints. I love the All Weather package (heated seats!). I dont need a heated steering wheel. My 2007 had navigation, I wish this one had it but I just use my smartphone. It could have more pep but its a 4 banger and not a sports car. Love the Blue Tooth. I took the middle headrest out of the back seat to improve rear visibility (it pops right out). I feel safe in this car.