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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  MPG not as advertised - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By qphenic - October 8 - 12:29 am

  Outback 2.5i Limited rides and handles fine. Overall utility of the car is good. And the interior satisfies in most respects, including nav and sound. But the car often feels as if it is fighting headwinds, even on gradual descents. I attribute this to the CVT, or perhaps a lack of power. There is also a noticeable vibration which travels up the seatback at idle. But the biggest disappointment by far: I am averaging 21-22 MPG with this car (60/40 city/hwy, non-aggressive driver). EPA combined is listed at 26, so I am not happy.

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  Nice Wagon! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Alex - October 7 - 3:12 am

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  Love it - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Friendly Contributor - October 7 - 3:12 am

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  some problems - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By tony_19957 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  i will just mentioned the problems i had. had to return the 5 disc cd changer once for a replacement. the center hub cap on the wheel i lost two of them they do not seem to hold tight. the oxygen sensor which is part of the polution control was replace as part of a recall and comes on every now and then. The front windows squeel when going above 60 mph i guess it is worn. the driver side window button does not work all the time.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By efinkens - October 5 - 2:30 pm

  Bought the LL Bean with the 6 cylinder. Not cheap but when I considered that I will burn 300 gallons less per year, the choice was easier. Nice ride, peppy motor and the stereo is great. The sunroof is the coolest on the market. I have no problem throwing the dog and decoys in the back for some hunting or showing up at a business meeting. Great vehicle.

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  2009 Outback Constantly Rattles - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By SB - October 4 - 7:00 am

  I bought a 2009 Outback last year and was so happy to have another Subaru. Several months after purchase I noticed a loud rattle in the front, took it to the dealership who told me there were issues with the 2008/2009 Heat Shields - and they replaced mine. The rattle problem seemed to be resolved, however 2 months later - it is rattling again. This time the dealership showed me Memos of consumer complaints of the rattle - and stated it would probably continue because these Heat Shields are just clipped together instead of being bolted together. AND - be prepared for it to be much worse in the winter time. I wish I knew this in advance - very disappointed! : (

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  FOR SALE - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By disappointed - October 3 - 9:46 pm

  I HATE this car and even special ordered it. Constant issues with brake pedal make a clunking noise after your foot comes off. Now I am told "they all do that". $30,000 cars do not just "do that". One tire had a problem and would not steer right, pulled me off the road and I about lost it. Took the dealership a 40 mile test drive to finally discover it. I think it was a joy ride. The cloth interior is cheap. The carpet is cheap. The motor is severely underpowered. Feels like a chug mobile while getting on the interstate. Please someone take this off my hands. Will make you a good deal. What a $30,000 mistake.

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  No longer your fathers Subaru! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By WJZ - October 1 - 7:35 am

  Ive owned many Subarus over many years. Im no die hard Subaru owner however. In the past, theyve been quirky and were always "catching up to the competition"! This newest generation is close to, or at the top of the heap, among its competitors and I find myself more than satisfied with it in so many ways. Perfect? No! Going to acoustic glass in the front quiets typical wind/road noise up front but only highlights noise from the rest of the chassis. Not a real problem in and of itself, but I feel Subaru should have gone the rest of the way with noise reduction. Lets face it, this is a car that can cost almost $40K and road noise (although not bad) should not be quite as noticeable. There are a few other shortcomings, such as the lack of power adjustments on the passenger seat and some displays on the dash are too small. In all honesty, the technology can be a bit overwhelming too (ex: the separate manual for the navigation system is bigger than the owners manual). There are more warning lights and buzzers than anyone needs, they can be distracting and weve shut a few off altogether. All this being said however, doesnt mean this isnt a wonderful car with many great features. It is that and then some. First time with a 6 cylinder Subaru and we find the motor quiet, refined and quite impressive from an acceleration perspective. The 6 cylinder engine changes the character of the vehicle perceptibly for the better (IMHO) and fuel mileage is not atypical. Weve compared this vehicle to many others out in the marketplace that it competes against and it simply has more features, at a better price, than all of them. In the past, weve found the Subarus weve owned to be reliable, capable and to have above average resale value (in spite of their quirkiness). As of this review, I can add they are now better all around, even if that means a bit less quirky as well.

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  Buyers Remorse! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Sue - September 28 - 1:03 pm

  Ive had my Outback about a month & have buyers remorse! Im 54" & the seats are very uncomfortable, and my passengers have complained about this as well. Its acceleration is noisy, but the car is pretty quiet once a steady speed is reached. The Outback only gets 21 mpg in the city & 23 mpg on the highway, which is very disappointing! The automatic trunk release on the clicker is convenient. The exterior mirror has an small indicator, which lights up when someone is in the cars blind spot. It would be nice if a button or turn signal would also show the blind spot area on the interior camera. It doesnt come with a key fob & push button start which would really be convenient, so I suggest Subaru engineers add those in future models. Im strongly considering selling my brand new car. Im so disappointed with the Subaru Outback! I should have spent my $32,000 on a Honda CRV or the Chrysler 300!

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  A Subaru alternative for Allroad, X3, GLC shoppers - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By David Bartholomew - September 24 - 9:28 am

  My new 2017 Outback Touring has it all. This car feels like a luxury class vehicle but costs 10 grand less than other similarly equipped Audi, BMW or Mercedes. Loving the Java brown leather and wood grain interior. The 3.6 engine is quiet and powerful. The infotainment center and iPhone integration are a big disappointment. Come on Subaru, invest in CarPlay. Leave software development to the specialists at Apple and stick to what you do best, engineering cars. Update after winter driving experience: Weve had a big winter in California this year and my new Subaru has proven to be a reliable, capable winter driving machine. On several occasions in heavy blizzard conditions the Suby proved a mastery of traction and control in difficult circumstances. The symetrical AWD system really is superior. Ive owned other 4wd vehicles in the past, but the Subaru traction control system is "smart". In once incident I was in heavy ice and snow on uneven terrain. I slowly turned around and gave it the gas in an attempt to pop over some deep snow. But the Subaru AWD "brain" took control over the accelerator and instead of speeding up to pop over the snow as I intended, it slowed the wheels and gradually applied traction with deliberation to the wheels that had traction. This surprised me. The car simply rolled forward over the slippery bits in complete control, applying power to the wheels that had effect. Ive also grown very fond of the Eyesight system. Long drives and heavy highway traffic are easier with adaptive cruise control. I use it all the time now. It makes the drive to Tahoe from the Bay area much easier, especially when the traffic slows. I like the way the car matches the speed of the car in front and keeps the distance. I feel safer. Im happy with my decision to get this car.