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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  Fantastic Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By socalh2oskier - September 20 - 12:06 am

  I have owned my 05 XT Limited (auto transmission) since Oct. 04. I now have just over 7,000 miles. This car is great! There is some turbo lag, but if you purchase a Cobb Tuning Accessport and remap the ECU, most of the lag disappears and the car is much more linear in power delivery (and gains an extra 30 hp)--definitely worth the $645. I have owned many fine autos--Acura, Lexus, BMW, Jaguar--this Subaru is the best for the money--the interior is classy and comfy--the car is fun to drive, and is one of the more versatile and safe vehicles on the road. Buy it--you will not regret it!

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  Dumbest design - headlights - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - September 14 - 5:41 pm

  I like my outback, except that the design for headlight replacement is probably the poorest engineering design I have ever witnessed in my life. You need to remove multiple fasteners to push back the fenders in order to access the headlight assembly, then fit your arm in the tightest area to remove the assembly cover, access the bulb, and do the whole thing in reverse. Absolutely the dumbest design ever. Subaru touts itself as an outdoor, adventure type vehicle, appealing to the "outback" kinda explorer...yet, headlights are not for show but for safety, and thus should be easily accessible if ever the Indiana Jones in you is out and about after dark and needs to repair a blown bulb....just like changing tires, adding fuel or changing a belt...all these things should be doable by the driver ( alone in the wild) not by the dealer.....bad juju all around!

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  Officially an Outback addict - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By J. Margeson - September 13 - 7:49 am

  I have been through a number of cars in my life...from little Mercedes convertible roadster to big Jeep Wrangler and everything in between. The Outback without a doubt is proving to be my favorite all-rounder. It handles much better than one might think so you get a real drivers experience. Its true that with the 4 cylinder you are not going to win any drag races BUT it has more than enough power to get me moving along at a good clip. The trade off is great mileage for my long commute! This is the first car that Ive been able to sit in comfortably for hours on end due to the seating, and during Snowmaggedon this vehicle was simply worth its weight in gold. I dare say the Outback performed better on the snow covered roads than my Jeep, and definitely better on wet roads. It has a TON of room in it, both for passengers and cargo. Im 6 3" with room to spare in the front and back seats. Interior is quiet and comfortable. And from what my research shows, this car is going to have a great resale value when I decide to get my next Outback!

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  Perfect all around vehicle! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By William Roe - September 12 - 6:26 pm

  I only have a couple hundred miles on the car, but this is everything I hoped for. I have previously been a VW, BMW, Acura owner and this vehicle is my favorite so far. It provides a perfect blend of utility, comfort, safety and economy. I dont live in a hilly area, and dont pull weight so the 2.5i is plenty of power, and I prefer the few MPG you gain. I also went with the PZEV... a few hundred to have peace of mind that Im doing my part in polluting less. No complaints with the car at all, Im very happy with the purchase!

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  Great Pick - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Nate - September 10 - 7:23 pm

  I took my brand new Outback from Virginia to Colorado a few weeks ago, a true "road test." After almost 4,000 miles, and absolutely no issues, I would recommend this car to anyone. If the upgrades are within your budget, definitely spring for the limited package. Leather, sunroof, power seats, heated mirrors, windows and seats, auto climate control, all standard (with the limited). Unfortunately the luxury comes with quite a steep increase in price (~5,000) over the base. All in all, great car and quite a steal for the price.

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  2016 Outback w/Eyesight - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Bob Merrifield - September 8 - 6:35 pm

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  Superwagon - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Steve Braden - September 7 - 2:28 am

  The only beef I have with my Outback is how it takes a few seconds for the transmission to engage when going from reverse to drive, and the acceleration is a little abrupt. Otherwise I am loving it. The ride, gas mileage, performance, comfort accessories etc are all great. Its a lot of car for the money.

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  Paint on 2nd Color of Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By MsMcGoo - September 5 - 10:00 am

  The lower plastic on the Subaru Outback has an issue with peeling. This happens after a your car has been severly door dinged. The plastic bends but the paint does not stick to the plastic. This also occurs when a rock goes through your bumper. This is cosmetic but for a brand new car, the paint should not be peeling.

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  So far, so good - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Sneeral - September 5 - 8:46 am

  Ive had my Outback for a month now and put on 1200 miles. It has exceeded my expectations so far. Im just out of a 2005 Nissan Murano and I expected that it would be a step down in almost all regards except gas mileage. While it isnt quite as comfortable a ride and the quality of interior isnt quite as good, Ive been pleasantly surprised at how well the car drives. Except for pedal-to-the-metal acceleration, it honestly feels like a 6 cylinder not a 4. Good torque and power delivery. The handling is better than the Muranos, no doubt due to the considerably lower center of gravity. Gas mileage so far is consistently 24.6 mpg through each of 3+ tankfuls.

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  Love it. - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Kent - September 4 - 6:20 am

  Had the H6 sedan for almost 6 months now and love it. Handles great, rides great, and fun to drive. Only issue is that my breaks squeal loudly after they get warmed up and no dealership yet can figure it out. Ugh. Other than that I am sold on my Subaru! Absolutely a great car. I drive a ton for work and I am always comfortable and never stiffen up driving long road trips.