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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  LOVE it. - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Wendy - July 27 - 10:10 pm

  I was in love with this new body style since it was released in 2009, finally bought it at the end of June 2010. Traded in a 2004 Honda CR-V LX, which was a great car but the Outback was a huge upgrade for me. I did a lot of research since they first came out but never drove it until the day I purchased. Some people say it takes some getting used to for the CVT but I came from a 5 speed manual and didnt really notice a difference except for the lacking of the changing gears motion in a automatic car. My husband has a 2004 Forester and the new Outback is way bigger. Speeds up nicely and can pass cars with the best of them. I have no issues merging on to highways.

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  Safety Problem and poor mpg - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By bal1013 - July 25 - 7:53 pm

  we haveowned this car for almost two weeks now and we love the car except for a few small problems and one major City mpg is poor so far just making 18 mpg and 12 combined, hopefully get better with time. will let you know. We bought this car for its safety values, little did we know that the car did not have automatic door locks when placed in drive. I ththought all cars did and even salesman at dealership thought it did. My grand daughter opened door in drive. this safety feature should have been a given or at least let us know with a warning sign or something. Just imagine your wife or daughter getting car jacked cause the doors didnt lock.

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  Best Outback yet - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By nyken - July 23 - 6:51 pm

  I have looked at Outbacks in the past when considering a new car purchase and have never been impressed enough to buy one. The redesigned 2015 Outback is so much improved from previous model years that it does not even seem to be the same vehicle. It now looks and functions more like an upscale SUV rather than a 1970s era station wagon. It is great looking , comfortable and enjoyable to drive. The 4 cylinder engine is peppy and responsive enough and I am getting 34 MPG on the highway which actually exceeds the 33 MPG EPA rating. The interior is classy and the ride is very comfortable and quiet. The CVT is much better than earlier CVT designs which used to feel a little odd.

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  Theres really not much to say. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Paul Caparotta - July 23 - 8:36 am

  Ive owned this car a month and I love it so far. Its pretty much everything Id imagined.

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  Transmission blown at 4,200 miles - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By John Kasperowicz - July 19 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned many Subaru models in the past years. This new 2008 Outback will be my last. The transmission blew out at 4,200 miles and left me stranded. I think that the new transmission selection of different modes might have contributed to failure. This new feature is more of a gimmick than a useful option. Ride of car is not good, very jarring over small potholes or minor dips in road. Way too much road noise. Leather quality of seat not very good for 32k car. Overall, car is not worth the money and quality of parts and the interior is lower than previous models.

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  Great but with warning - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By TomSea - July 19 - 8:00 am

  Weve owned ours for two months and find it outstanding in comfort and to be a solid quality vehicle. Great interior comfort; lots of pep and a much admired purchase. But pay attention to other reviewers comments on the headlights: How long have humans been making cars? These are a disaster on rural roads. Forget about seeing more than 20 yards ahead on curves or hills. And youll never see deer in these headlights. If you do lots of nighttime rural driving get another car.

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  A pocketworth - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By alston - July 16 - 3:26 pm

  Dont plan on the Subaru folks going out of their way to provide amenities. I have never seen a car with so few compartments for storage. No open area exists to put down your house keys, so I stick mine in the very small ashtray. There is a useless added-cost armrest which makes one lose more storage space. The lighting is red for night driving, so I feel like Im on the late shift at a nuclear power plant. There are no night lights for the glove compartment or to find the "Door Unlock" lever. The cupholders cannot be taken out for cleaning and are not too versatile. The wind noise is better than in my last car, a Forester, which was very noisy. Outside visibility good.

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  Subaru 2016 is Great ! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Debbie - July 15 - 1:24 pm

  Love this Subaru 2016 Limited that we purchased 6/30/2016. Roomy, handles well, great interior and technology features. Already taken it on one long road trip and also to the beach...so nice to have all that extra cargo space for our gear. Passengers loved the leg room and their comfy seats. Only thing I can negatively mention is that road noise is not as quiet as my BMW but few cars would be. I am VERY happy with my purchase of this car and look forward to many years of enjoying my Subaru.

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  Just LOVE it!!!!!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By lolasmom - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Today is the third day we have owned our Outback. This car is just a blast! Its quick and handles like a sports cars, but the interior is total luxury, and its roomy enough for dogs, kids and grocery bags. We have done it all in this car: around town, highway and off road driving. We went off road on jeep trails, this baby climbed over rocks and tree roots without a problem!! The Outback is just perfect, its everything I have ever wanted all rolled into one!!!

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  Great Car - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Scott - July 15 - 2:46 am

  We were looking at small SUVs (CRV, Santa Fe, RAV4) and decided to check out the Outback as well. What a difference! The ride is so much better. Subaru is a much safer and more reliable car than the others we looked at. The exterior is much improved and the interior is very simple. This is our "baby car", so we are happy the car seat is easy to install and the cargo space is awesome. The 170 hp engine isnt great, but is still muc better than the models I listed above. I tested all the models on a nasty hill near our house and the Outback actually performed the best.