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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  Good car overall - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By OurLadyofPets - July 10 - 2:10 pm

  Good vehicle, no problems other than interior design issues. Im not crazy about the fact that you need to use high octane fuel, I assumed all economy cars used regular - oops! The seat heater toggle switch gets turned on accidentally, not so much a problem in the winter, but when its already warm its difficult to cool a warm seat that you are sitting on. The window switches are awkward; Im forever opening the back windows when my intention is to open the front. The drink holders are placed too far back, the driver has to look away from the road to replace a drink in the holder. The phone charger goes off when the vehicle isnt running; Im not crazy about that idea. Everything else is GREAT.

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  Buy One! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By catskill lew - July 9 - 2:20 am

  Great car all around but a bit slow up the long hills. But I consistently get about 33 mpg on the 100 mile ride back from the mountains. Had sounds from front brakes but Subaru helped me replace all the brakes after only 25,000 mi. Terrific safer fun driving in the snow storms-car kept nice and steady, passing the less fortunate cars on side of snow banks.

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  Nice Car but Lots of Irritating Features - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By JimB - July 6 - 7:03 am

  This is a nice little car that is designed perfectly for those who live an active life. It hauls skis, hiking equipment, bicycles, etc. very efficiently. The Outback 2.5i drives smoothly on the highway while getting 23-26 mpg (actual mpg with 5-speed manual). If you put four snows on it, the car will go through snow just as if it were on dry pavement. We have driven it through 10 inches with no problems. Snow stability is great and braking is good with the right winter tires. Overall, the car is perfect for our active family. The major problem with the car is the California emissions. Buy your car outside of New England to avoid bucking and surging on the highway.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jack - June 28 - 12:43 am

  The car handles like a dream. Like ALL other automatics they will shift at a point that is right on the cusp of the power between gears, particularly when not broken in yet. Fortunately this car comes with a manual/auto option on ALL models so shifting is a breeze and you have full control always. The gears immediately shift when commanded to do so. Also to other reviewers that think this car has "turbo lag" guess what its not a turbo. Its a naturally aspirated horizontally opposed 6 with fuel injection. Again wait for a few oil changes, Subes performance improves immensely as you pass the 30 K mark -- with power and smoothness. A very tight car new.

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  3rd Outback - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By TwoHawks - June 26 - 9:10 am

  I had 2 previous Outbacks...a 1997 which I totaled when run off the road (I walked away unhurt) and a 1999 which I gave to my son with 300,000 miles (he is still driving it...original engine). I just bought a 2006. Great improvements over previous models. I get 28 mph highway consistently.

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  Whos your driver? - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By loobee - June 24 - 3:36 pm

  I dont know who from Edmunds did the road test,or if they even really drove the car! The most nimble car, best handeling Outback ever! Oh, by the way, try to find an A.W.D. that comes close to this performance (let alone fuel economy...) for under $35K!!! Sorry, not available. Im just so happy the "bang for the buck" product still exists.

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  Flawed steering system 2010-11 models - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By pc - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Bottom line is the car has a flawed steering system and it effects 30-60+ percent of the cars. I got one of the affected cars and have been fighting with SOA over it. They know the cars are bad and they are selling them to unsuspecting buyers. You sign a contract and your stuck. Run away from these 2 year models of this car! Read the horror stories on the site I mentioned above.

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  A confirmed Subaru buyer - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Trina Stephenson - June 20 - 10:26 am

  I have owned many Subarus -- 1993 Impreza, 2000 Forester, 2004 Outback and now the 2006 Outback. Basically the car gets better with each iteration. There are a few things missing on my 2006 that I had on the 2004 which I miss: 1. Weatherband radio, why was this fantastic feature removed? It was great when we traveled through tornado alley to make sure there werent any weather events that we should know about. 2. The beeping feature on the seatbelts is annoying. My dog sets off the seatbelt alarm, my bag of trash or myself driving 100 feet down my driveway before I dash out to open my gate all set it off. 3. The cupholder is still awkward and small.

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  Subaru Outback Manual Defect - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By chrosb - June 19 - 2:00 am

  BEWARE!!! Serious problems with inability to maintain stable engine speed when going from no throttle to very slight throttle and back, most noticeable in low gear, when looking for a parking spot, for example. Also apparent using cruise control at freeway speeds. Results in neck- jerking acceleration and deceleration. Quite annoying, if not seriously unsafe. Passengers notice and comment on problem. Test drive carefully. We didnt and now find that it is typical of all Outback manual transmission cars. Dealer says its "normal."

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  At least the 3rd recall since redsign - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bergerb2 - June 15 - 12:00 pm

  Another recall - each one successively more potentially dangerous and harmful. Original upholstery build quality was poor and I wrote sub of America and sub of Indiana - alerting that if I can see the poor upholstery - what couldnt I see. In the intervening 6 months 3 recalls. A piece of crap. And oh - no one of responsibility ever even wrote with a comforting statement. Avoid Subaru outback.