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:

• 

  Great Dogmobile!! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Lorvamp - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Subaru. Previously I brought a used 1987 Subaru GL 4WD wagon. I love to go camping and have 2 dogs. It had 104,000 miles on it and when I sold it there was 155,000 miles. The small engine was fine around the city but lacked the oomph to pass on trucks on up-hill 2 lane roads with the a/c going. No major problems. I brought a new Outback because I wanted more power and wanted the AWD to go on some really bad forest service roads. Its great. The car has the power to pass even up-hill. The ride is smooth and comfortable. I am a lead to metal type of driver and get 27 MPG on my camping/flyfishing trips.

• 

  HAL - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Robert Smith - May 23 - 7:53 am

  Nice car with good safety systems. Dealership easy to work with. Happy with selection.

• 

  Forget comfort & good mpg - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By gala7 - May 22 - 11:34 pm

  The leather drivers seat is remarkably uncomfortable. None of the available adjustments mitigate this badly designed seat. The big touchscreen is a glare hazard and not at all user friendly. Its hard to see the time and temperature. The car is incredibly noisy on the road. And the gas mileage is not even close to Subs advertised 25/33. More like 23/30 at best. We can do better than this "me, too" car.

• 

  A WRX trapped inside a Volvos body! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By withdrew - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We have a baby now so we needed something more versatile than our previous car (02 BMW 325i) but just as sporty and fun to drive. The Subaru Outback delivers in every way. Its a great looking wagon inside and out, the build quality is solid and in 2.5 XT form, its more powerful than our old BMW. I couldnt ask for more. The Outback is smooth and powerful and feels like a much more expensive car. Its very quiet and low-revving, I barely go over 4,000 RPM. Theres plenty of room in the rear for a baby-stroller, groceries, luggage, golf clubs, etc. In our old sedan that was a major issue. The 5 speed manual is responsive and crisp. The 2.5 XT Limited is the best Outback available, period.

• 

  Good Basic Transportation after 20k miles just OK - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By electricvette - May 19 - 12:02 am

  This is my wifes car. I tell every one I do not like it for the following reasons. 1. The front seat will not go full horizontal so my wife has two towels in the back. 2. road noise is terrible. 3. heavy steering... its like they put the smallest freekn power steering pump in to get better gas mileage and you have to work the wheel on trips. 4. radio knobs are not log enough. 5 poor ride comfort. MY GMC Denali rides soooo much better than this. 6. seat comfort is poor. Will not be a repeat customer. Looking for something quieter on my next car.

• 

  Luv our sube! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Drifter - May 17 - 11:56 pm

  Knock on wood, car has been good to us. 2.5 4-cyl has plenty of pop. Ive found a good (ex) Subaru mechanic who has his own shop. I dont need him much. Passenger side CV joint boot let go @ 60,000 miles. You know when its gone, grease drips on the cat and you can smell it burning. Its adjacent to the exh sys so heat breaks it down over time. My mechanic also says I can look fwd to head gasket leak @ 100k miles. This is because of the Boxer flat design, it stresses the head bolts. All in all, he says the 4 cyl is solid, but the 6 cyl is usually $$ trouble after 100k miles. Wind noise was an issue, common problem, he tweaked the front window corner piece with screw driver.

• 

  Fun - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By P.Krezel - May 16 - 4:50 pm

  I bought the Outback for our growing family and I’m impressed. Nice interior, big trunk and lot of storage. Outside sporty wagon with AWD – Do you need more - No. When I drive Subaru I have a lot of fun a specially when I’m using “sport” driving. I have always wondering what’s make Subaru Subaru – now I know.

• 

  The Test Drive Sold It - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bsm222 - May 15 - 10:40 am

  Have put about 2000 miles on our new Outback and were loving it! We considered a Toyota Venza, Acura RDX and this and after driving these vehicles, the Subaru was the winner hands down. While we dont consider it quite as stylish as the other two, this car is quiet, fits just right and has the features, gas mileage, quiet good ride and build quality we were looking for. Were averaging 26 mpg back and forth to work and have averaged 31 mpg on a 350 mile trip so far. And its all on regular fuel. Trade an Audi A4 wagon and the ride height and roominess of the Subaru are so much better!

• 

  A good buy - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By rick - May 14 - 11:03 am

  I have my car a month now I am very happy with my choice I had a 06 honda accord and outback is more fun, better on gas. Its great in the snow, it handle the snow without any problems.

• 

  Got it! After much research - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Matthew Weigand - May 14 - 9:29 am

  I have had this car for 3 weeks, love the ride, tech, acceleration, stereo, room and safety. Well be taking it on a road trip later this month and I am looking forward to more time spent in the car.