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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  Pretty happy, would change a few things - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By petergibons - May 3 - 4:56 pm

  I really like the reliability and, ride, and performance of the car. That beings said here are a few things I would change, but I still like the car. Though I wont be getting another Subaru after the lease is up. The nearest dealership is 45 minutes away. And thats too far.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By yuba4 - April 29 - 11:12 pm

  Suby has been reliable and a perfect fit for our requirements. Bought new in 2002, it now has almost 200k miles and is still a great car. Replaced head gaskets at 150k (common problem), but otherwise not many repairs. Her features and capabilities are a perfect match for our family of four.

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  No Reason To Buy High-End - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Jim - April 26 - 10:03 am

  The functionality of the Outback is great -- hauling bikes; moving friends; loading up my band gear. It does this well while remaining a practical urban car (read: easy to park). However, the VDC has failed 5 times -- each time while in the Sierras during a snow fall! Isnt that when I would most need it? Also, McIntosh has failed twice (radio reception is horrible). The two reasons for why I bought the upgraded Outback are both failing ... why did I spend that money?

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  6 Years Old and 125k miles - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By CT Dave - April 26 - 12:43 am

  This car has been a workhorse, grocery getter, commuter car, and family truckster for us. It still runs great and we hope to get 200k out of it. The exterior has held up well. The car has been dependable.

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  Good value, nothing fancy - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By js - April 25 - 9:00 pm

  We bought the 07 Outback Basic from my parents when we had our second child. Its been reliable and rugged, and the high ground clearance has been great for the frequently-flooded streets of Houston. Its a boring car, but cant be beat for the price!

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  most versatile economical car on road today! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By lks - April 24 - 4:27 pm

  I wanted a vehicle where I could actually see out of the windows, had some off road capabilities, comfortable on the highway, got great gas milage, high safety ratings, great resale value, low maintenance costs. I live in the west (as do most Subaru vehicles), and I have not found any problem driving up steep passes and passing cars. I have the 2.5i prez engine, which some have complained has lackluster performance. No mistake, it is not a Ferrari or anything close. But I have found the engine to do everything I want it to with great fuel economy in a high altitude environment. The all wheel drive system works very well. I highly recommend this vehicle. If you want something that is very fast it isnt for you. But if overall value and safety are your game, this car nails it.

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  6 Months of Love. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Luv our RU - April 24 - 8:06 am

  My wife and I bought this car back in November of 04. She traded her Saturn, which was great car for us. You always have buyers remorse on a major purchase. We did not have that here! We have had our car for 6 months now and absolutely love the overall quality, ride, and comfort of our Subaru. I would totally recommend this car to anyone looking for a wagon. We looked at CR-V and Passat (wagon & sedan). We made the absolute right decision.

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  family wagon from hades - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By mick maccionagh - April 23 - 4:36 pm

  Wow. One review I read while I was researching vehicles and trying to decide which to buy in the spring of 05 referred to the 05 XT LTD as the family wagon from Hades in regards to its absolute rocket-like reaction to full gas petal depression. Now I know what he meant. The car is very comfortable, nicely packaged, bolted down very well, nice touch here, classy touch there, safe as can be, reliable etc. But, what its really about is what happens after the turbo spools up. I really believe, as I’ve read elsewhere on more than one occasion, that the 250 advertised hp is conservative, at the least. It’s a great car and fun as all get out to drive. Buy one. Tomorrow.

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  10,000 Mile Review - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By bostonbulldog - April 22 - 7:17 pm

  We recently passed 10,000 miles on our 2.5 Outback Limited. Ill state right up front that so far we love this car. We have not had any realibility concerns and it has performed very well. The new engine and 2nd gen CVT work well together, and we find the drivetrain to be very responsive. We have been averaging 26/27 mpgs in mixed driving. Driveability and traction in bad weather has been great! On the downside, the mpgs have gone down since winter has arrived, although we have been using the remote start a lot. The premium radio is good but not on par with offerings from other mfrs, and the SAT radio seems to cut out a lot. Overall though it is proving out to be a good purchase.

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  An All-Around Excellent Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Viking - April 19 - 1:26 pm

  This is an excellent car. Actually, this car does not really have any direct competition for the price. It is very comfortable and looks upscale in and out. Of course, I wish I would average better that 21 MPG, but a lot of my driving is real stop and go. The car has never had to be repaired, only its regular servicing. Perhaps it is the brochure cover green, but I always get a lot of compliments on its looks. The car has no shortage of power and it handles incredibly well.