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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  Not Worth It - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By z_outback - April 25 - 8:23 am

  We bought the 2010 Subaru Outback Premium with CVT and all weather options. The quality of this car is not as good as it looks. Driving up a slope and the engine makes a lot of noise. While driving in high speed on freeway, you hear noise and squeaky behind in trunk. It is not worth it. It is the first and last of my Subaru Outback!

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  Mostly good - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Kathy - April 25 - 5:10 am

  The car is almost as good as I expected. I like everything except the cruise control. Mine wont work and I cant get Subaru to fix it. Ive been to the dealership twice and they say to wait until November when they "might" have a solution. Ive tried to contact the regional customer service but so far, no one has bothered to call me back. Its been three weeks since the problem was first reported.

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  Traded in 1997 Outback, should have kept it! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By jpm2 - April 22 - 7:24 am

  I bought this 2010 in Dec 2009 and ready to trade it in for something other than Subaru. 1st, the old OB had a car chassis (great ) and now an SUV/Truck chassis (awful). 3 recalls, stalling with A/C on full, squeaky seats, under powered engine, cant find door unlock button at night, rocky and jolting ride (Truck chassis). This car is much bigger than the real station wagon Outback. I wish I knew at the time Subaru made these major, value destroying changes, to the Outback. We are very disappointed with this car and I wish I knew they made these

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  Wheres the manuals? - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Charlie - April 17 - 5:40 pm

  Got my Outback a couple weeks ago. It had been on order for four weeks. Apparently SOA will not be manufacturing/shipping manual transmissions unless there has been a high demand in an area. Only found one dealer located 300 miles away willing to order vehicle. Would have liked to have gotten the bigger engine, but not offered with manual. This is my fourth Outback. It is a BIG car. Handles great. Quiet on hgwy. Mileage around 25. Rear hatch difficult to close. Hidden radio antenna, which causes poor reception. Clock/temp readouts recessed near windshield. Hard to read. MPG gauge worthless. Even with its quirks, great vehicle.

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  tdi trade in people, get one! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By chris christo - April 16 - 8:47 pm

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  Great Car needed better Shocks - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bwein - April 16 - 7:05 am

  Love this with the 3.6 plenty of power with descent gas mileage 22 combines for 18,000 miles. My only complaint was the soft ride and poor handling. I put KYB gas shock on it and now it handles great and rides nice and firm. (watchout Cayennes) We have taking this car on the LA to Mammoth trek many times to go skiing and have needed the AWD plenty of times and it works great. We can fit 4 adults and a dog for a weekend of skiing if we put the skis and boards on the roof. Ingenious rack system.

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  Really really like it, but... - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Dan - April 14 - 7:33 pm

  Its quiet and well thought out. There is plenty of leg room for four adults. Im having a little trouble with the front bolster on the drivers seat cutting off the circulation in my lower legs and feet. I agree with others about the gauge showing fuel economy, would rather have water temp. The roof rack is a clever solution to a non-problem. Subaru should offer a replacement rail for this so we can fit our old Yakima rack one can actually use. The CVT is great but it is taking some time to adjust to the longer coasting distance. Is it just me or doesnt it feel good hand washing it? If Subaru comes out with a diesel and fixes the roof rack I might buy a second one.

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  Great car, but needs a lot of costly repairs - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By SherrySC - April 13 - 3:37 am

  This car had a leaky head gasket by 35,000 miles! It eats premium tires and brakes. The car is now 9 years old and has only 86,000 miles on it. I will not buy another Subaru.

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  2013 Outback Adds Bells and Whistles - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By bepete - April 12 - 6:11 pm

  The Subaru Outback has always been on my watch list because of its high reliability / resale value coupled with proven AWD performance. When Motor Trend awarded its SUV of the Year Award to the redesigned and larger 2010 Outback, I took a closer look but felt the vehicle lacked tech and comfort features that were commonplace in the new vehicle market. The top of the line 2013 Subaru Outback has changed all that, and was worth the wait. The Outback Limited (especially with the Special Appearance Package) was a clear choice for me relative to the awkward looking (Honda CrossTour, Toyota Venza) and the pricey (Acura RDX, Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland). The 3.6R has been a blast to drive.

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  Engine whirring Noise - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By snowbrush - April 12 - 5:09 am

  My new 2011, which I have had only 3 weeks has already been in shop once and will be going in again this week for the same issues. The issues are that I get a clunk when I release the brake pedal quickly (Dealer says it is normal) and the other more annoying problem is that I get a rpm related whirring from the engine right from idle. Dealer says it was air in power steering oil and said it was fixed. Well, it wasnt and now Im afraid it is something more significant. I plan on driving another new one to see how the brake clunking is and I know that others do not have the whirring. Not a happy camper.