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:

• 

  OUTBACK RULES!!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By maegokid - January 20 - 10:00 am

  OVERWHEMINGLY PLEASED WITH THE CARS HANDLING & INTERIOR AMENITIES. AFTER CAR SHOPPING FOR A WHILE EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR A NEW CAR, I HAD NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT GETTING A SUBARU UNTIL I TEST DROVE THE 2005 OUTBACK & FELL HEAD OVER HEALS FOR ITS DESIGN (IN/OUT) & EXTRAORDINARY DRIVING CAPABILITIES ON PAVEMENT OR OUT. IT FEELS GREAT TO OWN A WELL BUILT, STURDY, GOOD LOOKING CAR THAT ALMOST NOBODY DRIVES, FEELS LIKE YOU KNOW SOMETHING THEY DONT. I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO COMPLIANTS; ITS A PLEASURE TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN, HUGE MOONROOF OPEN & THE MUSIC WAY WAY UP.

• 

  Started Out Great Then Money Pit - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Dave In Denver - January 14 - 12:53 pm

  This was our second outback. We bought a 3.0h6 vdc used. It was the regional Subaru reps car and came fully loaded with everything including the McIntosh stereo. For 4 years we hauled 2 kids and a 80 lb dog all over Colorado. The car was great until it hit 100,000 miles. After that it was nonstop maintenance. A big problem was the car burned through brakes. Then the car began leaking oil. Lots of oil! The biggest problem was when we would go up a hill the vdc off light would come on then the engine would overheat. Two Subaru dealers could not find the problem. They overhauled the entire cooling system at great expense. Head gaskets were fine. We finally gave up and traded it in.

• 

  Happy Camper - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Scott Logan - January 9 - 12:51 am

  This car really is everything they say it. We absolutely love it !

• 

  Very happy so far. - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ron - January 8 - 3:36 am

  I liked my wifes 07 3.0 LL Bean so much I decided to get an 08. So far I love the car. This is my fifth Subaru. It has good performance and is very comfortable to drive. I find the size to be just right. I am having trouble using the NAV system and dealer thinks it was not "prepped" correctly and is checking things out. Otherwise no problems to date. Wifes 07 has just had the power steering pump go out, however.

• 

  Nice car, but electronics not up to speed - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Steve mc - January 7 - 5:47 pm

  Navigation very average. Voice activation system is above average

• 

  Loving it - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Joe Lucian - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Love it. Nothing out there touches this thing for build and quality.

• 

  Definitely not what they used to be, I would avoid - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Marius - January 2 - 10:47 am

  Where should I start? When the CD player broke within the first 1k miles or so I should have taken it as a hint. By 50k the windshield was an art of work thanks to cracks that spread like wildfires before you can make it in to stop their advancement. Fast forward to about 65k (at 5 years) and the central differential goes out (powertrain warranty expired at 60k). Dealer admitted it shouldnt have happened but they wanted a $300 copay on top of fully charging the manufacturer for the repair. Fast forward a few hundred miles the bolts holding the shaft come undone and have to tow the car in. Dealer covered the towing but you can forget dependability. At some point, much like all other vehicles on the planet I get the notice about the air bag. Fast forward 1+yr they finally have the part (your safety is very important to them). Around 77k my wife takes a road trip. After reaching destination the engine oil light comes on (no, its not dripping from anywhere). Research suggested the engine gulps the oil as if you own a 7-11. Its a common "feature/enhancement" of various models and its been designed that way. Apparently lawyers werent having it and they settled (I decided to just carry a bottle of oil rather than deal with them). At around 88k the reverse switch (attached to the transmission block) goes out. A pain to replace it myself but by now I have an aversion to dealership mechanics and service managers. And AWD is way overrated (at least the Subaru implementation), much like the guy who tore up his lawn, I got stuck on some slippery snow with a 5 degree incline (tires were all season M+S in great shape). I know, I should have had snow tires. To put this into context, I regularly drive a Corolla with 250k with original engine+clutch+gearbox, etc. and I dont ever have to wonder if something will break. I get in and get going, no questions asked.

• 

  Handling is better than I thought. - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Kris - January 1 - 12:41 am

  I have 40,000 miles on a 2012 Outback. It is boringly reliable, unlike the Passat I traded for it (A/C, non-functioning traction control, sunroof issues, camshaft and oil pump replacement, corroded wiring harness for transmission, turbocharger replacement.......). The front seats are OK around town, but I find 90 minutes is about my limit on a long drive before needing to stand and walk around. What I found particularly fun is how it responds to throttle input, mid-turn, when you first detect understeer about halfway to an apex. You can ease off the accelerator and let it scrub off speed, or (drumroll) floor the throttle and transfer torque to the rear which tightens up the line with perfectly neutral steering. It requires a leap of faith on a freeway onramp or offramp, but it sure is fun.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By J. Kenney - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car for about a year now, and other than gas, the only expenses have been for the regular oil changes. Incredibly reliable.

• 

  Update on the wind noise - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By elantra6 - December 29 - 6:20 am

  I talked to Subaru of America and the dealership- they both admit that MOST 2015 Outbacks and Legacy have loud wind noise coming from the front windows. They HOPE to have a solution soon??? They suggest putting masking tape on the seal??? So you buy a $30,000 + car and than go tape it with masking tape... nice! I feel sorry I bought this 2015 Outback. Better alternatives: Toyota Venza AWD , Nisan Rogue, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV 4 , Acura RDX even Hyundai Santa FE.