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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  2016 Outback Premium - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By bob - December 29 - 3:57 am

  Best current compromise for a roomy all-wheel drive wagon. Performance of 4 cyl engine is adequate for normal driving. Works well for skiing and cycling active lifestyle.

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  3rd subaru - great vehicle - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By mdk - December 28 - 10:00 am

  First and second Subaru were winners , and so is my third Subaru. thought the 2.5L engine would be too small for this vehicle but to my surprise, it isnt. the cvt trans is smooth and i am getting 25 mpg. mixed city and hwy. not bad for a big awd vehicle. it is a very comfortable ride like a luxury car but the price is affordable. interior and exterior design is nicely done. the interior finish looks like too much plastic, but so what, the price makes up for it. i am sure it will have Subaru like reliability. looking forward to many years of fun in this car.

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  Grandmas new ride - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bruceb - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Traded old Vo XC-70 for this top of line Outback. Safety, value and fun ride were criteria, not to mention high Consumer Rating (thanks CR and Edmunds). Read all 200+ reviews before deciding on 3.6R Limited (thank you all, especially 3.6R people who were right on the mark). The 3.6R has great get up and go. Looking forward to driving in New England this winter. Care drives like a luxury SUV, nimble and elegant, that is when grandma lets her old man (not yet 60) take "Stormy" for a ride (took delivery day Hurricane Earl hit Cape Cod).

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  Reliable all-weather wagon - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By cmelville - December 24 - 9:53 pm

  Our 1st Subaru, definitely not our last. Great build quality, no squeaks, rattles, or other unanticipated problems after 43,000 miles. Were so satisfied that we are selling this one to our son and buying a 2007 model.

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  The right choice - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By noop - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving a 2000 wagon for three and a half years. Comfortable, secure car. A little wind noise from the drivers window and one recall (havent had time to follow up on that yet), but no problems otherwise. Will probably get an 05 next fall. For me, just about the perfect car, and I dont understand how anyone can call it underpowered. It isnt, even with a fully loaded roof rack and cargo area: luggage, dogs, computer, printer,every square inch packed.

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  Dont get fooled by the Maint. Program - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By jimflys - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I Love the Subaru. My 99 has over 145,000 on it no major problems excepted for the valve tap. I recently bought a 04 LL Bean. Very disappointed in their Maintanence program that comes with it. The maint. book calls for oil chances every 3500 miles but the program only covers every 7500. Go figure???

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  Looks good, unrelenting check engine problem - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By notasubaruguy - December 24 - 12:31 am

  Purchased at 1 yr old, manufacturers lease turn in. First electrical problem at 4 months, seemed repaired. Then about a year later, seat heater controls went bad. Several months later, check engine light came on again, just as at 4 months. Wanted to replace O2 sensor ($800) but relented when reminded they already did that less than a year ago. "cleaned" sensor and that solved the problem for about 30 days. Brought in again, this time recommended fuel injection cleaning. Worked for two weeks. Back in again with same problem, after six hours shop has no idea yet what is wrong. Least reliable vehicle ever owned. DO NOT BUY. Back to Toyota or Honda.

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  Pleasantly Impressed - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Rick Drewyour - December 22 - 5:03 pm

  This is my first Subaru. For a utilitarian vehicle, it rides better than my Honda Accord. It handles great and I really like all the safety features. Easy exit/entry with the higer ground clearance. Sunroof is noisy when only wing is opened. Mileage is 25 mixed and 30 on the highway. Good looks and sporty feel.

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  Very good wagon - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Andrew - December 22 - 12:50 am

  Fuel mileage varies depending on whether Im driving (31 mpg) or my wife (24 mpg). No problems after 10 months of ownership. RPM at highway speeds seems high (approx. 3000 rpm at 65). This results in noticeable noise at higher speeds and lower fuel economy. Protenza RE92 tires receive poor ratings by consumers on tirerack.com. Especially for winter conditions. People who live where it snows should consider buying better tires for winter. Save the Protenzas for the summer. Stability control should be offered as an option. Although I feel the 168hp motor is adequate, Subaru should offer a 180-200hp motor in addition to the 168 and 250. Shifter is stiff in cold weather. Great car in general.

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  Traded in a Forester for an Outback - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By danwatson - December 20 - 7:45 am

  I purchased a 2010 Forester in June, 2010 when a job changed forced a move to the Eastern Sierras and an elevation of 8000 feet. The Forester was a great car that handled the snow without any problems. But, it was underpowered at this elevation and too small for someone whos 63" and 260 pounds. So, we traded it in on a 2011 Outback 3.6 Limited. No regrets at all. The 6 cylinder is both smooth and powerful, and the 5 speed transmission is much better than the 4 speed in the Forester. Its got plenty of room, front and back. The only car Ive owned thats as comfortable was an Infiniti M35. This is a great road car. If its as reliable as the Forester was in 18,000 miles, Im happy.