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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  First Time Subie Owner - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Paul - December 20 - 6:16 am

  After owning Hondas for 23 years I decided to to purchase something else. What a difference in quietness. I feel like Im driving a Lexus. Paddle shifters are great for mountain driving and the boxer engine has good power while providing good MPG. CVT Trans is smooth but takes a while to get use to if you have never driven one. Overall one of the best if not the best values in its class for your hard earned money.

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  not so durable? - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By colorado chick - December 19 - 9:10 pm

  Ive driven my car hard and its starting to show. I expected more from Subaru. While the Outback has been a vast improvement over my 93 Legacy, Ive gone through way too many brakes, worn through lots of (higher quality) tires. Am now having transmission problems. Plus, like me, the car seems to be losing spunk as it ages; I now have to turn off the A/C to maintain speed on climbs. But, that said, its been the most incredible snow car Ive driven--with 4 studded snow tires, I can negotiate the nastiest mountain roads without fear.

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  Our 5th Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By CMartin - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my Black & Gold 3.0 AWD Outback Sedan! Its fun to drive, and handles EXTREMELY well in snow and rain. Its the most comfortable car Ive ever driven for long trips. 600-700 miles in a day, and I still feel great at the end of the days drive. I have only one complaint that my Service Department has no answer -- the heating/cooling system. Seems theres no happy medium for it. Hopefully Subaru will come up with a fix soon! Weve been a Subaru family for a long time. I drove a 2000 Outback Sedan before getting the 2002, with the bigger engine. Glad I made the upgrade, except -- give me my old air conditioner/heater!!!

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  Worst car I ever owned - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By ely - December 18 - 12:20 am

  Within a year, the head gasket blew, damaging the radiator, and leaving me stranded in the desert. Since it was almost out of warranty, the dealer kept saying he didnt know what the problem was. As soon as the gasket was out of warranty, the dealer miraculously diagnosed the problem. Subaru covered only a small % of the nearly $2,000 bill. Other problems: catalytic converter (engine light always on); heat shield always coming loose; ball joint replaced several times; broken sway bar; 2 transmissions in 4 months; engine stills runs so hot it feels like heater is on; noisy; poor acceleration.

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  My first Subbie - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By tcbranger - December 17 - 1:16 am

  3 guys I knew swore by their Outbacks. Was looking for a new car and test drove the Limited wagon. Leather is nice. Definitely the best car I have ever bought. Perfect size for hauling people yet small and nimble for zipping in Atlanta traffic. All the features on the Limited are worth the extra price. I love it. Im a normal sized guy and the seats fit me like a glove.

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  Luxury & Finesse Beyond Expectations - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By trace sexton - December 13 - 5:55 pm

  If you are looking for luxury, performance, reliability, and safety while paying 32k or less, this is the car for you.

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  A different Subaru wagon - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Stan - December 10 - 12:43 pm

  I test drove the Ltd w/ 4 cyl. I was impressed w/ the new look, the pick up, the extra leg room on the 2nd row. However, I had an issue w/ the headrest. It pushes my head forward and gives me an uncomfortable feeling. I was told that once the seat was adjusted correctly, the headrest issue would go away. Overall, I like the car a lot, just hope that Subaru would have a better financing program and/or rebate and/or dealer incentive.

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  Nice, but many cheap aspects - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Oatmeatstout - December 7 - 9:10 am

  Have had car for 1 month now and overall its a reasonable vehicle. The 2.5l engine seems fine for most uses and the handling is good for a vehicle this size. Interior has many inferior aspects that really detract from enjoying this car. I expect these will be improved in subsequent model years... I wish I had waited. Base stereo system is terrible, and Im not an audiophile. Eyeglass holder is hard plastic and anything placed inside rattles which is annoying.

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  Underpowered car, slow, ok design - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bob_b - December 7 - 8:50 am

  I have purchased the car and have put 2000 miles on it so far. My initial thoughts: This is underpowered and a slow car. I am not expecting 0-60 in 3 sec but 11 seconds is too slow especially when merging on the highway. I wish all exterior colors would come with dark interior but no, only few (not my type). Also some rattling noise is coming out of the dashboard, not a big thing but can be annoying. The factory roof rack is very flimsy, bad design. On the positive side. The car is roomy on the inside. Seats are very comfortable. All the interior features are functional and placed correctly. Not sure if I had to do all over again if I would buy the same car. Look at other options as well.

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  Great Car - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By MDM - December 6 - 12:06 pm

  I bought this to replace the Impreza WRX because I needed the extra cargo space. I have not been disappointed. The fuel economy is reasonable. I have a little over 4000 miles on it and get about 26 MPG for every day driving and it takes regular fuel instead of premium which saves some money. I fill up about evert 330 miles. Drives through snow very well. I drove through 8 inches of wet snow with no issue.