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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  Good off-road vehicle - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By San Diego customer - April 18 - 9:09 am

  Interested in Premium w.5i 4-cyl cloth seat covers. Would have liked the 18" wheel for off-road versus 17" and more power/ torque which comes in the higher trim with leather. For long road trips, the seats would be a bit confining and tight. I am a small frame but on long drives I like to have room to move around unhindered. The. Takes are squishy; takes several more seconds to stop. I like the second row seating and the size able cargo area. The car needs to fit your needs. Drove it twice. Did not purchase.

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  08 OB Looking Good - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Outbacker - April 14 - 3:46 pm

  Just traded in my 01 Outback for the 08 Limited model. I had doubts about buying another Outback - the last one was not much fun to drive, and there were some leaking problems after 90K. After test driving all the comparables, the Outback was the only one that fit the bill - reasonable gas mileage, good safety ratings, reliable, good roof rack for the surfboard, and can hold 25 bags of mulch in the back when needed. So far, so good. The 08 is lots more fun to drive than the 01 - the sports shift option helps. A little more power than the 01, and a generally smoother, better ride. Im told that the leak problems have been resolved - time will tell.

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  Yahoo Subie-Roo - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Mike Federer - April 14 - 10:43 am

  This a great car and a wonderful alternative to a see-everywhere SUV. It is solid as a rock and definitely feels like a step up from the 2012 Subaru Forester I traded in for it! There are no blind spots and the backup camera shows a very wide field of view...very helpful when backing into my garage. The radio is good but not spectacular, I can live with it. The front seats are very comfortable and are not tiring after driving for several hours. I had my doubts about the CVT transmission, but I am very pleased with it. It shifts like a 6-speed transmission and the gas mileage is spectacular. Acceleration from a standing start is very good with no hesitation. I was concerned about the possibility for "droning" sounds at some speeds, but have not experienced any of that. All in all, I am very pleased with the wagon Subaru has built and cant wait for our first long get-a-way trip into New England at the end of September! Have taken two trips, one to New York and one to Florida. Over 3300 miles on the Fla. trip; car was comfortable, roomy and avg. 28 mpg! Very pleased!

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  Rock Solid car with only few minor glitches - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Thomas Leahy - April 13 - 3:14 am

  Ive owned the 2.5 XT Limited 5 speed manual for 10 yrs ( bought it new ), currently has just over 130k miles. During that time Ive driven it HARD, towed 1 ton of hay behind it for about 10 miles ( no kidding I really have towed a trailer with about 1 ton of hay on board. Yes, it was overloading the car a bit, but it handled it fine, keeping the speed down of course ). I take it on gravel roads on camping trips regularly. Its very solid on wet roads in driving rain in the Pacific Northwest. Its solid in snow too, although I had not the best snow tires on it ( Hankook snow tires from Les Schwab, they were not great, dont recommend them, still needed chains to get up hill to my house ) Had one problem a few years ago where car would not start if the engine was hot : you run into the store for an errand and come out after 10/15 mins and car wont start. Wait another 20 / 25 mins and it starts fine. Happened intermittently. Took dealership a long time to track it down. Finally we replaced some sensor on the engine, I forget which one, and the problem has never re-occured. My wife doesnt like driving the car as she finds the position of the pedals very cramped and it forces her foot to an awkward angle for the gas pedal. Also, the back seats are pretty cramped. Its not really an ideal car for young kids in car seats as we found out. Agree with another reviewer that the roof rails are not the easiest to adjust. Was just barely able to make it work with a 16 cubic feet Thule cargo box. The gearbox is certainly not "smooth" but you get used to it and it does the job. Was told by the dealership when we bought it that it has a tougher gearbox and clutch to support the bigger engine on this turbo model so maybe thats why its not so smooth. But overall if you like to "drive", its a fun car to drive. You can throw it around twisty country roads and itll totally hold the road and go where you want it to go with no hesitation. Had a few minor repairs, mostly things like rubber boots on CV joints, mostly items I considered wear and tear from the way I drive it. Fuel efficiency is about what could be expected from a 2007 vintage AWD. Easily get 28mpg on a long highway trip and average 23mpg in mixed driving. I have been diligent in doing all factory recommended servicing right on schedule, not sure if that contributes to my good results, but it cant hurt anyway !

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  Great Car! (except for the steering recall) - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Jan Carlson - April 11 - 11:03 am

  Had my Outback just two weeks when the vehicle was recalled for steering problems. My dealer (Troncalli Subaru, Cumming GA)) was very proactive in resolving this - called us the morning of the recall and gave us a nice rental car to keep until the car has been fixed. Bad problem, very nicely handled.

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  Brakes - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Vermont owner - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I do like my 2002 Outback Wagon. BUT there seems to be problems with the brakes on the Outbacks. I drive a 5- speed standard, mostly interstate driving of 100 miles at a time. I had new brakes at 14,000 miles and another set of brakes at 25,000 miles. There also seems to be problems with needing to replace the head gasket at anywhere between 40,000 and 60,000 miles. This is unheard of in vehicles as this problem doesnt unually occur until 100,000 miles. Id be interested to hear if other folks are seeing and having these problems.

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  Subaru = Love - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By SweetSoul - April 9 - 10:46 pm

  I have had my new Outback for 3 weeks now and I am in love! After trading in a 2005 275hp Xterra, wasnt sure the 4cyl engine would have enough power...but wow it surely does! I live literally on the side of a mountain and this car tackles it smoothly. I love how it handles, feels very connected to the road - doesnt hydroplane over puddles, no slippage at all. There is so much interior space, the heated seats are very comfortable on long rides, love the media hub (controls and plays my ipod perfectly through the stereo), the bluetooth works great, roomy rear seats, spacious trunk. Very dog friendly as well, easy to get in and out of. Ive no regrets about my new Outback, Im in love!

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  Glad I upgraded! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Danielle Mayer - April 8 - 10:27 pm

  I had been looking at older models, then the new base model, but decided on Premium with Eyesight at the last minute. Glad I did. It is a great safety feature. It reacts a moment before I do, and I have quick reflexes. The back up camera is really sensitive, as it sees cars coming behind in parking lots before I can. Lane departure keeps you on your toes, and adaptive cruise control lets you relax while traffic comes and goes from your lane. Bought it for Subaru safety rating and all wheel drive. Took it off roading already and made it up a washed out road with no problems. Combined MPG is coming in at about 26, highway is 31-36, so both better than expected.

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  Midsized Rocket with lots of room - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By cberry211 - April 8 - 7:16 am

  This is my second Outback and what a difference. This is a classy car inside and out and the real surprise is when you step on the gas. Turbos do take a second to spool up but then watch out. Its easy for this car to get away from you. Nice fit and finish. Stereo is great. Some wind noise that seems to go with the territory (my old one was terrible). All in all a good deal compared to BMWs costing thousands more.

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  Impressive Machine - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By jetpilot767 - April 3 - 8:26 pm

  I bought a 2013 Outback 3.6 Limited last month. Since then I have traveled from Georgia to New Hampshire to Michigan and Illinois visiting family and friends. All told, I put 3400 miles on the car very quickly. I had been looking at the Outback for several years since my 2002 BMW X-5 was getting a bit long of tooth. I am glad I did because just about all the complaints from other reviewers of the 2010- 2012 models have been resolved. The more I drive this car, the more I enjoy it. And it will go places that other crossovers only dream about.