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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  Subaru Quality - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Peter - July 3 - 7:53 pm

  Came from a Volks Jetta VR6 wagon, surprised that the Outback gets better gas mileage then the Jetta, even though the Jetta was a smaller car and front wheel drive. All arround the Outback is good car. Feel very safe with Outback, in addition to its sturdiness. So far it is a reliable car, even though I have spent a total of $1500 on the brakes two different times.

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  Love/hate - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By brenda - June 27 - 8:56 pm

  Overall same issues most have had with this vehicle. Head gasket went at 90k, check engine light always coming on. Oxygen sensor, at 165k tensioner on timing belt went out. Basically had to rebuild the engine. New alternator and ac. Have had several thousand $$ worth of repairs. A lot of wind noise on the hwy. On the plus side, awd is awesome, only limited by the clearance. Really like the look of the car. I loved the vehicles performance overall but disappointed with the amt of $$ I had to shell out on repairs. Wish Subaru would fix some of the mechanical issues as I probably will not buy another Subaru unless some assurance that these common problems have been resolved.

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  handling - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By tonysboy2 - June 25 - 3:39 am

  I have to agree that I am one of those who have driven subaru for 15 years and am disapointed in my 40,000 dollar purchase. It wiggles all over the place and does not stay on track. 6,000 miles and had my second alignment? wonder why?

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  update on oxygen sensor problem - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By anxious - June 7 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this vehicle in August 2004 and initially wrote in to Edmunds about an oxygen sensor light that went off immediately after I drove the car off the lot. Following the dealerships replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor (now 7 months ago) I have not had any problems with the car and I continue to enjoy driving it.

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  Practical - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Ann - May 21 - 2:30 pm

  I really like this car. I bought it because the price compared to other similar AWD vehicles was the lowest by far. I needed something that gets around well on snow and that my dog can be comfortable riding in. I have the green color but the interior only came in ivory cloth and when I get in my car after working out I leave sweat marks! The car doesnt get around in the snow as well as my 1999 CR-V but it still gets around. I find the delay in accelerating to pass annoying but not a fatal flaw. The get-up-and-go is the best of any 4 cylinder Ive owned - even my husband commented. The seats are comfortable but really low to the ground. I needed a practical car and this is it.

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  a keeper - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Kenyatta Whiteside - May 18 - 9:46 am

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  Im Baaacck - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By DKK - May 5 - 10:16 pm

  Bought the new style Outback as a company vehicle after having owned 4 GL wagons over the years. What brought me back was the increase in size and just "feeling at home" when I sat in one again. I had been looking at everything from another Acura to a Venza to a Mazda to a Lexus. I dont know. It just felt right. I drove many of the models and finally decided on the 2.5 Limited. The only disappointment is my gas mileage. I have made several trips of 300 to 700 miles and have averaged anywhere from 22.5 (ave. 75-80mph) on the low side to a best of 26.5 (70-75mph). Maybe due to AWD but on my 265hp 2005 Acura TL I get 24 in city and 29-31 on hwy.

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  Best all-around wagon, but not inspiring - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Nostoc2 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  On a price per feature and per reliability ratings basis, I concluded the LL Bean beat the AWD V-6 Passat and Volvo. The styling, in and out, and the materials quality of the Subaru does not match those competitors, however, so I do not get excited to drive the Outback as I might the Passat, nor do I have the cache that comes with driving a Volvo. But I get more storage space, better foul weather operation (Subarus more sophisticated AWD and higher elevation off the ground), more hi end horsepower and extra luxury features for my money.

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  VDC good enough? - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By RACCAR - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car. A 2001 VDC wagon. Handles to well in all weather. I tried to get it stuck in snow this winter. Couldnt. Great at high speeds. The VDC works better than the reviews suggest. However, my wife wants me to find another car. She cant get comfortable in the leather seats. I agree. They are hard as rock, and a car upholsterer says he cant improve it. Dealer said its the only real flaw with the car. We take long week end trips, and this really is an issue.

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  Head Gasket Blew at 69,000 miles - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Working Mom - April 25 - 5:27 pm

  I bought this car new off the lot in December 2011. I was thrilled with the fact that I could get such a nice car with a 6 speed manual transmission. It was perfect for me and my family - easy to park, utilitarian and good to drive. However, that changed last month when every light on my dash started flashing just before getting home, and the coolant overflowing in my driveway. Thank God I have AAA to tow it to the dealer. Three weeks later, my dealer tells me that it was the head gasket and that they replaced all the seals as well as the timing belt. Since I have the extended warrantee, it didnt cost me any more than my deductible ($100). Now Im wondering how long its going to be before the head gasket fails again. I love this car but now I question its reliability.