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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  Best Outback yet - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Andrew - November 28 - 8:36 am

  My third Outback and by far the best. Wanted a fun mid-life car, needed a practical car for the fam and the mountains. Subaru hits the mark with the XT turbo! Far more fun to drive than my H6 2002 LL Bean! It drives very tight and solid, very smooth and quiet, turbo kicks in nicely and pulls you along beautifully. I love wagons and the XT is the best combination of any brand/model. Steering wheel feels good in my large hands. Still trying to find the best seat position for my tall self. Skip the nav and add your own portable, upgradeable Garmin or other. Looked at SUVs (Tribeca, Highlander, RAV4, CR-V, RDX) and prefer XT. Great car for my wants and needs!

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  Mileage update - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By user update - November 25 - 5:13 pm

  I have only 2,100 miles on this vehicle, but my first driving impression was really rewarding and it has only improved. the mileage is excellent, average 30.5 with my highest at 34.1. This fill up i exceeded 504 miles and still had 1.5 gallons left. The car is very solid and it is really great on the highway. It has every useful feature you need, with no unnecessary, frivolous add-ons. I am really impressed with the handling. I just dont understand why previous owners are not happy with the additional room and the new style. I think it is great looking and performs flawlessly. It even has lights under the doors to light the ground. How cool is that.

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  VDC wagon - underestimated sleeper - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By willoc - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Im going on two months with the car and enjoying every drive. McIntosh audio is much better than the Bose system I had in my previous Infiniti. Soundproofing is excellent, this car has TRACTION you cant even break the tires loose on full throttle and it accelerates pretty well considering its weight (3800+ lbs). Has a very solid, safe feel. If you are getting out of an SUV like I did, you will find this car every bit as capable as an SUV yet handles like a car and I just got 26 mpg on a road trip. awesome !!

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  Disappointed - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Outback - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I loved my 2002 Outback! My second Subaru is at the opposite end of that scale. This 2008 is like a tunafish can in comparison. Very uncomfortable. Seat does not go that far back and is uncomfortable for a 58" driver. Ride is rough, Gas mileage is only 22-23 mpg, (expected more.)Tires are small. Overall, very disappointed and will never buy another Subaru. How could a car change for the worse, so quickly? Cant wait to get rid of it!!!

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  Fragile details = big disappointment - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Norman - November 23 - 11:06 pm

  Advertised to have you believe that it is rugged. Because of fragile details, IT IS NOT. The paint on the plastic bumpers, wheel opening/lower door trim and the door protection strips is chipping from light bumps and dings and looks like heck particularly because of light colored paint over black plastic. Some interior plastic items are way too fragile. Two items have been replaced because of cracks or breakage and snap-in retainers for rear deck wont stay on place. Drivers seat position and adjustment is barely adequate for my 6 2", 200# size. Anyone over 6 0" might want to look elsewhere. Gas mileage for the 2.5L non turbo is not as good as our other car which is a 95 3.0L Maxima.

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  Subaru Stalls - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By John Sauer - November 23 - 9:30 pm

  Almost from the day I took my Subaru home I have had problems. The car has poor and erratic idle, loses power while driving and stalls. Subaru (several dealerships) has attempted repairs, replacing MANY parts, over the three years I have had this car. Each time the problems resurface. Low idle, power loss, stalling at stops. I am past my 36,000 warranty and Subaru has committed to honor the warranty for existing problems, but that is little consolation as I have to continue living with a $32,000 car that I do not trust. On more than one occasion I was almost stranded on long trips with wife and baby.

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  GO FOR THE 3.6R - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By TONY - November 21 - 10:48 am

  We traded in a 2015 2.5 limited for a 3.6r Limited. Much better car overall with the six. Smoother, quieter, and definitely faster. We did a recent trip over 2 mountain passes with the 2.5 and it had to work hard to keep up. Gas mileage suffered. The new safety features on the 2017 combined with the 3.6 made for a better driving experience.

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  The 4cyl. is strong enough - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Rick - November 17 - 8:56 am

  This car fits my lifestyle. I have two children in car seats and at least one bicycle in/on the car at any time. Living in the NE I also have to deal with snow so I wanted AWD. The price and gas mileage of the 4cyl. looked amazing but I had strong reservations about getting that model as I live in an area populated with short but very steep hills. Then I took a test drive. The 4cyl. with CVT suits my needs perfectly.It is not a race car but there is always ample power for any situation. No problem driving up hills with 15-20% grades. Outside of the engine, the car feels solid and grips the road in a very reassuring manner. It is an excellent family hauler for the dedicated weekend warrior

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  Subarus a Best Bet - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Eric - November 14 - 8:03 pm

  I owned a first generation 96 Outback and had a bunch of problems. This is not that car. This car rides much better and is far more upscale. I replaced our 98 Volvo and could not be happier. This provides the versatility and safety I had with a Volvo at a much better price and much sportier package. It is a rocket off the line (be sure to go with the turbo if you want performance). It also rides like a regular car but with enough clearance that we can comfortably go into the mountains and tackle 4-6" of new powder on the back roads. If you need a wagon, but dont want to give up performance, go with this vehicle.

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  Great Car!...Needs a Tranny - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Rob Tucker - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is very nice. I have owned many Subarus and this car is not like any of them. Quiet, smooth, comfortable, ergonomic. What a great engine the 3.0 H-6 is! Its just too bad that it doesnt have a better Automatic transmission. Needs a 5 speed Auto with closer gearing or a manual tranny would be nice. Overall a great car though.