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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  My GSPs transport vehicle - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Anthony J Ross - October 11 - 5:04 am

  I owned a 2015 Infiniti Q70S AWD. Over time I didnt really like the AWD system. I traded for a 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6r Touring model. Its been a revelation, nicely built, quality Interior materials, continuous AWD. Gets along briskly when required, good roadholding, well modulated braking. The latest electronic safety systems are quite simply great. Its like driving with an alert Nanny ☺ Im delighted with my new Subbie, sorta looking forward to working with Winter. Should of bought a Subbie years ago. I will keep my Subbie for years.

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  Overboard on safety issues - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Erin - October 6 - 2:43 pm

  This is my first Subaru and I was attracted by the redesign. Overall, I like the car, but dont LOVE it like I loved my past VWs. The GPS system cannot be programmed while the car is moving, not even by a passenger. So, if Im driving and need to change course, even by simply pressing a button for a previous destination or home, the car has to come to a stop, which means pulling to the side of the road if on the highway. Also, there is very limited iPod control when the vehicle is moving. You can change songs on a playlist, but cannot change the playlist while moving, forcing me to unplug my iPod to change lists and then plug it back in, or pull over. That seems MUCH safer...

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  Problems - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By happydog - October 6 - 10:00 am

  We have had too many problems with this car. When applying brakes the steering wheel will shimmy. This only happens when brakes are warm. The air conditioner has quit twice. The grill over the fog light fell off. The windshield has cracked twice in the same place. Dealer has tried to fix problems. It is back at a dealer now for another attempt at fixing.

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  Refined vehicle - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Nate - October 1 - 9:06 am

  Definitely a step up from the previous generation Outbacks, a lot of thought went into improving the interior design and materials. The H6 pulls nicely, very smooth motor. Would like to see better fuel economy, a mix of hwy/city is giving between 18-20.

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  You can do better - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Bob L - September 30 - 8:46 am

  Bought this wagon because of all the reviews I had read. This vehicle performs exceptionally well and looks nice. Quality control is good. Now for the bad. EPA sticker 22-28 mpg. The last car I had was rated the same and I averaged 23-25 mixed driving. This vehicle is getting 20 mpg mixed but will get 28-29 on highway driving. The headrests are very obtrusive and hard to see past. I am average height (59") and the electric drivers seat doesnt quite give me the leg room I need. The passenger seat, although manual, is way worse. I cant even stretch out my legs. The rear legroom is terrible. Also trade-in value is the worst I have seen on any car I have owned.

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  First Subaru - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bstarr11 - September 27 - 6:40 pm

  We bought our Subaru just one month ago. Still love to take it out on the road any chance we get. Cant believe how smooth the CVT trans is. The boxer engine is plenty strong enough for this auto. Responds nicely when the step on it even a little. I always opt for the more powerful 6 cylinder when it is available. Although, we stayed with the four on this one due to rising fuel costs. Glad we did as this crossover tops the list in fuel conservation. Our main reason for trading in our Toyota Rav4 was driver seat comfort. With Subaru not an issue the seats are great and taking it out for a few hours doesnt effect my back as others have. This is a sleek well built SUV, I am thoroughly enjoying

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  Maximum Value - Solid Car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Charles - September 25 - 1:46 pm

  Ive driven this vehicle now for 9 months. Solid vehicle in all respects. Im not sure about "fun to drive", but for a vehicle with this power and height, I believe it handles extremely well! Cabin is much quieter than prior Subies weve owned, and the cloth interior (my prior experience was with leather) has been a very pleasant surprise. Car is sure footed in winter weather, and the only time I couldnt move (on the stock tires) was trying to climb a steep driveway with 6-8" of snow already on the pavement. Finally, despite prior reviews which panned the standard sound system, I find that mine is perfectly fine for casual listening on the road. Options such as XM radio were pricey.

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  2001 Subaru Outback AWD 6 cylinder - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Knox Cohen - September 24 - 11:00 pm

  Finally a Subaru with decent power. Its fun to drive, AWD makes it safe and stable in rain or snow, very dependable. Rarely breaks down and very safe crash test results. Needs better drink holders for travel comfort.

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  Not a Station Wagon Anymore! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By CHAK - September 21 - 9:23 am

  The requirements for a new car to replace our 1997 Outback was not to have an SUV nor CUV, but a wagon with 5* safety and AWD. Well, we ended up with the 2010 Outback, which is a combo of all three. Little did we know after we brought car home and seeing it in our garage, this is a large CUV/smaller SUV, not the usual Outback wagon. It is huge and if you are against SUV/CUVs, this is not your vehicle. Not sure how we will deal with driving an SUV, as it seems OK, but, it feels like I am driving a tank. I am also shocked to read neg comments on roof rack.

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  More fun than expected - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By tulsa tom - September 19 - 9:46 am

  This thing handles like a sports car, rides very nice and has quiet interior. I get 26-27 avg mpg using 87 reg. Theres plenty of room to haul camping and fishing gear.