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:

• 

  So happy. - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By amanda9822 - September 15 - 5:54 pm

  Ive had my Outback Limited for almost a month and I am super happy with it. I was looking at a ton of different cars, the Mazda 3 5-door, Honda Fit, Honda CRV, and the Subaru Impreza 5-door. I really wasnt looking at the Outback at all until I decided the Impreza was going to be too small for my aging dog. I couldnt have made a better choice. The Outback is roomy and feels like it was made just for me, its so comfortable. I love all of the electronics and the sound system is pretty darn great. It could use a iittle more pep on acceleration, but I guess that helps the gas milage. I highly recommend this car-it will suit all of my possible future needs: kids, big dogs, stuff...anything.

• 

  First Subaru - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Paul Lockey - September 15 - 8:52 am

  I have owned and driven many SUVs including X5, Macan, RAV. I chose Subaru Outback for its interior space, particularly luggage and price band and safety features for mountain winter driving. Thrilled with features and performance in first month of ownership. Pleased to have upgraded to 3.6 after a few drives over the Vail and other mountain passes

• 

  Hate my Car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Sue - September 13 - 10:20 pm

  I was hoping my Outback would be a reliable, safe car for me and my kids to drive. This car has been a nightmare. The inside door panels had to be replaced because if you used the arm rest the fabric came up, the front seat handle broke off, the mud flap in the back was missing screws, the air conditioner made horrible sounds and had to be replaced, went through a "minor" puddle and had to have the car towed, abs and brake light comes on and to top it off the car died and oil began to come out of it. Roadside assistance wont come, unless I pay for the tow and have it towed to my house and then towed again in the morning to Subaru. Im so glad I bought this car -- NOT. What a LEMON!

• 

  Nice Alternative to An SUV - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Ram - September 13 - 8:20 pm

  Just purchased an Outback Limited and have been pleasantly surprised. We also own a Pilot, but with the manual transmission, leather, and huge sunroof, I look forward to driving. The fuel economy averages 26 in the city and about 29-30 on the highway. Ive gotten as high as 31 but its dependent on how you drive. Also, theres plenty of room in the back seat for rear facing car seats (only two can be installed) or for passengers. Leg room is excellent. The handling is great for any car, not to mention an SUV.

• 

  Need better seating - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Norman - September 6 - 11:36 pm

  Teenager driver wrecked our Grand Cherokee and we wanted good visibility, all wheel drive, heated seats and economy in replacement vehicle. Five months with Outback and wife still says every day "I love my car." Mileage hasnt been as good as wed hoped, but the style, access, build quality and utility of the vehicle are perfect. Of course, im comparing it to a 13-year old jeep, but handling is quick and fun. It leans a little in cornering. Car runs down the highway like an eager hound with no complaint except for fear we might stop. I just feel smart in this car, like I made the right choice after much searching and pondering.

• 

  Subaru 3.6 Limited - not at all limited! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Brian Maturi - September 5 - 5:46 pm

  I am over the moon about this car. Previously had a 2014 3.6R limited, the upgrades in the 2017 are brilliant without a big price tag. The utilitarian interior of the 2014 has been significantly upgraded. The driver information center is greatly improved. Now provides speed and turn directions in addition to lane departure warning. Eye sight system and automatic rear braking are superb, as is the adaptive cruise control. I drove over 100 miles on the highway without touching the accelerator. At 22.6 mpg this is not the most economical small suv but the power of the 3.6 liter boxer engine is immediate and more than adequate. Cargo capacity is great and easy to access.

• 

  Loving this vehicle! - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By dlw2001 - September 5 - 5:59 am

  This is an early review because i just got my 15 Outback Limited. Have only about 200 miles on it. The car is fantastic. I was afraid of choosing the 4 over the 6, thought i would want more power since ive never driven a car with less than 220 horses or a turbo. Maybe im getting old but the power seems just fine, like I dont know when I will really need more, and most of the time one doesnt. On the other hand the gas mileage is what really makes me glad I got the 4. So far just driving the heck out of it including a very long bumpy and hilly dirt road it just keeps creeping upward, now to 26 mpgs... all around the town. It has a pleasant manner and is very quiet. Love the interior.

• 

  Nice, solid ride - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By auburncrew - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The Outback Limited sedan is a well-made, fun-to-drive car that handles poor weather, dirt roads and twisty turns like a champ. But its equally at home on the interstate, where it is rock-solid; I have to set the cruise to near the legal limit, otherwise, Ill be cruising at 90 mph without realizing it. Its got all you could ever want in a sedan: leather, sunroof, all-wheel-drive ... Even better once I ditched the Firestones for Michelin X-ones.

• 

  Outback after 9 months - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Chuck - September 3 - 2:50 pm

  Bought the Outback in late Sept 09 looking for reliable inexpensive AWD transportation, expecting some frozen precip here in WNC. Read existing reviews, and found a couple of very negative comments about the standard sound system (which I bought anyway) - otherwise very positive reviews to that point. Overall, Ive been VERY pleased with the car, which now has just over 8K miles on it. I added the XM Radio (which I wouldnt be without these days) and after listening to it for 9 months, I still dont understand the complaints about the standard sound system - mine is very acceptable. On recent trips, I got about 30 mpg. The CVT is great, and the H4 is very adequate for day to day use.

• 

  Still fun to drive - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Great Car! - August 31 - 11:33 pm

  I was worried when I read on Edmunds that the "increase in size removed much of the responsive and fun-to- drive nature". Do not believe it. Weve owned ten Subarus, including a 2008 Tribeca. This 2011 Outback 3.6 is far more similar to our 2006 Outback than it is the Tribeca when it comes to handling and responsiveness. I dont know where the Edmunds editors got the idea the 2011 Outback was going to feel like the Tribeca, it is not. But as for interior room, it is so close to the Tribeca it is silly. The 2011 is the best Subaru we have owned out of ten, bar none. Already getting 25 mpg on the highway with only 1500 miles on it. Best we ever got with the Tribeca was 24 at 30,000 miles.