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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Yep! - 2011 Subaru Outback
By Bill M - July 17 - 3:30 pmSo far, so good. Car feels solid, ride is smooth and quiet. Fast? nope, but not underpowered as some will say, and hey, its a wagon after all. The car will get you there quick enough. Instrument panel and dash are clean and efficient without being overly spartan. Significantly more leg room than the 00 OB I traded in (yes, loyal). HK sound system probably wont impress die-hard audiophiles, but Stevie Ray Vaughan sounds perfectly crisp to me! Summertime now, but I expect the AWD to treat me the same way it did in my 00 when the snow flies and that is the real reason why I buy these cars in the first place. Good car, go ahead.
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The vehicle I was looking for - 2008 Subaru Outback
By Ken Myers - July 14 - 11:36 amReplaced gas-guzzler 3/4-ton 05 Chevy pickup with the 08 Outback. My requirements; better mpg, able to pull motorcycle and its trailer, high ground clearance w/ 4-WD or AWD to traverse the 2-track to my cabin in Michigans Upper Peninsula, handle winter snow, carry my radio-controlled planes and R/C equipment, ease of front seat access for my 85- year-old mother. Went to test drive an 09 Forester and while waiting saw the Blue/Silver Metallic 08 Outback and changed the test drive! The test drive, on poorly maintained paved roads, felt comfortable, and has proven so. There is a very solid feel between the car and the road. Good value. Better than a SUV for me. I like it a lot so far.
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Backing up/low visability - 2009 Subaru Outback
By Joy - July 12 - 7:05 amIt is hard to see out the side windows to back up. The windows are too small.
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An honest car - 2003 Subaru Outback
By walkman - July 10 - 12:20 pmThis is a totally honest car, anything essential is generously equipped in the base modal. Those not found, they are bells and whistles. The roof rail has 4 bars (most others just have 2 bars, you will know the difference when you carry a bag or mattress on top). My wife feels fully confident and safe in it. Very stable on all kinds of road, no matter in snow, sleet, icy or wet. We enjoyed engines humming sound on the high way when passing big trucks with speed well over 70mph. Thoughtful console design,leaving ample space for all the odds and ends. Downside is battery leak in the 3rd year. In its 5th year there is some wind noise developing at driver side.
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Perfect for a family of four - 2013 Subaru Outback
By biglake7 - July 10 - 7:36 amMy first OB, coming from a 04 Galant. Im glad I did the research and waited to get the 13. We have two younger children, 10 and 7. I have 4000 mi. on it. Weve taken a 1,000 mi. trip and several shorter ones ranging from 200-300 per trip. Im looking forward to testing out the tried and true AWD in our midwest winters (WI). Cabin is spacious, especially backseats. While Im not tall at 57", there is an incredible amount of legroom in the backseat. While I never test drove the 12, the re-tuned suspension in the 13 seems to be spot on. Theres virtually no body roll in corners (i.e. on and off-ramps). I chose it for the re-tuned engine, MPG, re-tuned suspension, and AWD combination.
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Love my Outback Touring! - 2017 Subaru Outback
By Rick - July 9 - 5:09 pmSubaru hit a home run with the Touring edition! Quiet, responsive and comfortable to drive. I previously drove a Lexus RX330 and put the Touring edition in the same category as Lexus. Great value! The quality and fit of this vehicle is excellent. Love the EyeSight system. Next week I am looking forward to driving to Indianapolis. Cant wait!
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Wow! What a deal... - 2005 Subaru Outback
By DKinGA - July 7 - 7:10 pmThis is our first Subaru purchase, after much research for an SUV/wagon with kids/pets/transport capability & COMFORT. We had an 01 Honda CR-V which served us well but it was time for an UPGRADE. We were extremely impressed with its handling and performance; that extra 20hp sure makes a difference! Huge moonroof & leather interior were a definite plus. Luxury feel without paying a fortune. With discounts & trade in we ended up paying less for what we paid for CR-V (Standard, stripped model). Suggestion to consumers: Get Firestone/Bridgestone Road Hazard on tires. These are rather expensive tires & it will cover repairs/replacements. Its worth it.
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First Subie Love - 2013 Subaru Outback
By joepawlicki - July 7 - 6:56 pmWeve had our 2013 Outback since the Winter and its been awesome. The suspension was definitely stiffened up this year which can make poor road conditions more noticeable but high speed and back road handling is spot on. Our latest road trip was 400 miles to NH and we averaged 33.6 MPG with 3 people, cargo and lots of mountain roads. Weve hit a few off road trails and the car has tackled mud and dips with ease. The interior is quiet, spacious and the harmon kardon audio is very good. No issues to date!
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Happy Trails - 2002 Subaru Outback
By hdiddy - July 4 - 2:00 amThis vehicle has been a real pleasure to drive. Excellent handling and I really enjoy the extras on the Bean. This is my first soob and probably wont be my last.
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American Fuji - 2013 Subaru Outback
By snowmass1 - July 3 - 9:41 pmWhat a surprise. Ive always wondered how this vehicle would be to own and so far have no disappointments. Well engineered and perfectly assembled in the good old U.S. of A
