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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  Further improvement of noise-isolation. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Janga Rai - April 1 - 2:31 am

  They must check noise isolation and automatic door lock. When i drove on the road , the more foreign noise is heard inside the car. We all expect 2017 new noise isolation improved one and manuel locking looks like 15th century ago , its better to replace with AUTOMATIC LOCK . All the best . thanks.

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  Peppy, all the bells and whistles, safe - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Campbell - April 1 - 2:05 am

  Reliably safe and very peppy!

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  Smooth 6 cylinder Outback - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By duke - March 29 - 7:40 pm

  Recently purchased the H6 3.0 liter model of Outback wagon and was very impressed by the smoothness of the engine and its power, compared to the 2.5 liter engine. Interior is very tasteful and has a nice level of quality throughout. Sometimes the transmission hunts for the right gear, I have noticed.

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  Sweet & Sour - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Earl - March 29 - 9:20 am

  Subaru, like all other cars are mechanical beings. Some sweet some sour characteristics. Four wheel drive for the price they charge is unbeatable but steering is hard at low speeds. Overall it is a fine piece of transportation. The seats are uncomfortable after 15 minutes. The transmission is annoying because of lag when under hard acceleration and then rockets off when it catches up. Center console is useless because it does not act as an arm rest and you have to park the car to find anything in it and its small. Not enough storage space for personal items. Subaru needs to control their dealers so they dont try to fix your car when it isnt broke. That is the worst thing about it!!

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  New Guy On the Block - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By yahtahey - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my LL Bean Outback. Comfort, Design, and Quality of workmanship. I inspected my new Subaru for 40 minutes when I went to pick it up.I am an aircraft mechanic by trade for 46 years. I found no items on the underside of the car that required repair of any kind. I only found 2 items under the hood when I got home that were minor, and I took care of them myself, as they did not affect warranty.

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  Great value, fun! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By cdb9000 - March 26 - 11:20 pm

  Bought this car 4 months ago, replaced 2001 Toyota Landcruiser. Tired of paying $75 premium, now I pay $35 regular to fill it! Owned 2 Volvo wagons (new) before my LC, and the Subaru compared to those in comfort and luxury. I looked at the Honda CRV and Rav4, too. CRV had good safety, but so cheap inside I couldnt stand it. Rav4 has very poor rear crash test, and I dont like when Mac trucks come up on my rear when Im stopped and sitting in a car with no bumper. Acceleration is fine, its no BMW or 8cyl, but gets me from here to there safely and in comfort! The Subaru has 5 star safety ratings all around - very important to me (and kids). Check out IIHS website for crash ratings.

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  Great gas mileage even on snowy VT roads - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Travis - March 25 - 10:30 pm

  Get a stick shift! it makes the experience of driving this car 100 times better. Automatics are boring. Be exciting. Drive a stick shift!

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  Curtain Extra? - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Barbara - March 25 - 8:50 pm

  I only had my outback for 1 week, and soon far we love it. We didnt receive the curtain for the back area. I thought that was standard. Does anyone know? We ask the dealership, and they reply that was extra.

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  Does it all - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By J dub - March 23 - 8:56 pm

  I wanted something that was fun to drive, tow my boat and get decent mileage. This was the perfect vehicle. I can get high twenties on the highway, tows my boat, offers the choice of a 5 speed manual (autos are for wimps), has a tremendous list of safety and comfort features, all wheel drive, and tremendous amounts of power for a family wagon. If you want to combine driving fun with economy, utility and safety, nothing in the price range comes close. In city traffic, the turbo is a blast. I have a sports car I put in storage when MN winter weather hits; this car will allow me to not miss it so much during the cold months. Its a blast.

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  Love, love, love my first Subaru! - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By mkkn - March 21 - 12:01 pm

  I had to purchase a car in a hurry, as my previous car was totaled. After experiencing a relatively serious accident in a smaller vehicle, I wanted something more substantial. I drove several compact SUVs, but fell in love when I drove the new 2015 Subaru Outback. The Outback is the perfect combination of "car" and "SUV". Its easy to get in and out of in my work attire, offers a smooth, quiet ride, is comfortable for my daily commute and is easy to maneuver in traffic and my parking deck. Most important, I feel very safe in it! I am 53" and my boyfriend is 63" and we are both comfortable as both driver and passenger, and have no problems seeing well when driving.