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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  Just purchased and will continue review - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Card Fan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have spent the past two months methodically reviewing, test-driving, and evaluating vehicles that I would consider appropriate for a growing family. I narrowed the choice down to the following four vehicles: Honda CR-V, Honda Odyssey, Subaru Outback, and Kia Sorento. The CR-V sounded so noisy on the test drives and the interior seemed a bit cheap in comparison to the other vehicles so it fell off the list. The Oddessey had a great ride, but the price was pushing 36,000 or higher out the door. I pained over the remaining two, and after reading all the customer reviews available I ruled out the Kia Sorento because of miscellaneous reported problems. Over the next year I plan to write 3 reviews

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  Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By RALPH - May 21 - 7:23 pm

  All the editors reviews are accurate, the car is great, on the down side, its noisy on acceleration, but on smooth road, ride is quiet. Interior and exterior quality top shelf.

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  The best all round vehicle ever - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Dreister - May 21 - 4:10 am

  Ive had my Outback Turbo XT with manual transmission for just over a year, and I must say that Ive found the perfect match! I love how I can change the driving style by a click of the button, if I want to accelerate off a red light like Andretti, I can by flipping the S# button, and boy do you feel that power! If I want to take it easy on a longer drive or in traffic and conserve gas, flip it to I and I can rest at ease knowing my car is doing its best to conserve energy. The fact that the clearance on my Outback beats most large SUVs is phenomenal for a car this size. Ive gone off- roading in Big Bend and Ive been able to go down trails Explorers couldnt dream of tackling.

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  Major Defect - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Bill - May 20 - 11:26 am

  Did a lot or research and test driving, and found the Outback met all my needs as far as comfort, performance,style and supposedly build quality. Shortly after delivery noticed a vibration/shake in the steering wheel at various speeds. Took back to the dealer and they road forced balanced the tires and said that would take care of the problem. It didnt and made it worse at highway speed. Back to the dealer, told them that problem was still there and even worse, car left with them for more testing. Did some research and found numerous complaints about this on NHTSA and on a Subaru Outback forum. I called Subaru and was told that they were aware of problem but as yet had no fix.

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  My last car - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By MaryAnn - May 19 - 2:20 pm

  When we got so much ice in December of 2008 I got tired of not being able to get my truck out of the parking lot so I went to Walkers Subaru and got an Outback Legacy Wagon. Best purchase I ever made. I love the ride, the lines and the AWD. Cargo area is great. I wish I had bought the Subaru 4 cars ago. I am not really into cars, just want to get where I am going and so far this car does it for me.

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  ? - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By karenmoorebrunelle - May 18 - 2:00 am

  My third Subaru. First a legacy wagon then two outbacks. All great cars. Reliable, functional and still f

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  Enjoying this car - better than expected! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By beachbum78 - May 17 - 7:47 am

  Started leasing a base, 4 cylinder, Outback a month ago and my husband and I are very happy with it. The mileage is good for a car this size - averaging 31.4 in mixed city/highway driving. Seat comfort is good for both of us, it handles real well and feels solid and well made. I did not want all the extra bells & whistles, so the base model was just right. As a person who always drove (and loves) manual transmissions, the automatic/CVT was almost a deal-breaker, but Im satisfied with it and my husband loves it. I checked EMF (electromagnetic field) readings on quite a few new cars of different makes & models, since I am sensitive to being engulfed in too much electromagnetic radiation, and the base Outback had the lowest readings, which is a good thing for me. (I did not measure the other Outback models.) Looking forward to driving a car with 8.7" ground clearance this winter. If this car had a manual transmission and a higher horsepower turbo engine, it would be perfect.

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  1st Year LL Bean Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By LLBeaner - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Would recommend it to anyone!

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  Scoobaroo - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Victor Reasinger - May 13 - 10:19 pm

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  Was a good car - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Rh1112 - May 13 - 12:50 am

  Just in the last 2 years I feel like this car turned into the What Next car. Headgasket replaced during warranty, at around 34000 miles. Needs it again at 113000. Last year rebuilt the tranny and replace CV boots, $2500. This year rear O2 sensor, $500, due to check engine light. Then the catalytic converter, $1500, also due to check engine light. Still needs head gasket and oil leak repair, would be around $2500. I put in $4500, I cant afford another $2500. I have to DUMP THIS CAR! I was really hoping to drive this for a few more years, but now have to get rid of it.