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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  The car of my dreams - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Hiker Girl - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one incredible car/suv/staion wagon. Whatever you want, it is. It very luxurious, stylish, and fun to drive. Dependability and reliability are key, and this car has it all. Im surprised everyone doesnt have this vehicle.

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  Best Subaru Yet - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Westrout - May 10 - 1:20 pm

  Bought this car in Sept, fully loaded, every option available. Excellent car, rides great, handles great, abundant power, great interior, intuitive, materials are high quality. Great light up dash, turbo provides plenty of power on hills and mountains. AWD is the best in the world, total confidence. This is my third Subaru, and the is by far the best they have ever built. BMW & Audi should pay attention as these cars are world class, and provide unbelievable value, utility and fun to drive factor for a reasonable price.

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  2.5i 5M - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By zfk - May 5 - 12:10 pm

  Had the base Outback about a month, so far it is a good car. The rear hatch started rattling after only 600 miles took it back to the dealer who fixed it. Compared to other brands this one seems pretty solid. I like the ride, it has plenty of hp, mileage is average just under 28.

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  The answer to all problems: Outback - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By mike - May 5 - 4:50 am

  My 2006 outback is my 3rd vehicle. They say 3rd time is a charm. I am a former pickup truck lover that hated the gas mileage of trucks. I wanted AWD (better for dirt roads and bad weather), better fuel economy, better handling and reliability but also use for utility. The Outback covered all those grounds. 26-31 mpg on highway. Yes, folks I hit 31 mpg on highways of Montana and Maine. Excellent on dirt roads and deep snow. Handles better than my dads 04 Acura TL. Performance rocks... beats both my old 6 cylinder trucks. Not bad for a base 4 cyl. Only complaints is that the oil filter is surrounded by exhaust piping, so it is a pain to remove, and tranny upshifts to early.

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  A car nut in a quest for the next best thing - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By BCWatty - May 1 - 4:52 pm

  I am a caraholic. I am in constant search of my next car. I love the Subaru and here is why: EYESIGHT is an extraordinary bargain. Cross-traffic alert system takes so much stress out of backing out of a parking space, I never knew the anxiety I had until it was alleviated. Blind spot monitors are very useful and, again, ease my mind when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control is very useful and makes road trips stress-free, and the lane-keeping assist steers the car back into the middle of the lane. The rear seats recline. The roof rails have built-in cross rails. The cargo area is huge, but could use nets on the sides. What do i wish it had? The passenger seat needs to be height-adjustable just like every VW ever made. All cars should give up their proprietary interfaces and just give us CarPlay or license Fords Sync3. An option for a panoramic moonroof would be nice, too. Diesel option would give us low-end torque. My biggest gripe? Make the passenger seat height adjustable.

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  A word of warning... - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By abgra - April 30 - 9:09 pm

  I LOVED this car when I first got it. I live in Montana, so the AWD and heated seats were perfect. However, I quickly realized this car is was a lemon. I poured thousands into this car before I finally traded it in for a Civic, only to find out the dealership forked out $3000 to fix the head gasket, water pump, timing belt (that was only a year old), air conditioner, and front brakes that I replaced a year before as well. A local Subaru mechanic said that there is a factory defect in these and he rebuilds about three a week. If you insist on buying this car, make sure you have a Subaru specialist go over the engine with a fine-tooth comb.

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  Ooutback Shine Again - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Barry Hecht - April 30 - 12:37 pm

  Consumer Reports Loves this Car, and so do it. I have yet to experience all of its features, so this is an early review. The instrumentation and infotainment/navigation/active safety systems are particularly well laid out. Ergonomics are exceptional, always a Subaru plus. I have only the 2.5 l engine, which is exceptionally vibration free and quiet. Acceleration is OK...not great, but certainly adequate. I can get better acceleration when I really need it with the paddle shifters. Benefit is very good gas mileage. I expect the CVT to be a real plus. I bought the car with the "eyesight" (active safety) and Nav packages. It is close to an autonomous car. I can travel highways without using the gas or brake pedals (careful...this is a double edged sword, but it works!) Note: No experience on reliability; car is too new. However, this is my fourth Subaru Outback (or predecessor), over 31 continuous years, and the others have been great in reliability.

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  uses more gas than advertised - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By geo - April 27 - 6:40 pm

  Generally an OK car except it barely gets over 20 MPG and there is a noticeable boxer engine vibration noticeable through the gas pedal from the opposed cylinders. Fairly rough on tire wear.

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  Difficult to start at high altitudes - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Jeff - April 24 - 8:00 pm

  All perspective owners should be aware that this vehicle has a known and systemic issue at high altitudes. Specifically, the car is very difficult to start. I live in the Denver area (5200 feet) and took it up to Breckenridge (9200 feet) for the weekend. When we wanted to leave in the morning to go to the slopes I had a very difficult time starting it. This happened again after skiing all day. According to Dealer, this problem is well known by Subaru and they are working on a fix but dont have one yet. I am extremely frustrated (not surprised) that this known issue was not communicated to me by the dealer. I am writing this review to warn other potential buyers of this issue.

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  Well, that was a huge waste of money! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By deminimis - April 24 - 1:42 pm

  Only 54,000 miles and the engine hatched. Not only is the car under the factory warranty, but also an extended warranty. Subaru is fighting us tooth and nail. Will have to sue Subaru to get the car fixed under warranty. Will stick with Toyota next time.