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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  we need quick automatic locking system in 2017. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Janga Rai - April 7 - 1:15 pm

  shoppers should know about automatic locking system and noise isolation of a car. thank you.

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  Short time in new Legacy Outback ltd - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Arnold Cohen - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have switched from a Mercedes Benz ML320 to this Subaru Legacy Outback Limited. Other than being smaller, the ride is better, handling a little more precise, quieter, and somewhat better economy. Ive only got 1400 miles on it to date but I drive 20,000 per year and I think this auto will be a winner.

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  Surprisingly Disappointing - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Greentiger - April 2 - 3:29 pm

  Bought the 2011Subaru November 2010(after reading the great Subaru reviews) with 5 miles. 4 years into it, catalack(probably wrong spelling) converter went, fortunately the miles were right below the covered warranty for the converter and that was covered($2000). 166.000 miles in, the transmission is having issues, the emergency breaks need to be replaces(dont know why, never use it). This is not a small repair and Subaru America does not send behind their cars after certain amount of miles. Trade-in value dropped significantly due to the expensive fixes. REALLY, REALLY DISAPPOINTED.

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  L.L. Bean Outback aka my last Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By dan - April 1 - 12:50 pm

  The transmission was replaced at 20k miles and the brakes soon after (under new car warranty). Apparently the pads were replaced and the rotors turned. I was getting a lot of front end shimmy at 30k miles so the dealer decided to turn the drums again. I was just in again at 50k with the same problem and had to pay for new rotors and pads (despite having the extended warranty and the dealer knowing full well this is an on-going problem) An independent mechanic was telling me that the rotors they use on Subaru are actually too thin to be turned and he couldnt believe they turned them once no less twice! The ventilation fan has developed quite a rumble but I was told this is "normal".

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  Love my new Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By jkk1943 - March 30 - 5:48 pm

  I love the versatility of my new outback. It is comfortable, quiet and great for long road trips. I am impressed with the fuel economy I consistently get 27-28 mpg in the city and 29-31 on the road. The seats are comfortable, visability is great and the layout of instrumentation is driver friendly. Have had a minor warranty problem with fault in emission control system. Dashboard lights went on and cruise control was on longer operational. Took it to a dealer and they found and fixed a cramped emission hose. Be sure to lock down gas cap after filling or you will get the same effect.

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  I Really Like My Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Charles Cathey - March 30 - 10:06 am

  Traditional AWD Subaru features and handling. Slightly softer suspension than my 2001, but quicker steering ratio, a bit sensitive to driver input, but you get used to it. The BEST EVER in the snow and rain. (I have owned 11 Subarus since 1983). Very good noise isolation and body integrity. 360 degree visibility is excellent.

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  Subaru Outback Wagon - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By lovefishing - March 30 - 10:00 am

  The Outback is a very reliable and "sensible" vehicle. Third Subaru I have owned - also own(ed) Ford, Isuzu, and GM vehicles. Personally, the AWD and ABS have come in very handy on all of my Subarus, including this most recent purchase. Have avoided several bad situations because the AWD and ABS prevented the accident (this seems more important than how many air bags a vehicle has).

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  The puppy hauler - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By CCI pup carrier - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vechile. After six weeks we traveled over 6,000 miles with only one problem. The first day of our vacation I was rear ended. Minimal damage and the rear hatch worked fine. It is a very stable on the road and off.

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  2.5i Limited - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Bob - March 28 - 8:00 pm

  Very surprising vehicle, and my first Subaru. Great looks and an even better interior. The normally aspirated 2.5L engine is smooth and responsive for a 4 cylinder. Im coming from a large SUV, and the transition has been a pleasure with this Subaru. I feel I got more bang for the buck with this vehicle than if I had gone with either the RAV-4 or CR-V, given the rebates that Subaru was offering. $24,700 out the door.

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  Great Sensible Car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Peter Platt - March 27 - 6:10 pm

  4 cylinder automatic provides very good performance. Peppy & fun to drive. All wheel drive & good ground clearance give excellent dirt/backroad/snow handling. Folding seats & solid roof rack lets us take our kayaks, bikes & camping equipment. My only complaint is that I find it a little tight to fit in, particularly on the passenger side. But Im 63" with size 15 feet. Back seat leg room is also tight. Other than that, I love this car. Definitely one of the most sensible overall cars on the road & very reliable. Ours is the most basic automatic available & its very well equipped. Many standard features that are options on other makes. Love the heated seats!