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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  Subaru 05 Outback Sudan - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Richard Llewellyn - February 18 - 4:06 pm

  Handles like a dream in the ice and snow, does not silp or slide and tracks very well

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  Some Minor Complaints - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By ORTravis - February 12 - 3:40 am

  We chose this car because of the rear seat room, which is plentiful. Overall the car is great. Its comfortable and the MPG is great for an AWD vehicle. I also like the rack system. I have had issues with the power steering, it seems loud to me. Some other minor complaints: Door cup holders dont accommodate water bottles (in a car marketed to outdoor enthusiasts), no power seat memory, no rear seat vents, windows vibrate when slightly opened, and the turn signals are not very visible from the side (needs additional side signal and even one in the mirror). Finally, the manual says not to use snow chains, which can be a problem in Oregon if you go to the mountains infrequently!

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  Only gets better - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By DK - February 10 - 10:56 pm

  Last week I came upon a brand new Jeep stuck in a four ft. snowdrift. The owner (a 20 something male) was testing his new car in the snow. I drove into the snow drift next to him, rolled down the window and offered to call the tow guy. Sheepishly he told me his dad was coming. Put my Subaru into reverse and drove away. This weekend was in Tucson parked at a resort surrounded by 100s of Lexus (the official car of golf resorts) I watched as several people passed by and looked at our car, puzzled as to the new look. My biggest fear was to get run over by an out of control Lexus. In summary, Subaru - rough and wild in the woods and civilized and classy when needed.

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  my new outback 2.5 cvt - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By jack - February 10 - 4:50 am

  First of all Id like to say that I had apprehensions between the time of buying and delivery. I had to wait 2 months for the delivery and during this time I read all kinds of good and no so good comments about the OB. Well I have been driving this car for about 2 weeks now for 450 km in town and on highway (not done any offroad yet but Im sure It wont disappoint me) and I am happy to report that this car is the best 4X4 SUV I ever had.

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  Refined excellence exceeds expectations - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Katway - February 7 - 10:00 am

  The Outback 3.0R VDC is an absolutely terrific crossover. It handles like a BMW, takes rough roads like a Land Rover, and accelerates like a Volvo V70R. In my brief ownership, this vehicle has exceeded all expectations. Subaru is clearly making a forward push toward the luxury cars and the 3.0R VDC certainly delivers. I own a Volvo V70R that I like very much, but the Subaru is by far my favorite to drive. Its fun to drive in the city, on the highways, and in the country side. Im a very pleased owner and look forward to years of enjoyment in this vehicle.

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  2005 LL Bean - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By groosejr - February 6 - 2:53 am

  This is the 7th Subaru that we have owned and is yielding the poorest miles per gallon of any. The perforated leather upholstery will now allow spilled items to penatrate the seating and prohibits easy wipe up. Still waiting for GPS to be available. Windows are not sufficiently tinted, requiring after market application. Transmission shift points allow engine to rev too high.

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  Very Happy - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By sekinko - February 5 - 6:21 pm

  we are very happy with the 2016 Outback. Ours is fully loaded with EyeSight. I love the adaptive cruise and use it on the highway all the time. Lane keep assist can be annoying sometimes, especially through construction zones while passing a truck, it wants me to stay in a lane and pushes me too close to the truck. Outback is very comfortable, super quiet, great seats, very impressed with overall luxury feel. lot of soft touch materials in the cabin, some plastics look a beat cheaper tho. Ride is nice, acceleration so so, but its SUV with a 4 cylinder, so thats expected. Gets a good gas mileage. i made 480 miles trip without a stop going 80-85. Very impressed.

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  Navigation Poor - Otherwise Good Vehicle - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Robert H - February 4 - 3:20 pm

  Buyers beware. Although the 2017 Subaru Outback is a good vehicle - better than good - if you plan to use the Navigation system it is ill advised to believe everything it tells you. Fujitsu-10 is the manufacturer of the Head Unit, which is the heart of the navigation system. The dealership at which I purchased my Outback tells me they have many complaints of this navigation system giving incorrect and sometimes dangerous directions, and I am one. This nav system is so poorly programmed it told me to drive into a northbound exit ramp of Route 95, a major interstate highway, to go south (I took a picture of the nav screen and provided it to Subaru of America as proof). One of their Field Service Engineers inspected the nav system and said the cause was a defective head unit. The head unit was replaced with apparently another defective head unit because the problems were not resolved. Subaru of America is aware of the problem, and has been for at least 5 months, but thus far they have no solutions for the dysfunctional navigation system. I simply cannot rely on the Subaru navigation system I paid upwards of $2,000 for, and must use Google Maps to obtain reliable and accurate navigation information. Now doesnt that defeat the purpose of having a $2,000 navigation system installed? ONE OTHER NOTEWORTHY POINT. The CVT (Constant Velocity Transmission) is a bit unusual. This is the 3rd vehicle I have owned with CVT and none have had the idiosyncrasy of thistransmission. When you transition from park to reverse or drive, or from drive to reverse and visa versa, this transmission has a 3 second delay before it engages. If one backs out of a driveway into a busy street, one must leave additional spacing because drive will not engage for 3 seconds after moving the shift lever from reverse to drive; you can sit there helpless because the car will simply not engage drive for 3 seconds. Could be dangerous if not careful.

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  Best Bang for Buck - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Feilo - February 3 - 8:06 am

  The OB has always been on my car shortlist and I finally got an 08 2.5i 5MT to replace my much-loved and performance tuned 03 1.8T Passat wagon. I immediately upgraded the tires and the rear sway bar - instant handling upgrade. The 2.5i is really well matched to the 5MT (Ive been disappointed by rental 4ATs OBs before). Have been averaging ~25+ mpg overall - 70/30 highway/urban. This is my first AWD car and its been interesting in the recent snows - its a new driving experience thats for sure. All in all, I am happy with my purchase and am enjoying true motoring with the 5MT. No warranty issues so far (6k miles) and as I stated in the title - its the best bang for my new car buck!

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  70,000 Update - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Peter Chun - February 1 - 2:00 pm

  Still fun to drive but, not thrilled with dealer service which is what I hear from a lot of other Subaru owners. Had to replace tires for the second time earlier this year. Original Potenzas were lousy but, the Goodyear Eagles I replaced them with handled great. Had bearing noise problems which keep my car in the shop for a week around the 25K mark. Car started to die on me at stops earlier this year. Had to spend $360 to have valves cleaned and it runs fine now. Went on trips to Utah and Arizona the car performed great. The XT has been a good blend of performance, comfort, practicality, safety and for the most part, reliability. However, my next car will probably be a hybrid.