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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  Great Car- but lack of features - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Jenni - March 20 - 3:36 am

  Dont get me wrong, I really do love my Subaru. It has awesome gas mileage and goes great. Its the little things that you might just "expect" that Im finding. Like: the passenger seat is manual and doesnt have the up and down movement or back support, if you put the window lock on you (as the driver) cannot work the windows either, when you turn the car off you cannot still listen to the radio or adjust the windows (even if a door hasnt been opened), I dont know about other models but on really hot days my air just isnt cold enough, theres a few other "little" things but I cant remember more right now

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  My subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By seabeewife - March 19 - 5:36 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Handles awesomely in the rain, snow, ice and dry pavement. I cant think of a better car I would want to own.

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  Should have stayed basic - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Mr.Moto - March 18 - 9:59 pm

  I decided for my third Subaru I would get it with all the bells and whistles. I was one of the lucky ones who got one with a bad steering column and its been down hill since. I am on the second radio and the navigation still has problems. The rear hatch has been looked at three times and it still decides on its own when it will open or close. The answer my dealer has given is when the power hatch wont respond just hold the button down and it should become a manual hatch. How convenient. I want to know if I hold the ignition button down will the price of 3.6R I bought become the same price as the 2.5 and where do i get my refund? If you want to feel the "Love" save your money and get a base model.

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  Competent and fun utility vehicle - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By restless4 - March 13 - 9:00 am

  Bought a silver Limited 3 months/3500 miles ago. In general it is a very competent vehicle, extremely spacious for the overall dimensions of the vehicle. Initial reliability has been perfect. 2013 included a change to the suspension, which has made this car handle well, and fun to drive on country road. Two downsides to this car. First is that it does have an economy car feel, even as the high end Limited model. Switchgear, plastics used, and such are cheap for a $30K car, and there are some sloppy manufacturing shortcuts that are easily noticeable. Second is that the 2013 model has a new drivetrain thats supposed to get better mpg, but it seems to have dropped from the 2012s.

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  Excellent do-it-all machine - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By lashleroux15 - March 10 - 3:35 pm

  Just purchased a 2012 Premium 2.5i with moonroof package. This replaced a 2008 nissan altima because I just needed more trunk/carry space but decent mileage. I compared it to the Equinox/Terrain twins plus others. After looking at all the options, the Subaru had the best overall package for my needs. Drives great and is very comfortable. Mileage is good (averaging 26 MPG in mixed driving). Back seat is actually bigger than my Altima (fits 3 kids easily) yet takes up the same space in the garage. AWD is excellent (works great in snow so far) with no worries about grip. Handling dynamics are good for the higher stance....

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  Do not buy this car - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By 2012outback - March 10 - 8:06 am

  This car has a 60,000 transmission warranty. Our transmission needs to be replaced at 67,000 miles. The car is less than 2 years old and the mileage is all highway miles. I could not recommend this vehicle to anyone. When the transmission went out I was on the highway with children in the car. I cannot express how horrifying this experience was. Dont buy this car.

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  Its no Audi S4, but... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jack - March 9 - 4:33 am

  ...thats not a bad thing! Dont tell the Audi guys, but Im a Subie convert. Prior to the XT I owned an Audi S4 with the biturbo 2.7 V6 and 6 speed transmission, AWD, of course. Ive always been a car guy and the S4 is a "car guy" kind of car, but I actually like the Outback XT more. Why? It provides 90% of the driving pleasure of the S4 (100% of the acceleration!) but without the worry over expensive repairs. I am totally thrilled with this car. I bought mine with 32,000 miles on it, one owner, and the car looks, feels, and runs like brand spankin new. I used to think I was an Audi guy. Turns out I was actually a Subie guy with pretensions. Dropped the pretense and picked up the Subaru.

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  2006 Subaru 2.5i Outback Automatic - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By too_many_cars - March 8 - 3:53 am

  Ive had my 2006 Outback 2.5i auto for over a year, and am generally satisfied. I commonly drive offroad and in heavy snow conditions, and the AWD performs well. The car has done well under some bad conditions, and the AWD system has probably kept me out of a few snowbanks due to bad driving. The car is super comfy, and with a Yakima roof rack, you can haul plenty of people and gear. My primary complaint is the shoddy fuel mileage. I average about 21 mpg, with MPG dipping into the 18 mpg range when driving in the mountains here in WV.

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  Happy so far - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Dan - March 5 - 10:00 pm

  Have had it for a month and already drove it on sleet and ice for a couple of days. AWD was great on the ice. Very smooth and quiet on the hwy - doesnt break a sweat at 75. Handles well. Sufficient power. Not the best looking exterior Ive ever seen, but all around great car for the $. Very few crossovers with AWD/4WD get this kind of fuel economy.

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  Great Car - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Capper - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Very responsive, fun to drive, capable in the snow.