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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Nice when new - 2007 Subaru Outback
By Jim B - December 9 - 7:16 pmI am very pleased thus far, but then all new cars are usually pleasant. The Subi meets or exceeds all my expectations. It is quite, comfortable, dual climate control works perfectly. It handles very nice, snug and secure feeling. All the safety features are just riding along silently in the background.
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Outback review - 2016 Subaru Outback
By rw - December 8 - 4:12 amI compared the Outback with six other brands and found it to have the best features for my use.
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Great car! Fun to drive. Great performer - 2008 Subaru Outback
By 2008XT - December 4 - 10:00 amThis is one of the best cars I have ever driven. The performance of a sports car in a functional everyday vehicle. We need to purchase another vehicle which will be another Outback, but I am not happy that Subaru stopped making the XT model. If you own one and would like be able to buy another one, call Subaru and complain. If enough of us do, maybe they will bring the XT back. In the meantime I guess Im stuck with the 6 cyl.
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I regret buying a 2015 Subaru Outback - 2015 Subaru Outback
By overrated - December 3 - 9:33 amI have owned my Subaru Outback a little over a month. The second or third day that I had it, I noticed that the gap between the rear hatch and the body of the car was very uneven. Like almost twice as large on one side as the other. The dealer claims that nothing can be done about it, the manufacturer claims that it is "within specifications", and I claim that the should have better quality control. Since having this happen to me, I have done a fair amount of research. Subaru Corporation doesnt have a great track record for building reliable, dependable cars. The sales staff will tell you how much improved the 2015 outback is, but it is way to early to know that. I regret buying mine.
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Fun car except window noise at right side - 2015 Subaru Outback
By stlfun - November 30 - 9:26 amI have this car ~2,000 miles for about 6 weeks now. I noticed the annoying noise problem, that seems from right side of quarter panel window. Took the car to dealer, they confirmed it, tighted the dash board, DIDNT resolve the issue. Second time to dealer, they said they just had another 15 Outback with same problem. This time the technician ordered the window deal, still waiting for the part. It is not very loud noise, usually lower frequency than typical outside wind noise. It is getting very annoying, especially at night and quiet country road, it is a shame for such a nice and quiet vehicle. Love the gas mileage, I am getting 28-29 mpg on average of 70:30 highway/city mix.
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Do Not Buy a Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
By aml - November 30 - 2:00 amI am driving a 2003 Subaru Outback Sedan with the new H-6 engine. My car has been in the shop 4 times in the last 18 months because of starting problems. (It was also in two other times for recalls unrelated to this issue.) Each time it goes in, the car is down for 3 days because the main computer has to be shipped back to the factory for re-programming.This was my first Subaru purchase and will be my last. I am disgusted with the Subaru product and with the dealerships service. Buyer Beware!
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Dubsru - 2017 Subaru Outback
By Kevin sullivan - November 28 - 10:16 pmTouring leather is nice!
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Great Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
By TonyA - November 28 - 10:00 amGreat Vehicle!! Fun to drive everywhere.
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Love my 2011 Outback Limitied - 2011 Subaru Outback
By Seattle - November 26 - 11:24 pmThis is a great car. Thinking of trying the Legacy but dont want to give up the capabilities of Outback....I hauled a 42" table, 3 leaves, 4 chairs, 4 legs (they were unattached) and an antique rocker. I was amazed it all fit in but it did.
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Love, love, love my new Outback - 2017 Subaru Outback
By Blue Water - November 26 - 12:54 amThis is an awesome car! Be sure to test drive both models of the 2.5 and the 3.6. It made the decision simple about which car to get after test driving both models. There is no comparison between the handling and power, as the 3.6 is so much more responsive and powerful. The safety features are great and very helpful!
