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:

• 

  Like it so far, beats my former 2012 OB 3.6r - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By RK - November 21 - 4:34 am

  Drive it and you will see what i mean. I traded my 2012 3.6r Outback with a brand spanking 2017 Outback 3.6r. Main reason was the safety aspect of the Eyesight system. I am really impressed about the handling and quietness of the car. This car is its very-well equipped but someone at Subaru need to explain why things like rain sensing windshield wipers are not standard , seat memory does not include outside mirrors, outside mirrors are not folding, remote start does not include seat heater or cooling, automatic sunroof closing functions and a few more. (even my 2015 Ram truck has most of the mentioned functions). minor issues but i think i mentioned it. I honestly can say that no other car was of any interest for my wife and me when we decided to purchase our new OB. My wife and i love this car.

• 

  Disappointment - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Don B. - November 20 - 3:36 am

  Annoying things with this car. The power window makes a scraping noise when it rains. Poor gas mileage after ecm reprogramming for wvm23 recall. Seat belt doesnt retract quickly and gets stuck in door jam. Serious safety issue, Passenger air bag stays off with passenger in seat. This has been "repaired" 4 times still not working right.

• 

  wanderer - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By jpr6 - November 17 - 1:11 am

  we purchased this new 2012 outback with the consumer reports recommendation. i wander if any one checked this car instability at highway speeds. this car drifts over the roadway and is tiring to drive especially for an older person. it requires both hands on the wheel and constant attention ,especially if there is a windy condition, then it is really off the charts. to compound this problem is the confusing operation of the various controls to perform various operations while driving this drifter at highway speeds 50-65

• 

  Fun Machine - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Jim Ranes - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to use in bad weather because my rear wheel drive Mercedes is not exactly a snowmobile. I find myself gravitating to the Subaru even in good weather! Its great to drive and very comfortable even compared to my E320. I have the flat 6 engine with 212 HP and its very responsive. The handling and suspension are first class. This was my first choice of an all wheel drive vehicle at any price (except of course the all wheel drive Porsche Turbo, which by the way is not as comfortable as this Subaru, but it flies!)

• 

  AMAZING! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By drorcutt - November 14 - 8:28 am

  I previously owned Toyota, and was very hesitant to go away from a brand I have loved so much. However...once I decided to test drive a Subaru, I was in love! I was looking for something practical, yet stylish, and found what I was looking for in the outback. My family loves the outdoors, camping, etc., and we often move large items. The outback provides enough space to haul loads when you need to, or take the family on a camping trip as well. We love this car and will tell all of our friends and family as well!

• 

  773 miles so far - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Lovin it - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned my XT Limited for about a week at this point and I believe its the best car purchase Ive very made. I know time will tell but so far its great. This cars over all road manner is unbelievable, just step on the gas and your gone. It handles well and has really impressed all the people who have taken a ride. The quality is second to none and in fact a lot of people mistake it for an Audi or Volvo. If you havent driven one what are you waiting for.

• 

  engine blew a little over 100000 - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By sarah mcafee - November 10 - 3:15 pm

  3 yrs old regular maintenance family car. Bought it because it was suppose to get high mileage. Dtiving down the interstate and every lihht on the dash came in. Pulled over there was anti freeze everywhere. Needs new motor and whi kniws what else. Diagnosed as a oil sending unit failure. Subaru did nothing to help I will have around 6000 in repairs. Never again

• 

  A Great "Hybrid" - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Terrain.org - November 6 - 9:20 pm

  The Subaru Outback XT Limited is a great "hybrid" between a true SUV and a performance sedan, with the functionality of a wagon, stability of an all-wheel drive, and get-up-and-go of a sports sedan. Im a tall driver (65") and have no problems in the front or (for shorter durations) in the rear. The Subaru is great fun to drive---the 5-speed tranny (added short-throw shifter) mated with the turbo is almost too fun! Leather interior and panoramic moonroof are great for me and my kids. The 8.7" ground clearance is great for chunky dirt roads (but not bouldering, of course), and the low-mounted boxer engine makes twisty roads good fun, as well. While a "hybrid," theres no compromise!

• 

  amazing snow performance - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By firstsuby - November 6 - 10:47 am

  First big snow fall in the begining of the month 17" here in southern New Jersey and the outback handled great. Took it into a unplowed parking lot and no trouble cutting through with origonal tires on it. I tryed to get it stuck by stoping and starting a few times with no luck. Could feel the power being shifted to different wheels a few times when i was going through a deep drift but it kept going. Turn off the vdc and went through the drifts with no problem. My onlly problem is we havent had any more big snow falls to play in. This is my first subaru and im amazed at how good it performs!!

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By jerseytiger - October 31 - 3:50 pm

  Pleased so far with the purchase. First time Subaru owner. Areas of concern with previous years have been addressed with 05 model. Researched all similar vehicles with AWD and found this vehicle to provide most bang for the buck, despite the fact that Subaru does not give them away. The car offers many features for all types of drivers: AWD-comfort-performance-reliability and most importantly-safety.