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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  Really like the car, but... - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By Paula Witt - October 29 - 2:32 pm

  My first Subaru was a GL10 Turbo, that over heated and blew a head gasket. Had a Ford F150 and Toyota after that. Ive had my 2015 Outback since Nov. Its beautiful inside and out. Handles well. I dont hear any wind noise, even at 85 mph on the toll road. Not being a computer geek, it took me a good amount of time to figure out the electronics. Still havent figured everything out yet. Feels very stable and grounded while driving. Comfortable.

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  Subaru 2016 Outback Ltd. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Stephanie W. - October 24 - 11:17 am

  My husband and I are thoroughly impressed with this car. We test drove other brands, but the Subaru Outback impressed us the most. The quality of the vehicle along with the standard features it comes with makes this a very good value. It is fun to drive, and it looks sharp with its red exterior and ivory leather seats. I do mostly city driving, and so far Im getting 27 miles per gallon. I cant think of any negatives about this car, and I highly recommend it.

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  First Subaru hits the mark - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By trublusubaru - October 22 - 10:15 am

  This vehicle is basically the luxurious athlete of the crossover crowd. 2015 styling and consumer features are superior to 2014 and new CVT tuning is excellent. Quiet ride, lots of technology including Eyesight adaptive cruise control and lane departure/collision avoidance feature. Also got the blind spot detection. We added popular package 5 which amps up the utilitarian touches of an already practical design.

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  love love love it - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By walter lawson - October 21 - 9:22 am

  Beautiful vehicle! Gas mileage is poor but I love the way I can cruise up mountains. I would get the four cylindar if you have a long commute.

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  Has fit the bill - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By kmeyer - October 20 - 12:56 pm

  I own a 2005 Legacy GT Limited and was looking for a utilitarian vehicle to tow my vintage motocross bike. Didnt want to test the 4 cyl. but the saleperson convinced me. The rate of acceleration was surprising. Great engine, MPG, power for a 4 banger that gets 26 MPG urban, 30 combined with 900 miles. People say its big-inside yes but shorter than the Accord I parked next to. Seats are very comfortable, HK stereo sounds great, dash uncluttered, great storage space, Bluetooth works flawlessly. Paddle shifters are actually helpful. Handling is fine-it is a vehicle with a high center of gravity after all. Quiet, smooth riding and comfortable cruiser. CVT is strange at first but works well.

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  Solid Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Vito - October 18 - 6:03 am

  Just bought this 04 Outback Limited as a leftover in 3/05. Got a super deal on it - apparently no one drives 5-speeds anymore. Subarus are a super reliable and practical. I needed a car that was excellent in the snow but yet great on gas and roomy. I originally had a 2002 Nissan Sentra which was a great car but it was so light that it was all over the place in inclimate weather. I didnt feel like buying a 2nd car, like a little Nissan pickup. Ive been a loyal Nissan customer since 1995, but the Subarus make more sense to me. If you are considering one car that can really do it all check out any of the Subaru wagons, just not the Outbacks. The Standard Legacy wagons are probobly the best value.

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  Canadian Opinion - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Nigel Collins - October 13 - 12:36 am

  I previously owned a 98 Forester and a 2001 Outback so I chose to come back to Subaru mainly for the AWD system. I know gas mileage will improve over the first 5000 kilometers, and with warmer temperatures in the spring. Since buying the Outback Ive added a tape/film chip guard from Ziebart to help reduce gravel rash on the hood, the arm rest extension, winter mats, and had a dark tint film added to the front part of the sunroof to reduce glare when driving. The build quality appears far better than my earlier purchases, and the fold down feature for the back seat is much more user friendly.The interior materials seem to be of a higher quality with no issues around fit or finish.

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  My First and Last - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Larry - October 11 - 12:03 pm

  By 68k, replaced wiper interrupt unit, power steering pump, alternator, steering rack, and motor mounts. My first Subaru, purchased with 46k miles, and it will be my last. Very expensive to maintain.

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  Electrical drain - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Tom E - October 10 - 4:19 pm

  No modern car should leave you stranded. After purchasing a brand new 2016 Outback Limited - the battery is completely drained in 13 days (with not using the vehicle). Dealer reports this is "normal!" WT_?!? That is NOT normal. I would have given higher ratings across the board had it not been for this crucial issue. You cannot park at the airport and go for a 2 week trip without getting stranded. Given this situation, if you buy one of these, also buy a 10mm wrench so you can disconnect the negative battery connection when you plan to take a trip. ... this is my wifes car, had it been mine I would have returned it - this is unacceptable.

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  nice car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By grummite - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. It performs very well in rain. Havent had a chance to try it in the snow yet. Worth looking at if you dont want a SUV but want the AWD and space. It holds more then my Jeep Cherokee Sport.