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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  burns oil, engine needs replacing - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Chris Stark - September 5 - 8:22 pm

  I learned this is a common problem with Subarus. Burns oil. Oil light doesnt come on. Engine needs replacing. $7000

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  I LOVE THIS CAR, best one I have ever had - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Patterson - September 4 - 2:16 pm

  I never knew what it was like to LOVE a car until I got my wagon. I will probably never own another type of car but a Subaru Outback. It is the perfect size for about ANYTHING. It is reliable, is great for short or long trips. The gas mileage is good even with the rising costs. This is coming from someone that drives an hour each way to work everyday. So I spend TONS of time in my wagon.

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  Troubled - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By stevenson5 - September 2 - 8:51 pm

  Something seems very off with the drivetrain -- CVT transmission or body. Steering vibration. Car wanders when on the highway. Otherwise a beautiful car.

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  Great First Impression - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By NJP - August 30 - 5:00 am

  This is our first Subaru, and weve only had it for 3 days now (so take the Reliability rating with a grain of salt - but we hope it stays a 10). Other than a few minor interior fit & finish items that our dealer is taking care of, the 2011 Outback really seems to be a wonderful vehicle. Well thought-out and very comfortable. Great power to MPG compromise on the 4-cyl. We thought we were going out to get a small SUV (CR-V, Rav4, CX7, Sorento, etc.) and instead came home with an Outback. Only negatives so far are placement of A/C vent right by your right hand and very distinct top cutoff of low-beams. Thats really not a lot to complain about though. Great features/comfort for the price.

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  A great car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By luck11 - August 28 - 6:20 pm

  This is my 2nd Outback. Love this car. Performance is amazing and it is a comfortable fit. Im 64" and like the fit, but with seats all way back, rear seat foot room is tight. Also, my arms are fully extended to hold 3 & 9 on the steering wheel. Hopefully Subaru will offer telescoping steering column in the future. Caution for those with big hips since the sports seats are narrow and may cause pain. My mother, who is not overweight but has mild arthritis, found that her hips were sore after a while. Still experiencing hesitation upon acceleration which seems to plague the manual turbo. All that said, it is a awesome car and a looker. I would definitely buy this car again.

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  Outback is out of this world! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By F. Brennan - August 28 - 9:00 am

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  The best vehicle - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By David - August 26 - 9:50 am

  I wanted a wagon with a comfortable seat and some power to replace my 2012 Prius V. I loved the Prius V but the seat was very uncomfortable. After driving CRV Touring AWD, Volvo XC70, Acura RDX AWD, Allroad and Outback, I was surprised to find myself really liking the Subaru Outback. I like its spacious interior, simple and logical layout of audio and navigation systems, and overall feel and looks of the interiors. The seat is extremely comfortable. There is no need to read the manual because everything is intuitive. It runs very quiet and acceleration is acceptable even with a 4 cylinder engine. I chose the 3.6 R Limited for for power and smoothness. The adaptable cruise control works very well. I also got the factory trailer hitch for my bikes. However, there is excessive wind turbulence with moonroof wide open. Other than that It is the most versatile, practical and fun to drive wagon. It has gotten 21 to 25 MPG.

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  Third times charm! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By km - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Bigger, plusher, more leg room, and more slylish than previous Subarus. Re-styled (esp. the back end, which is less gaudy) and a bigger, more plush cabin. Quiet, smooth ride. 8.4” ground clearance. Base model loaded with goodies: heated front seats/ windshield/mirrors, power drivers seat, 6- speaker stereo w/CD, cruise, 4 side curtain airbags, titanium/wood trim, plush upholstery/mats, trip computer, rear spoiler, etc. Ive test driven everything recently (Toyotas, Hondas, Saturns, etc., all sizes/ shapes), did my homework, used a spreadsheet, and still each came up short. The test drive blew me away...this is NOT my fathers Buick!

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  6 Month Review - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By gebdog - August 23 - 7:23 am

  After approximately six months of owning this vehicle and 10K miles of driving I have to say I am very impressed. My wife and I tested similar vehicles before choosing the Outback. We are getting better than the advertised city and highway driving mileage. We decided to change out the factory installed tires for Michelin HydroEdge and happy we did. The new tires make an already nice ride feel more stable although with a little more road noise. We lost the passenger door speaker and once that was replaced the Harmon Kardon stereo sounds great.

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  So far So Great! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By CaliSubaru - August 23 - 3:43 am

  My Wife and I just purchased this car, so were waiting to speak to reliability, however so far we have been very, very impressed. The 4-cylinder 2.5L engine coupled with the new CVT is both amazingly smooth and will also give you all the power youll ever need for acceleration or uphill climbing. Our test drive was very hilly and not having the roar of a downshift going up a steep grade was my favorite thing about it. The Interior is brilliant, simple, utilitarian but still nice to look at. Dont be afraid of the CVT, learn a little about it, and youll love it! Other mini-SUVs just dont compare when you look at the AWD, CVT, and ground clearance.