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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  Love it - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By markrover - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Very unique design - a car that does not look like any other. I received compliments from strangers about it. It combines that practicality of a station wagon, while still very fun to drive. Very solidly built (a rare attribute today). The bumpers are not simply painted like so many cars are today, so that stratches to it do not show.

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  Great Overall Car!!! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Keith r - August 10 - 7:43 am

  The car has sufficient power and handles very well. Very safe ride! Inside is roomy, comfortable, easy access to all controls. Love the instant manual shift! Sound system is great! Cup holders everywhere! Easy fold downs and back door lift is a pleasure to use! Lights under doors are a great option. Gas mileage avg 26.5 up to 31mpg on hwy. Ground clearance and 17" tires are nice! Rear view is not good and side view can be obstructive at times. First time Subaru owner- extremely pleased!!!!

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  AVOID the manual transmission - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Very Disappointed - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Within 3 months of the purchase date the car developed a severe case of clutch "chatter" in first gear. It was like pulling teeth to get Subaru America to authorize replacement of the clutch and that only happened because the dealer mechanic agreed that the clutch was bad during a test drive! Within 2 months, the new clutch started to go bad. With this many reported problems with the clutch you would think Subaru America would issue a recall. Wishful thinking on my part!

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  Love driving this vehicle! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By MarcusinPitt - August 2 - 11:06 pm

  A lot of friends questioned why I would purchase a wagon rather than a sports sedan such as the BMW 325xi, but I was looking for a vehicle with some utility, and this vehicle is a great alternative to an SUV/Crossover with much better gas mileage and handling. With only 1500 miles, the car is getting 23mpg (city/hwy combined). It rides 10x better than my 2006 Honda Accord and much quieter I must say. This Subaru is surprisingly elegant with a great interior layout, quiet, smooth ride, good handling all the while maintaining nice attention to luxury and durability. Despite the lack of a few accessories/options that are standard in most cars in its class, the car is a great buy!

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  First 3000 miles - not perfect but would buy again - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Seattledriver - August 2 - 7:44 pm

  Switched to this after 10 years in an Acura MDX. Kids are older, wanted better gas mileage and the latest safety stuff. In some ways not fair to compare this with a 50K+ SUV, but mostly we are pleased. Some thoughts. First, test drive all the trim levels. We got the cloth version as a loaner while we had some accessories installed. The smaller wheels made it ride a little better, and the cloth seats were as comfortable or maybe more so. Also, the tan leather we got is already turning gray. Its not a great material. The manual says not to put any kind of seat cover on it, too. Second, the steering wheel gets REALLY cold. Ive never had a heated steering wheel but never really noticed the steering wheel being cold in cars before. The touring model has a heated steering wheel. If you live somehwhere cold, thatd be really nice to have. That model also comes with darker leather which might wear better. Second - I am in Seattle, and we have had snow and rain like crazy this winter. The Subaru is simply awesome in the elements. Nothing could be better. With the Eyesight system, we feel really, really safe in this vehicle. Our MDX had a great all-wheel drive system too but the Outback is every bit as good or maybe even better in the snow and heavy rain. Third - does it sit high enough if youre downsizing from an SUV? Yes. This vehicle sits higher than the old, car-sized Outbacks, and as high as a lot of crossover SUVs. The slightly lower height from the MDX has not bothered me. Would we buy this again? Absolutely, but maybe in either the touring or the cloth. We are also probably going to buy the new Impreza as a second car, to get the Eyesight system in both of our vehicles. Once you have that, you wont want to go without it. And if you want AWD and that suite of safety systems at a reasonable price, Subaru has no competition. Good luck in your car shopping!

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  LL Bean Still Strong After 6 Years - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Matt - July 31 - 2:46 pm

  My Subaru Outback LL Bean is still running perfectly after 6 years and 90,000 miles. I have never had any mechanical problems. The car is awesome in the snow and rain, is actually fun to drive for a wagon and has decent acceleration. Very smooth on the highway. The biggest flaws in this car are 1) the undersized front rotors (I have replaced them twice). This was never a safety issue, just an annoyance. 2) The wind noise from the front driver window. Never leaks, just whistles unless you fiddle with the weatherstripping a bit. Gas mileage is decent (for AWD) at 23 mpg average and a highway mileage around 26 (at ~70mph).

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  Review after having it a few years - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Subaru Tank - July 29 - 12:23 am

  I thought Id provide a review after having the car 6+ years. I have the 2002 Base Model with the All Weather Package. I commute 25 miles to work along a treacherous 2 lane very windy and icy mountain road and so my main concerns when buying a car were safety and all wheel drive. I drove it for 4 years and it was great but I then also bought studded snow tires for the car and its a tank. Downsides are right in the drivers side of the windshield theres always a streak, no matter which wipers I use. The headlights go out a lot and Ive had to replace the brakes more than my past cars. I wish it was a hybrid too. I was getting 24 mpg but in the last year its dropped to 22.

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  Bat outta hell..... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By the flea - July 24 - 7:33 am

  This car is borderline over-the- top...the turbo kicks in at about 2600 rpm and you need to get off it or else youre looking at some serious legal issues....nice ride, quiet, little road noise....exponential improvement over my 2000 2.5i limited....$8k cheaper than a Volvo XC70, much better buy....they oughta put a turbo in the 6 cyl, but it may not be street legal (think the boxers definately benefit from the turbo)...

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  Best Sport Utility Ever! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Christina - July 24 - 7:26 am

  I researched for about a year before I made my purchase. I am now and always will be a Subaru owner. I try and sell people I know and dont know on these cars. Ive never had any major problems. This car has the best fuel economy, its comfy, its luxurious. I drove it in Washington in the snow every winter without getting stuck once ... Im a snowboarder! Now Im in Atlanta and it drives so wonderfully in the pouring rain. I feel very confident that my car and I will make it through just about anything.

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  Lots of touble - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Tomasz - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Since the very beginnig we had trouble with this vehicle. First- brakes: car went to dealer twice ending with complete replacmnet of rotors and pads.Then computer needed to be reprogrammed.After this another two repairs of engine(crazy rpms).At the end complete clutch replacment.What else will I have to repair? I will never recommend this car to anybody.