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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  Think Again - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Trading It In! - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is not what it is what I would call a family friendly car. At best at 3200 miles it gets 20 mpg on the highway and 17 in the city. It appears Subaru went cheap and is riding on their reputation rather than giving us a safe car. It is designed so that you have to take your eyes off the road to check if you are in cruise, the windshield heater is on or off, if the wheel is tilted the slightest you cannot see the turn signal indicators. There is no safety hooks for the middle seat for a child restraint system. Only on the outboard. An unsafe vehicle for this reason. It mpg is not much better than a Ford Explorer.

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  Over achiever - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By 340beeper72 - July 21 - 5:26 am

  Had our Outback three years now. Piled up almost 20K miles per year. No serious complaints. Does a great job hauling around our family of four plus two dogs. Around town fuel economy is really good. Never gets below 20 mpg. Performance is surprisingly good considering the modest 175 hp rating. The CVT transmission does a good job getting the most from the engines without revving the snot out of it. Typically gets high 20s mpg on the highway, and occasionally low 30s through flat terrain. AWD works as well as youd expect in the winter. Pretty much unstoppable. One thing sorely missing on this vehicle is an auto lift gate.

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  My second Subaru! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Kaja - July 19 - 6:33 pm

  I purchased my first Subaru in 1999. The quality and reliability of my Outback Impreza convinced me to purchase another Subaru. I purchased a 2010 Outback in December of 2009 and Im very happy I did! Yes, I did test drives of many other top vehicle brands, but felt right at home when test driving the Outback - the nice thing is that I didnt have to learn a completely new layout of controls like headlights, windshield wiper, etc. As I live in Minnesota, my new Outback has gotten a workout in the snow and ice category, and has passed with flying colors. I also do a lot of stop and go driving and am constantly amazed at the gas mileage I get (average is 26-27 mpg.)

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  Awesome! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By AppyTreks - July 18 - 1:13 pm

  Test drove and researched lots of SUVs: Pilot, Santa Fe, Sonata, Rav4, Highlander, Xterra, and Equinox. Came back to the Outback because it had the whole package, reliability, AWD, fuel economy, ground clearance, quiet and smooth ride. Ive had it a week now (300 miles) and have driven it up rough mountain roads, on the interstate and in town - Im very pleased with my Outback. My main concern before buying it was the 4 cylinder engine, but Ive got plenty of power AND Im getting 28 mpg. Got the limited package with sunroof option (no nav) - love the auto air, XM radio, Bluetooth and the overall layout and look of the dashboard (esp. at night). Looks great with the black leather interior.

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  OMG, OMG OMG, love it love it love - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By kleeks - July 17 - 5:26 am

  third subaru and this is by far my favorite. Feels solid like luxury car..no it is a luxury car!!! Handling the snow and mud is unbelievable..we got the most snow ever...3 feet. I felt like my car had a snowplow attached in the front. The CVT is wonderful. I used my OB to make tracks in the road for other cars in the neighborhood!!! Drove up to a guy with a new Jeep who was stuck and offered to call a tow truck. (Im disabled and could not help.) Said his family was coming. I put my OB in reverse and drove on. Sorry, but I loved the look of chagrin on his face. Snow is melting and OB is covered with snow. Hate all the dirt, but I feel like Im in an OB commercial.

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  Fast but quiet Turbo Wagon - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Joe - July 12 - 9:36 pm

  Very happy with the turbo compared to the 2005. Also, this car is much quieter than the 2005 and has much better acceleration. Very comfortable seats for long distances. Harmon Kardon stereo is an improvement but there are rattles from the front doors probably from things in the storage areas. Prefer the multifunction display to be under the storage area instead of under the speedometer/tach. Also like the feature to adjust the throttle response and turbo to either sport for stronger acceleration or intelligent for better gas mileage. I just leave it on intelligent unless I want to pass and it really "shoots" around when you punch the gas.

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  My car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Diane - July 12 - 3:36 pm

  This is my third outback and it has 220,000 miles and runs great! I sell real estate and put many miles on and enjoy the quality and ride! My last one had less than 20,000 miles when I slid on black ice, T-boned a tractor trailer that was loaded and totaled the trailer and i walked away without a scratch.

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  My New Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By jon.scott-sheldon - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Outback for three weeks now. However, in that time Ive really enjoyed the car. It handles well, taking curvy roads nice and tight. The auto dimming feature in the rear view mirror makes night driving much more enjoyable. Stereo system is adequate. Acceleration on the highway is sufficient. To date my only disappointment is the gas mileage, Im not quite getting the advertised 27 mpg highway, maybe around 23 mpg. Over 75% of my driving is highway. Keep in mind I do drive with a lead foot.

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  Forget the 2012 model, 2013 is the one to get - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By pleximax - July 10 - 11:56 pm

  Forget all you knew or read about the 2012 Subaru Outback, apart from the exterior/interior looks of the car, the 2013 had undergone a major update, new engine, new/updated CVT auto transmission and updated suspension. The new 2013 Outback handles more like a sedan than even the 2010-2012 Legacy. Ive had the 2013 Outback for a week now, the pull from the new 2.5 engine is great, fells almost like a diesel engine. The CVT is much more response than earlier, before, the RPM would hit 4k and sound like a motorboat. On the new Outback, the engine RPM goes to 2k and you feel a great push forward, without any extra noise.

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  2nd review after 3 months - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By cardfan2 - July 10 - 8:06 pm

  It has been 3 months and almost 2000 miles since I purchased my new Subaru. The biggest road test occurred when my wife and I traveled to Louisville from Atlanta in rare Southeast snow. The Outback gave us both a great deal of confidence on the road. It handles excellent in snow and ice. My only complaint at this point is that the ride is bit less stable on sharper turns at higher speeds, but that is a small sacrifice. The gas mileage has ranged from 25 to 32 on the highway--usually depending on the use of cruise control and speed. I thought it would consistently be around 30 but have been a little disappointed. Love the audio and GPS system