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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  2015 Outback not what it is advertised - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By Jim Lykins - July 8 - 6:12 pm

  This is my fourth Outback and the first one I have not been happy with. I have a limited and felt that I have been duped. When I was shown the car minus the GPS because they didnt have them yet the salesperson raved about how great is was, voice activated and intuitive. The voice activation is a joke, the voice recognition is a horrible. When I took it to the dealer to complain all they could do was say I was right, it didnt live up to the hype. It only give four preloaded catagories to use the voice recognition on. Also the emphasized the improved gas mileage over my previous Outbacks (2010, 2013). It is at least 3 mpg less.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By gosubaru - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2002 Honda CRV for a 2003 Outback Wagon. I love the Outback, we now own two of them (2001 and 2003). The CRV handled horribly, was loud, had worse gas mileage and had the most uncomfortable driver seat I have ever experienced. The Subaru handles like a sports car compared to the CRV, and is much more comfortable.

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  All purpose vehicle - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By ken90004 - July 5 - 5:15 am

  Owned for two year, have 36k miles. I had no complaints about the car at all. Good gas mileage. I towed trailers and a camper with it with no issues. It is great in the snow and bad weather. Best AWD system out there in this price range. And Subaru is dedicated to their customers. Top notch service all around. I spent a year of research before making my buying decision, and now as an owner, I will own nothing else but a Subaru.

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  NEED REPLACEMENT PARTS WAY TOO SOON - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bunsen00 - July 1 - 7:30 pm

  Weve been driving Subarus for many years, and loved them. This is the 2nd 1 we bought new. I love my car, but upon last inspection I had to replace back brakes, rotors, and need new tires. This would be fine if it had 100,000 miles on it. But it is NOT alright when it has just over 31,000 miles on it. The serviceman wanted to know how long the vehicle sat because the rotors were so rusty. The car never sat! Weve had to replace rotors before, but never on anything that had less than 100,000 miles on it! I know I will think twice before going with Subaru after this, and I hope you all will too! Ive always recommended them to other people, but no more!

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  2010 Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By herndon1 - July 1 - 1:16 pm

  Wow! Subaru is getting it right. Great mileage, 23 city, over 30 highway and huge gas tank 18.5 gal. equals a 450 mile range. High quality interior--seats in both front and rear incredibly comfortable. Roof rack is ingenious and will be copied quickly by all other brands. CVT takes getting used too, but it does succeed in keeping engine revolutions very low and thats how SOA is getting the great MPG. Navigation system with Ipod, bluetooth and satellite radio works great--as good as Ford Sync. Great navigation screen--as good as Acura, Cadillac and Lexus. Very quiet interior--a new breakthrough for SOA. SOA sales are up 34% for the last twelve months. This car will sell very well!

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  Another Great Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Ron K - June 29 - 2:00 am

  When we lived in Boston, we had only Subarus for over a decade. Moving to California we had access to a fleet of used company cars and bought those. Eventually we had two Mazdas and intended to replace those. However, the Outback won me over. The other replacement vehicle was a Lexus IS300 and in terms of interior comfort and handling, it is not far off. The power is much different but the Outback is quiet and comfortable while providing a practical alternative to the Lexus. All of the things I like about Subaru are still there--and improved.

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  Meets all our needs! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Fro - June 29 - 2:00 am

  We compared our car w/Passat Wagon, and everything being equal the Outback won hands down. The comfort, roominess and extra (non add-on) emenities made the decision easy. It handles better than any other car weve owned.

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  great daddy car, get eyesight package - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By harold - June 24 - 7:22 pm

  feel very safe. get eyesight! too many safety features to pass up on. dont have time to list all of them. in adaptive cruise control you dont have to adjust if there is traffic, car will slow down and resume on its own. also, car will stay in lane by itself. there is an eyesight package that many salespeople and dealerships are not aware of called package 14 which includes eyesight, blind spot monitoring, and power lift gate without adding other costly options. cloth interior looks ok but not practical. get custom seat covers

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  Buy it for comfort and space - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By ksolomon - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have driven 70K miles in 18 months in West Michigan, mostly on the freeway. The car is exceptional in the snow especially with winter tires, it is quiet and comfortable on the freeway and grip is excellent. The tailgate is 43" wide and you can carry a 48" wide board on an angle. It also pulls medium size trailers effortlessly. My car has had only one problem, which was a blown fan motor caused by a faulty surge protector. Dealer service has been very good. My complaints are that the interior is pretty boring, the car is really slow, and I average only 22mpg.

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  Subaru Outback - flawless performance - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Bob - June 14 - 6:50 pm

  I have never even looked at Subarus before becoming interested in one. After looking and driving virtually every other similar styled vehicle out there (small suvs/wagons) we decided on the Limited model pretty well loaded with most options available. Two weeks after buying we had an emergency 1,900 mile round trip come up. This vehicle never missed a beat entire trip, was very comfortable and I am well over 6 and about 265#. Didnt have much time to get used to the Subaru before having to leave so was not familiar with how everything worked, i.e. the navigation, radio system, lots of safety features but didnt take much to figure most of it out. We were in very heavy rains at end of trip and even in some pretty serious dust storms early in the drive. Have seen reviews indicating not enough power with the 4 cylinder but did not have any instance of not having sufficient power and did go up some pretty steep stuff. Acceleration while getting onto freeways and passing more than adequate. Some things hard to review at this time as no maintenance costs yet, purchase cost very good compared to other similar equipped vehicles we looked at. Obviously we have no idea of resale value at this time and warranty has not been used. Right now if we had it to do over again we would have purchased the exact same vehicle, seems to fit us perfectly. The dealer, Modesto Subaru has been excellent as has been the salesman, Ron Myers, who was able to answer all our questions well with absolutely no pressure at any time.