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:

• 

  Couldnt ask for more - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Greatcar - June 14 - 6:30 am

  The XT Turbo is plain fun to drive. The front seat is roomy, the cockpit layout and lighting are fantastic, the turbocharged engine does anything you could ask for, and the all wheel drive provides sure footing in any weather. This is my third Subie (after a Mazda, Honda, and 2 Toyotas), and I wouldnt trade it for any other make or model. Rear cabin storage is great. My only wish is would be for better city gas mileage, but its a fun, fantastic car to drive.

• 

  A really fun car to drive! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By sm1335 - June 12 - 8:10 am

  This car replaced a 2001 Nissan Maxima. We got the manual with turbo and VDC. It is such a fun car to drive! It handles great and when you kick in the turbo you pass cars so quickly the drivers mouths are open. Could that be a Subaru wagon? I like the firm ride and tight handling. If you dont like really "driving" your car, buy a Honda Accord.

• 

  Best for now - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By halbhh - June 11 - 9:36 pm

  Since we need to haul our 3 large dogs, we need a wagon or SUV. Of all the ones out there this is probably the most cost efficient while still having such a great look and feel. Its interesting to see today the article where its more fuel efficient than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. We get 27.5 in town and 30 on the highway (review said that hybrid did 23). She wanted manual, so thats what we have, and its drawback is the slight jerkiness and heavy clutch, but you learn to ease it and were getting better at it (after 5000 miles). Overall I dont think theres anything close for this price. Its a truly great car/wagon/suv/what-have-you.

• 

  Subaru 2005 OUTBACK - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Sherry Morris - June 7 - 10:26 pm

  Got rid of a year old F-150 truck with bad gas mileage, for my 2005 LL Bean Outback. This is the second one Ive owned. This car handles like a dream, has room, has bells and whistles and above all is SAFE. The service department for Subaru is outstanding, no matter which one I have used. New cars are great, but eventually they need to be serviced. Thats when you find out if you have made the right choice. I ride around fine when everyone else is doing the 4x4 slide in rain or ice. I also like the new style and colors, which lacked in the models before. Last but not least.... my car tells me to check the tires when they need air. WOW !

• 

  Love my new Outback! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Chuck C. - June 2 - 11:22 am

  You can get the specs on this car anywhere, so theres no need to belabor them: from a capability versus cost (both upfront price and long-term costs like gas, maintenance, and depreciation), you cant go wrong with this car! Really, its closest competitor is its sibling, the Subaru Forrester. We seriously considered the Toyota RAV4 hybrid which is the gas mileage king of the AWD vehicles in this basic size class. The RAV4 hybrid was fun to drive but its gas mileage advantage over the Outback was only 5 MPG (EPA combined) while it was much more cramped than the Outback in both the back seat area and the passenger front seat. This tradeoff ultimately led us to choose the Outback which actual cornered better than the RAV4 hybrid and was almost as quiet.

• 

  My outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Barb Dunaway - May 31 - 5:05 pm

• 

  Super Value - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By hkoestner - May 27 - 6:46 am

  Have 3 Subarus in family, two 2005s - the 05 Outback with 5 speed is a wagon, SUV and sports car rolled into one. As with all my Subies, this one has almost 20k on it and no problems; great handling, superb in snow & comfortable. I am in sales and spend a lot of time in the car driving. Living in snowy winters you get the comfort as well as absolutely superior handling in all weather conditions. I trade them every 3 years or at around 40k, always buying Subies. I only consider Subies. Why change to something else when they work so well. Great looks, great handling, great reliability, comfortable and finally great value.

• 

  WOW!!! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By johnnie2 - May 24 - 1:06 am

  Traded in the wifes 98 Outback wagon for the new 2010. What a difference!! Looked at other brands for a replacement but she came back to the fold. Im glad she did as the price was right, Its roomier and the transmission and engine has made great strides in the past 11 years, No wonder people keep coming back to the brand. Comfortable and a lot of looks and praises. Subaru for life!!!! Im thinking of the sedan, which is a very nice vehicle also, for myself.

• 

  500 miles so far so good - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By erickrocks - May 24 - 12:00 am

  Needed a kid-carrier and traded in our Camry Hybrid, making us a Subie family (other car is an 07 STi). What I like: AWD, height of an SUV, smooth ride quality, comfy interior, great looks, more space (than Camry--esp for car seat/trunk) and for a gas-only engine, good gas mileage. What I wish were better: leather seems "loose"-- will have to watch for bunching up later, change out MPG gauge for something useful, not sure I like the electronic parking brake, would like a bit more grunt from the motor (yes, I know I have the 4 cyl), would have liked rear passenger vents. Those are nit picky things though. Overall, this is an outstanding car that suits the needs of a small family.

• 

  I love it!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By mkerrigan - May 23 - 2:46 pm

  This is my first Subie! I love it! Its the manual turbo with heated cloth seats. The interior is simple and nice. Exterior is sharp looking. Pickup and go is awesome! Great interior room and ride is quiet and solid. Gas mileage has been approx. 20 mpg, not bad. I am very happy.