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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  Subaru 4 cyl wagon turbo limited - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Larry Larsen - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have driven excellent old Cadillacs. This car rides and handles much better. It is agile, responsive, quiet, and a joy to drive.

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  Very Best All Around Vehicle - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By RickyRed - May 17 - 2:00 am

  My Outback AWD Wagon is solid, dependable, quick, economical, and luxurious. I got all of this for 25K! It outdoes Honda, VW, Toyota by far! It also gives you much more than ANY BMW or similar luxury AWD for the price.

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  dangerous - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Worried - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Within 5 months of ownership this car has died twice while driving at low speed, posing an extreme danger. Fortunately no collisions so far. The dealer cannot find the problem, so they are giving the car back to me, taking no responsibility for my safety. This car is a potential death trap and the Subaru Co. wont replace it. No reliability and no accountability.

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  Lovin - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Bob H - May 16 - 8:23 am

  This is a 2010 Outback. I have had it for two weeks and am loving it. I got it because of its towing ability with good mpg. I like the space that they have increased this model from the 2009 model. Car feels tight and has a good ride. The only thing I would change is that I would have preferred Subarus diesel.

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  Rock solid but a little boring - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By 3rdSubaru - May 13 - 6:36 pm

  This is the third Subaru Ive owned. In 57,000 mi, Ive yet to have a single problem. I have separate wheels for snow tires, and I put some sticky summer tires on the stock rims for summer driving. With snow tires, this car is unstoppable in the snow! I also have a full size 4x4 pickup truck, and this car easily out- performs it even in deep snow. Youd have to be a real idiot to get this car stuck. On dry (or wet) pavement, it handles nicely, but I wish theyd offer a more powerful engine. The 6-cylinder is OK, and I get a consistent 27mpg -- no complaints since I drive it pretty hard. My next car will probably be a BMW 335xi or an Audi S5, but the Subaru has served me well.

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  My 4th Subaru! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Trina Stephenson - May 10 - 4:06 am

  A few things not quite as good as our 2004 Subaru Outback. Built in dust deflector does not work as well as the add-on available on previous models, sport shift is great, the seat belt sound is annoying; if you want to drive 50 feet in your driveway it will make noise, the Weather Band radio on the 2004 was wonderful, why was it excluded on the 2006? My biggest beef with the new Subarus is the lack of a full size spare like my old Forester (2000) had. When you live in the remote areas of the US, you dont want a donut tire!

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  Happy with power, unhappy with quality - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Mark - May 8 - 12:26 pm

  I expected the usual Subaru quality with this vehicle. The performance is everything I expected but the build quality is not. Door handle trims falling off and arm rest covers falling off are not what I expect. The latest surprise was having to replace CV boots and clatch at 55000 miles. Ive driven manuals all my life and never replaced a clutch.

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  Nice Change For Us - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Andy S - May 8 - 1:50 am

  This is our first Subaru and were very favorably impressed. The car is quiet and handles very well both on the road and in the field when were taking feed to the run-in sheds. Fuel mileage is great for a full time all wheel drive vehicle. Safety and reliability were key factors in selecting a Subaru. These cars are legendary in both areas and their strong, cult like customer loyalty reflects it.

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  Great experience so far - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By MC - May 7 - 9:33 pm

  I have had my 2016 Outback for about two months now. So far zero complaints, and while I have not had winter to test the car, the heat & heated seats clearly work very well. I know plenty of others in Maine with 2016 Outbacks and zero complaints about heating, or winter features. I suspect that the previous review is a one off issue. Fuel economy so far has been averaging around 32MPG, with most driving on 35-50mph roads and not much traffic. Very comfortable and relatively quiet ride, and a well thought out car. Lots of space!

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  Subarus Rock Solid Build Quality Gone - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Donkey Boy - May 6 - 4:19 pm

  After the initial warranty expired the car has had a series of mechanical issues that mounted to thousands of dollars. Many of my issues are echoed in other reviews - head gaskets, CV joints, alternator, struts. Currently the AC doesnt work and the car needs another CV replaced. Also the driver seat makes my right leg go numb on long road trips. I have owned my last Subaru.