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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  As practical as a Swiss knife - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ironman - March 14 - 7:03 am

  It is a real pleasure to drive on the road. It is comfortable with plenty of interior space for road trips. It drives great off-road with its good ground clearance. Its interior provides plenty of cargo space. The rear passengers enjoy the ride just as much as the front passengers with the rear foldable seats. The roof rails were ingeniously designed and are easy to operate. The fuel economy is incredible for the size of the Outback. No regrets on our new purchase, only fun! Its ready for adventure!

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  Meticulously maintained, constantly broken - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By BAS - March 12 - 4:20 pm

  We bought a CPO at 55k and opted for Subaru Gold Plus warranty. In the subsequent 35k miles, its needed significant repairs ~once per year until this year, when its been in the shop 3 times for $1000+ repairs--thankfully covered under warranty. It finally died on the highway, towed it to a Subaru dealer, where its sat for 8 days because it seems like there is not a Subaru dealer in the country thats not too busy. It will require 8+ hours to diagnose the problem, and likely $6000+ for repairs. Subaru is being super cagey about whether it will be covered, despite our factory extended warranty and consistent dealer maintenance (including oil changes) during our ownership of the vehicle. We couldnt get a loaner from the dealer because it was closed and we were on a road trip, so we had to rent from Enterprise. Again, Subaru wont be clear if theyll cover this, even though we couldnt get a loaner at the time and their service centers cant look at anything in a reasonable time. This car has been the worst Ive ever owned, including a used, questionable high-mileage Cavalier. Subaru service is as bad as their reliability.

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  Great Car - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By bdpharmacy - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Has been a great car for my wife in the snowy WV mountains.

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  Great Value, Reasonable Compromises - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By mj - March 10 - 3:00 am

  Weve had the Subie for about four months now. I am very happy with it. The lackluster acceleration is noticeable, but the trade-off is very good fuel economy with standard fuel (25-29 mpg), I suspect the tranny largely to blame for the slow feeling to the car, and a fifth gear would help mpgs too! The stereo is quite weak, and there is no rest for my elbows on either side when driving this car. That said, the car has generally been delightful. Coming from Volvos I am impressed with the comfort of the driver seat the value (half the price of the XC70) safety gas mileage and reliability. Id strongly recomend this car-but realize that there are compromises made for mpg & low price.

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  GET A CLUE BUY A SUBARU! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By outbacksleeper - March 8 - 12:36 am

  Seriously been reading some of these reviews and they are a joke! My Outback has 220K miles on it AND RUNS LIKE A CHAMP! purchased this car off of a friend that did next to no maintenance at 200K, and after only 500 dollars in little things, I can beat the Mustangs off the line! Head Gaskets at 100k are NOT normal to be replaced, and my car was ran hard before owning, unlike other people complaining its not an issue (lemons?) Tranny is awesome, Handling superb, gas mileage is excellent for an AWD. only issue is the Check Engine Light pops on and off, but that is because of the Cat conv. O2 sensor which is a KNOWN BUG, nothing to worry about though. DEF BUY THIS CAR, ITs BULLET PROOF!

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  Never Another Subaru - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Tom - March 7 - 10:13 am

  This car has been a money pit. Head gasket blew at 58k, fortunately covered under warranty, but now at 125K am told that it needs another head gasket ($1700). According to many internet sites this has been a problem but one Subaru refuses to acknowledge. Both front wheel bearings went out to a tune of $550 each. When brakes needed to be replaced, everything had to be replaced $850. Check engine light comes on on a regular basis the same sensor has been replaced 3 times, $550. The last time check engine light came, technician said code indicated possible bad catalytic converter, $1600 to replace if needed.

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  Blind spot and poor sight lines are a deal killer - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By fyb - March 6 - 2:34 pm

  Ive had this car on lease for over two years, it will be going back to the dealer. Its okay for around town driving at moderate speeds. On the highway I find the car exhausting to drive on trips longer than 30 min. The sightlines make me feel as though I am hurling through space. CVT delay is significant and the blind spots take away my confidence so I stay in the slow lane and rarely go over 65mph, which is not my normal style of driving. I live in the NYC area and am accustomed to aggressive driving and drivers. My boyfriend hates driving this car too, and being a passenger is no better. The design/windshield angle makes the passenger feel as though we are going to crash at any moment.

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  First Subaru - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By williemo - March 5 - 8:35 pm

  This is my first subaru and I cannot be more pleased. I was looking at some higher mileage rated vehicles - but the Outback was so quiet and comfortable, I decided to sacrifice the 5 mpg. As it turns out, Im getting 25 mpg around the city and 32 mpg on the highway. First time Ive actually beat the listed mpg. Great car!

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  Wonderful do-it-all vehicle at 6500 miles - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Tracker - March 3 - 6:03 am

  After multiple 15+ inch storms the Subaru really earned its keep. The new interior size is a plus; Im not a fan of the exterior design with the "lifted" look but it proved critical to getting through the deepest snow and a 700 foot long driveway. Very nice and competent in all weather. Wife said last week she cant imagine being happier with a car after several Europeans. Performance is leisurely if youre used to 300 HP family vehicles. Get the 6 if you want more power. The car keeps revealing how well thought out it is, like the way a downshift blip on the paddles will have the trans. simulate a downshift and will hold that gear downhill and return to normal full-auto operation.

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  New 2017 Outback Owner - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By D.E.P. - March 3 - 5:01 am

  I have always been a VW Owner, have a 12 YO 4-Motion Passat which is seeing the end of its tenure as an everyday driver. I would have liked to stay a VW owner but the new SportTrack is grossly overpriced and is nowhere near a competitor for the Outback, more like the Crosstrek. VW Would not budge on price and in lieu of that would not up the Warranty ( they can be tricky in terms of reliability). So I opted for the Outback, in the Premium Trim in the Color I wanted with the options I like, it came in less expensive than the Base S VW. I really think VW is going to have problems selling this car, they are not moving well at all. My wifes 2011 Impreza has been rock solid so the quality and resale value are there, unlike VW. Subaru AWD System is better than the Haldex system, I wish they had stayed with the Torsen. Only complaint is getting used to the CVT Transmission. It is not a race car but that is not what I bought it for.