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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  Great country vehilce - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Thor Thorleifson - January 13 - 8:22 am

  Driven 100,000 km (60,000# miles) in 2 years 4 months, half highway/half gravel & dirt roads & rocky cattle pastures, hasnt missed a beat. Seats are comfortable, controls are great, Sat radio / stereo are great though the knobs and display screen are cheap.

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  work horse - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mike Despa - January 10 - 11:16 am

  Everything you need, nothing that you dont need (sounds like a Nissan ad!). Good in snow, roomy enough for 2+2, and a pleasant dealership experience.

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  edmunds review is very wrong - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By edmunds review-wrong - January 7 - 4:56 pm

  I again read the edmunds review and i find it very flawed. Most American like the new styling. Its clean and crisp and classy. The highway handling is great but i cant comment on off road as i havent taken it off road.The mileage is great. 30.5 mpg first tank with wife, dog and all our gear. Second tank i will hit over 500 miles. I drove the 2009 model outback and chose not to buy it, but this year, well, they did it all well. Take it from a guy that drives and buys one. Any why was it chosen the SUV crossover of the year? Edmunds, get your head in gear and rate this car higher. It sure is.

• 

  best all around family car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Robert Springer - January 7 - 1:20 pm

  First time Subaru owners and were liking it so far. We have nearly 6000 miles on the car in just 2 months. We are very pleased with the comfort level while traveling on long trips. It has been in a foot of snow in the Cascade Mountains and on the beach at Pismo. We have driven in major rain, crossed creeks, traveled muddy roads and busy cities streets. It is the most stable car Ive ever driven and that includes the 4X4 trucks Ive owned. We are getting 27-30 mpg on the highway and about 24 around town. The performance level is surprising for a four cylinder motor. The CVT Transmission is the whole reason the engines feels more powerful than it actually is. Highly recommend this SUV.

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  Love this car - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By jons2 - January 5 - 12:58 pm

  I traded in my 04 Highlander for the Outback, primarily because I needed a small SUV type vehicle that would get better gas mileage, and be comfortable on trips etc. This Outback met all my expectations. The seats are very comfortable, gas mileage is better now that the engine is broken in and the Chicago weather is warming. I get about 27MPG in mixed suburban/highway driving with the 2.5 engine. I noticed that the mileage suffers when the engine is cold (runs richer) and can take some time to warm up on real cold days. Constant short trips will kill gas mileage, fyi. Engine has plenty of pep which was an initial concern and I was impressed on how quiet and refined it is.

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  Too many problems - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By StrictlyMediocre - January 4 - 4:13 am

  I have 122,000 on the car. I plan to keep it until 250,000 if it will last. I am on my 4th set of replacement head gaskets (5 sets total). After the dealer did the first 4 HG jobs, I found a mechanic who says "use the turbo head gasket, it will never leak again." Question: why doesnt the dealer do that? Also replaced the pistons at 122K because originals had seized rings and were so noisy I couldnt hear myself think on a cold day. Now using 3rd party pistons as well. Car handles great. Reset the "learning" engine computer for better performance. Wind noise in driver/pass. window can be fixed by squeezing molding together where side mirror is mounted. This will probably be my last Subie.

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  SOLID PERFORMANCE - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By RSP - December 29 - 12:33 pm

  After two years, no problems. Runs great through the snow and bad weather.

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  This car is unsafe and has quality issues - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By millieone - December 28 - 12:00 pm

  I purchased a year old outback with 17,000 miles in excellent condition. Shortly after while driving with my wife in the passengers seat the air bag off indicator light was on. Its sometimes on and some times off. My wife weights about 120lbs well above 102lbs limit. The car also has rust forming under the lip of the rear hatch door. Subaru refuses to cover the rust repair and says the air works as designed. This is a serious safety issue. They said they fixed it in the 2012 model. There solution was to sell me a new car. Wow this company sucks! We bought this car for its reported safety, what a joke. My wife and daughter are nervous when sitting in the front seat

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  Great - Except...... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By rabbitman - December 27 - 1:10 pm

  This base model is a great auto but for those of us who do go off the highway and travel through the mud, over unpaved roads and such there is one item that the factory left off - the under the engine cover is not included on the base model. That means dirt, water, gunk, etc splashes up into the engine compartment. The 2.5i Outback wagon does offer an engine undercover insulator, however it is a side-type and offers no rear protection. The full width large type is standard on the XT, XT Limited, LL BEAN , and VDC models. The specs in print and on the web site no not point out this omission. A dear friend of mine also purchased a 2.5i last month and the dealer installed the protector at no charge.

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  bet the farm - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By farmboi - December 25 - 12:30 am

  Has all of the features I wanted. Plenty of power for my needs. Great mileage to boot: 28-30 or better MPG - better than the EPA rating. It was between this or a Prius. Really wanted to try a Subaru once. I may be hooked. Very few Subarus around here. Gets a lot of admiring looks and interested questions. I dont regret this purchase at all.