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 outback 2001 - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By pjssatx - December 9 - 10:00 am

  head rests on back seats block view out of rear view mirror.

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  Near perfect except seat comfort - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Metalman - December 9 - 1:33 am

  This is my 2nd Outback. 1st being a 13 which I traded at 80k miles due to seat discomfort & it did use some oil. The 16 is improved in many areas. Now at 21k miles. While the drivers seat is much better, it isnt flawless. The upper back support annoys me. It seems many car manufacturers think they have to angle the upper portion of the seat forward. While some brands maintain a nice straight seat back. (I notice on many Fords & a Mazda 6 I drove). At 6 207lbs., this creates a pressure point on my spine & bugs me after longer trips. I wish subaru would collaborate with Toyota or another brand who understands seat comfort better. The headrests ratchets but still too eager, I flipped it backwards like I did on my 13. (normal aging promotes forward neck posture enough being forced by modern day cars). The hi beam illumination on my 13 were way better on than on my 16. I almost think the 13 had better grip in deep snow but had only 1 experience in the 16 where it seemed only the front wheel spun in a turn position in deeper snow. Still could use auto door locks and automatic unlock by pulling interior handle as my Dodge Intrepid had this way back in 2001. But I only point out my gripes. Everything else is great. 4 Cylinder power is plenty, CVT is superb. Steering response is great. I can cruise above 80mph with ease.

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  Near perfect except seat comfort - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Metalman - December 9 - 1:30 am

  This is my 2nd Outback. 1st being a 13 which I traded at 80k miles due to seat discomfort & it did use some oil. The 16 is improved in many areas. Now at 21k miles. While the drivers seat is much better, it isnt flawless. The upper back support annoys me. It seems many car manufacturers think they have to angle the upper portion of the seat forward. While some brands maintain a nice straight seat back. (I notice on many Fords & a Mazda 6 I drove). At 6 207lbs., this creates a pressure point on my spine & bugs me after longer trips. I wish subaru would collaborate with Toyota or another brand who understands seat comfort better. The headrests ratchets but still too eager, I flipped it backwards like I did on my 13. (normal aging promotes forward neck posture enough being forced by modern day cars). The hi beam illumination on my 13 were way better on than on my 16. I almost think the 13 had better grip in deep snow but had only 1 experience in the 16 where it seemed only the front wheel spun in a turn position in deeper snow. Still could use auto door locks and automatic unlock by pulling interior handle as my Dodge Intrepid had this way back in 2001. But I only point out my gripes. Everything else is great. 4 Cylinder power is plenty, CVT is superb. Steering response is great. I can cruise above 80mph with ease.

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  What a performer! - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By The Subaru Nut - December 8 - 9:33 pm

  Had a 97 Outback and moved up to this because of the power and safety factors. Fabulous ride, much quieter than the 97 and does everything the old one did but better. The turbo is fantasic, fun and a wonderful enhancement. Mileage averages around 24.4 hwy/city, which I consider not bad for the fun derived. Had it 1 year now and love it! Terrific on snow and ice, and takes mountain passes here in Colorado with ease. Highly recommend to anyone, regardless of normal road conditions in their area. Would not get GPS again, my handheld Garmin is better.

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  The best luxury Subaru ever. - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Robert Millsop - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Remember the Subaru Outback SUS? Weird wasnt it! I bought a 2.5GT Limited instead. The VDC I am very happy with, wonderful engine, not so impressive transmission but still ample. The stero is out of this world! It drives wonderfully and is very comftorable.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Bobart - December 1 - 3:45 pm

  Storage for things like jumper cables and other bulky items cannot be placed out of site.

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  Subaru once again amazes me - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Crocks - November 30 - 11:13 pm

  This is our 6th Subaru and this time subaru has really outdone themselves. Ive always loved their reliability and longetivity with my 98 have 230K on it and runnig strong. We decided to replace our WRX with something more Family orientated. The outback XT was it. We have all the luxury and comfort of our other outback but a style and the power to blow you away. Saidly to say my WRX would be left behind by our new family wagon. The turbo is much smoother than that of the WRX but it has more power. What a great combination of the family wagon and a sleeper sports-car. Gas mileage is a bit different then our previous outbacks but the performance makes it all worth it.

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  Great Reliable Car! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Todd - November 30 - 11:04 pm

  Most practical, reliable car Ive ever owned! Ive put 165,000 miles on my 2011 Outback so far and have had 0 issues. I drive it off road and in deep snow a lot and the AWD and ground clearance are fantastic! Seat ride height and comfort good for a tall person (im 62"). MPG great for a car this size as well. Acceleration isnt great, but more than adequate for any situation Ive run into. My only complaints are the compass on the rear view mirror doesnt always work, and the light colored cloth seats stain easily (recovered them with leather). Cant beat the reliability, practicality, and resale value of a Subaru!! I would definitely buy another Subaru.

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  Perfect car - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By jstrap - November 30 - 4:45 pm

  I traded in my 2008 camry for a 2012 outback and Im extremely happy with it. The level of comfort and smooth ride matches the camry only it sits up a little higher. I went through a broker so I didnt get my first choice in color but got a great deal. For $22.8k you cant beat it. The base stereo is satisfactory and its not quite as quick as the camry but its a lot of fun to drive and has AWD which comes in pretty handy in Colorado. This is the best car Ive owned.

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  problem with 2005 - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By anxious - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2005 outback two days ago and love it except for the fact that the day after I drove it off the lot the check engine light came on with a blinking cruise light indicator. The dealership read the code to be the oxygen sensor, cleared it,and said to come back if it comes on again. Well it came back on today and Im bringing it in to be checked again tomorrow. Heres hoping it turns out to be a minor glitch if anything....