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:

• 

  true Road Commander - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Kevin - November 13 - 10:43 pm

  I live in the Lake Tahoe area of California. This car handles the turns and curves with grace and surefootedness like no other 4wd. Ive owned 4Runners,Cherokees etc. The manual shift option makes the transmission respond instantly to your input and Ive noticed that after each oil change and then the differential & transmission fluid change the car has broken in beautifully and does not even resemble the car I drove off the lot. Was very tight when new and needed breaking in. Noticed it about 15k miles .The VDC eats the snow and Ive passed so many suvs wiped out in the banks I cant even count em. The low center of gravity makes this pup tops.

• 

  Great so far - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By pitstaff10 - November 12 - 10:33 pm

  Purchased this 2010 to replace my 2005 that was a love hate relationship. So far the mileage and ride have been great (31 MPG highway). Much better seats (leather) than the 2005. The new roof rail system is a joke and precludes using my existing Yakima racks. The solid side view mirrors are sure to get knocked off in the future, and the economy meter is a gimmick. Give us back a usable roof rail system and a temp meter. The hazard flasher switch is in a bad spot, always hitting it when going into Park. The heater system is taking some getting used to, comes on way hot even when set to 72 or less. Overall a good car but has some quirks.

• 

  Love my green machine - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By C caldwell - November 12 - 9:03 am

  Car is wonderful except for navigation. As long as you do regular maintenance, the car us a dream.

• 

  My Subaru - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Ron Scopa - November 12 - 2:13 am

  This is my second Subaru. Both were purchased new. I am reasonably pleased with the vehicle. I think, however, that a 4-cylinder engine such as the 2.5l in my car should be a bit better in fuel economy 24.5 mpg average. On the highway, the figure is approx. 27.5 mpg, at 60 mph. In city driving the economy is approx. 17 mpg. The car is fairly well built. The interior comfort is acceptable. The car is quiet, holds the road nicely at high speeds and runs smooth. The acceleration is not bad for a four-cylinder. Overall, one of the best cars I ever owned.

• 

  The Outback, great choice in this segment - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By lou90 - November 11 - 6:34 pm

  I own the wagon 2.5 with CVT and I can say that I’m very happy with my purchase. With over 3 K right now, I haven’t found anything that I don’t like or didn’t expect in a “Wagon”-SUV in this segment. I almost go for the new 2012 Honda CRV, but I don’t regret my decision. It’s solid and comfortable, enough room in both front and rear seat, plenty of cargo space, has style and a great history of reliability. A little noisy because of the CVT, but I could live with that as long as I’m getting fuel efficiency and this seems to be the case since I’ve been averaging (mostly highway) from 27 to 31 MPG not bad if you consider the size of this car and that many times you can’t drive at less than 70 miles on NJ highways, otherwise they run over you. I’ve been to several shows where I was able to see and compare others SUV like Toyota Venza or RAV4, the CRV, or the Forester , I’m glad I chose the Outback. I highly recommend it.

• 

  Wish I never bought you - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Carm - November 9 - 1:02 am

  I heard from so many people that I should buy a subaru because its great in the snow. They were right about the car on the snow, but I have had nothing but problems with my subaru. If you can think of a million problems that could go wrong with this car, its happened! I bought my car from a one owner driver at 60K miles and my problems began 4 months after I bought. It hasnt stopped, so its time to trade it in! I think Ive put 3000 dollars in the car and have owned it for less than 2 years.

• 

  Best Wagon on the market - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Laserhahn - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Car is fun to drive. Standard 4- cylinder engine has plenty of power, esp. at highway speeds. As for off- road performance, when was the last time you saw any new 4-wheel drive SUV taken off road, or an SUV in a rally race? If you want to go off-road, buy a Willies. I dont think you can beat this car for $23,000.

• 

  This car glides along - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By naessj - October 29 - 3:00 am

  Purchased a 2.5 Limited w/Special Appearance Package. Black car w/brown interior and Nav/Sunroof. I also ordere a trailer hitch and 110v outlet. Very good looking car and interior. But the car sold itself, very good price and buying experience from Rich at Morristown Subaru in NJ. I come from stick shifts and was hesitant going with CVT, but I am amazed at the effortless, gliding driving experience. The boxer engine torque is always captured by the CVT, a trip upstate NY in rolling hilly terrain was absolutely no issues. Highway driving so far gives me 26-27 mpg, I will keep chasing the 30 mpg target. I love this car! A fantastic purchase! I looked at Santa Fe and new Pathfinder also

• 

  surprised fan - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By zimboy - October 23 - 9:17 am

  always liked the idea of an adventure vehicle like the Outback something fun and versatile. i had no idea how captivating it would be. perfect ride height, super-stable all wheel drive (almost invincible in the snow), adequate power, great space and rugged looks. my wife and i fight to drive it and may have to get another as second family car. we are outdoor fans and love the rook rails and easy level load bay and space.

• 

  Amazing, but how to define it.... - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By eldera - October 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, it defies clasification by that name though. i love it. and my oh my can it claw into a road.