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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  Dont get the navigation - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By adsgoddess - September 11 - 1:13 am

  This is a wonderful car except for the navigation/audio system. However, the backup camera is a necessary. The navigation system is so bad that it is unusable in city traffic situations and is downright unsafe in it characteristics. It does not say street names, is unreadable in the sun or when you turn on your lights during the day, you cannot change or operate the nav system when you are moving. The audio system uses mhz instead of treble and bass settings. Also, no fix in sight! For the money, get aftermarket.

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  LOVE IT! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By JenJ - September 10 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. Plenty of room for a family of 4. Stereo is great. Much more power than our old Subaru. Dont really need the moon-roofs, but the kids think theyre cool :) Had to laugh on a recent trip to Vermont, saw at least one in EVERY parking lot. Cant wait for snow this winter.

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  The outback is back! - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By santafe87507 - September 9 - 7:04 am

  After several monumentally disappointing years, including the year I bought ( 2013) the Outback is back. It seems the engineers and designers locked themselves in a room and went over all the issues of the last 3-4 years. It handles very well now and the new keyless ignition and doors are superb. If you have one of the last several years, trade it in now for the 2015.

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  Turbo grocery getter - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By no spam - September 8 - 10:26 am

  This Subaru rocks!

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  Love it except the MPG: in LA averaging 19.1 city - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Diane - September 6 - 9:55 am

  Comfortable, reliable, road hugger. MPG NOT WHAT THEY SAY!

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  Good, but could be better - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jerry Levy - September 4 - 4:26 am

  Excellent driving experience, a good combination of handling and luxury ride. Fun on two lane mountain highways, dirt roads, and freeways. Dealer very helpful when I needed unscheduled maintenance--gave me a new, free car for two weeks.

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  2017 outback - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Barb - September 3 - 9:14 am

  An improvement over previous (2013) model. Better pick-up and rear seat room.

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  Very nice but not quiet. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By tfh - September 1 - 7:46 pm

  Had a 1997 Outback limited and really liked it. Got a 2005 3.0 VDC. Very impressed by improvements in interior and the new six cylinder engine. Does well in snow. However, at low speeds when using normal acceleration it makes a very noticeable whining sound. Took it in to dealer where purchased and a mechanic rode in it and said the sound was normal transmission sound for that car. Be sure to drive the car at low speeds in quiet area before buying if you desire a quiet car. As nice as it is otherwise, I would probably not buy it again. Also has significant wind noise at highway speeds (as 50 mph and above). Otherwise it is really a nice car.

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  Subaru listens to its owners - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Ralph - August 29 - 4:20 pm

  Have 2500 miles on the Outback, had a GL w/200k before. This is a great improvement, the car is significantly quieter, and the torque acceleration is much much improved. The entrance/exit is tough, and could be improved by memory settings so it would slide the seat back and forward when you exit and enter. Non multi-port FI leaves the occasional accelerate/decelerate bounce in slow traffic. Overall I really like the car.

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  Happy with new Suburu - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Glen Bowen - August 24 - 5:23 am

  Had to order the car, since we wanted the 6 speed manual, so far, it was worth the wait. Price was very good, for this much vehicle. So far, I am very happy.