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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  Perfect car - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By rzerobis - August 24 - 1:00 am

  This is a perfect, everyday car, to drive in various conditions. The first time I drove it, I was shocked how much power and low end torque the 4 cylinder boxer engine generated. The drive is very compliant, but dont expect cornering like on rails, this is not a sports car. Then again, on a very wet and rainy day, you will see sports cars in your back mirror, 4AWD and hefty ground clearance has its advantages. Tall people will love ample space inside, with comfortable front seats, and plenty of space in the back. Fold down the back seats...and you will be pleasantly surprised again how much space there is inside to haul all of your stuff.

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  Its a winner - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By autobahnburner - August 22 - 9:29 pm

  My first Subaru was a 2006 Outback 3.0R LL Bean model, and my second is the 2014 Outback Limited 2.5 with the CVT. They are nothing alike, and and I like each of them for different reasons, but they do have one thing in common. Both came out on top of after an exhaustive comparison of other brands. Frankly, I prefer the 06 because it was a much more engaging car to drive. However, the new model was more of a sensible purchase. Its significantly larger and more flexible, gets much better mileage, and has more bells and whistles. I heavily considered a Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and also an Audi Q5 and Volvo XC70. I can afford the last two but it was hard to justify their prices.

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  Love my new 2010 Outback! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By infotogo - August 21 - 7:33 pm

  Trading my 2002 LL Bean Outback was not easy...but the new 2010 is such a great vehicle I could not resist. We compared it to the Toyota RAV 4 V6 and found the Outback to be more comfortable and smoother, overall. We needed to be able to tow a small camper, and the Outback has the towing capacity we need, without going to a V6. Gas mileage is posted at 22-29, and in the city I am getting almost 25 so far. And did I say the leather seats are soooo nice? This is our 5th Subaru, and we have had good experiences with every one.

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  great car - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By AJ - August 15 - 1:57 pm

  go to several dealers get Edmunds quote. get the best price for your can then get Edmunds price for the new car

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  2001 Outback Sedan - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By MartyJ - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent road handling in dry, wet and snow conditions. However, anti lock brakes take longer to stop on ice. The ride is so smooth, you can be doing 80 mph and it feels like you are doing 50. I had to monitor my speed closely during the first few months to keep myself from speeding. I like the fact that you dont have to push a button to shift gears. Gear shifting is like a manual transmission (side to side). Moonroof has a shade to cover the glass so street lamps dont distract you at night.

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  2nd Subaru, might be last - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Tim - August 6 - 1:23 pm

  My car was babied from day one. I upgraded to the Outback from a 2002 Impreza 2.5. I really enjoyed the car, until I started to notice a few sounds as I accelerated from toll booths, etc with my window still down. The dealers could never hear it. I noticed the transmission was always searching between 3rd and 4th gear. The wind noise has me going nuts. The paint has faded in different spots, and I am afraid to use the windshield wiper heater because when I replaced the cracked one, the replacements seem to have a defect with the heating element and it cracks the glass when used. I love Subarus, but my wife makes a good point when she says I need to stop buying someones bad design.

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  Better than the Rest - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By lbf404 - August 4 - 10:37 pm

  Waited until I had my car a couple of months to post a review. Looked around at every midsize crossover, from BMW X1, X3, Infiniti, Acura, Honda, Toyota and Volvo for months to find something that met the needs of city driving and parking while also comfortable enough for a road trip. After 4 BMWs this was quite a change, Ive been so impressed with my Outback! It does everything well, and the 3.6R has plenty of get up and go when needed. The Limited has all the creature comforts, excellent visibility and the car has that safe, solid feel to it in all kinds of driving conditions, including the rare snowstorm in Atlanta!

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  Great Value - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Aaron - July 30 - 7:13 pm

  I have been driving the redesigned Outback for nearly two weeks. I have gotten approximately 23-25 mpg in the city and around 31 mpg on the highway. Power is not great but I can handle a little less power for the great gas mileage. This car has a huge amount of room for a family of four and looks good too. The comfortable seats are an added benefit. This is definitely a great value with AWD on top!

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  New 2016 Subaru Outback. DONT BUY ONE!!!!! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By TH - July 30 - 7:00 pm

  I ordered a new Subaru Outback 2016 fully loaded with everything! I have had it for two weeks and it has already been back into the dealership here in NW Montana several times. Here are my complaints. It is a VERY VERY VERY COLD car to drive in the winter! Heated seats are lukewarm even on full for hours. Cold air leaks through every crack it can find in the dash and door. My feet freeze as there is no heat in the floor vent if the floor and dash vents are on. And VERY little lukewarm heat if just the floor vents are on. The dealerships response and their service depts response after several trips in is that I have to drive this car 6000 miles before the heat and heated seats will work. Whaaattttt!!!! This is a bunch of crap! Also, the light colored leather seats look like they were done on a late Friday night in a drunken stupor! Lots of wrinkles and folds and gaps in the seams. Punctures too. Again, I was told that light leather was harder to work with and that it wouldnt be any different in any of the other Subarus. All our vehicles have had leather seats and I have never seen such poor workmanship before! On top of everything else, when I ordered the car we had reached a price. However, when the Subaru arrived hundreds and hundreds of dollars were added to the cost. I was told it was absolutely nonnegotiable. Theses hundreds of dollars that were added were to pay the dealerships secretaries. Again, unbelievable!!! Pay the dealerships secretaries??? The bottom line is that this brand new 2016 fully loaded Subaru Outback is the WORST car for this skier in NW MONTANA! It is one hell of a VERY COLD car!! I plan to sell it and take the loss. Ford and Chevy here I come!! Loved my well heated and fully loaded with leather seats Tahoe!!! NEVER WILL I EVER BUY A SUBARU AGAIN!

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  2011 Outback First Impressions - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By hamuller - July 29 - 7:46 pm

  After my 2000 Forester my outback seems huge. It is a giant step forward in comfort. The CVT tranny is extremely smooth. As I have only had the car for two days I cant comment on the fuel economy yet. If it is as advertised I will be happy. I agree with the Edmunds test drive that the steering is a little "numb" compared to the Forester but overall Im extremely satisfied so far. My wife loves the smooth, comfortable ride. I will write a follow up after Ive had it a while.