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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  A great SUV alternative - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By DrPete - July 24 - 9:03 am

  I was looking for a car big enough to carry our whole family (me, wife, baby, and 2 dogs), and being a physician I needed something that would get me to work under any conditions. This car fits the bill beautifully. Fit and finish are amazing for this price point, ride quality is smooth and comfortable, and reliability so far has been great. The built-in nav system is quite detailed, and my only wish would be for a live traffic option. This is easily the most sure-footed car Ive ever driven in the snow, and isnt top- heavy like most SUVs. My only real gripes are the lack of power from the 2.5i and limited back seat room when using a rear-facing car seat.

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  The Best Yet!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Kabar - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Outback and by far the best!! Subaru really listened to all the surveys and out-did themselves with the 2005 model! Power, comfort, looks...and fun!! I love the new Color- I bought the Atlantic Blue. Ive had so many comments about my "new car" and tell me about the car and its features!

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  Fantastic Crossover! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By drobine - July 19 - 10:00 am

  With the H6 boxer, it has plenty of power for driving around town and highway. We bought it to have a comfortable, reliable, around-town car that could go off-road. We couldnt afford a VW Touareg V8. Other cars driven were Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot and Acura MDX. The Outback was easier to live with than the 4Runner (too rough in-town), nicer than the Pilot (disappointing finish inside for a Honda), and was a virtual tie with the Acura MDX. The Outback felt more spacious than the Acura while behind the wheel.

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  05 Subaru Outback Turbo - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Therapet - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Subaru Outback Turbo (2005) Sleek styling, smooth riding, lots of extras. Smaller steering wheel, good sound system, 6 cd changer, very comfortable and fun to drive.

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  27 years with Honda and now a Subaru - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Bill L - July 19 - 7:26 am

  I have had my Outback now for a little over a month. I have taken one long trip and averaged 30 mpg Highway while going just a tad over the speed limit. Around town I am getting 22 mpg and i have just over 1,000 miles of driving. This is my first non Honda in 27 years I have always liked Subaru but until now, never had one of my own. I really think Subaru makes a great product, unlike other manufacturers they havent cut corners where it really matters. It rides great, and from various reviews read it has passed with flying colors as a safe drive. So far I am really enjoying this car and i can understand why Subaru owners are loyal to what they drive

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  Overall its a great car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By JHK - July 19 - 2:16 am

  I was looking for a smaller SUV with better gas mileage than our current Honda Pilot (which we loved), but wanted plenty of cargo space. Narrowed down to the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Outback. Both were good, but the OB had better reputation for quality. I wanted the 4 cylinder for the gas mileage, but my wife convinced me to get the 6 cylinder for better performance. Im glad I did. The 6 cylinder has a lot of zip for the freeway, is a lot quieter than the 4 cylinder and, frankly, is a lot of fun to drive (after 7 years with the Pilot). Gas mileage is good. I commute from the suburbs and average slightly over 23 mpg. Plenty of cargo space. Good lucking. Really well designed.

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  3000 mile report card - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By george alexanian - July 16 - 11:56 am

  My realistic, not wide eyed or wishful rating, at 3000 mile overall grade is an A-. If it had more gauges, an intermittently working blue tooth, and did not require me to agree to terms to see the map every time I start to drive the car, it would have been the best car I have ever had in 45 years, and rated an A+. At an out the door price of $37,988 for the limited 3.6R, you cannot beat it. Subaru has the opportunity to be the best practical and cost effective crossover ever made with a few changes. Subaru, get with it and prosper! Before this, I never even considered a Subaru, I did not even know where it was made.

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  Superb Gas Mileage (37mph Hwy!) - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Kalen - July 15 - 6:24 am

  We decided to sell our fully loaded 2009 Lexus RX350 with 133,000 miles and get something that still retained AWD, but had better gas mileage. Unfortunately the 26mpg hwy we were achieving in our Lexus was sub-par for us, and the increasing miles meant maintenance and mechanical woes were a close reality. After searching numerous car manufacturers (Jeep, Dodge, Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan ect...) for a crossover size AWD vehicle, we were disappointed in prices and poor gas mileage. After test driving and looking over the stats, the Outback was a clear choice. We ended up with the base model Outback (2.5i) for $26,000 out the door including tax. $500 was added for the rear tonneau cover, rear bumper cover, and full set of all weather mats. Since purchasing the car, we have been pleasantly surprised by the 37mpg average we have achieved commuting to my wifes parents house which is an all highway, roughly 2 hour round trip. The car is very quite inside thanks to the extra sound deadening added for the 2017 models. The automatic transmission feels slightly more composed and enjoyable to drive vs. the transmission in our 2016 Impreza which may be due to updated software tuning for 2017. Due to the long wheelbase, the Outback feels as smooth and composed as our previous Lexus, more so in the curves. Fit and finish feels top notch, and the instrument cluster is pleasant to look at and use. The stereo system sounds better than the system in our 2016 Impreza, and the manual rear hatch door pops up with such vigor, the automatic rear hatch door opener isnt missed by my wife or I. We were surprised to find the roof rack cross bars are actually tucked into and hidden in the supplied roof rack rails, and dont need to be purchased separately. A major decision in favor of the Outback vs. the Forester was the better safety ratings, especially with having kids. The ground clearance was quite stunning as we peered under the car. Not sure how Subaru managed that!

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  Love, Love, Love!! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By MP - July 12 - 7:56 am

  This is our first Subaru, we have test drove many SUVs and other crossovers, this was the last one we test drove. We love our Subie..drives great in the snow, does not even care what snow is!! The one thing my husband wishes it had was memory seats and the retractable side mirrors. I am super happy about the AWD and our Great Dane fits perfectly in the back. :)

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  Love the new car smell! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By squid1975 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Great new car. We test drove all the AWD vehicles we could find under $22k. The Subaru was the best. We got a great deal, too. It was the loss leader, so keep your eyes open and you can find one under $19k. Ground clearance and traction are both pretty good. Gas mileage is better than expected for an AWD. HP is fine; just remember youre driving a wagon.