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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  Reliability of McIntosh Stereo - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By jcborgeson - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Subaru. Great highway cruiser, very quiet. I am puzzled by the reviews that complain of wind noise. ItÂ’s quieter than my Jag XJR. Ive measured with a sound meter to confirm. Reliability is good with 20,400 miles. Service has been excellent. The one problem has been the McIntosh stereo. We are on our third, waiting for the fourth. The system sounds great but reliability is awful. Ive been told that it is really a Clarion head with McIntosh trim. On the plus side, the AWD system is superb, far better than the Volvo XC70 it replaces. I have been pretty amazed at the slop, ice and snow this car can move through safely.

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  Great car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By OVID HURD - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought a LLBean for $27100 from Stevens Creek Subaru (San Jose, CA). After driving the car for about 1000 miles, I can say there is nothing comparable in this price range. The car feels rock solid, has a very smooth Lexus-like drive, first class suspension, excellent visibility, a lot of cargo space. The sound system is very good. However, the car has 3 major inconveniences: 1) the seats do not offer enough leg support, (the lumbar support is great.) 2) Wind noise coming from the roof rails at higher speeds. 3)the engine is powerful, but the slow transmission, makes it less responsive, it will not let you drive the car as an Acura TL-type S or a BMW.

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  bluebaru - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By archer - December 2 - 5:08 pm

  About a month ago, I trades my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit and I am beyond happy. The Jeep had more bells and whistles than a church, bit the Subaru is less than an inch in most dimensions and super easy to drive. The quality is outstanding and I really like the eye-sight technology. I bought the 2.5 4 cyl, after driving a v-6, I will do no towing and find the engine more than responsive enough for me.

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  Solid & Dependable - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By mkhappy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  We have put a ton of miles in a short time and have enjoyed every mile. The car is comfortable, easy to drive and very reliable. I haul camping equip, music equip, and bikes...Will probably buy another as soon as it makes sense.

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  blown engine and transmission - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By johnny - November 27 - 1:26 pm

  this is my second subaru. My last one was a 95 legacy wagon, 215,000 miles. Never even had to replace the clutch, it was as tight as it was the day I got it. 09 outback 8 months, 16000 miles, blown engine and trans. I am sure this is a rare event. I do love the car, just an extreme pain and a hassle.

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  Great wagon/SUV combination - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By rschleicher - November 25 - 4:56 am

  Ive only had my new Outback for a few weeks (600 miles), but it has been great. I was looking for something with a good AWD capability for driving up to Lake Tahoe in the winter, and one that would be pretty capable off-road, while having fairly car-like driving attributes, and better gas mileage than the full-size SUV I was replacing. The Outback scores on all aspects. Instead of being a compromise crossover that doesnt excel at anything, it is a vehicle that is truly a pleasure to drive in any environment. It satisfies my engineers need for utility and practicality, while still being very entertaining to drive. The 3.6 H6 engine is very smooth and strong, with decent mileage.

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  Surprisingly terrific - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By abqdad - November 25 - 1:00 am

  For the last ten years I have driven a Lexus LS400 and my wife has driven a Mercedes E320. Both are just as excellent as they are reputed to be. When it came time to get a new car I looked carefully at all of the "usual suspects" (BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura...). They are fine cars, but none were interesting enough to get me to prefer them to the Lexus with 150,000 miles. Until I looked at the Subaru Outback LL Bean. Weve had it a month, and I am still extremely impressed with it in almost every way. Great job Subaru! My list was: "Safety, reliability, comfort, utility, value." I dont know of anything else within $10K that can touch the Subaru.

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  Our 3rd Subaru - LOVE LOVE LOVE! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Scott B. - November 22 - 2:09 am

  This is our 3rd Subie. We have had two WRXs (still have one now, the other was destroyed by a bad driver that ran over our car). I have a free company vehicle that is just a year old with free gas and I choose to drive my Outback EVERY chance I get. I just love everything about it. The vision outward is phenomenal, the interior layout has everything placed just where it should be. Today I drove in the snow for the first time with it and I have never felt so safe in my truck or another vehicle. Its hard to put into words just how great this car is. Subaru is a great company and builds a fantastic car. For the money one spends on a Subaru, you get the quality engineering and craftsmanship that Other company would charge nearly twice as much for. One test drive and youll see why this is a wonderful vehicle.

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  Suburu take notes - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By chazz1936 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  A great alternative to the Suv"s. We have the car for one year, and our experince has been pleasureable without indicent of any kind

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  SUPER CAR - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By SCARWAF - November 20 - 10:00 am

  CAN GO ANYWHERE IN ANY WEATHER ANY TIME WITH CONFORT AND CONFIDENCE