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:

• 

  A great value - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By peterofski - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Outback. I owned one in the 90s and didnt like it. The fuel tank was too small and the car seemed excessively noisy. Needless to say, I was impressed by the improvements in the 04 models. I have the L.L.Bean edition. The ride is impressive for a car in this price range. The fit and finish are high quality. It perfoms well in the snow and slush of New England. The sound system is first rate. I enjoy driving this car. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

• 

  22500 miles in year 1 and just like new - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By kluet - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth ride and can take anything including 4-wd only roads. I drive everywhere in this car b/c you can travel in comfort and still get all your gear in there. Roof rack is great and use it all the time for bikes. Great all around car for any environment.

• 

  Big Transition, Big Suprise - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By jrollins12574 - June 20 - 5:36 am

  I traded in my 05 Dodge Durango SLT (w/ Hemi)for my Outback. I was looking for AWD & better gas mileage, 2 weeks later Im very happy with my purchase. The 2.5 L engine has more power than I thought it would and the gas mileage has been averaging around 26 MPG (I live in a rural area with a lot of hills). My Outback handles very well, of course Im comparing it to my old Durango. The Outback has a surprising amount of cargo room & the interior is very comfortable. The All Weather Package is a nice touch - Im looking forward to having heated seats and mirrors this winter. The only thing that seems goofy is that when I first start it up, the car seems to hesitate, but runs fine after warming up.

• 

  WHAT A MONEY PIT!! TOO BAD :( - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By mom0f3 - June 19 - 6:03 am

  Beautiful car, roomy enough for transporting my children. Paint job is still brilliant and the car looks newer than it is. I really considered buying a newer outback, however at 70,000 miles, one thing has broken after another. First the wiper hose, then the wiper motor, head gaskets replaced, water pump and now the transmission is shot. I have put 3K into the car in the past 6 months. Thank goodness the transmission is still under warranty. I just wonder what is next to go. Too bad because I really liked driving my outback.

• 

  Great car! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Tom Farina - June 15 - 9:18 pm

  Rides better than the Forester I traded. Quieter too. Blind sight tech is great. Completely surrounded with protection. Like the ice silver color too.

• 

  My first and last Subaru. - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Alan Christenson - June 15 - 8:17 pm

  We bought this car used in 2010 with 17,000 miles on it. It was a great car until it hit about 70,000 when it started having regular repair issues that really shouldnt happen. I fully expect to do maintenance on any vehicle for parts that wear out, but these problems are something different entirely. First it was the head gasket problem that most of these have, that came to just under $2,000 for repair (known issue that should have been covered by Subaru). Over the last three years I had problems with the ground wire in the radio that I had "fixed" three different times until it went out entirely and I had to have the radio head unit replaced for $500. The wires in the rear lift gate began breaking about a year ago causing my tail lights to go out. This is apparently a common issue as well and is very dangerous (no tail lights at night) and should have been recalled. That was $400 to replace. My catalytic converter is going out now and apparently it has been recalled in some states, but not in mine so its going to cost me another $1,000. I also have problems in the passenger airbag light/switch that the dealership is telling me will be another $350 to fix. A little research on the internet tells me that it is bad soldering on a circuit board (another common enough problem that it can be found on youtube). Like I said, I gladly pay for regular maintenance and parts on a vehicle but these things are not "normal" problems and seem to be regular occurrences on Subarus. Tack on to this substantially decreased winter mileage (I expect some, but not 15%-18%), and I cant see myself purchasing another Subaru. Sure, you can probably pass them on to your children when you upgrade to a new one (just like the commercials show), but youre going to spend a lot of money to keep it that long and youll be saddling them with something that appears to require regular, expensive repairs.

• 

  2010 Outback Ltd - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By wt - June 15 - 4:46 am

  We bought 2.5 outback in Nov. I drive mostly on weekends. Wife loves the car. Its very comfortable and quiet on the road. The CVT and the bluetooth are great. Its kind of hard to do parallel parking on the street in the city. I already scratched it few times.. too bad.

• 

  A good time - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By nidwaldner - June 14 - 2:37 am

  Just sold my 2.5 after 84,000 miles for $9000 trade-in. It was dependable. Never broke down. It was perfect for hiking, camping and snowboarding trips. It got me to work when most of Seattle shut down after snow. Went through 8 headlight bulbs (3 under warranty) and 2 rear wheel bearings (warranty). OEM tires not great so upgraded when originals worn and bought snow tires for the winter months. Total cost (depreciation and wear & tear) over 6 years was 26.2 cents/mile, which I think is good. I averaged about 23mpg in mixed driving. Now have 2011, which provides more interior space for my growing family.

• 

  Good to go - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Osman C Kurtulus - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Drives like an Audi with 2/3 of the price.

• 

  It Scoots! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By richgimmel - June 12 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a Cadillac STS... but this Outback XT is at least as good a performer, and a much better buy. Its nimble, very quick and responsive with a surprisingly solid feel. Both my kids are drivers, and they thought I had lost it big-time when I told them I was replacing the Caddy with a Subaru. But after driving the new wheels, theyre believers!