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:
Showing 2021 through 2030 of 2,095.00-
Great all rounder, with no reliability - 2001 Subaru Outback
By ABB - April 25 - 10:00 amMy first new car. Had no problems at all until 36K. Engine overheated and ruined it. It was fixed under warranty. Then again at 50K car was leaking lots of coolant. Turned out to be the water pump, but again fixed under warranty. Other than reliability, its an overall decent car. Though a bit underpowered, its still fun to drive in all conditions. Very smooth and quiet ride as well. Good clearance for off-roading, but terrible approach angle. With everything fixed, I hope it will take me upto 200K.
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my best vehicle yet - 2011 Subaru Outback
By go playOutside - April 23 - 11:56 amIve had mine for 3 years now, bought it when it was 2 years old. I havent had any issues. I can load it up and go on vacation and get 32 mpg on the hwy. Love my navigation, very helpful. I have helped a friend move and they couldnt believe how much I can fit in the car. Plus I never slip or slide when I leave work during a storm, as I watch others who cant make it up the hills. love this car
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2007 Ltd Outback Wagon - 2007 Subaru Outback
By Jon - April 22 - 2:03 amI ordered this car with extra features installed at the port and picked it up with 4 miles on it last week on October 12th. This is my sixth Subaru and it is the best in interior finish and outside finish of the past Subarus I have owned. So far I find it to drive very smoothly and the road noise has diminished from the past Subarus I have owned. If it is like the past five Subarus I have owned I will be very satisfied with it as I have never had any problems with any of them. I find the fit, finish and mechanical portions of the car very good. I do find the rear leg room lacking when the front seats are pushed all the way back but I hear they are going to lengthen the Outback in 2009.
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Very nice car, but a bit cramped interior - 2007 Subaru Outback
By VLY - April 20 - 7:13 pmBought it a month ago. Very nice car. Drives very well, 175 hp four is more than adequate. Got about 22 MPG on mixed driving. Rear seats are tight I am 61 and do not have enough leg room. Front seats are too narrow my 97 Camrys seats are 2 wider. Right front seat is too low. Id also like more storage areas; with two cups in front cup holders and glasses in the dash compartment I do not have a place for my cell phone. If front belt is unbuckled tones do not shut up that is the most annoying feature in this car! I have to buckle up moving the car on driveway or a parking lot. Overall great vehicle, very reliable per CR, looks & runs great, 4 wheel drive is a plus.
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The perfect family wagon - 2003 Subaru Outback
By alinki - April 17 - 10:00 amI love this car. It has everthing you need.
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Great car with a few issues - 2015 Subaru Outback
By drfire - April 14 - 3:49 pm2015 2.5i Limited. I have owned for about 4mos/4000miles. Great car overall. I will list a few pros and cons for the new model as I have owned a few OBs over the years. Pros: infotainment system works better than most, rear seat room better than most, few luxury touches like powr gate and blind spot warning are nice, maintains grt ground clearance, now with much improved ride. Cons: seriously excessive wind noise (I believe this issue is being addressed by the factory), MPG less than advertised, far less interior storage from prev models, esp in the rear cargo area. CVT works well, but has a very annoying lurch during initial acceleration, lthr seats too short under thigh, too hard.
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Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited - 2017 Subaru Outback
By Robert - April 14 - 1:51 pmI traded in my 2014 Cadillac XTS Platinum for this car. I went to Subaru to test out a WRX but realized it was a kids car and maybe not the best choice with three teenage boys in the house! The "cheap" WRX was the same cost of the Outback Limited 2.5i and it didnt even come with the premium options such as Eye Sight et. al.. Decided to go with the Outback Limited with the 2.5i boxer engine (didnt see that another $3000 for the larger engine was really worth any kind of extra oomph in the car). After coming from a car with 410hp to a car with 175hp is quite a big difference and I am still not used to it (and grumble about it a lot). My aim was to save money and with the Limited and I got what I wanted. My insurance is the cheapest it has been in many, many years and I no longer have to buy premium fuel. Even though I only have 3/4 left the tank maximum mileage seems to stay at 230 mile to empty. So far, and Ive had the car a week now, in city driving I have achieved about 18.5 gallons to the mile and it keeps creeping up. Aside from the really anemic acceleration and CVT transmission - which I really detest but they are here to stay with new fuel mandates and will be on all cars soon. I really love this car and it was the right choice and feature-wise it had just about everything my Cadillac did. On that note, the missing features are as follows: no remote engine start, even as an option (just a weird dealer option which I declined), the door locks cannot be programed - meaning once you are in and in-gear doors stay unlocked until someone physically locks them - very odd for such a feature rich vehicle. Same applies when leaving the vehicle and odd for a car that has keyless entry because most cars can be set to lock once you are out of key range which is why the term is keyless - you dont have to have it in hand. Other weird thing is you cant turn on all the interior lights unless you open a door - only map lights are available and I have not found a way to open the rear hatch unassisted (most cars with an auto-hatch have an on/off button). Regardless of this vehicles design flaws, I still find it a great value and am glad I went with it.
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excellent all around car - 2000 Subaru Outback
By Joe Q. Smith - April 11 - 10:00 amthe Outback is an excellent all around car, with average gas mileage at 23 mpg, and up to 29 on the highway.
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bucket list - 2017 Subaru Outback
By Jeri Ray - April 10 - 8:47 pmAs my husband put it, the Outback was on my bucket list. We just took it for a weekend getaway and I love it, even he said, didnt even have a silent thought of wish she wouldnt have picked this car. The whole buying experience was good, highly recommend Royal Subaru in Charleston, WV and Kevin Jack was my salesman.
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A home run... - 2006 Subaru Outback
By rwoavon - April 10 - 1:33 amI purchased this car to replace a 2000 Volvo x-Country wagon which fell apart at 59,000 miles. I bought the Subaru Outback because 1)it provided wagon- like features; 2) it was cheaper than a Volvo; 3) the 2.5 ltr. turbo flies. We are now at 45,000 miles and have been DELIGHTED with 1)its reliability- never a problem; 2) the engine- wow, does this car move; 3) its capabilities- all wheel drive makes this car indestructible on snow, ice and rain. Negatives- we wish the car was a wee bit larger. Also, lack of a telescoping steering wheel is annoying. We love this car but looked at the new and larger 2010 redesign. However, without a 2.5 liter turbo option, we prefer our car. Zoom Zoom!
