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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  Long Term Test Drive - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Pilgrim - April 8 - 2:46 am

  Had the car for 10 months now and its still a thrill to drive. Full-time all wheel drive is wonderful; though the stock tires are a poor choice. Transmission is smooth yet tight, one of the best Ive driven. With better than 10K miles still no rattles. Surprising handling for such a high profile will be made much better by tires that actually grip the road. Despite the tires the car has a very substantial feel whether on a back country dirt road or out on the interstate behind a semi on a windy winters night.

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  Good car but comes with problems - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By Naghma Husain - April 7 - 2:17 pm

  Chose this primarily for all the safety features. (We have teen drivers.) In general, great car. Problems: 1) Auto rear door gets stuck on occasion. Wont open with key or by pressing button in the back. Dealer wont do anything b/c they cant replicate since it only happens on occasion. I had several videos as evidence, but that didnt matter. 2) Useless voice recognition. 3) Navigation difficult to use. I gave up, just use my phone. 4) Screen system not intuitive, though my teens figured it out. 5) Heat controls confusing.

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  Subaru Refined - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By alivein55 - April 6 - 12:25 am

  Our 2013 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5i was a great car but the 2015 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5i is a better car in almost every category. The new 2015 model has a quieter cabin, better ride, more refined steering, slightly better fuel economy. The appointments have a modern look and feel and are well within reach. Interior material has a soft touch textures. Its a fantastic car to drive and we look forward to a long road trip.

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  Most Pleased - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By carnell - April 5 - 7:30 pm

  The two improvements that I would appreciate are; a front seat arm rest to avoid fatigue on long trips - the 10 and 2 o,clock hand positions are very tiring, and directional signal display as a flashing bar in the exterior mirrors for increased safety. Best car in my 46 years of driving.

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  Roof rack no good for touring kayaks! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Donna & Bill - April 4 - 6:23 pm

  We bought the 2010 Outback in August and planned to give our much loved 01 to our nephew. Our long trip was scheduled for early September. That gave us time to attach our Yakima system for two touring kayaks onto the new car. But after frustrating days on our own, several trips to a rack specialty shop with different choices, and a talk with a Yakima rep, we realized that Subarus new roof rack was not going to work for us. The cross bars are too close together, the rails allow no flexibility in attaching after market systems, on so on. Outdoor enthusiasts beware, this could happen to you! We put all our gear back on the 2001 and had a great trip. Our nephew had to wait for his car.

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  Excellent car, except for owners of Thule equipment - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By kingti - April 3 - 10:36 am

  Very good to excellent in all aspects, except for the integrated roof rack. The crossbars do not work with many older Thule products (bike carriers, ski racks, kayak carriers), and they do not extend beyond the width of the roof line. For those outdoor enthusiasts who need to carry multiple items, we need to attach standard Thule crossbars. However, the design of the roof limits the front to back bar distance to 25 inches. This makes for a less stable kayak carrier or rooftop box. I am told that Subaru and Yakima have an agreed upon specific adapter for Yakima crossbars. Subaru needs to do the same with Thule, given the large number of Thule enthusiasts.

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  Red Ruby Pearl - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By PSUfan - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Needed to downsize from a Nissan Pathfinder. The Outback was the best choice for great gas mileage, ample storage space, luminous rear leg room for the kids, large rear trunk space for dogs, and almost the same ground clearance (0.2" difference) as the Pathfinder, (Outer Banks beach driving). Very happy with our decision, and looked a multiple vehicles (Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai).

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  It took 9-weeks to get what I wanted and it was wo - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Richard - April 2 - 8:23 am

  First the wife and I love the way the 2016 Outback looks. We have had the car for only one week now. We test drove the 2.5 limited first around the test track, our dealership has. We got out of the 2.5 and right into a 3.6 limited, once more around the test track, what a world of difference between the two engines. My concern was merging into highway or turnpike traffic, with 4 adults and luggage. We ordered the EYE-Site package, for the extra money cant beat all the safety features. We keep our cars for at least 10 years. Before even test driving the cars, I went into the Subaru service shop and spoke with two mechanics. I asked them if they would purchase the 2016 outback, one told me he has a 2015 outback and pointed to it in the parking lot. The other mechanic, let me know that he had a 2011 outback and would have a 2016 if he could afford it. Both told me if I keep cars for 10 years, to order the 3.6 engine, if I can afford it. Took 9 weeks for our car to be built and delivered, to the dealership. After all the research we did, I feel confident our new 2016 -3.6 Tungsten Metallic Limited, will be around for the next 10 years and hopefully enjoyed every mile driven.

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  > > > BETTER THAN EXPECTED < < < - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By A Casual Observer - March 31 - 4:18 pm

  After carving my initials in 2 oak trees in a 415 HP Pontiac G8 GXP in heavy rain, my goal was to buy a "safe," comfortable vehicle with reasonable performance. The Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited was my choice. 4 months and nearly 8,000 miles later, the decision was one of the best Ive ever made. My worst fears, excessive road/wind noise and poor acceleration, were unfounded. On ramps and overtaking slower vehicles on 2-lane roads are both effortless. Road/wind noise is insignificant, even wth 2 roof-mounted bicycles. This vehicle is a gem. I foresee 200,000+ miles on my Outback over the next 8-10 years.

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  The balance I need for my family - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By jszilvagyi - March 30 - 6:23 am

  This car has offered the perfect balance of performance, comfort, fuel economy and reliability for my family. I have experienced cars that are better in one or two categories but this has been perfect for loading up my family for week long road trips as well as my daily commute.