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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  subaru outback wagon - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By bbou - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I just love this vehicle! It is a perfect size and handles wonderfully. It is fun to drive and very comfortable.

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  SUBARU ROOARU ROCKS - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By ROOARU - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a H-6 sedan. Black/gold but painted it to Silvertone with the black. Looks much more sportier. The sound system great, More Bass~ Drives great. Went to Florida from Wisconsin and What a drive. I was amazed in the Tennessees Mtns;where they had 15% grade steep hills and it just drove like there were no hills at all. My freinds were very impress and is getting the WRX in June.

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  My outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ralph Monge - March 28 - 1:48 am

  This is our 4th Subaru. Weve had 2 Foresters and a Legacy previously. With all the new features we feel safer that we did with the other 3 cars.

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  A car for the mountains - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Majszak - March 27 - 6:23 pm

  This car is so tight on the mountain roads that its almost a sin not go looking for bad weather to drive in. I was actually snow plowed in up to the windows and this car drove out like it was going over a speed bump. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  2016 Outback Premium with Eye Sight - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Rauf Che - March 26 - 10:04 pm

  I went for Eye Sight in lieu of Limited with leather. I still have power rear gate, heated front seats, dual climate zone, etc. as they come with the Eye Sight package for Premiums. I dont like the leather much anyways. Hot in summer, cold in winter. I love the car. The only thing I dont like is the CVT transmission. When you shift from R to D, it takes literally 2 seconds before it engages. Its not instant like a normal transmission. It can be an issue when you back up on a busy street. Check that out when you test drive. Its not as bad for me though. I think Im getting used to it.

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  2012 Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By lkarickhoff - March 24 - 6:38 am

  This cars steering was so bad, with about a 1/2 inches of play at center that I took it back to OBriens in Fort Myers FL with less than 150 miles on it. I asked if I could get my 2009 Outback back. They said there was nothing they could do. They said my 09 Outback was sold back to Subaru, and gone. I later saw that it was in there back lot. So they lied. So I traded for a Hyudai until I can figure out what I want next. I lost about 10 to 12 thousand that weekend. I have had 45 new cars.

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  Great car! very road worthy - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Joni Olson - March 20 - 9:42 pm

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  2015 Subaru Outback Review - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By js_hiker - March 19 - 7:02 pm

  Just upgraded from a 2013 to 2015 Subaru Outback. They improved its handling in snow and the electronic steering and cvt are smoother. I rated the 2015 low due to quality of the fit and finish of the body panels – especially my hood. My 2013 and other manufactures have nice consistent gaps between body panels. I even found an online video where someone was showing issues with their hood.

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  2.5i Outback LTD - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By photomel - March 16 - 4:53 pm

  Just got back from my first road trip in my new car. Enjoyed the performance and the feel of the car. There are a few things about the interior that I do not like (see below). I considered this purchase for a very long time and did a lot of research. I think it will meet my needs for a long tome to come. I am a first time Subaru owner, but based on how many people drive them here in Central Oregon I dont think I will be disappointed.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Jim - March 14 - 10:56 pm

  I bought this car for dependable commuting in all (snowy) weather. It is the most sure-footed vehicle I have ever owned. It has averaged 28 mpg or better under all conditions. Visibility is excellent. It is comfortable on long trips as well. This is a convenient and useful vehicle.