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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  Steeriing problem at highway speeds - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By ouchback - March 14 - 8:22 pm

  Are you in the market to buy a new Outback? If you are then dont act until you have read about the steering wandering at highway speeds. Go to subaruoutbackdotorg and do a search on wandering. There are lots of posts about this problem. We just bought a new 2012 (1800 miles now) and our car wanders at highway speed (50_ MPH). You have to constantly make corrections to keep the car on track. Very tiring after a while and dangerous at times. I would not have bought this car if I had known about this problem. I hope Subaru does a recall and fix this issue.

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  AWD is necessary - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By sidekick - March 13 - 10:00 am

  There is always something to improve on the car and I am never satisfied with what carmakers have to offer. But being an experienced driver, the one thing is most important - AWD. So, the choice is instantly limited. And Outback is a really multipurpose AWD - 3.0 engine gives enough acceleration power, but you can still use it on bumpy streets and even off road.

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  The good, bad and ugly - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By farmboy97 - March 7 - 10:49 pm

  Subaru has great idea with AWD feature and high ground clearance. Gas mileage is good and sound system is great. Nice interior and appointments. The car has heavy steering and some wandering adds to fatigue after traveling long distances. The car uses excessive amounts of oil between oil changes. Dealership dismissed my complaint. Told me, "they all use a little oil". Found out recently, there is a law suit pending regarding the issue. May not purchase another Subaru due to this issue.

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  Great so far - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By cptplt - March 7 - 1:56 pm

  This replaced a 98 Legacy wagon and is an incredible improvement especially the interior. I have the PZEV version and had read that people were having engine problems in cold weather but the recent few subzero spells have been no problem at all. The 4 cylinder 2.5 is more than adequate but if you want real umph get the turbo or 6cyl. This has more power than my 98 Legacy yet it still gets better mileage!

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  Happy so far - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ash - March 6 - 11:26 pm

  Excellent power to weight ratio, comfortable and luxurious interior (as good as a luxury make). The leather is a bit tougher than previous limited models (a good thing since it will last longer). Bluetooth and media hub work effortlessly and upgraded stereo is nice. 5 speed transmission is smooth, much better than the 4 speeds. Heated seats are nice. The all wheel drive is top of its class and the ride is comfortable (though not as engaged as you would experience in an impreza, etc). Sheet metal feels a bit thin and cheaper when compared to the German competition.

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  Lovin Ruby Subie - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bmccarter - March 3 - 9:00 pm

  Bought Ruby January 3, 2011 after 3-month search. Considered Santa Fe, Sorento, Mazda CX-7, Rav-4, CR-V. Liked the lower profile vs. the taller SUV types, yet has good visibility and elevated driving position. Was worried 2.5 might not be peppy enough, but its fine, especially for fiancee, who loves the car. I Like the CVT just fine, although I drove the 6-cyl too and really liked that engine. With gas heading back up it just made more sense to get the 2.5. Of all the cars I drove Ruby had the best balance. That is, shes comfortable, looks good, practical, has great storage, should be reliable, gets great gas mileage for a car in this class, has good technology and build quality.

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  Great car, and Im spoiled - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By msurles1 - March 3 - 4:15 am

  My last 3 cars have been Lexus sedans, so Im spoiled. But when it came time for a new car, I wanted more sane payments, and a car more suited to my new home where we get some snow and ice in the winter. I have to say I am thoroughly satisfied with my new 2013 Outback Limited. Its adequately comfortable, smooth, quiet, and solid, and has enough amenities so that I dont miss my Lexus (OK, I do, but not the payments or poor performance in snow). I got the 4, but get the 6 cylinder if you want the full luxury SUV feel.

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  2002 Positive Review - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By brookhollow - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Have enjoyed comfort, reliability, carrying capacity, overall appearance, and features included on this model. Comfort control temperature better than regular temperature controls, but a bit noisey at the start up. Have noticed not as smooth a transition through gears going uphill as a friends Honda Accord EX (also V-6). Like the Outback a lot--this is my second one!

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  Best Subaru Yet - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Greg B. - February 27 - 12:14 am

  This is our 7th Subaru. We bought our first in 1982 and they just keep getting better. Would highly recommend these cars to anyone. Wish Subaru could hold the line on pricing though. They go up in price every year while my paycheck does not.

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  Nice car wrapped around stinky infotainment - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ken - February 26 - 10:53 pm

  Nowadays, the infotainment system is a key part of the car. Ive got the latest generation (2016 Outback - Limited) system. It reeks of promise and delivers none. In fact, IT IS A ROAD HAZARD. Fiddling with the phone and the infotainment system will definitely cause frustration and I predict accidents. You can see glimmers of hardware capability. For instance, the AM radio has dynamic IF bandwidth control. (If the signal is good, the audio bandwidth opens up and sound much better.) But then alas, the software overcompensates for ruining the experience. For instance:L 1. Bluetooth gets confused and does not properly function. 2. The "tone control is bass, mid and treble" (should have been a full equalizer) 3. The APPS are trite and not updated. There are only 6 of them. 4. Mirrorlink offered promise, but their offerings miss the mark. Certainly not lastly, a phone screen CANNOT be cast onto the infotainment screen. I complained to the President of Subaru. He pushed it off on to a lower management person, who, (accolades to him) called me on the phone to resolve the issues. After our discussion, he said the radio software would not achieve the things we discussed for 2 years. He explained that new apps would be released April 15, 2016. None did. Id really like my money back. So, if you are looking for a car and infotainment is important. Shop elsewhere for the next 2 years. (Id give it three, based on the tardiness of releasing simple apps.)