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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  2016 Outback Issues.... - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Mike - February 25 - 9:15 am

  I purchased my 2016 Subaru Outback in September of 2015. After about 5 months a strange noise started to occur from the back of the car for which I thought was the muffler. The noise was intermittent so the dealership could not diagnose the problem but told me to premium gas, fuel additive as it could be engine pinging. Finally they did hear the noise and stated it was very loud evaporator pump for which they were going to replace. After picking up the car, they had changed out the evaporator valve assembly and added extra insulation. The noise is still ongoing and the noise has waken my baby up from a sleep, made people come outside from their camping trailers where fans were on to heat, but again I am too sensitive and am hearing this. To this point there has been no resolve, and now run the risk of loosing thousands of dollars if I have to get rid of the car. I have reached out to Subaru America with minimal help outside of listening and still no resolve or true assistance. The local dealership is trying all they can but are at the point looking to National Subaru to help diagnose or provide guidance which appears to be lacking. People like the look of the car and the features for which I agreed with but tell them my issues and they have moved onto look at other cars.

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  Repeat purchase made perfect sense - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Repeat Buyer - February 24 - 1:10 am

  We love this car. Size, ride, features, quality, performance, and price/value are all outstanding. If you live in an area or have a lifestyle that warrants AWD then a Subaru is all you need and more. ENJOY!

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  Not friendly enough for elder - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By PISC - February 23 - 8:13 am

  I like to see the 2011 Subaru outback to add power tailgate option. So, my grandpa can buy it since he like it very much. But he will not buy it because he has no strength to close the hatch back without others help.

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  2nd Review - 25,000 mile update - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By David - February 22 - 6:36 am

  After driving my 2010 outback for 25,000 miles, I can honestly say this is a terrific car. Seats are comfortable, visibility is good, suspension is excellent on the often pot hole ridden roads I drive without being overly soft. The CVT tranny is awesome. My driving is mostly highway and suburban, not a lot of stop and go city driving or traffic jams. I average 30 mpg. Acceleration wont blow you away, but it is entirely adequate and the CVTs smooth power transmission moves the car just fine up to highway speeds. Cant forget Subarus AWD system. Driving it in winter weather was amazing. Up the mountain in a snow storm - piece of cake. Build quality is excellent, no issues so far.

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  Love my Subie - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Connij - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I decided it was time to get a new SUV so researched new vehicles via the internet and the new car review edition of Consumer Reports. Most important to me were reliability, safety, good MPG, AWD, etc. Narrowed my choices (small SUV) to Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tuscon, Subaru Forester. Went to Subaru dealer and test drove 2010 Foresters. They were just okay but not exactly sold. Saw a 2011 Outback and saw the MPG (lower than the Forester.) Test drove the Outback. It was perfect! Traded in 01 Honda CRV, 133,000 miles (never gave me any trouble.) Ten years since I bought a new car so I was thrilled with latest technology.

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  2017 Subaru Outback 2.5 Limited - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Corey Olson - February 17 - 2:24 pm

  Love this car! Best value on the market!!!

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  All around good - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By preacherman - February 11 - 6:00 pm

  The Limited offers all the extras and the standard 4cyld is more than adequate for average usage. Good snow and ice traction keeps you going through all 4 season. A good highway car if you dont need lots of extra space. Drives more like a car costing much more and the build quality is outstanding. Drove this car cross country MA to CA and averaged over 28mpg. With a small trailer from CA to MI the average was almost 21mpg. Speeds were up to 75mph on both trips. Take it easy and get 30+mpg.

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  Subaru Outback - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By eddybauer1 - February 9 - 9:03 am

  I rented a 2005 Outback last week, check engine light came on, dash rattled on rough snow covered roads, flashed Err 55 where trip miles should be and for a long time, the cruise control light flashed, plastic around gear selector is easily scratched, cramped seating for 6 foot tall people, especially on long trips, it is too narrow up front, and your legs get tired easily. Seats are too firm. I did like the heated seat option, and the AWD. Steering and handling were good, stereo was average. It does have a very refined transmission and engine, it shifts smooth, and the auto stick is fun. Build quality is average.

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  Great vehicle - needs more room - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Hiker - February 8 - 11:50 pm

  I like my 2001 LL Bean edition very much. I could do w/o all the extras but I did not like the four cylinder. I do not miss my old, bouncy, poor riding/handling, gas guzzling SUV. However, at 6-02 in height, I could use one to two more inches of legroom and a telescoping steering wheel.

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  Great Car - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By ldtjsa - February 5 - 2:36 am

  I really enjoy the handling and the way the car feels when driving it. With two kids in car seats and two adults up front it feels small inside. But I went from a Ford Excursion to this car. The gas mileage combined city highway and driving it hard is ~23 mpg; if you drive it nice, it is like ~27mpg, all highway you can get around 30mpg. The backseat just needs to have more room.