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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  Formula 1 Station Wagon?!? - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By DukeTrout - February 4 - 3:06 pm

  My wife and I tested three models of the Outback: 2.5i in manual and automatic and the 2.5 turbo in automatic. I was pretty impressed with the performance of all three, but the acceleration didnt match my 250 hp Dodge sedan. We ended up buying the 2.5 Turbo with a manual. Surprise! This car accelerates like crazy. It pushes you to shift and keep up with the turbo. On top of the fun factor, the interior and exterior are built to perfection. The design is amazing, from the big items like the beefy, high-riding suspension to the tiny details, like grocery-bag hooks that will lock closed with plastic bag straps in place so that you dont spill your Chinese take-out all over the cargo tray.

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  The Best as long as its an H6 - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By rberkhei - February 2 - 6:13 pm

  Subaru has long been the go-to for reliability and dependability for those who know of it. Perhaps these vehicles are the best kept secret or perhaps Im the only one who needs a car monday-friday and a capable awd vehicle with ground clearance which can hold two kayaks and go anywhere in all weather conditions on the weekends. Set aside its diversity, these vehicles are incredibly safe and undoubtedly reliable. Add in heated leather seats, dual sunroof, premium sound, de-icing wiper blades, the torque of the 6-cyl engine coupled with the handling and some all weather mats, this granny wagon is capable of anything and loves a rough stretch of road! 220k miles and counting.

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  2007 Outback Ltd - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By nornet - January 30 - 3:06 pm

  An enjoyable vehicle that needs a few refinements to make it a very good car.

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  I love my Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By SMILLW - January 29 - 6:13 am

  This can is great for all situations. I drive in the city, and have taken it on the highway too. Its ride is smooth and the handling is great. The best test of this car is winter weather and it handles like a dream. That AWD really works.

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  Subaru is passing the competition up! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Greg Candor - January 27 - 4:50 am

  The only thing I would have wanted would have been ,back up alarm sensors, but I know others would also like to have entertainment system even though I think kids need to look out the window and see the world and nature . Ok now getting back to more goodies Im sure people would want is a 120 volt outlet and more USB ports front and rear . These cars have come along way and you must drive one for yourself .

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  2016 Outback, not my mothers stationwagon. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Joanne Charles - January 24 - 1:58 pm

  Navigation voice control does not work. Navigation maps are not detailed enough. Once an address has been entered to the system, there appears there is not a second screen showing turn by turn directions. To complete the technology this vehicle offers, it could use both front and rear beepers. The cross traffic sensors are good but do not pick up stationary objects and there is no warning in the front, especially for parking or close encounters. Hopefully this SUV will offer a reverse automatic stop and 360degree cameras by the time my leases runs out. Besides the navigation, this is a great vehicle for the money. Especially impressed with eyesight and all the technology that came with a single reasonable package. The V6 motor is strong and both quiet and smooth. I have no regrets replacing my leased 2013 RX350 with this SUV and I especially like the savings.

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  Love my car - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Jeannie - January 20 - 1:50 pm

  Love the gas mileage. Love the comfort. Knees and back dont hurt when I drive or ride in the car.

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  Impressed - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Pilotdad - January 19 - 12:26 am

  We were looking for an AWD/4WD vehicle to replace our rear wheel drive sedan. We have driven several Hondas over the years and were considering the Crosstour. We really wanted to like it but just didnt. It was comfortable, but didnt handle well and didnt have a lot of power even though it had a V6. Hey, if Im going to give up the gas mileage for the bigger engine, I want some guts in return! We also tried the Venza but were unimpressed. Then we drove the OB. Wow, it was great. Handled well, plenty of zip, nice fit and finish, comfortable, and roomy. Great visibility. High reliability by consumer groups. I can see why Subie owners are so loyal now that I own one! Consider it.

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  Loud Car - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Joe - January 17 - 4:30 pm

  Car is very LOUD at first start-up (cold after sitting overnight). Called Subaru about this. Said this is normal for 2.5i PZEV vehicle? I mean LOUD. It does quiet down after it warms up. When I went for test drive the car had been warmed up by dealer. Same thing when I went to pick-up car from dealer after purchase. I think that they were trying to hide this from me. I was told that only 2 valves are working at a cold start in order to heat up the catalytic converter faster to achieve the partial zero emission vehicle claim? Sounds like a class action suit in the making for premature engine wear in about 2 or 3 years. I would not have bought this car had I known this.

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  Lemon Law Quality - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By unhappy with subaru - January 16 - 10:00 am

  TERRIBLE car! HUGE mistake! From day 1, I had nothing but problems with my Outback. White smoke constantly poured from the exhaust, it stalled while driving(this is an auto trans-not a manual!), & countless other mechanical problems. In 3 mos it was at the dealership for repairs 6 times. Subaru claimed there were no problems with it, but they did replace several items to repair the problems they said did not exist. EXTREMELY overpriced compact car, TERRIBLE mpg, SMALL interior. Subarus Customer Service was deplorable. They didnt care to solve any of the problems I had with the car. I now have a 2002 Chevy Tahoe Z71 that I LOVE!