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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  Surprising Ride - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Patrick - January 15 - 9:29 am

  I have only owned this 2016 3.6 loaded Subaru Outback a week so I might be premature in rating. What Im impressed with is the overall ride of the vehicle. Steering, suspension, quiet cabin, are all indications that the folks at Subaru have decided to make this more than just a quirky wagon. I can get it dirty but it also cleans up well. You can feel the grab of the all wheel drive system and it instills confidence for sure. I suspect this will become even more of a mainstream choice. Hard to go wrong with this all purpose car.

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  I may have been unlucky but this thing was hardly reliable - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By jamespeaut - January 13 - 5:49 pm

  Bought car used at 140k (as such this could reflect the previous owners handling of it.) Week 1: Head Gasket, Oxygen filter, timing belt, Radiator leak Week 4: New Tires, New brakes, CV Joints, Bent Axis joint, oil leak Current: Week 8: Headlight electrical system failure. Paid: 4,500 for car. Repair bill: 5000 I may have bought a bum car but Im really not impressed with the outback--Its hardly been reliable or cost effective. Even as a temporary commuter car (I bicycle for most of my work) its cost me a chunk of change. I really wish I had stuck with my old Honda CRV Cons: Gas mileage in cities loud noise from exterior Bumpy ride From what Ive experienced, unreliable

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  2005 Outback LL Bean - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sailaway3662 - January 13 - 1:33 am

  We love this car. I has excellent build quality and the boxer engine is very powerful. The AWD is great in the snow; we take it skiing and it is very sure footed. The wagon is great and we can load just about anything on it with some planning. My only complaint is that it averages 18 MPG town/freeway. If you keep it to 70 MPH or below you can average 24 MPG on the freeway. We live in Southern Cal. and often exceed that. Would definitely recommend it.

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  2.5 Outback Basic / Auto - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By JP - January 10 - 5:10 pm

  Im always hesitant when a model says "basic", however the basic outback is far from that, with so many standard features. For the price this may be may best vehicle purchase ever. The only addition to ours is Auto transmission, floor mats, and cargo tray. The gas mileage is better than advertised, so far Im getting better than 24 mpg city. The Outback rides nice and sits firmly on the road, the interior is plenty spacious and very comfortable. We live in the Rockies and spend significant time driving in snow/wet roads, so an AWD vehicle was a must...Subaru has the best! I would buy another in a minute.

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  Good - should be better - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By David - January 10 - 1:33 pm

  Came to this vehicle from 2003 base forester. 2009 forester felt too minivan and flimsy. Outback is a solid feeling vehicle, handles very well, is quiet and relaxing on the road. Exterior of 2009 model has a sharp mature look. HK stereo is a plus. Gas mileage OK... poor in city, good on freeway. Package of good high end options. At the price I paid other cars feel like plastic in comparison. If this vehicle were one foot shorter it would be fun to drive and also be a much better urban vehicle.

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  New 2007 outback - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By traci - January 10 - 7:06 am

  Ive had this car for all of 24hrs and LOVE IT! Its a basic 2007 Outback wagon with manual trans. Its only got 80 miles on it for the drive home. Drive home is a curvy road with lots of hilly areas. Handles awesome and climbs the hills like theyre not there. Bought it to replace my 2000 Legacy wagon with nearly 100,000 miles on it. I highly recommend this car!

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Anonymous - January 10 - 3:31 am

  Around 120,000 miles everything major breaks and cost BIG $$ to fix. In 4 months we have had to sink $6,000 into this car to replace the clutch, head gasket, thermostat, etc. We bought this car new in 2012 because Subarus are known to last for 200,000-300,000 miles and we intended to keep it for a while. Normal repairs and upkeep are expected but this many MAJOR repairs in such a short period of time right after it turns over 120,000 miles is NOT right. Also, 80-90% of the 124,000 miles we have put on the car are highway miles. We will N.E.V.E.R. buy another Subaru.

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  Best car weve owned - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By dbk - January 8 - 10:00 am

  First time Subaru owner and have driven about 15,000 miles since January purchase. Getting excellent 28 MPG which is about 40% freeway - 40% mountain - 20% in town. This Outback was rock solid when driving over 250 miles in a bad Calif. coastal storm last winter. Previous car would have been all over the road, especially in the mountains. We have hauled a lot of stuff in the spacious trunk. Weve owned a lot of cars but so far this is the best overall vehicle.

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  First Subaru - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Sunshine State - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Drove it down the interstate and it handled well. I was impressed with the 4 cylinder engine, once you get moving it seems effortless (Driving in Florida, so most of the driving on flat area. Somethings I would recommend: 1. Automatic Door locks should be included. 2. 2 AC vents near the radio should be placed in a different location. 3. Mud flaps should be included on limited model. 4. It would help to improve flexibility of seating if back seat could be adjusted back or forward a few inches (similar to GMC Terrains back seat). 5. Warranty on drive train should be more competitive with other car manufacturers (many are 100,000 while Subaru is 60,000).

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  Excellent car! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By VLY - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Traded 2007 Outback 2.5i for 2011 2.5i Premium with All weather/sunroof/rear view camera package and immediately saw huge improvements. Where do I start: interior room, rear seat with plenty of leg room and recliners, storages, fuel economy, better OEM tires, pivoted roof crossbars, automatic lights, standard stability/traction control, radio/speed control buttons on steering wheel, rear view camera, trip computer with separate outside temperature display, ride quality, up the hill assistance feature, central console arm rest. Excellent car!