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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  Love this car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By honhi96825 - November 26 - 8:00 pm

  I traded in a 1999 Forester for this car and I love it! I looked at the 2006 Foresters and found the seats to be too uncomfortable. This Outback is much more comfortable, with better features (side curtain airbags, dual A/C control) than the LL Bean Forester. The clutch and shifting is much smoother than my 1999 car. Having power in the armrest allows me to use my iPod my more than ever before (I keep the adapter plugged in all the time). Overall, Im happy with the purchase.

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  Love it! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Jack Mietus - November 26 - 6:08 pm

  We loved our Subaru Outback!

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  Smooth - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Arrow - November 26 - 8:30 am

  Researched for months searching for the best value family vehicle. Compared the typical contenders. Subaru dealer asked me to try the Outback? Why not? SOLD! $2,000 more than a Forester gets $10,000 more car. Continuously Variable Transmission is smooth, Interior is higher end, and solid driving feel drives like a luxury automobile! LOVE IT!

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  Saved Our Lives - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By DF - November 26 - 6:37 am

  In December of 2015, we leased a 2016 Outback. In eight months, from December 2015 through August 2016, we drove the car just over 19,000 miles of Idaho and Nevada roads. On a late August night, just before midnight, driving through central Idaho at at 65 miles per hour, we hit a 500 pound Elk. The Subaru was totaled. The front end was completely demolished. The total damage was in excess of $25,000.00. The passenger cabin was untouched. My wife and I walked away from the wreck with nothing other than sore muscles. Two days later, we drove out of the Subaru dealer with our newly purchased 2017 Subaru Outback. Our Subaru Outback is the best car we have ever owned.

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  Engine Blew at 107,000 - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Jody Miller - November 24 - 8:57 pm

  Car is just 3 years old, all highway driving. Followed maintenance schedule, last service for timing belt, 105,000 requested to do diagnostic testing and check engine carefully for my friend same car and year transmission went. One month later no signs or warning, when driving, dash board lights came on, pulled over and within 5 minutes the coolant poorer out, had towed and told that engine, radiator, valves, engine shot. needs a total rebuilt. Have a compliant in with Subura , told that this happen, not often, but car millage over warranty. How many people even have their car paid off by 3 years, costly repair, wish I could just get rid of the car, not great for resale either. Will see if Subrura pulls through and helps?!

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  Right sized - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By marionman1973 - November 23 - 4:12 pm

  My wife and I are the proud new owners of a 2011 Outback Limited 3.6R. We got it three weeks ago because we were expecting. Baby boy was born last week. We came down to two choices: The Ford Explorer and the Outback. After several test drives in each my wife picked the one I was hoping for. The Explorer was a little to big and while the My Ford touch interface is cool all I could see was something that would break in a year. We live in a city so while you want a good size vehicle you have to be aware that it can be a problem when looking for a place to park and when you trying to get through traffic. It has significantly more room than the other crossovers. Very Happy so far.

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  mbg - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By mbg - November 22 - 10:00 am

  excellent car, fun to drive, powerful and stylish

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  Subaru Outback, 2.5i Manual - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By David - November 14 - 7:53 pm

  Purchased this Subaru after taking a look at VW Passat as well as other small SUVs and wagons. The Subaru had the best ride, best fuel economy, except for hybrids, and good looks too.

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  Great wagon! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Lou - November 14 - 3:00 pm

  This is our first Subaru and Im happy we made the purchase. The turbo + AWD makes this a fun and spirited ride, particularly on wet on-ramps and on gravel roads. The leather seats are firm and comfortable for long trips, and the height off the road gives a good view to the surrounding traffic. The Subaru extended warranty was quite reasonable - as it should have been since the 3 yr/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty is inferior to most other manufacturers in this space. The handling is responsive, particularly when you realize how long and heavy this wagon is. The car is quiet -- both in the city and at highway speeds -- despite the large, open cabin. Fuel economy is reasonable, but low.

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  Great car! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ryan - November 14 - 5:23 am

  So, I have had this Subie for a while now. I think its a great car! The 4 inch raise is welcome(you still dont have to worry about rolling like you do with SUVs). Now this car is no speed demon (dont mistake this for a WRX!), but it has plenty of get up and go. I went up a 16% incline with very sharp turns and had fun doing it going 40 (In manual mode of coarse :) ). This thing is going to stay on the road. One thing that surprised me, was the very nice sized gas tank(18.5 gallons). I fill up 1/2 as much now! If you live in a hilly area, be careful, I live in Oregon, So its very hilly and the hills can eat gas up quick! I guess that will be for ANY car though!