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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  Good Value - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Bob - November 14 - 3:13 am

  I have driven the car 2000 miles. I find that the engine is disturbingly noisy above 2500 rpm. The rear hatch does not have a latch that you can undo before you lift it. Takes quite a hefty pull to open it. If by chance the hatch is locked when you pull, your fingertips are going to feel the pain. At highway speeds the car has a tendency to oversteer. The analog speedometer measures from 0-150 mph and it does not belong in the Outback. 0- 110 mph would be more suitable

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  Wonderful as expected - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By ESmith813 - November 10 - 7:03 pm

  Though I have not owned this car very long, my mother drives a 2000 Outback Wagon that I fell in love with. The extras on the Limited model are very fun and feel solid. The 5-speed manual is smooth, but cruising at 65MPH just a little over 3000 RPMs is higher than my mothers auto. The AWD is amazing. I have never been stuck in any snow or ice. This past winter it climbed a rather steep icy brick hill with ease. A recent road trip put 1500 miles on it without a single grip from the car. I averaged 25MPG with a heavy load. I wish I was able to find an H6 model - the power is only adequate, but I prefer the manual transmission that isnt offered with the 6-cylinder anyway.

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  Nothing beats it for features and value - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By DickB - November 6 - 7:43 pm

  I am 66" and I fit extremely well in the Outback. It is roomy inside, and it can haul a ton of stuff inside with the second row of seats (easily) folded. The roof racks are great; I like the way they fold away when not in use. The visibility is outstanding. I take it on long trips to our vacation home in Maine and it is a pleasure to drive. Great gas mileage as well! Price shop this against the Volvo wagon or the Audi Allroad for cost and features, and you will find that the Outback is a greater value for your money.

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  Head Gasket Issues - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Ann Capshaw - November 3 - 10:27 am

  Had to get head gaskets machines at 75,000 miles and it was downhill maintenance wise from there. We were lucky that we had the warranty to 100,000 miles but we used it so much for other things that were breaking that we decided to get rid of the car before the warranty expired. The dealership was awesome in always checking to make sure repairs were covered under warranty too. The cloth interior showed wear and stains quite rapidly which was disappointing considering we are the perfect people they market the car to (outdoorsy family with kids and dogs). Spacious interior was nice. Sadly I’m off Subies until they can resolve the head gasket - my brother in law experienced the same on his ‘09 Forester and unfortunately it was past his warranty. Just can’t take the chance.

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  good first time Subaru experience - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By SFBayDriver - November 3 - 5:26 am

  We were shopping for a Venza, Camry and ended up buying an 2010 Outback. This dealer was selling both brands and we test drove and liked the Outback. It feels heavier, stronger and more solid. We got it for 26k about 1k less than newspaper ad. This is our first Subaru, actually my first time driving a Subaru. I got to say it is pretty impressive and worth considering if you are shopping for a wagon.

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  Very happy - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Kristian Coyne - November 1 - 7:03 pm

  I have had my OBXT for about 4 weeks and have put about 1300 miles on it. I am completely happy with it! The engine pulls like crazy and it loves the snow. The ride is very comfortable. The handling is very good, although I find the rear a little under damped when pushing through bumpy corners. Gas mileage has been about 23mpg (manually calculated--not from the display) so far in mixed driving and I expect it to climb once the engine is fully broken in. The power is fantastic even when over 10,000 feet above sea level because of the turbo. I am looking forward to some light duty off-roading this summer. This is the perfect "Colorado sports car"!

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  Best of Both Worlds! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By alittlebitofbs - October 25 - 2:00 am

  After 4,500 miles I am truly impressed. Unlike my 2002 CR-V our Limited is a full-sized, luxury car which is smooth and quiet on the road. While the CVT took some getting used to, the great mpg (25.5 city & 33 highway) is a wonderful surprise! It feels more like a wagon than an SUV. So far none of the problems reported by 2010 owners. Cant wait to go to Mammoth soon and try out the awd!

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  Pricing mistake by Subaru - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Securone - October 25 - 12:36 am

  When you look at Subarus I feel it immediately becomes apparent they have the Outback underpriced especially compared to the Forester. Outback is a much more substantial vehicle from every perspective compared to the Forester, especially when comparing the MPG being higher for the Outback. Forester appears to be priced right in comparison to its peers CR-V and RAV4. The Outback a great value compared to its peers highlander, Pilot etc. Grab an Outlander before Subuaru wakes up.

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  Great Fun - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By MWiener2 - October 23 - 5:13 am

  I love my XT. Handles itself well off-road as well. Highway driving at 60mph will get you almost 28 mpg. The stock RE92A tires are ok in the summer, but really poor in snow and wet.

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  Subaru takes a step up. - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Docaloha - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Subaru fan for about 15 years, but felt it was always underpowered. The new H6 solves the problem nicely. The car is very smooth, and glides through traffic. My wife has a new Subaru Legacy sedan, and whenever she or my daugther take my car, they always remark on how much better my Outback handles, and how smooth it is. While it lacks some of the luxury features of the next class up, pricewise, it does have the best of them including heated seats, great stereo, very comfortable wheel, and auto climate control.