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:

• 

  Repeat buyer - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By John Kocialski - October 19 - 8:44 am

  Nothing... Just buy it...... Great

• 

  Happy owner so far - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By LV - October 19 - 6:29 am

  Acceleration feels a little sluggish, but it is enough, if you press the pedal like you mean it. The car is very comfortable and fun to drive because of the great handling. Fuel economy is excellent for the size of the car. I dont like the exterior look too much, especially the roof rack rails, but thats not a surprise. Interior is great. One (small) disappointment is that the USB charging ports delivers very little current, probably under 1A, which is too little for the latest smartphones.

• 

  OK but I expect more - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By jasn - October 16 - 8:30 am

  I purchased this after owning a Acura, Honda & Toyota - comparatively, the performance responsiveness is lacking in the Outback & it guzzles premium gas. Brakes and AC had to be replaced already & the much-vaunted AWD doesnt seem to make much difference on the snow covered roads of Canada - still slip & slide all over. I would definitely not buy another... back to Honda or Toyota for me.

• 

  Solid, Fun to Drive - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ringer - October 16 - 3:10 am

  I picked up the new Outback during an intense Northern Ohio blizzard!! It was love at first drive. Handles great with the AWD; Solid feel; Very roomy back seat for kids, plus plenty of cargo space. I get lots of positive comments on the Outback from friends, as well as strangers! CVT took some getting-used-to, but like the salesman said, "it just goes!" Not a rocket by any means, but it seems to help on fuel. Mileage has been pretty good at around 26 mpg in the city.

• 

  Wont buy another! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Snubby - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new Subaru Outback Model 2004, While a very pretty car to look at, I am disapointed with many features. It is impossible to not have the car jerk when stopping or starting from a dead stop. The seats (and I put in Leather...paid extra) Are the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in. They are causing problems with my back and hips....big time....my wife is also experiencing the same. You have to be an acrobat just to step in and out of the car...you just can step in like any other normal car..I have to twist and turn and do the hokey pokey just to enter the darn thing. Its only a couple of months old but I plan to trade it in ASAP.

• 

  Why Buy A SUV, When U Can Own an Outback - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By MKS - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I know why this is Car of Year in Japan. This thing is awesome. FAST, Lexus quality interior, virtually noise free. This is my second Subaru, the first was a 2002 WRX. I sold the WRX to get more room, and does this car have room. The trunk space is huge in comparison to other midsize wagons. The power is more than adequate for a car this size. I am very happy that I bought this car. But after watching Lance win the Tour De France with a Subaru following him, really solidified my choice. LIVESTRONG!

• 

  My wife loves it - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Desert Mountain Biker - October 10 - 12:32 am

  This is our second Outback. My wife hated the passenger seat in the 2006 and wasnt too fond of the hard seat on the driver side either. Fortunately, the 2016 has enough driver side adjustments that she can find a very comfortable driving position. The passenger side was still an issue so we didnt buy until I found a cushion in one of the upper level catalogs that relieved that problem. It has a support matrix and memory foam and it boost her up a bit since which is ok since she is 54". If the passenger seat had the same adjustments as the drivers seat, we could have bought the car sooner. She loves the radio and the great visibility and the backup camera and warning system. I really like the adaptive cruise control. It is great for both local driving and for the freeway. Average gas mileage approaches an honest 24mpg and we have gotten 26 +mpg on long trips. The navigation system is nothing special, confusing at best. The phone and Garmin type navigation is greatly superior. I wish we didnt have to have the moonroof - mostly useless in a desert climate - in order to get Eyesight. Based on more than a dozen fillups, the indicated fuel economy is 5.5% too high. Not bad but not correct either. I wish the seats were a bit longer but my wife would not have liked that. Fortunately, the seat adjustments make long distance driving comfortable. The back seat is also amazingly comfortable and roomy especially in comparison to the 2006. My wife has stopped driving our other car and is now a great fan of Subaru.

• 

  L.L Bean - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By nauman mark - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth Subaru that I have owned. The L.L Bean wagon is very luxurious,comfortable, and it has a lot of speed. The ride is smooth and compares to the ride of a Lexus or Acura without the heavy sticker price.The people at the Dean team were very courteous and made this an enjoyable car buying experience. The car has a lot of curb appeal and the recently tinted windows really add to the rich look of this car.

• 

  Great Great Great - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By jhalm - October 3 - 10:31 am

  This is my second Subaru, had a 2015 Legacy which is very similar inside. Originally wanted the Outback but they were all out of stock and needed something quick. The build quality on these cars is outstanding. Quiet comfortable interior with lots of leg room for all you taller folks. The acceleration with the 4 cylinder isnt rocket like, but it gets the job done. If you are going to tow anything substantial, get the 6 cyl. Either way, these cars are build to last.

• 

  Safest Vehicle on the Road - Bar None. - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - September 28 - 5:23 pm

  Subaru has dominated rally racing for decades and it shows. Their full-time symmetrical VTD AWD system, and their electronic stability control are STILL vastly superior to the nearly useless "slip and HOPE to grip" modified FWD systems found on the pretenders. We drove EVERY AWD NHTSA top safety pick vehicle under $40K. I forced my wife to try emergency steering maneuvers at 65 mph. The Hyundai santa Fe, and Honda Pilot were scary ,even the Acura RDX could not match the Outbacks "go where you point it" highway stability. Having now driven the Outback on a lot of snowy, icy it has dramatically exceeded my already high expectations.