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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  Great car until it hit 100k miles - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By bartemaeus - November 28 - 11:00 am

  Up until the 100k mark, the car was flawless. But after that it went downhill. The transmission leaked and cost $2k to fix, the belt broke at least twice, belt pulleys had to be replaced twice, and the A/C compressor died. That was the final straw and we traded it in. I had hoped I would get a few more thousand miles out of the car. It was still a great car to drive, smooth on the highway, and never got stuck in snow.

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  My 3rd Subaru, with more to come! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By urabus - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Im more into function, than form. This car is the best Ive owned. AWD is great ALL the time, not just in snow. Safety rating is comparable to Volvo, for thousands less. My wife drives our 96 O/B with 130k...still as good as it was when we bought it 6 years ago. I cant imagine driving anything else.

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  Enjoyable drive - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By arnab1 - October 13 - 10:06 pm

  Got my first Subaru (Outback 2.5i Premium). Decided it over CX-7 and CR- V. Took a test drive and we (my wife and I) really loved it. Bought the next day. Ride is really smooth. Gas, hmm, getting about 25 mpg in city traffic. Loved the compass on the mirror. Less noisy than the last model. Overall its a sport SUV with a sedan like handling.

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  Great car - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Pere - October 13 - 1:30 am

  I have it for 2 months and very happy. Great feeling in S-sharp mode, only using Intelligent mode in city driving. Manual transmission is great (forget about automatic if you like to drive). I love the interior design and the HK sound system. Cant wait to drive it on snow but I drove it in very heavy rain and the feeling of stability is awesome. Best performance and better mileage than the Volvo XC70 at a more affordable price.

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  Life is good in the fast lane - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Outback lover - October 9 - 11:56 pm

  I told the sales guy I need a family car that will satisfy this middle age mans need for speed and style. This car is amazing - if I could custom design a car from the ground up, it wouldnt be much different than the Outback. The European manufacturers arent my style. This car is very styling without flaunting it. Sound system is decent.

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  Pretty Nice - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By shaposky - October 4 - 4:00 pm

  I like my new Outback 2.5i. The only problems I have had with it so far is a malfunctioning airbag system and mediocre (but EPA accurate) gas mileage (Im getting between 23 and 24 mpg in mixed driving). I did average 31 mpg on a recent road trip to New York, though, which was impressive. People dont buy an Outback for its sportiness, but a little of that would have been nice. The cargo area is extremely useful.

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  Reliabiity, Quality, Value, and AWD - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By smallblock - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car because of its value. We knew it would be used in the snow and rain in the winter months and we were looking for a car that was AWD or 4 wheel drive, but it also had to be reliable. However, we didnt need or want a full SUV with a high price tag, insurance, and gasoline bills. We also wanted the ride of a car and not a truck. Moreover, our garage is built for three cars, not one car and an SUV. The Subaru just seemed to fit all of our needs from the weekly trips to COSTCO, to the weekends in Lake Tahoe we are extremely pleased with the Subaru and plan to keep it at least another 15 years.

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  Beware high altitude driving - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By denver5357 - September 14 - 8:16 pm

  Bought our 2.5i wagon a month ago. Good value for the money but I have stumbled upon an existing problem which is apparently being kept quiet. We live in Colorado, and our brand new Subaru starts slowly in cold temps and barely started when we have gone into the mountains (9000+ feet of altitude). This seems to be a common problem around here, though I havent read of it anywhere. The programming parameters for the cars electronics somehow dont properly take into account the effect of altitude. Mountain owners (say the dealer) have trouble starting Outbacks all the time. Called Subaru of America and was assigned a case number. This should have been fixed years ago. New battery had no effect.

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  Subaru 2 - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By John Juray - September 2 - 12:16 am

  Great car, glad I went with the 6. Handles well, no real issues other than cost. All safety features should be standard!

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  1st Subaru, last Subaru w/ the bells & whistles - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Nikki - September 1 - 7:19 am

  Replacing a mid-size sedan for something with utility for an active lifestyle. Enter the new 2016 Subaru Outback. With limited inventory, selection was few so I settled on a 2.5 Limited model with every bell and whistle including all of the aftermarket options. Hindsight, 16k miles later, I should have opted for the 3.6 without the bells and whistles. The key-less/proximity entry/ start is a pain in the ass in that I have no way to hide this giant remote while I surf or scuba dive which impacts doing anything with the water; the standard key would have been far more functional for me. I am finding the rear auto opener isnt so great when I have something extra long and sticks out. Regarding the Navigation system, it is crap. It is a Tom-tom and even in Southern California, there are places/cities that arent even in the database. Google/Yahoo maps on your phone is far more reliable. And that takes me to the voice activation. It rarely recognizes anything I say unlike iPhones Suri. As far as mechanical, I have been very pleased though I wish breaking wasnt so soft or the engine were the 3.6 so it had some immediately available acceleration for passing and hills. But all and all, it has not been a lemon outside of the navigation system, crossing fingers. Again, just go for the base models.