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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  Lots of rattles&whistles - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By HMR - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This 2001 LL Bean is my 2nd subaru. However, I probably wont buy another due to all the rattles and wind noise in my Bean. This after barely 11,000 miles. These are body integrity noises which are proving nearly impossible to find. My 1992 Miata is quiter than this rattletrap. If you put ear plugs on the car drives fine, has plenty of power, and looks (imho) great. It excells on the road until you get a side wind or pass a large truck, then it sounds like waxed paper on a pocket comb. These cars are sold by GM dealers in Texas and they dont much care about customer satisfaction. Like Ricky Nelson, I think Id rather drive a truck.

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  HAD I ONLY KNOWN - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By GEORGE MEYER - September 7 - 6:33 am

  Great looking car. Interiors the best. However, car has no punch, many blind spots and overly sensitive key transmitter. Brakes could be stronger. Had I known before what I know now, I probably would have purchased the 2.5XT turbo, or the VW Passat 1.8 Wagon. Am waiting three months for the re-engineered pollen/dust cabin filter. Informed it will be at least 90 days longer. Gas mileage is sub-par. Hopefully after more miles this will increase. Seats need to be redesigned as they are not comfortable on long trips.

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  Replacement for 2001 L.L. Bean - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Old Soldier - September 6 - 6:03 pm

  Many improvements over the 2001 L.L. Bean we drove for 160,000 miles. Has more than adequate power on the road. Find traveling to be very comfortable.

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  2017 2.5i Outback - Terrible Car! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By BobbyR - September 5 - 11:36 pm

  I purchased this car in September 2016 and totally regret not looking at other cars before purchasing. This car only has 175hp and it is severely lacking in a car this size/weight (and forget it if you have it loaded up!). To compound it Subaru uses a CVT transmission which again is very lacking. Subaru gets great gas mileage because of it but for performance of any kind, look elsewhere (Im surprised their logo isnt a snail). It takes forever to accelerate to freeway speeds and forget about "speeding" up or trying to get ahead of the next guy because this car has ZERO performance for even routine acceleration/maneuvers. Fit and finish is acceptable and while I have the leather seating for some reason there is an issue with the driver seat - it kills my lower back no matter how the seat is adjusted (Im of average height/weight) and it is thought the heated seat elements might be to blame. Bought a cushion and that helps but now my head hits the ceiling, so not much of a great improvement. The following deficiencies are pretty petty, but they are issues. 1) door locks are fresh from 1970. Not programmable in any manner and you either drive with the door locked by manually locking them or they stay unlocked which is most of the time. Personally I think this is a huge safety issue. Also the passenger side door lock button is not illuminated at night (the window switch is), and so it is that much harder to lock the doors in the dark with black buttons. 2) the child lockout button works great except it also locks out the driver! When activated, no switch, not even the driver switches work - on other cars the driver switches still work, so this is really frustrating as well. 3) you cant globally turn on the interior lights using any interior switch. If you want all the lights on in the car, you have to open a door! Again this is very frustrating when you have kids and you need the lights on. 4) Now that its winter I notice that the interior windows fog up constantly (and I live in a very dry climate), so you have to leave the defroster on all the time and I think the climate system doesnt work right, but wont really know until the summer time for complete testing. 5) For a car that is as electronically advanced as this one with the EyeSight and keyless entry youd think that it would have auto start. Nope! Not even an option which is just crazy for a car in 2017. 6) The Subaru Starlink touch screen and "apps" are very confusing and very convoluted. Ive had other cars with similar issues, but the Subaru takes the cake in touchscreen madness. The other safety issue I have with this car is that it wont stay put in its lane. It has a lane assist feature in which you can make it automatically stay in the lane but it is clunky and makes you look like you are driving drunk if you actually use it. When it is off, the car drifts constantly and you need to keep turning the wheel to stay in the lane. I believe it is an issue with the lane assist and EyeSight system, but Subaru will never admit it. This car has many annoyance reminder/alarms, especially if you have the EysSight system. You constantly get lane departure warnings, and on curves the accident avoidance warning goes off if it sees another car in a different lane and the lane assist alarm goes off telling you to put your hands on the wheel when they are already there. Over all for the cost of this car and the feature set, you could do much better with a different manufacturer. As soon as I can Im getting rid of this car because honestly any car with all wheel drive is just as superior and what was once Subarus niche, pretty much everyone else does now anyway - without the annoyance factor. Id totally pass on this car and if you can, take it for a LONG test drive before you buy and test all this stuff out because Im totally sorry I didnt!

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  One Great Decision - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Tim - September 1 - 10:50 pm

  We had a 2002 Xterra that had reached the end of its life. We were tired of terrible fuel economy and a growing family demanded a more reliable and safer vehicle. Subaru has always been on our "radar" but after driving my parents 2010 Outback we were sold. This vehicle is amazing! There really isnt anything wrong with it. It has better ground clearance than most so called SUVs, better fuel economy, reliability and amazing safety ratings. I used to be a die hard solid rear axle SUV fan but those days are done. Its great driving home with a vehicle in 8 inches of snow, heated seats on of course, passing "SUVs" who have spun out! A great purchase, especially at 2.9% APR!

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  So happy with my OB! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By New to CO - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Wanted AWD or 4WD with fuel economy, didnt leave many options. Looked at CR-V, RAV4, Escape, Crosstour, Venza, Highlander, Forester, and Outback. Settled on 2011 Outback with CVT and all-weather package. Enjoying the Colorado summer, but now Ill be ready for winter!

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  Wubaru Wagon 2002 - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By haji - August 29 - 10:00 am

  The car is very rattle prone. Dealer fixed 4 rattles with resistance. Wind and outside noise is uncomfortable. Car handles well in snow. Poor break angle prevents it from doing any serious off road. Premium sound system just doesnt sound right - sounds kind of hollow.

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  Seven Years in - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Subie Man - August 27 - 2:13 pm

  Purchased new, now have 77K on it. I love Subarus, and this one has its highs and one low. Snow and wet conditions cannot stop this car. I have tried to lose traction (all season radial tires, not snow rated) and cant. Love the reliability except for the head gasket that needed replacing - the car was past warranty (uh-oh), yet Subaru covered it (phew). No other repair issues, brakes are still fine, even. 20/27 MPG, even with Thule box on top.

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  Good for snow, but thirsty and noisy - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Raj - August 27 - 12:50 am

  This is a fairly spacious little wagon that works well for our family of four and dog. The car shines in the snow, which weve had plenty of the last two winters. The reliability has not been so impressive - frozen calipers, broken primary pulley - and the clutch is pitifully heavy. The engine is torquey but thirsty - lots of sub-20 mpg tanks around town this winter. During the summer, I dream of selling the thing, but its effectiveness in the snow keeps it in the family (for now).

• 

  Great car, but . . . - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By arw608 - August 25 - 11:38 pm

  So many things to like: handles exceptionally well despite its size; near zero-degree turning radius; plenty of power for a smaller engine with a CVT; lots of cargo space; huge improvements in fit and finish; the list goes on and on. But none of that matters because the front seats, and in particular, the drivers seat with power lumbar support, is the WORST seat in my entire experience with motor vehicles. Its a torture device, particularly for a smaller person. Zeroed out, the lumbar support still feels like a football at the base of my spine. I took a 20-minute test drive and I assumed I would find a comfortable position if/when I bought the car. Not even close.