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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  WOW! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By raybenz - August 4 - 5:03 am

  I love this car! This is my second subaru, first being a 95 legacy wagon. There is no comparison. See some whining about the headlights low beam... Put on your glasses or use your high beams to spot those deer... Sheesh! Those are high intensity beams folks... Highway Mileage has been higher than the 25 advertised (IF you use the cruise control!) Lots of pep and fine fit and finish. And the moonroof... Awesome! Having spent 24 hours in this car during evacuation for Hurricane Ivan, while no Large SUV, this care was comfortable and maneuverable in tight traffic.

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  oil consumption - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By zoltan1469 - August 2 - 3:01 pm

  we purchased our first new car, very exciting.. First year burned through oil, a lot of oil! dealer said this was normal, we werent checking properly, might have a problem. did oil consumption test, obviously a problem 1 quart every 700 miles. Subaru talerance is 1/3 quart every 1000? Subaru replaced the rings, and still theres a problem. weve now reached 26K miles. No new fixes. we were advised to carry a quart of oil with us. "I dont think so!" If the 2014 is the same as the 2013 you are making a mistake purchasing this car. If they tell you its normal.. Its Not.. Let Subaru admit and fix this "alleged" issue first, then this will be a great car.

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  Wanting to Love My Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By alyonsd - July 27 - 7:06 pm

  I did a lot of research and test drove many cars before settling on the Outback. I liked the reputation Subaru had and the smoothness of the ride was very important for me with some medical issues. The Forester was a little too rough. I took great care of it but brakes went at 30K. Trunk cover/shade broke at 60K despite being gentle and not used much. Headgasket went at 90K. Catalytic converter went at 106K. Im done now with Subaru, as much as I want to believe in them. I spoke with my mechanic about them and he said his experience is that they are either great for you and last, or you end up with one thats not up to par.Im in the later. Sadly, I think this is my last Subaru.

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  LL Bean Outback - A Great Car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By LLBeanFan - July 26 - 7:30 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2001 and loved it from the moment I test drove it. Our family has owned Subarus since 1980, and this one is by far the most comfortable and is an absolute pleasure to drive. Before owning this car, I always felt Subarus were underpowered. The 3.0 litre engine in the LL Bean ended that complaint completely. It is so smooth you will be amazed you are driving a Subaru - very little engine noise and ample power. The car is very smooth and quiet. The seats are supportive although slightly stiff for very long trips. My only minor complaints are the flimsy 2nd cup holder and the awkward dual moonroof.

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  Disappointed - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By SS - July 23 - 1:16 am

  I purchased this car two months ago. The navigation did not work the first time I tried to use it. The dealer replaced it under warranty. The engine noise is unbearable especially when it is a cold start. It sounds like a garbage truck. Accelaration is awful. I am getting 20 mpg average which is very disappointing. The fact that the gas fill cap is on the right caused me to scrap the the side of my car on a low planter at a gas station. I never had this issue when in my previous car which had the gas fill cap on the left. I truly cannot wait to get rid of this car. After doing further research, I found a lot of consumers are complaining about the engine noise issue in other online forums. What I do not understand is how this car is getting very positive rating on Edmunds and other mainstream car review websites. Here is my honest opinion for anyone who is thinking about buying or leasing this car: Go somewhere else. DONT BUY THIS CAR.

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  Dont Buy a Subaru! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By leodog1 - July 13 - 2:31 am

  Car has more blind spots than Hellen Keller! A death trap on wheels. Minor dent in rear finder costs $2K to repair! Gimmic rear view camera -- doesnt help backing at all. Grossly overpriced. Stay away from Subaru at all costs!!!!! Rattles like my Grandmother! Expect it to come apart at any minute. 5 months old and 2 recalls already. Replaced the new sunroof already! No free oil changes! God, what a mistake I made buying this thing! Never again!

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  A great vehicle but a hacker is needed to improve - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By alton briggs - July 8 - 10:14 pm

  Whenever the car is started the display immediately shows the "lawyer screen" dealing with safety. That is a fixed feature which cannot be changed. OK, I reluctantlyunderstand the manufacturers defensive choice there, and the screen disappears in a few seconds. A regrettable fact but acceptable. Its what happens next that is really dumb, and arrogant, forcing presentation of a screen which many drivers would not want. That screen is for audio. It is not the menu screen. The menu screen logically should be presented immediately after the "lawyer" screen because it allows touch selection of screens which more likely would be of interest than the audio screen. OK, Ill admit that this complaint is subjective and the problem is not major, and Ill reiterate that the vehicle otherwise is great. But why would Subaru designers do such an unnecessarily dumb thing?

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  wouldnt buy another - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By steve - July 3 - 11:43 pm

  Lights burn out. Transmission slips.

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  Great Wagon - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By RangerRon7 - July 3 - 9:16 pm

  This vehicle has been great! The AWD has proven itself in two major snowstorms that we have had here in the Midwest. Its a very quiet, comfortable cruiser with excellent handling (especially compared to any SUV). The cargo space is huge. This vehicle is NOT going to snap your head back with its performance, but acceleration is adequate in day-to-day driving situations. Im definitely glad we bought this vehicle.

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  Very Happy - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By merlwein - June 30 - 8:20 pm

  Once owning it I finally opened it up and this car is great. Has great take off with a nice highway feel. The automatic sport transmission is really fun when you want to feel the pull. Handles very nice around turns with great precision. I have the heated seats and windshield which I cant wait to use this winter.