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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  Am impressed with the 2.5i - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By dhs1204 - November 19 - 10:33 pm

  I bought the Outback 2.5i after an accident in the snow (hit and run) that left my Prius on the side while I was going 5 mph. I was looking for an AWD wagon for under 30k that could fit my family of three and two mid size dogs. Requirements were simple: I had to be able to sit behind myself, and there needed to be enough headroom so that my head did not hit the roof. Wants were good radio, quiet highway ride, fuel economy and performance. The needs narrowed it down to a few cars, most of which had too high of a center of gravity. Only the outback and forester made the initial cut. I chose the outback limited because it felt like it was designed to be upscale. 2.5i to keep it under 30k

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  Finally bought the Outback - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Dog629 - November 18 - 11:50 am

  Very pleased with my purchase, and happy I opted to go for the extras on the SE model. I find the engine to be quite capable and powerful for both city and highway driving. The car feels well grounded and handles well. Nicely designed inside and out, it returns quite a bang for the buck in regards to all the features, in my opinion.

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  My First Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Norman - November 17 - 1:16 am

  8 months ago, I researched & test drove all the new SUVs listing around $20,000 for my girlfriend. We finally settled on a Forester (2002). It was love at first site for her, and we both still love that car. When it came time for me to trade in my 4WD pickup, I looked at all the 2005s again, but this time I fell in love with the updated Outback. I test drove four different models, and didnt care much for the turbo-charged 2.5i engine (trans shift was funny). I ended up with a 2005 3.0 R LL Bean addition. Black monotone exterior with taupe leather inside. It looks way more classy than a Subaru is supposed to. Could have bought ANYTHING & NEVER considered Subaru before, now I really LOVE IT!

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  Love my car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By becs - November 10 - 8:33 am

  This is my third Subaru. I love it. It handles like a dream. I have a 140 miles round trip commute everyday so I went for the automatic this time. Makes a big difference when stuck in traffic. I get fantastic mileage. 30 on the highway and around 26 about town. Its my favorite car Ive owned so far - even got my favorite color this time - green. The interior is comfortable (leather) and easy to clean. And Ive got a 10yr old boy so Ive cleaned that back sit a number of times - grin. The safety features are great. I do have to agree with another reviewer that the headrests are a bit in the way of the rear view sometimes, but Ive learned to adjust how I look back now. I love this car!

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  Outback rattles! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Outback rattles! - November 9 - 7:00 pm

  This car has way too many rattles, ticks and squeaks. Its driving me crazy and this is unacceptable for such a new car. The rattles started one week after my purchase. Ive been a big fan of Subaru for years but not sure Id buy another one after this experience. If youre thinking of buying one, definitely rent one for a couple days first. A new car should be quiet for the first few years. The car looks good but kind of too small for a family. Black leather interior is hot hot hot in the summer months. The huge sunroof is cool. The fat leather wrapped wheel feels nice in the hands.

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  Best family car ever - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By rkymtnhi - November 7 - 5:32 pm

  We now have about 13,200 miles on our Outback. Mostly been used for toting the kids to school, events and all the other household chores. We took it on a trip from Colorado to Minnesota over the holidays. First opportunity to drive on icy and snowy roads. The car is great in these conditions. Regarding MPGs. We average 28-32 in normal highway and byway roads. On the highway to MN with a fully loaded car, we dropped to 24-25 MPG with a fully loaded car going mostly about 75MPH. On the way back, I added a Thule 1600 Ascent for extra cargo space and dropped about 1-2 MPG more. There was a lot of wind in Iowa and Nebraska so its hard to tell how bad the damage was from the cargo carrier.

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  First Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ohio - November 6 - 3:56 am

  Best features for the money, seriously considered a VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI, however felt too small inside. If the Subaru had a diesel available it would have been much easier. In our first 3,300 miles averaging 27/28 mpg everyday driving and 31/32 mpg on the highway at 70 mph. These are actual numbers, not those on the dash computer which seems to run 1 1/2 mpg high. The more I drive it the more value for the money I feel we bought. Replaced an Audi A6 Quartto with 197k miles. AWD is the only way to go, not only for winter driving but also in heavy rain and even on dry surfaces. The CVT trans is super quiet, only at hard acceleration is it noticed. The paddle shifters are great.

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  Word of Warning - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By John Q Public - November 5 - 11:46 pm

  While I was initially excited about the purchase after test driving a well running car, my "dealer locate" vehicle arrived with what is commonly known as "stutter" under boost. The two dealers I have taken the car to both acknowledged the car does not run correctly, but they dont know how to fix it since it is most likely a computer issue. The dealership has "reflashes" for different turbo models and it will fix the problem on some cars but not all and it often returns. Subaru customer service has been no help, not even offering try replacing the computer on a $32k car with 6k mi. I am going to lemon law it.

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  Best Outbak Yet! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Dobes Rule! - November 2 - 3:00 am

  This car is great! I have owned 15 cars is the last 12 years. Including 7 Subarus. This new Outback is so similar to the Tribeca in terms of ride quality, feel, etc. that now Subaru is going to have to upgrade that vehicle to maintain its flagship status. Awesome ride quality. Great fit & finish. Love the CVT transmission. Stock stereo sound quality is the best Subaru has had yet. My in-laws liked the car well enough that they went & purchased one too. Now it looks like my parents will be trading in their Outback for this updated version. Great car Subaru! Keep up the good work!

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  H6 LL bean outback review - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By FunkyAlien13 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent perfromer, The AWD is nice in the wintertime along with the heated mirrors, wipers, and seats. Put together very nicely with no big gaps in the paneling as you might see in a Ford or GM. The 80 watt sound system is excellent, and there is lots of cargo room, Subaru should have traded some of that for some more rear leg room though, bcause when the seats fold down there is lots of room anyways. The dual moonroofs are neat at night.