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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  vOOM IN MY sUBARU - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By grace osborne - June 7 - 11:33 am

  TEMPERATURE LIGHT AND RATTLE IN REAR AXLE

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  So far, so good, except 4 airbag sensor - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Gene R. - June 5 - 8:16 am

  We purchased an 08 Outback 2.5i. The car feels solid, drives well, and is adequate in interior comfort. The cars engine power is adequate, but not impressive. We enjoy the handling of the car the most, but havent tested it in snow/ice conditions yet. Weve been averaging around 26-27 mpg hwy, which is impressive considering the full time AWD. A knock against the car is that weve had an issue with the passenger side airbag sensor. It turns on and off intermittently. We were told its a safety design issue for small children. My wife is approx 54" 110 pounds and doesnt always set off the sensor. We find this odd, and are researching the issue further.

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  Best Subie Ever - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Old Boy from Boston - June 4 - 10:00 am

  My fourth Subie, also had Audi A4 and Pathfinder. This is probably the best car on Americas roads. Fast, high, safe, great handling, much improved interior and exterior. Cruises down the highway, a delight on twisty hills, superb moderate off-road. Monotone is very sharp looking, a stealth Subie with much of the over badgeing gone. Unconfusing controls. Girlfriend loves the dual climate controls. Awesome sunroof. New 5speed auto transmission is much smoother. The six flies. Very safe feeling. Best car out there.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Baroness - June 4 - 10:00 am

  After spending 5 years researching a replacement car--this was our number 1 choice. The car is outstanding in almost every respect. It is at once: a family wagon; a fun sports car; and a great small SUV. All at a fair price-- for the money it is the most car you can buy in this category.

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  Not a bad little car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Jim C / NJ - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my first non GM car. I like it a lot. I still cant get comfortable in the front seat (Im 6) and the gas mileage isnt as advertised (20-22 combined). There are great touches though but coming from a large SUV - theres things I miss. As for WIND noise - I took off the roof crossbars and it went away. Only minor problems so far. Ill write after more miles are on it but for the price it was a good deal. Cant wait to try AWD in the snow.

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  3.6R Outback, Not what you think of Subaru - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Carl - May 28 - 8:42 am

  I purchased this vehicle out of state because there were NONE locally to purchase or even drive. I saved a lot even with transporting the vehicle. My wife needed the Eyesight features. The Eyesight technology is Amazing. Not gimmicks but useful feature that improves driver safety and makes long trips more pleasant. The 6 cylinder engine is strong, quiet and smooth. I have never owned a AWD vehicle before and this car is more sure-footed than my pickup truck. Even on slippery muddy roads with hills, the car never loses traction and requires no special input from the driver. Subaru has the AWD down to a science. The only thing I dislike is the front seats are not large enough for someone 6 or over on long trips. A longer thigh cushion would fix things.

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  The Wanderer - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By wil12345 - May 26 - 6:39 am

  This car would be perfect if it would only track down the road. This is our 6th Subaru and all the previous Outbacks drove fine. We have had it aligned 3 times, the rack and pinion has been adjusted, but the steering wheel will not return to center when traveling on the highway. Because of this, the car needs constant correction to drive in a straight line. We only have 2700 miles on it and if this problem cant be resolved, this car will be gone and it will be our last Subaru.

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  NV driver - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By NV driver - May 22 - 5:10 pm

  Outstanding car. The AWD, weight balance, and handling ability in snow make it second to none. I feel safe and confident driving in inclement weather. Car now has 56,000 miles and has been completely trouble free, except for paint during first year. Noticed checking, took to dealer where purchased, was told it was road damage. After nearly a year of hassle, had Subaru DM approve complete repaint of car, no problems since. Check paint carefully! Other disappointment was OnStar changed hardware and so no lonegr works. I plan soon to trade this car for sedan (no longer have need of wagon), will likely be Subaru Legacy; great value for price, and the reliability and performance have me sold.

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  Our First Subaru! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By GT - May 21 - 7:19 am

  Well, after one month and 1,100 miles on our 2017 Outback 3.6R Touring, I cant say enough great things about this wagon (I know some think its an SUV, but its not). No regrets moving from the American Blue Oval (Ford) to the Japanese Blue Oval (our car was made in Lafayette, IN, incidentally - I think all U.S. market Subarus are; I could be wrong). Ford just didnt have what I liked or needed this time around (a Fusion (my previous car) wagon would have gotten my attention if they made one - I liked my 07 Fusion a lot), so for the last year, weve been doing the on-line research and always came back to the Outback 3.6R as the prime choice. At the Chicago Auto Show, we got to test drive one for the first time. We also test drove something we hadnt considered previously and that was the Kia Sorento which is more crossover than wagon, but it had us thinking. In the end, it was the Outback itself as well as Subaru dealers (and the one we bought from in particular) over the Kia dealers that sold us (we didnt get much meaningful response from the Kia dealers (on the phone or internet) - maybe they didnt take us seriously; at least not until after wed had our Outback for a few weeks!). So anyway, the Outback has been a dream to drive! After less than a week of ownership, we needed to make a 250 mile round trip trek through northern Illinois with a good mix of country road and interstate driving. On the interstate, I got to experience the adaptive cruise control - a gem of a feature in that the car adapts to the distance of the car in front of you; very handy when you get cut off by a slow-poke - no need to hit the brake, the car slows down for you. And when slow-poke moves over out of your way, the Outback smoothly moves back up to your preset speed (or to a safe distance from the next car in front of you). The other feature I experienced with great joy was the blind spot indicators - wow, this is great! On the interstate, it always seems like theres a car driving in my blind spot! Now I dont have to take my eyes off the road ahead to know theres a car invisible to me on my left or right. Out in the country, the Outback is in its element; not that weve tested it much yet, but we did have some soft, mushy areas to drive through that would have been a challenge to a vehicle without AWD and the ground clearance of the Outback. Other things Ive come to appreciate over the last month with the Outback is the CVT - Continuously Variable Transmission. I know its been around on several cars for years, but its new to me - and I actually prefer it to the step shifting of the traditional 6 speed I had in my Fusion. Ive read lots of car enthusiasts opinions who wont go near a CVT (favoring a manual transmission), but I think for me (and a lot of people like me) its a welcome change - though I do have to watch our for speeding since I dont have that step sensation through the gears on a rather powerful 3.6 liter six! Which brings me to another primary reason for going with the six; towing capacity through, potentially, mountains. Havent tried it yet, but I just couldnt see winding up the 2.5 liter four with 1 1/2 tons of stuff through the Rockies. I know Im not alone on that assessment either, having read concurring remarks in professional reviews. I have no fears whatsoever with the six. Its a powerful and peppy power plant! The ride of the Outback is smooth and comfortable. The suspension smooths out some of the worst washboards I drive on better than any car Ive had before. And because we opted for the Touring sub-model, comfort is better than anything Ive owned before (this is the first car Ive had with heated leather seats (though my wife had them in a Buick LeSabre Limited more than a dozen years ago) AND a heated steering wheel!). Im still learning all the electronics - right now Im happy with just figuring out the radio and how to play my iPod Nano (3rd gen). I was a tiny bit disappointed that my Nano doesnt play well through the iPod function (which displays the information from your iPod on the infotainment screen); it will play a couple songs and then blank out; Ive read where this has been happening to many people with even newer iPod equipment than my 10 year-old Nano. So all I do is run it through the Aux function and things are as good as in my previous cars - except for the sound system which is a spectacular Harmon-Kardon layout! I LOVE the sound! The navigation system is super spectacular for me, having come from a 4" screen on a Garmin pasted to the windshield. Its a nice big, 7" display that is very intuitive. Well, I was going to write more, but I guess theres a character limit. Suffice it to say, I love our New Subaru Outback!

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  Liked 97 much better - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Kiko - May 20 - 9:40 am

  Very disappointed with the fuel economy - 16mpg in winter, 19 in summer. Climate controls are confusing, impossible to get fresh, cool air into cabin w/o A/C. Continue to have issues with noise and vibration in front drivetrain. Dealer has not been able to correct after vehicle being in shop over two weeks. Should have stuck with the old reliable.