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:

• 

  Our dream car! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By G B - May 20 - 6:35 am

  Its not HUGE.. feels like it though. Dont buy a Subaru if you must have fancy electronics or luxury. Its bare necessities just enough to make it a 2016 vehicle. Safety, reliability and value is why we got this. AWD, road control, off-road capability enhances the value from just being a commute car. I personally prefer Gen 4 design, but Subaru made the Gen 5 more polished and refined looking. We have had it only for 3-4 weeks but already took it to the mountains once.

• 

  Great Vehicle... - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Annie - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Love the car... VDCs seem to have a little trouble with the brackets on the muffler...

• 

  Not as good as I had hoped for. - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By sknaffl4 - May 14 - 12:29 am

  This Outback is my first Subaru, and sadly, it will probably be my last. I had high expectations for this car considering the excellent reviews from prior models, but now that Ive got 40,000 miles on it, Im not impressed. It burns 1 quart of oil every 1000-1200 miles, which Subaru says is normal. There is a constant vibration at hwy speeds that is NOT tire related. There are large gaps in the body panels, and the hatch doesnt even line up...indicating poor build quality. The seat is already starting to deform, and Im not a big person. There is a constant rattle on deceleration, and the stock stereo speakers are probably the worst Ive ever seen.

• 

  Highly recommended - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By ES of MD - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Very very pleased! Quietest ever. I love the CVT transmission and the paddle wheel shifters on the steering wheel for holding me back down the mountains w/o wearing out the brakes. I got the tan cloth interior with a gold exterior on the premium model then had the dealer send it to a leather shop to convert to tan leather for about $1200. Getting 30.5 mpg avg so far. Have put 18,000 mi on it already. The media hub and stereo on the premium is super. Love the safety ratings and the all-wx option. My 85 year old parents love to ride in it. I use a thin cushion on the seats to mitigate bottom firmness and headrest pitch discomfort. I really like this car and also own Explorer and Saab.

• 

  Best of the Best - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Adam - May 7 - 7:26 pm

  Wow! Drove it 347 miles non stop from dealer driveway to my driveway, virtually all @ 70 or 75 MPH and averaged 28.2 MPG and still had more than a quarter of a tank left. A little more than five hours: the seat was great; no fatigue, great support. Vehicle is quiet, tight and fun to drive. The 3.6R is a great engine.

• 

  2011 Outback Noise Problem - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By muldrid - May 2 - 12:48 am

  Heres the 2011 Subaru Outback with the noise that car buyers are complaining about. Loud inside the car and out. Occurs in park, neutral and drive. Starts at about 1100 RPM. Dealers will tell you this is normal. THIS IS A NEW CAR....two weeks old....this is not normal and Subaru should repair / recall this car to fix this problem. View and listen to this defect at youtube.com and look up user mudridx. See and listen to the subaru_outback.mov for yourself. Visit the Subaru forums and read the many complaints about the Outback "chirping". Google "Outback chirping" and read for yourself. It is not acceptable that Subaru is not addressing this problem.

• 

  Perfect choice - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By John - April 30 - 5:26 am

  I decided to trade in my gas guzzling truck for a smaller car with better gas milage. This was a great choice. The AWD handling is new to me and if I dont be careful it WILL get me in trouble. Base model engine has little pick up but runs great once rolling, but I expected this and accept it. It has climbed some fairly mean off road trails and only had a slight overheat, with no problems later. I love my "new" Ru!

• 

  A lot of research leads to the Subaru - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By New England Driver - April 29 - 6:20 am

  Having moved up to New England from DC two years ago, I wanted a car that was better suited to getting caught on the Mass. Pike in a snow storm or getting out of the drive way for a snack run without out first snowblowing on a Saturday morning. Safety was also critical. The 2006 bettered the side safety so now its an IIHS best pick for front and side. Reliability was also key and consumers reports shows a good history. I also wanted fairly good mileage (coming from a Civic Hybrid) and usable backseat room for my gigantic Marathon car seat (this and the reliability concerns left over from our 02 VW Passat ruled out the Audi A4 even with the good lease deal). This car simply had it all.

• 

  Quality ride for family of five - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Drewski - April 26 - 10:00 am

  We have 26,000 miles on our Outback. When we purchased the vehicle, we did not plan on having our third child. We now fit 3 children (2 car seats in the back) and a dog in the car for many trips. The car could be a little bigger, but no other car/van we have driven equals the smooth and secure driving experience delivered by the Outback. We use the car extensivly to take 55 mile trips to the local ski areas and have used it for a 12-hour trip to visit relatives. A car-top carrier is a must for anyone with a family! Local city driving is a breeze as the car maneuvers easily during parallel parking. The interior has a quality feel.

• 

  Very Impressed - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By "Subie-Wan" - April 25 - 8:46 am

  When my dealer invited me to drive the 2010 Outback, I was so impressed I had to have one. Their CVT puts all the others I have driven to shame.The interior design and comfort is a step up. I am a long-time Subaru owner and this new Outback just reinforces my beliefs. Its a solid "10" across the board for me. Bring on a diesel.