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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  First Subaru - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Stan Thompson - March 30 - 8:03 pm

  I like the combination of great looks (dark gray), good economy (23.5 mpg 70% city while driving briskly) and the comfort of the interior. Absolutely zero problems in 19,725 miles. Love the extra large moonroof and the AC copes easily with Phoenix summers. The car is everything I was expecting and more.

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  Good mileage - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By rppups - March 30 - 5:26 am

  If youre looking for an all-around utility car this may be it. Handles great in the snow/ice, rides smooth, lots of storage, good looking, and I average almost 28 mpg with 30,000 miles on the engine. The only thing I find lacking is power, but thats the trade off for the good mileage.

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  2017 Outback is best car Ive ever owned - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Jim Ashberry - March 29 - 7:52 pm

  The only pet peeve I have is that the doors do not automatically lock when shifting from Park to Drive; I have to remember to lock them by pushing a button. I also do not have navigation and the options that come with it, because it would have added $6000 to the cost. I never have liked built-in navigation, because none of the work as well as my portable Garmin with lifetime map updates. Other than that, and some squirrelly messages on the screen when Im playing USB music and have paired my phone with Bluetooth. It keeps flashing on/off with "audio device disconnected/connected." This might be because I have set my phone for calls only, not audio. I rarely use the radio; I listen to my own songs on one of two USB drives. As far as the ride goes, it is extremely comfortable once I figured out the seat adjustments. I love the wide angle of the rear camera. The rear storage area is the best Ive ever seen, and I love the key-controlled rear cargo door function! Like another review mentioned, you can easily fold down the rear seats, making it big enough to sleep in (with a suitable thin mattress or pad). Ive owned this car for less than two months, and have taken it on one 600 mile round trip, and got 28 mpg overall, even just driving locally. I understand it takes about 2000 miles for the computer to adjust the gas mileage, whatever that means. I like the option of using a "manual" shift with paddles, because I can actually accelerate better at times with it, and then just flip the gear shift lever back to automatic mode. All in all, I highly recommend this car for everyday use. I traded in a 2015 RAV4 on this car

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  Subaru AWD Sedan Limited - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Cletus - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall very nice vehicle. Interior/Exterior design and styling are great. Highly recommend

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  03 manual wagon - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By PLARVO - March 27 - 10:00 am

  A fun car, with better than quoted fuel economy ( 23-24 mpg generally) very comfortable drive.

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  Outback LTD Wagon - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By neoneo22 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Great overall. Only problem is that CD player fails to function 75% of time, have yet to replace it, however. Had an accident, and while the other car (a brand new mercury cougar) was totaled, this car didnt even have a scratch on it (no exaggeration)!! Very quiet and very comfortable.

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  Very Noisy and Missing Key Feature - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By BigAl - March 19 - 9:32 pm

  Outback has excessive win noise when travelling over 30 mph. Even though the windows and sunroof have been recycled many times, it seems like the windows are open a crack when going over 30 mph. With all the safety features, there is no option to have the doors automatically lock when the car is placed in gear or unlock when the car is in Park and ignition is turned off. A real turn off for me.

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  SAP - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By gsctht - March 16 - 10:15 pm

  Traded in our 10 Legacy that we loved for the ground clearance of the Outback, ordered June of 12 and received in July so a year now and have loved everything about it. Ride was sportier in the Legacy and it probably isnt of Audi or BMW quality..(Maybe better) We have taken several long trips very comfortably and on the Hwy can easily get the 30mpg promised avg hand calc over the last year is shy of 26 and we do in town driving. 2.5i strong enough for anyone unless you just love having the 6 cyl, live @ 4000ft and go down the hill all the time. Works great in the snow. Nav is good not great, large back up camera. Recommend to anyone, Great Value.

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  My adventure vehicle - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By James W. Chapek - March 12 - 8:11 pm

  Have not purchased due to the fact they would not give me enough for my trade in. and you did not give me the rigt price for the right car. it is a 2016 Outback with the 3.6 engine< I believe the pkg is a 27

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  Outlook not for sea kyakers - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By John Giese - March 11 - 12:16 pm

  The roof rack on the 2010 Outlook is a disaster. Long the favorite vehicle for sea kayakers you cant fit 3-4 sea kayaks on anymore. It costs a grand at Yakima Racks to get replacement and install a rack that will work. Multiple problems with factory rack and Subaru rack accessories. Hard for heater to warm feet, fan very noisy and interior controls difficult to see in the dark. Otherwise quite happy with vehicle.