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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  Nice car but... - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By hutch7 - May 10 - 3:13 am

  We rented this car in Oregon for a week and drove it over 700 miles. A lot of mountains and curves, muddy back roads. I found it to be a little too underpowered on hills, very "shifty". Liked the "Sport" mode in the auto tranny. Base engine doesnt hack it. Useless arm rest just like my 97 Outback.

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  An outstanding vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By reinman2 - May 3 - 5:47 am

  I have owned quite a few cars in my 45 years of driving and this is one of the best. It doesnt have the element of luxury my BMWs and Mercedes have had in the past but it is far and away the most trouble free and reliable cars ever. I have had it in storage since I bought it and used it briefly in 2010 driving from West Coast to the east but through, snow, ice and tornados and incredible winds it was effortless. A quality automobile and although I love driving Beemers I hate taking them to the shop which is a constant. Subaru does it right and the 2010 redesign was an excellent example of fine engineering, while not the fastest definitely the safest and most reliable I have owned.

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  Lots of extras - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Dick Cheney - April 21 - 1:17 am

  Combination of tech, audio, comfort and safety features makes this a great car for the price.

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  Will replace next year - too many issues - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By mike743 - March 28 - 10:23 pm

  There are two issues with the vehicle that really take away from the enjoyment of driving the car and make me regret purchasing it in the first place. The first issue is that the Harmon/Kardon "upgraded" audio system presents a noticeable hiss when doing certain functions with the audio/nav unit. When I am programming my nav unit each time I press a button I hear a hiss that gets louder, than softer. Same with when I am talking to someone using the bluetooth phone. Each time the person talks a noticeable hiss gets a bit louder than goes quiet again. The other issue is a very noticeable "clunk" noise when releasing the brake pedal when at a complete stop. Makes the care feel cheap.

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  Love my Outback - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Beth Martensen - March 28 - 7:20 pm

  Nicest car I have owned yet. Very happy with my purchase. This is my second Subaru and I am looking forward to the many adventures it will take me too. I had my Subaru Forester for nine years and it never left me stranded. It also held its value and I sold it for over Kelly Blue Book even with 209,000 miles. I plan to keep my Outback for at least 9 to 10 years. I love owning a Subaru, it is perfect for the outdoor lifestyle we enjoy.

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  Subaru is Better Than The Ratings - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Hg Wells - March 22 - 4:40 am

  I tend to think that Subaru owners are tougher evaluators than some others. So many Subaru owners love their cars and buy them again. This summer, I talked to a lady who is on her 7th Subaru and has said that they have (literally) saved her life. My VDC (a rarer model) has surprised me with its off-road performance. I have had more traditional 4WD vehicles before. I expected it to be good on any road, not as good as it is off-road. Higher ground clearance in the 2005s helps. The VDV (Vehicle Dynamic Control) traction control rarely kicks in, but when it does (only off-road so far), it does very well. I have always liked Subarus engineering. Like it better than my ratings.

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  Hidden Cost - Replace tires in pairs - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Tired of run around - March 13 - 6:43 pm

  Per the Service Manager at Dallas Subaru, tires must be replaced in pairs, either the two front or the two rear, at the same time. My 2005 Outback wagon has 25,000 miles on it and pulls so hard to the right, its hard to keep it on the road. I have one off-brand tire and the dealer requires that I replace it and the other rear tire with matching major brand tires before they will even put the car on the rack to check the alignment. He says that every time one tire goes out, two must be replaced so they will have identical wear. Otherwise, warranty on the car does not apply and the car will not handle properly. I think this is an unreasonable expense and hidden cost.

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  2007 Legacy Outback 2.5 w/ 125K - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Karl B - March 12 - 4:24 am

  Have 2007 legacy Outback purchased as used lease car. Once over 100K had timing belt (expected), head gaskets, both front axles due to ripped boots. I going to learn how to replace just the boots next time. Had Cat converter replaced. CEL stated all 4 cyl misfiring. Turned out to be EGR valve.Could have replaced it myself for half of what dealer charged. Then CEL showed 2 cyl misfiring; wires and coil. Also LR wheel bearing. Hoping this is it for a while. Like winter traction. Dont see any benefit from 17 in wheels. Get rid of that light switch on the steering column. Accidently turns on when resetting trip odometer and lites on kills battery if you dont catch it. Needs more room under wheel well for snow tires. Cannot get better than 27 mpg;ave is 23. Plastic cover under engine needs to fastened better. Mine ripped off after just 3 winters of driving.

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  DFW WINNER! OUTBACK HANDELS TEXAS LIKE A PRO - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Lonestar Driver - March 12 - 4:03 am

  I researched this and other cars before buying my Outback 2.5i Limited in July, and its curious to me if I have the same car as the reviewers. Ive read much about the lackluster acceleration of the 4cyl engine and the quirkiness of the CV transmission. I simply dont experience the negatives described. Yes, the engine is not a rocket by any stretch but it more than gets the job done. Dallas drivers are typically heavy on the throttle and theres no lack of stop-n-go traffic, yet when I need to move the car takes the command in stride and it responds. The so-called, jerkiness of the CVT and sensitivity of the braking, is a mystery. Ive had this car on the open road and in heavy DFW traffic and the shifts are as smooth and effortless as Ive ever experienced. The reviews of this combination just dont add up to my experience. This car is quiet, very comfortable and well mannered. Interior materials are excellent. I will agree the clock placement and size need improvement. The A/C is excellent and quickly cools the interior from the Texas heat.

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  2006 Subaru Outback not a hardy 4WD - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By aurora - March 5 - 7:03 pm

  Three big disappointments: 1. it is promoted as a 4 WD with high clearance. So you would think you could take it on a mountain road. Although it has high clearance there is no "low gear" so it doesnt have the umpf to make it up a steep hill (I do not mean extreme steep just a somewhat steep hill -- like to a trailhead). 2. I have owned this car for 3 years and I have had to replace two rear wheel bearings. A mechanic told me that when Subaru redesigned the Outback the rear wheel bearings werent of the quality as the previous design. 3. We had absolutely no steering control on a powder snowy road last winter & crashed 5mph. Ive never experienced anything like that in previous cars.