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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Hey, I fit! - 2010 Subaru Outback
By Jeff - March 10 - 1:56 pmIm a big guy, 63, 250 lbs, and have been driving a big hurkin SUV for the last 10 years. With no need for this large of a vehicle anymore, I decided to downsize to a smaller SUV. I checked out Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Chevy and Ford. I was actually leaning towards the Honda Pilot when my wife pointed out the Subaru dealership on the way home. I told her no way! Last time I had tried to test drive a Subaru Forester back in 1999, I couldnt contort myself to squeeze into the drivers seat without smacking some part of my body on the car. Anyhow, decided to give the Outback a try. I cant believe how comfortable it was! Better than any other small SUVs I had tried. Bought it on the spot!
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Sweet Ride. - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Mood Swing - March 7 - 6:10 amWe just got it, and we already love it. It doesnt have the turbo, which I wanted, but its got plenty of power. Handles real nice, and is comfortable. We love the moon roof! It makes us feel like we are in something that costs a lot more than what we paid.
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A big surprise - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Hugh Evans - March 6 - 10:00 amKids grew up, replace the Sienna (we loved) with something for the two of us. Looked at CRV, Volvo CX70 etc. By chance dropped by Subaru dealer who didnt even have an Outback ready to drive. When we did, loved it and bought. Nothing outstanding just a wonderful interior, wonderful ride, perfect size. My wife wanted good mileage and non premium gas so we ordered the 4 cyl. My preference would have been the 6 but that was our choice. Car is in a lovely green with cream leather - get lots of stares and questions.
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a very fine car - 2005 Subaru Outback
By kmfitz - March 6 - 10:00 ama fine looking car, a fine, fun driving car. i had previously had a 2000 Outback that i was very happy with..and this car is all that and more. more power, more luxury, more toys.
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Great Car - 2011 Subaru Outback
By GES - March 2 - 10:40 amPurchased this car to replace a 2003 Forester that was still going strong with 115,000 miles. So far, the new Outback has exceed our expectations in every way. Great mileage (30-31 on Highway). Quiet ride. Handles great. Plenty of power when needed. Solid build. We love this car.
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Best Wagon on the Market - 2006 Subaru Outback
By KCDriver - February 26 - 4:30 amAfter test driving just about every wagon made and a lot of SUVs and sedans, I came to the conclusion that the Outback XT is the best all-around wagon (and perhaps car) on the market. Turbo is peppy with only slight turbo lag; the 5 speed is a must-have for anyone who enjoys driving and reduces the turbo lag a lot. Interior fit and finish is great; nothing comes close unless youre willing to pay another $10K. I havent needed the AWD yet, but trust Subarus reputation and rally experience is worth something. Unfortunately, I had a freakish power- steering pump failure at 600 mile odometer reading (high-pitched squeal from the bearing). Dealer was great fixing it quickly under warranty.
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Just disappointed - 2005 Subaru Outback
By Grant - February 19 - 10:36 pmMy first Subaru will be my last. Bought the Outback based on the Subaru reputation for being bullet proof. Far from it. Subaru must have got a bunch of bad bearings. They extended the warranty on the wheel bearings, which I replaced. The real shocker has been the clutch. Had to replace the throw-out bearing at 52k. Dealer told me to replace the flywheel and clutch plate while he was at it, or may end up paying for labor twice. $1500 later the bearing still makes a noise. Never thought Id be spending $1500 for a clutch on a Subaru with 52K and I dont ride the clutch.
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Sirius Radio missing - 2011 Subaru Outback
By Golferjak - February 13 - 10:00 amI had an 03 Outback with 140,000 miles and traded it for the new design 2011 Outback - First distance travel was to Syracuse NY through NJ and PA 390 miles each way. I use cruise control when I can and got 29.5 miles per gallon both ways. And we traveled with two bikes and luggage for a week.
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Owned it for a month. - 2017 Subaru Outback
By Jim Martin - February 11 - 3:35 amOwned it for a month. Its been great so far.
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Dont let your car die:( - 2011 Subaru Outback
By michaelborge - February 11 - 12:32 amI am really unhappy that I bought my car. I have had it four weeks and it has spent the last 3 days in the shop. One of my kids left a dome light on in the car over night and it died. The next morning I tried to jump it and it wouldnt jump. The car had stopped recognizing my keys and remote starter. I had to get it towed and reprogrammed. I dont want a car that is going to need to be towed if the battery goes dead. The gas milage is no where near thirty like it say that it can get. I average about 20 on the highway.
