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:

• 

  Great Car - But easy fixes overlooked - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Craig - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first Subaru after trading in my 01 GTI 1.8T. Still getting use to sitting up high, but happy to be in a car with AWD and some very nice features like Bluetooth and the rear view camera. While I miss the sporty VW, the Outback handles much better than a Grand Cherokee. Paddle shifters great for snowy conditions. Upgraded to the HK stereo but the $400 media hub can not access IPOD play lists and requires you to scroll through artists in alpha. order. The exterior/interior look great but wish there wasnt such a gap between the body and the wheels. The while good interior Subaru over looked some very easy upgrades, like automatic locks and four one-touch window buttons.

• 

  won out over audi a4 - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By subby boy - March 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife actually chose this car over the A4 avant wagon, with the conditions in Utah, the clearance, reliability, room, and features were a much better fit, of course it cost less as well

• 

  Good but Not Exciting - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By christy - February 28 - 1:36 am

  It is a decent car. It performs very well in snow -- better than our 4x4 rig. It is, well, just boring. But it is good.

• 

  A reliable cold-country vehicle - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Ed - February 25 - 8:30 pm

  This is my second Outback. Sold first one, a 2000, in 07 with 175 thousand miles bought this. Very reliable, as was the 2000. The driver power seats been improved, (2000 was poor) altho still could offer more positioning. Standard 2.5 has a little more power, which is nice and it still gets about the same mileage. Cars heavy on safety, which appeals to some. Wish theyd concentrate more on performance and mileage. That said its not bad in the latter two. I think safety issues are better addressed more by skillful driving. They eliminated the weather radio band which I think was a mistake, I used it a lot.

• 

  Roper Review - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By maroper - February 23 - 10:00 am

  We have had this vehicle for 30 months and it has never given us any trouble. I love to drive it. Has great pick up. You have to watch it or you find you are going faster than you realize. Had a problem with the speed sensor at 38,000 miles but the Power train warranty covered the total amount of repair. This has been a very dependable vehicle so far. Gets about 23 mpg. Would definitely buy it again.

• 

  AWD is Overrated. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Alex - February 7 - 3:56 am

  Really liked it at first, but after two years, Im happy to be getting rid of it. I bought it for the cargo space and AWD. Lots of space, very nice driving position, and comfortable front seats. However, it absolutely stinks in the snow (so much for AWD - had to buy snow tires anyway), the back seat is cramped for a car this big, it is SO underpowered, and it eats gas. Also, some interior elements are really shoddy and scratch easily (what is with the cargo cover?), and very large bumper overhang makes it almost impossible to parallel park. Lastly, after 30k miles, distinctive burning rubber smell started coming through the heat vents. Dealer could never figure out what was wrong.

• 

  good suv alternative - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By adhong - February 5 - 10:00 am

  handles great thanks to awd...does everything you would need an suv for with more comfort. ive had mine for about 4 months, and ive been really happy with it so far. service and sales have been great.

• 

  Some Good and Bad - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jason Meissner - January 30 - 4:30 am

  This is my first Subaru; some of the main reasons for my purchase were the size, versatility, and AWD system. It offers a very rugged look with a solid, safe ride, great sound system and auto climate control. I never thought I would find myself behind the wheel of a wagon, however the style inside and out makes your think twice. So far it has been dependable, but Subarus customer service has been least favorite on my list thus far. This car is very solid in winter weather, the best I have ever driven. Gas mileage has been horrific, ~23 mpg on mostly open road. I have read other reviews here, and Subaru boasts of increased gas mileage...this is definitely not my experience.

• 

  Finally, a 6 cylinder! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Auzzieboy10 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Just got my Outback 6 Cyl. Wagon two weeks ago and so far I really love this car. Had a Sedan 20 years ago and really liked it, but I needed a SUV and wasnt going to settle for a 4 cyl. Found out the Outback had a 6 cyl. on Friday and bought it on Saturday:) However, at 212hp is only adequate in my opinion, but good handling and braking make up for continued lack of power.

• 

  Fix the front passed passenger seat - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Gary Hill - January 15 - 11:10 pm

  Overall we are happy with the car so far except for the height of the front passenger seat. My wife stated if she had known this she would not have bought the car.