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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  Under powered / poor engineering - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Richard Feeman - January 22 - 10:55 am

  The engine is woefully underpowered and can barely get up the hill where I live. I usually have the get the engine to 4,000 rpm to maintain a speed of 25 mph going up a 10 to 15 degree slope. The engine sounds like it is about to fly apart going up my hill. The CVT transmission has a serious design flaw in that there is a full 2 second delay when shifting from reverse to drive. When you are backing out onto a road that slopes slightly up or down, you must be prepared to wait the full 2 seconds with your foot on the brake instead of the accelerator, or the car will roll on you, possibly hitting another car or obstacle. I have had the car checked at the Subaru dealer and have been told that this unsafe behavior is "normal".

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  Never expected to like it so much - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By todrit - January 21 - 8:47 am

  I have had my subaru Outback fro two months and I honestly never thought I would like it so much. I went for it mainly for the value and comfort. it really is a fun car to drive and has great gas mileage. I never even concidered a Subaru, my wife talked me into looking at them. the only issue i have found is that the control for the radio are a bit hard to reach while your driving and the sound system is just OK.

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  i like it - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By nab - January 19 - 2:00 am

  not the most appealing looking, but rock solid and very capable with inclement driving(pouring rain and deep snow).

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  If Youre Deaf This Cars for You - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By crestfallen - January 17 - 6:53 pm

  I reluctantly traded in my beloved Audi Allroad because it was at the end of its life. I was shopping for a manual transmission sports wagon and someone suggested the OutBack Turbo. I drove the car and was mildly impressed with the acceleration and ride so I decided to buy it. I never expected to be in the situation Im in now. The tailgate rattles to the point that nobody wants to be in the car. I cant turn the radio up loud enough to mask it. Its been repaired 3 times and each time it rattles on the way out of the dealership. Subaru has no suggestions. Before you buy this car check out internet blogs about Outback rattles. Theres literally dozens of them. This isnt uncommon!

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  Great car...but the seats... - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Tim - January 15 - 1:07 pm

  I looked at cars for months. Took a hard look at the Murano, Edge, CX5, and Grand Cherokee before finally getting down to two: Acura RDX and Outback 3.6. After multiple dealer visits to both and a lot of research, I found the lack of trunk space and higher price tag of the Acura (along with outdated infotainment on Base model) pushed me to the Outback. Outback has been everything I hoped (with one exception Ill get to below). The 3.6 with the CVT delivers the best driving experience Ive ever had. Its not a BMW to be sure, but the acceleration and shifting is so smooth, Im blown away. So happy i got the 3.6. And I love the fit and finish inside, high quality, and definitely a luxury look. While i found the infotainment screen a little cumbersome at first, once I spent 20 minutes or so with it in the driveway, i love it. Nice big touch screen and great phone interface too. I also like how the arm rests hit me while I hold the wheel, and the headroom is fantastic (I opted NOT to get the sunroof). This care feels more like a luxury car inside than the RDX did. The only thing I dont like are the seats. Im 61", and the drivers seat is way too short. I realize 90% of Outback drivers are 54" women, but these seats are awful. I havent done a roadtrip yet (only had it two weeks), so Im interested to see how I hold up. For anyone over 510", be very sure you are ok with the seats on this car before you buy. Do a nice long test drive or keep it for a day if you can. Im looking into some after market bolstering options, but I dont think theres much that can be done. Its a shame too, as I couldnt be happier with everything else about this car.

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  just gets better - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By alzada - January 14 - 6:35 am

  Odometer just turned 20,000. Have had none of the problems some other owners reported. Wish Subaru had some of the things found on practically everybody elses cars at this trim level [doors that lock when you put it in gear, turn signals on mirrors would be nice] but without a doubt, I feel more secure driving this than ANY other car (or truck) Ive ever driven since I started driving in 1963. [and considering I am a "car-aholic", thats over 50 vehicles!]

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  Brand New Outback Review - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Michael Fort - January 13 - 10:36 pm

  Found out about Subaru through friend at work. He knows theyre reliable so took his word and checked one out. Never looked back. Car is incredible. One problem. Annoying rattle coming from sunroof Ill have dealer address this when it goes in for its first oil change at 3500 miles. I get 30 mpg on highway, CVT auto tran is mated to a 2.5 4 cylinder. Extremely responsive. Smooth strong acceleration, very well balanced, engine low center gravity providing excellent awd power to all 4 wheels. Very comfortable, very quiet, good performance, cant wait to try it out in snow. Workmanship is so incredible, Im very happy with this car, very glad I bought it.

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  Subaru Bean - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By kayakker - January 13 - 12:16 pm

  Only 3000 miles so far - The handling is superb, the ride quiet, and the interior details are practical, easy to use, and well designed. It was the H6 that made me opt for the Bean, didnt need all those bells & whistles, but Ive quickly grown to appreciate them, although I would prefer cloth seats. I LOVE the MOMA steering wheel!

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  Stick Shift Problems - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By sewerwitch - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Limited Wagon has lots of room and a great auto to drive on Vermont ski trips. But - we had to replace the clutch at 28000 miles and again at 52000 miles. At first we thought it was my wifes driving (but she had driven stick shift cars for many years)now we think it is a design flaw. Plus when reving the engine to drive up an incline a horrible smell would enter the cabin. A transmission seal leak??

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  Highly Recommend - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By smColour - December 30 - 2:40 pm

  I highly recommend this car to anyone who regularly drives in not so good road conditions. This car was my first real purchase at age 18 and I love every second with it. With the winter weather conditions of 8 feet of snow in Southern Oregon, this car has had no problem it it. It is comfortable in long road trips and very reliable. Nothing has gone wrong with it (knock on wood) but even if something does, the performance Ive had so far already makes up for any future errors. It doesnt get the best mileage, although for all wheel drive its pretty good. I love my Subaru Outback and wouldnt make a trade for anything.