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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  Fifth Subaru....First New One - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Brian Schoenrock - November 9 - 7:10 am

  My 2009 Subaru Outback 4 cylinder with a four speed overdrive tranny....the last year the Outback was built on the Legacy frame, with 96,000 miles on it....fresh out of the recommended 100K maintenance service (timing belt and radiator/tranny flush)...is going to my youngest son in Fort Collins, CO. Hell likely drive it for ten years. Love this car....handles like a Beamer. It also has a passing gear that puts you back in the seat when need to move. Bought a new 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring last week. IMHO, the 2.5i engine and CVT combo do not offer enough performance in terms of acceleration....its weak. If you need to clime hills or pass cars on two lane State highways....go with the six. This larger Outback has more ground clearance and a higher center of gravity that increases body roll in curves at pace, but the ride is firm and comfortable. The cabin is quiet...no squeaks or knocks...recommend the sunroof windscreen (optional add-on) as it keeps the cabin whisper quiet. Stereo system sounds great and can be EQed to your preference. Its a pricey vehicle, but quality doesnt come cheap often. No buyers remorse here.

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  120k and still a great car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Larry - November 8 - 7:20 am

  We now have 120k on our Suby. Yes, we had to replace head gaskets at 100k miles. And we had a fuel pump go at 105k, but since then our car has been bullet proof, as it was before these problems. It is regularly used to go up into the mountains and for a brief period I towed a trailer and go kart with it. This is my wifes car and while I would appreciate better gear ratio and spacing, she loves driving it. Seven years old and still going strong. My fourth Suby and not my last.

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  Wait for the 2011 - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By CarProGA - November 8 - 12:16 am

  This car has terrible squeaks and rattles. It drives well but feels underpowered in the mountains of Georgia. I would wait and see if they work out some issues for 2011. Fit and finish and power anemic as well as strange feeling seats after about an hour in the car.

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  New to Us - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By 759397 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car three months ago in May 2003 with 28K miles. Obviously I have only driven it for three months but 5K miles have been put on. I like the design of the car, the interior space and winter performance were the selling points for me. The seats are comfy, the manual shifts nice. The clutch is alright, not great and has some shake, but no big deal. Brakes are a little mushy compared to what I am used to. Stereo is nice for a stock unit and the headlights and foglights are killer for seeing through the darkest roads. I dont have any wind noise and I have the full rack on top.

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  A 3 Year Review of the Outback XT - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By 3year-review - November 5 - 5:00 am

  I have put about 42,000 miles on my black on black Outback XT that I leased brand new. This is a great wagon for hauling your junk around. I only had one trip to the dealer for any warranty issues, and that issue was a minor wiring fix. The turbocharged engine has plenty of power on tap. Amazingly, the OEM tires (Potenza) still have decent tread remaining. I average 22 MPG with 75% highway miles and a heavy foot. Drives great in the snow although it does have a tendency to fishtail. I would surely buy one again.

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  Good performance - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Mac - October 28 - 3:20 am

  The driving is perfect. I only feel that the interior design need to be improved to create more space. I hardly can operate the windows with a door handle just 3 inches away.

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  Luxurious Forrester - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By do-da - October 24 - 8:10 am

  Wanted a Forrester for a year. Went to buy one but none on the lot. Test drove the new body style Outback. It has the same benefits as the Forrester, plus the advantage of better gas mileage and more plush interior. Cant beat the 30+ MPG on an AWD vehicle. Plus, its wide enough to seat 3 kids booster seats.

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  One Great Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By David Sander - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchesed this car after my 2000 Outback Limited was hit head on at a high rate of speed by a Honda Accord. I walked away, she didnt. Safety sold me on the car. The H6 is an awsome engine. Gobbs of power and torque. I love this car!

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  A good solid vehicle - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Lrac - October 19 - 2:00 am

  A generally smooth driving, fuel economic vehicle. Some wind noise over 60MPH. I find the drivers seat to be a bit uncomfortable ( pressure on right buttock), and cant get rid of it with the seat adjustment. The sound system (McIntosh) is great. Fit and finishare OK, but there was a scratch on the windshield from the wiper blade from the start.

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  some problems - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By tony_19957 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  i will just mentioned the problems i had. had to return the 5 disc cd changer once for a replacement. the center hub cap on the wheel i lost two of them they do not seem to hold tight. the oxygen sensor which is part of the polution control was replace as part of a recall and comes on every now and then. The front windows squeel when going above 60 mph i guess it is worn. the driver side window button does not work all the time.