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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  2009 Outback Constantly Rattles - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By SB - October 4 - 7:00 am

  I bought a 2009 Outback last year and was so happy to have another Subaru. Several months after purchase I noticed a loud rattle in the front, took it to the dealership who told me there were issues with the 2008/2009 Heat Shields - and they replaced mine. The rattle problem seemed to be resolved, however 2 months later - it is rattling again. This time the dealership showed me Memos of consumer complaints of the rattle - and stated it would probably continue because these Heat Shields are just clipped together instead of being bolted together. AND - be prepared for it to be much worse in the winter time. I wish I knew this in advance - very disappointed! : (

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  Great Pick - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Nate - September 10 - 7:23 pm

  I took my brand new Outback from Virginia to Colorado a few weeks ago, a true "road test." After almost 4,000 miles, and absolutely no issues, I would recommend this car to anyone. If the upgrades are within your budget, definitely spring for the limited package. Leather, sunroof, power seats, heated mirrors, windows and seats, auto climate control, all standard (with the limited). Unfortunately the luxury comes with quite a steep increase in price (~5,000) over the base. All in all, great car and quite a steal for the price.

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  Paint on 2nd Color of Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By MsMcGoo - September 5 - 10:00 am

  The lower plastic on the Subaru Outback has an issue with peeling. This happens after a your car has been severly door dinged. The plastic bends but the paint does not stick to the plastic. This also occurs when a rock goes through your bumper. This is cosmetic but for a brand new car, the paint should not be peeling.

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  So far, so good - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Sneeral - September 5 - 8:46 am

  Ive had my Outback for a month now and put on 1200 miles. It has exceeded my expectations so far. Im just out of a 2005 Nissan Murano and I expected that it would be a step down in almost all regards except gas mileage. While it isnt quite as comfortable a ride and the quality of interior isnt quite as good, Ive been pleasantly surprised at how well the car drives. Except for pedal-to-the-metal acceleration, it honestly feels like a 6 cylinder not a 4. Good torque and power delivery. The handling is better than the Muranos, no doubt due to the considerably lower center of gravity. Gas mileage so far is consistently 24.6 mpg through each of 3+ tankfuls.

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  Love it. - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Kent - September 4 - 6:20 am

  Had the H6 sedan for almost 6 months now and love it. Handles great, rides great, and fun to drive. Only issue is that my breaks squeal loudly after they get warmed up and no dealership yet can figure it out. Ugh. Other than that I am sold on my Subaru! Absolutely a great car. I drive a ton for work and I am always comfortable and never stiffen up driving long road trips.

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  Comfy, quiet, plenty of space, and great MPG - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Ben - August 17 - 7:10 am

  I bought my Outback at the end of May, it is now October and I have almost 18,000 miles on it. The ride is comfy, and the seats are great for long rides. There is very little road noise unless you get past 70-75mph. Visibility is high in all directions, and the eye sight system has been fantastic, we have a lot of deer in our area and it has made me feel better doing my night driving. It does occasionally stop working in heavy rains but other than that I have no had any problems. I have overall averaged 28.2mpg, when I am taking mostly backroads at 55-60mph I average 32-34mpg. There is plenty of room for 2 passengers in the back and our 2 dogs in the very back. I would buy this care again in a heartbeat. I only have a few complaints or groans about it, 1. is that sometimes at low speeds the gear changes are anything but smooth Ill randomly get a jolt this does not happen all the time but happens enough to be annoying. 2. We recently took it on a roadtrip from the UP of Michigan to Colorado, we had a total of 2 adults and 1 weeks worth of camping gear and food, our overall trip MPG dropped to 22.9mpg we were driving our typical 70-75mpg and most of it was flatlands through Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Michigan ( I expected it to drop but not that much). And finally I knew buying a 4 cylinder engine I would get better mpg/less power I was realistic about this, but sometimes the lack of power is frustrating, make sure to plan you passing on the highway accordingly, because slamming the pedal down does not mean that youll get thrown back in your seat. It is a great car, I love the eyesight, it is quiet and comfortable, the controls are nice and help you keep your eyes on the road, and it has plenty of room for cargo/passengers/our dogs. If you want a car like ride, with plenty of cargo space and great MPG with AWD, then this is a great option. If you like having speed, power, and need to haul heavier equipment I would recommend something else.

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  Nice Car - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By TBUCK - August 14 - 8:00 am

  Standard 2.5i better than what I read. Very comfortable to drive. Harmon Kardon stereo so-so. Mileage seems better than I would think.

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  Great Value for your Money - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By 23simply - August 8 - 4:00 am

  We were looking for an AWD or a 4WD, however, gas mileage and the NHTSA crash test rating were two big factors for us. We found this perfect and value laden family AWD that gives you the ground clearance and the traction of an SUV, the comfort of a long wheelbase car and the price of a 4 door sedan. Amazing! We love it, perfect for the family on the go, perfect for the New England Region. Oh the NHTSA rating for front and side crash test? 5/5... sweet!

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  Check Engine Light For the LOSS - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Amy - August 6 - 10:16 am

  I purchased mine as a CPO. Within 2 months the drivers side window stopped going up and down, the sunroof refused to open, and the check engine light has come on 3 times. It has been the dealer 4 times in 2 months! I am BEYOND unhappy with the purchase! Subaru clearly also doesnt know how to fix the check engine light as the code is for an engine misfire cylinder 2 - we first were told to do the spark plugs, done, then when it went back they did the coil for just that cylinder, and now who knows what they will come up with. I cant rely on the car not to throw a code. Waste of money.

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  Stalling and Shaking - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By rgh - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Like other Subie owners, Im experiencing sputtering and stalling when coming to a stop. CVT shifts down and rpm plummet below 500 or it stalls. Slight shimmying at 60 to 80 MPH. No fix found for either to date. Multiple recalls in the 9 months Ive owned it and taken in for service 3 times to address stalling issue. Deeply concerned about safety risk if car were to stall in a situation that would put my family at risk. Outside of that, I love the vehicle.