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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  Good car - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Jerry Savaloja - July 8 - 7:46 pm

  Very good ride at expressway speeds. Good handling. Solidly built vehicle. Have not had it back to the dealer except for routine maintenance.

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  Too small for a family car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By DChes - July 5 - 2:46 pm

  My wife and I purchased a 2006 LL Bean Wagon as our family car. Herein lies the problem; it seems to have been designed by people without kids. 1) The LATCH system is recessed so far in to the seat that is it very difficult to reach. 2) Rear facing car seats require that the front seat is forward to the point that my knees almost touch the dash (I an 511"). I drive a VW GTI and, because of its larger passenger compartment, we often take it on trips and leave the "family car" at home

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  Subaru Outback could use better navigation - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Ron Beck - July 3 - 8:25 am

  The car is used most often by my wife. I am used to a six cylinder and the four cylinder Outback is a little underwhelming. I know its a sign of the times to get more fuel efficient an I can appreciate that. Overall I enjoy driving the car. It still has temporary plates on it (still brand new), and heard so many good things about its performance in the snow. The one thing I do not like about it is the navigation system. It is a real pain. Even typing a destination onto the screen is an effort. We may go back to the dealership or I have to study the manual. But it is certainly not intuitive. I like the warning system for moving outside of the lane. Havent tried the cruise control yet where the speed adjusts to the car in front. However I did try and love the high beam safety feature. I live in a more rural area. I left the high beam on the other night. As a car approached ahead, the beam automatically went to low beam and back up to high beam after the car passed. Terrific feature!

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  Great for families (my intended purpose) - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By marbs34 - June 30 - 1:35 pm

  I really like this car, Ive been looking into it for the last couple of years. All of the merits fit what Ive wanted it for. Lots of room, reasonable gas mileage, car-like handling, off-pavement ability... This car gets it done, after the first couple of weeks getting adjusted to sitting up higher than what i traded in, (2013 Buick Regal GS) I took it on a road trip 400 miles each direction and was very happy with its comfort for the trip. The seats are great,supportive yet soft while not creating circulation hot spots over long periods, the driver lumbar support is actually very, very good as well.

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  Like a bad marriage. When it starts breaking, DUMP IT. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By freeskier118 - June 21 - 4:05 pm

  I loved my turbo Outback. It was absolutely bulletproof in the snow--unstoppable with snow tires. It was fun to drive with lots and lots of power. The interior is super comfortable. Unfortunately it did not love me back. Over the last year it was in the shop overnight at least 5 times for major engine and transmission repair. And on the turbo model, everything is more expensive to fix. A lot more expensive. If it would just hold together I would drive it into the ground. But in the end, its just not worth bankrupting myself. It was great for a fling, terrible for the long haul. Now I read reviews from Honda drivers complaining about a $700 timing belt replacement and just laugh.

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  Good Wagon - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ben Smith - June 18 - 8:46 am

  I live in the pacific northwest where AWD is a must, and the outback exceeds my expectations. Snow, Rain, and sleet have no effect on this ride. Its simply a must in the rough weather. The Heated seats are a charm in the cold, plus they heat up fast.

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  1st time Subaru owner - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By 1st time Subaru - June 5 - 11:20 am

  As a first time Subaru owner I did not know what to expect. It is the first car that I have owned that does not have a frame around the doors windows. Maybe I do not drive the way the others do but my mileage has been less than expected. My last car was a Toyota Highlander and did really well in the snow and not bad on mileage, so this new car has a lot to live up to. I have owned others, Acura, Nissan, Audi and Toyota and, in my opinion, all had better initial quality. I am looking forward to the snow because I have heard great things.

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  I should have done more research - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Rich B. - June 5 - 9:16 am

  This is certainly a much quieter and more comfortable vehicle than the 96 Outback its replacing. It handles nicely, has adequate power for my needs, and is very versatile in many ways. There are, however, some features that really irk me: 1. The roof rack design is very inflexible compared to the typical set of rails on most SUVs. 2. The sideview mirrors do not fold. 3. In order to make Harman-Kardon stereo in the 2.5 Limited fully functional with an iPod, the dealer quoted nearly $600 in parts & labor for the "media hub." 4. Cost to add a bumper hitch was quoted at $675 due to bumper mods. My advice - look closely before you buy the 2010 Outback; it comes up short in a few key areas.

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  Great car for tall people - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By lala09 - May 30 - 9:37 pm

  This is the first Subaru Ive ever purchased. My husband is 67" and when we saw the legroom of 43" we did not believe it would ever work;however he has plenty of leg room and head room (more than Tahoe, Yukon, Sequoia, etc) with way better gas mileage. The gas mileage is right on target of 24.6 mpg with all mountain driving (very curvy with lots of hills). The 4 cylinder is plenty enough power. We also live on a very steep dirt road and does very well. Have not gotten any snow yet, so not sure how will handle. Very impressed with features in "base model". 2nd row passengers (2- 3 year olds) have plenty room and love the cup holder between them.

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  2002 Outback H6 Sedan after 16000 miles - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By influxSoft - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The new 6 cylinder 212hp engine is smooth and quiet I drive a LOT of miles... over 16K in the first 6 months and living in New England with out snow and ice... I can honestly say nothing compares... The AWD with its continuously variable transfer clutch and a limited-slip rear differential gives plenty of confidence on snow and ice (you may find it almost boring... its just that good... youll hardly think its slippery) Good standard sound system with comfortable interior. Gas mil is fair. Pls be aware the prem gas is recommended but not required. I considered purchasing the VW passat 4motion... but for $4K less this is a fine car.