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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  Performance AND Utility - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By nhesketh - November 20 - 2:43 pm

  I could not decide between a used WRX and an older LL Bean Limited Outback wagon (pre-2005). I am a car person, and love performance, but need the room too. Until this vehicle came along, I was not sure what I was going to do. When I saw this, I was amazed that you could get a turbo AWD wagon, and had to have one. I have been happy with it ever since. It drives wonderfully, and is very comfortable with the leather upholster and heated seats. The stereo is okay, but I am not an audiophile, so it is good enough for me. It would be nice to have an iPod jack though. The acceleration on this car is amazing, and the traction is excellent. I have had Subis for years and love the AWD. Buy one.

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  Buy ANYTHING but the turbo model - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mike - November 19 - 11:52 am

  Maybe when they were new it was fine, but I bought a used one and the turbo destroyed the engine on the trip home. Buy any other non-turbo model, theyre probably fine, but the turbo is so unreliably my mechanic basically said theres no guarantee its going to last more than a year. This is after I spent $8,000 to buy it, and another $6,000 to put in a new engine. Not worth it. This is a nightmare. Never buying a Sub again. Avoid under any circumstances, no NOT buy the turbo model.

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  Subaru wont stand behind its product - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By shemonkey - November 17 - 10:51 pm

  My air conditioner compressor failed in my 2008 Outback after 45,000 miles. The compressor was no longer covered by warranty. It cost me over $900 to replace the compressor, including parts and labor. My mechanic suggested I write a letter to Subaru of America to ask for reimbursement. I wrote a detailed letter to Subaru of America. Subaru of America wrote back with perhaps the lamest correspondence I have ever received, stating that "Subaru is not responsible for defective parts or workmanship from subcontractors." Needless to say, I will never purchase another Subaru product. My Outback is average or below average in every way, from handling to craftsmanship to fuel economy.

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  I love my new outback - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By John Cavanagh - November 15 - 8:38 pm

  Love the outback. Hot car.

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  Great value, smart looks. - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Over the Hill - November 15 - 8:23 pm

  I researched for months and test drove 6 cars before finally settling on the Outback. My previous car was a Honda mini-van, which I drove for 11 years. I was looking for good utility along with sedan comfort; I think this car delivers both. I almost purchased an 09 Outback in May, but the headrests were impossible to live with. The 2010 redesign has eliminated this issue, at least for me. This car delivers great value and I predict that it will be a huge hit for Subaru.

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  Too expensive to maintain - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By familydad - November 15 - 6:16 am

  This car handles well, is fun to drive, and I feel it is safe to drive with the family aboard. But after three, yes THREE radiator replacements, 2 head gaskets and several costly sensor replacements, Im ready to be rid of this car. It has a computer "sensor" for seemingly everything, and Ive had to replace them all more than once, and of course, these sensors are never in easy-to-reach places in the engine compartment, so every time, Ive been totally reamed in the wallet. I just had the catalytic converter replaced as well, and like the other repairs for this car, it was very expensive. Seriously, I owned a Toyota for 10 years, and spent less than 1/4 the cost of repairs to it.

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  Test Drove Everything! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Michelle McIntee - November 12 - 4:46 am

  We test drove 23 vehicles. This was the only one that 100% of my family of 6 agreed on for comfort. Most other vehicles for comparable features wear 10K more. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was a close second choice. Cargo space was rock-in but ultimately backseat comfort and gas mileage of Subaru won out.

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  Subaru OutBack Kangaroo - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By hobotuka - November 12 - 2:00 am

  No problems after 1 year :)

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  2010 SUV of the Year? Not really... - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Chebosto - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I needed a larger car due to family expansion and was drawn to the Outback due to the MotorTrend SUV of year award. Since owing the car since June, I believe that award to be false advertising. Our 2.5 Ltd does have good mpg & excellent interior design and ergonomics however there are too many minor issues to be truly satisfied with the car. The 2.5 H4 with the CVT transmission is weak and clunks when getting out of D or P; steering wheel vibrations @ 70-80 mph is hand numbing during long trips; Non-folding side mirrors annoying when parking; rear end sways in side winds; AC does not stay cold when idling; roof cross bars inadequate for most rack systems; the stereo sounds terrible. Sigh.

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  Very Satisfied! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By JTC - Akron, OH. - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Im a manufactures rep. by occupation and drive 40,000 miles/yr. My last two vehicles have been Honda Odyssey Vans, which I can say nothing negative about. Since I spend a great deal of time in a car it was just time for a change. This is my first Subaru and after two months/8,000 miles, I feel very satisfied with my decision. I must say, I read many of these personal reviews on this site and they helped make my decision. Since fuel economy is a key feature for me, I was a little concerned about the 4 cyl engine and if there would be enough power (no problem). I hope in the future to update my review and give potential Subaru buyers an honest assessment. So far, Im a truly happy Subaru owner