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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  Careful if you are big/tall - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Elrond - February 28 - 2:00 am

  A fine car, but at 62"/210, not for a long drive. Of course, few cars are. My wife loves it and the traction is superior, snow or rain. No problems, at all, though I have noticed the torque issue on pulling away. I find the acceleration perfectly adequate or better. Accessories are fine. Bought the 6 CD, nosebag, and universal cover (we do lots of dirt roads).

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  Excellent so far - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Nick Mitlo - February 22 - 1:11 am

  Driven for one month and love it so far! Problems with set up of My Subaru thru Dealership error and poor Customer Service at My Subaru web site and their Customer Service! But the car itself Is a dream car!

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  Dependable - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By SeattleSub - February 20 - 6:46 pm

  Bought new, now covered 72k miles in all conditions. I am a confirmed Subaru driver and this car has lived up to my expectations. This car gets me everywhere I want to go in any weather. The performance of the 2.5i is adequate. The 4-speed auto needs another gear and quicker response. Why did they put such poor tires on at the factory? Problems included: 1) Burning out headlight bulbs regularly. I no longer leave the headlights on all the time and the problem has gone away. 2) Wheel bearing went at 59k. I now have a 1 year old son and this model is too small in the back for the car seat and Mum. I am 65". I will probably buy the new model as it has much more leg and shoulder room.

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  still lookin - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By johnny - February 19 - 6:19 am

  seems to be concern about the tire wear for the outback and some folks claim to change out the standard tires

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  Swiss Army Knife - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By pulse1 - February 14 - 10:24 am

  This car does it all. needed a car that would carry my family, safely, over the blizzard strewn highways surrounding the great lakes. This is the car for the job. Extra niceties include safety, cargo area, people area, a nice interior finish and great highway MPG. I like this car.

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  No car is perfect - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By pjellison - February 11 - 12:16 am

  Overall the car is acceptable. The ride is comfortable and the interior design is pleasing. The right rear tire tread wore out at 20,0000. The dealer said the axle was bent. I replaced all 4 tires, the originals were not good quality. The quality of the ivory cloth seats are poor. Any spill or cleaner leaves a stain. The distinct line with the headlights are distracting. Oncoming cars frequently think I have on high beams. My hands do not grip the non-leather steering wheel (required a steering wheel grip).

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  Like it so far - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Roy - January 31 - 9:30 pm

  Currently we only have 6000 miles on the car, and so far it is very enjoyable. The ride is very smooth and sure.

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  Dales Review - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By dale - January 26 - 5:56 am

  Fun to drive. Ive pushed the car hard, that is Ive driven it into a 3" ditch full of snow and it drove out and through the corn field with no problems. Ive push it to the limit of having the car on three wheels while going around cones and even one small rally run. Roll of house carpet fits. Tinting the rear windows really makes the car look sharp. I think the car has enought power for what it is.

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  PZEV & rough starts - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ed - January 25 - 10:26 am

  For those of you considering the PZEV option you should be aware that when started cold some Subarus will produce excesive vibration, engine and exhaust noise. This is due to changes the ECU makes to the timing to quickly heat the exhaust catalyst to reduce emission gasses. Once warm, the car starts smoothly as you would expect. The sales rep asked us to wait in the showroom while he brought the car around for test drives so I didnt discover this characteristic until I started the car the morning after purchasing it. Otherwise the car does exactly what I expected and Im pleased with it.

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  Honest review - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By joewildlife - January 23 - 1:16 am

  We bought this rental car with 12K on it. wife drove it until it had about 90K on it then I started driving it. Only cons are its size--Im 6 and this is a car that sits low to the ground. Id rather have a SUV. Pros: reliability. NEVER a breakdown in 100K miles. Pre 100K repairs limited to brake pads, one O2 sensor, one tie rod end. Original tires lasted over 80K miles. At 100K Ive had to do several repairs that would be expensive if you had to pay labor--AC hose, steering rack and CV boots. 105K timing belt change coming and will cost a bunch. Has typical subaru motor sound, but this car is going to run forever.