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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  Nice overall car but wandering issue on highway - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By stradivarius - October 7 - 3:57 am

  This is my sixth Subaru and it is the most refined Subaru I have owned. The interior is very comfortable and after 4000 miles it does most things well, except driving on the highway. The first extended highway drive I encountered I found that the car wandered and I had to do constant corrections to keep it in the lane. It felt like driving on an extremely windy day but it was dead calm. I contacted the dealer and they advised to bring it in as it probably needed an alignment. When I brought it in someone test drove the car and said it was normal. That day I had a friend drive it who noticed it immediately. My wife wont drive it on the highway and Subaru claims this is normal? Buyer Beware!!

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  Good decision - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Chris Martinelli - October 4 - 1:25 am

  Logical, well designed and versatile

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  We always buy a Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Pat Wood - October 2 - 12:10 pm

  Subaru is a choice of our family because of its reliability and the service at the Dealership, if needed. We feel it is one of the safest cars to drive on the open road in all kinds of weather. (Especially the western NY weather!) We have owned many Subarus and only buy a new one because of upgrading.

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  love this car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By jano - October 1 - 6:06 am

  I could sell Subarus if I ever needed a job. This car drives like melted butter in smooth performance. It is a fine highway vehicle in mountains as well as long TX stretches. The solidity & quiet drive are something I appreciate most after driving a Ford Explorer, priced about the same. I would like to have a keyless remote that would allow access were I to lock keys inside; other than that, I have no complaints about this vehicle. I am a tried & true Subaru fan. The gas mileage will have to improve on all vehicles in this country. Subaru will most likely help to lead the way here, but Im getting 18-24 currently.

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  Awful - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Totally Unhappy - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned three Hondas, two Toyotas, and one Mazda. I have heard a Subaru can be run into the ground and is good car. This Outback I have is either a lemon or others dont tell about all the little things that go wrong. I bought it for style admittedly, but it has been to back to the shop FIVE times in one year for strange noises, rattles, broken fan, and now a CHECK ENGINE light. I am selling this piece of junk the minute I get the light fixed. I almost feel guilty passing it off on someone else.

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  v-6 is the only way to go - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By john patrick - September 24 - 8:05 am

  The V-6 version rides like a different car than the V-4. The gas mileage is less, of course, but imo is mdke up for by these other factors. The ride, noise levels, and acceleration are all superior to the V-4.

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  Nice Crossover Vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By blue - September 23 - 4:06 pm

  I purchased 2.5i Limited CVT w/Wheel Arch Moldings! So far after over 500 miles, Im getting a little over 28 mpg mixed highway/city driving. Im surprised at the gas mileage. Vehicle drives smooth and is fun to drive. I think Im in LUB! However, Every now and then I do hear this weird sound that sounds like a buzzing sound. Not sure what that is yet. I got a Silver one with the black Wheel Arch moldings. I highly recommend the Arch moldings because they give the vehicle a more bold appearance. I chose this vehicle over the following: Honda Pilot, Honda Crosstour, Toyota Highlander, BMW X3, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, Audi A3, Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain. I think I have test driven everything!

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  disappointed - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By d barrow - September 21 - 9:50 pm

  Head gaskets leaking coolant and will not cover under warranty at 80,000 miles -- Subaru has recall/bulletin for same problem on on other VINs but will only cover 50% of an over $1,000 repair. Dual stage rear sunroof liner jams and wont open and wont cover this common problem. Cheap plastic rear cupholders broke and over $65 to repair. Not happy with a vehicle that is expected to run to 200,000 miles!

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  Love this car, but.... - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By CK Henry - September 19 - 11:35 pm

  After 100k expect to spend a lot of money. I hear this is typical of most American made cars of this price range;however, so I can accept that. SUbaru Inc. has always been extremely supportive and very fair about fixing mfg. problems, until air bag incident....that was a huge disappointment. Didnt fix for six months! And told me not to allow a jump seat passenger! What?

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  Clunk is what makes a Subaru, a Subaru - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By vaa4 - September 18 - 5:53 am

  I was very happy about our new vehicle purchase (Jul09) until we hit a bump in the road...an uneven bump. Rack and Pinion is designed to clunk every time wheels are turned and hit an uneven pavement (fact). Happens on driveways and while turning on an imperfect road. Took 3 service trips to find out at over 75% of Outbacks suffer from this issue. Done 3 trips to get front vibrations (tires?) taken care of, still in progress. Front rotors already machined (2K miles). Driver door handle cable is loose, havent addressed yet. If I was a Die-hard Subaru fan, I may have ignored these imperfections since no other vehicle fits my lifestyle that well, but I am having a hard time coping with it yet.