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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  A Nice Ride - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Doc9x - June 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a very capable vehicle. I have used mine to haul LOTS of stuff on cross-California trips, sometimes traveling at speeds of 95 mph or more. It provides a very solid, comfortable ride. Its great on the highway. I have used the rack to transport items with no problems. There is some wind noise at times, particularly at speeds over 70 mph. I find that at 165 horsepower, there is plenty of power. I havent had any problems and Ive put on almost 9,000 miles in five months. Gas mileage isn’t bad for a car of this size (28 mpg highway @ 65-75 mph).

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  Excellent car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By D.B. Cameron - June 11 - 12:40 am

  This is my third Subaru. The first (1985) lasted 10 years (in Ohio salt country); the second, 11 years (Ohio - > California); the third is just 1.5 years old and doing very well. Almost no post purchase fix ups. Very reliable. Decent fuel mileage (26-27), Really fine road handling (I used to have sports cars), great "mudder" (I live in the mountains and ski a fair amount). Good night road view. Only irritating problem is that, compared with my old Legacy, it is larger on the outside and smaller on the inside; strange engineering. So far, at least, it looks like another 10 or 12 year investment.

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  poor redesign of oil drain plug washer - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bergerb2 - June 10 - 4:40 am

  first oil change - get oil on garage floor. think its carelss cleanup. several weaks later - still fresh oil. back to dealer - and its the crushable washer/gasket thatr was not seated correctly and/or overtorqued. told it needs to be replaced each time. seem to confirm on various web sites. design looks like the pull tab on a pop- top can. done to save money or enrich subaru dealers. either way it stinks.

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  Only time Ive bought a 3rd one. - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Jon C. - June 5 - 10:36 pm

  Compared to other SUVs I tried, this one is the only one that didnt handle like a truck (compared to Ford Explorer, Nissan Xterra, etc.) and didnt get buffeted around in the wind. This is the 3rd one Ive owned and it is still the best snow car Ive ever driven (I ski and regularly go into snow country). It also quite adequately tows my boat. My only gripe is that the current models "sport automatic" drive is not as smooth as my last one (2002).

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  Inexpensive but underpowered - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By SWISS - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I like my Outback, but I wish it had more power for the price. Gas mileage is only average - maybe 23 mpg, and thats not lead footing it either. Mine developed several interior rattles after just 10,000 gentle highway and around town miles. Its a decent car, hauls a lot of gear, but I wont buy another until they boost the power of the 4 cylinder because theres no way Ill pay $28K - $30K for the H6! (Might as well get a used XC70 or a nicer new Passat 4motion for that price...)

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  Disappointed - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By kak53 - June 2 - 6:53 pm

  This is my first Subaru. I am experiencing the annoying wind noise from the triangular window on both the passenger and driver’s side. It certainly has put a damper on the fun of owning a new vehicle. I have been waiting for a call from the dealership, which is waiting for a service bulletin from Subaru. Otherwise, it seems to be a wonderful vehicle.

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  Engine Racing - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Carol - June 1 - 5:13 am

  Had a 2000 Outback, liked it so well, I bought a 2008 Outback Wagon 5 spd man trans. It has 1,522 miles and just started this engine racing thing. When you shift thru from 1st to 5th gear it seems as though the gas is sticking causing RPMs to go up when you let off the accelerator. Sometimes when you downshift, the engine races like the accelerator is sticking. Took it to the dealer, he called Subaru Techline but before he could finish telling them what was wrong they said it was normal operation. We find that hard to believe. Racing past 2000rpms when the clutch is pressed and no foot on the accelerator doesnt seem normal to us.

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  An appealing package - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By bgabel1260 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  The car feels like a lower-cost Eurowagon. The boxer engine produces a nice amount of low-end torque, sounds great and the shifter has a nice mechanical feel. Despite the raised suspension the Outback is quite fun to drive and handles surprisingly well, though it exhibits some body roll. The ride is comfy on regular pavement but can be really bouncy on torn-up roads. The AWD system is completely transparent to the driver. The cabin is nicely finished though unexceptional. Seats are very comfortable and shod in nice cloth material. The premium audio system can play very loud and clear, a nice touch. Cargo room is plentiful and easy to access.

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  need a decent roof rack - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By kayak - May 28 - 3:53 pm

  Car is good, but less practical than the older subarus. The roof rack is a ridiculous plastic fashion accessory. I had to drill into the plastic to mount cross bars far enough apart for long items like kayaks, windsurfers, etc. Subaru needs to think PRACTICAL.

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  Major Defect - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Bill - May 20 - 11:26 am

  Did a lot or research and test driving, and found the Outback met all my needs as far as comfort, performance,style and supposedly build quality. Shortly after delivery noticed a vibration/shake in the steering wheel at various speeds. Took back to the dealer and they road forced balanced the tires and said that would take care of the problem. It didnt and made it worse at highway speed. Back to the dealer, told them that problem was still there and even worse, car left with them for more testing. Did some research and found numerous complaints about this on NHTSA and on a Subaru Outback forum. I called Subaru and was told that they were aware of problem but as yet had no fix.