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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  Great car-Bang for the buck! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Nick Manno - August 26 - 1:43 am

  Ive owned SUVs in the past (97 Nissan Pathfinder and 05 Acura MDX) so I was a little nervous going to a wagon. But after thoroughly researching vehicles that fit my needs I kept coming back to the Outback. I opted to get the 2016 Outback 3.6R with Eyesight in the gold color. This car matches the ruggedness and utility of my Pathfinder and the classiness of my Acura with unrivaled safety equipment to boot. After waiting nearly 12 weeks for it, I am 100% glad that I went with this car. So far Ive owned it for a several weeks and have logged several hundred miles. Most of the concerns that have been mentioned in blogs or forums (eg wind noise, transmission hesitation, weak engine) are a total non-issue now for me. I have not noticed and am not bothered by any of it and really have limited things that i could pick on. Maybe something that might be an area for improvement is the under storage compartment where the spare tire is. It really is minimal and not much room to put things in. The other item is the tow hitch, factory only offers a class 1 hitch instead of a larger 2" receiver hitch. Other than that I love this car. looking forward to the first snow fall. Really am hoping to be able to keep this car for at least 10yrs.

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  Subaru hits a home run in 2007 - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By fish&skibum - August 24 - 5:20 am

  We went to the dealer expecting to buy the 2007 LL Bean. I was disappointed with the automatic tranny. Test drove the XT turbo w/ manual shifter and fell in love with it, as did my wife. As ski instructors in Western Colorado with a 50 mile round trip commute, we need a car that works in snow. With VDC, traction control, and snow tires this car will be unstoppable. BTW, Edmunds does not show that this car comes standard with traction control, but it does. With the SI selected to Sport#, this car runs neck and neck with our 02 WRX. Corners like it too. Heated power leather seats, dual zone auto climate control, and quiet ride give this car a lot of upscale standard features.

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  Drive One! - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By AZGirl - August 20 - 2:56 pm

  I test drove all the smaller SUV/Crossover vehicles. I was surprised at how expensive the Subaru was and almost passed it over. But, I test drove one in AZ mountains and felt like I was in a sports car. Its the perfect car for me. Large enough to tote 2 dogs and lots of stuff around, yet small enough to be responsive and fun to drive.

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  13 years old and going strong - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Mike Fisher - August 19 - 8:09 am

  Really does great on bad roads and steering control is excellent. Visibility is also excellent. Like all Subaru Outbacks, excellent storage space very good seating space. With current estimated value about $4000, this cars average annual depreciation is little more than $1000 per year --- pretty remarkable. Only downside is that it has never been "great" in going uphill in the mountains (underpowered a bit).

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  04 Outback - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By tcsmutball - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Terrific vehicle. Better than the 97 addition. Better ride than Toyota Highlander. more features in Subaru.

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  most favorable - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By john howard - August 15 - 2:00 am

  a truly outstanding automobile & a joy to drive

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  get subaru !!! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By floricom - August 14 - 10:00 am

  It is real plasure to own and drive Outback.You can`t go wrong with this choice. Sexiest wagon on the road !!!

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  Love my Outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By D Chester - August 11 - 9:33 am

  Own two Outbacks (2008 & 2016)now and love them both. For our use, they are the best car on the road. The 2016 has a nicer interior and ride than the 2008. Finally found a great dealership to buy from (Classic Cadillac & Subaru in Atlanta). They were easy to deal with at the point of purchase and provided wonderful service for the recent sterring column recall.

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  The Best Yet! - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By AlecB0116 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  The best car in history for a low price. always reilable. Off road made. Lots of storage for grocerys in the back of the car.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By JZ - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used for my wife in July 2003 w/ 11k miles. Weve put 13k miles on the car in 9 months and have nothing but good things to say about the vehicle. AWD and Cold Weather Package was a God send during a rough winter in NJ. AWD is fantastic in the snow - no indication of the car slipping in acceleration in deep snow. Great for my wife who isnt real comfortable driving in inclement weather. No complaints from her now! A great mix of car comform and SUV characteristics with a youthful look and feel.