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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  bad trans - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By john doe - August 7 - 5:20 pm

  a loud whining noise from trans forward and reverse not in neutral or park,,,,,,and no help from dealer..... dont do it.

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  Ski car - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Peter Phares - August 7 - 2:35 am

  The Outback was purchased as a ski-commuting vehicle (for usually no more than 2-3 passengers, including driver). Ive had it 2 months and driven 4,500 miles- 90% highway (200 miles each way to skiing). Overall, good cargo capacity, loading/unloading of cargo, and equipment (fold down half of the rear seat and putting skis inside in ski bags). The ride is comfortable, and I use the dynamic cruise control a lot- which works well, even in heavy traffic or slow traffic. Its a quiet vehicle with muted road and wind noise. GREAT snow traction! The 6 cylinder motor has good power, and the CVT works well generally- but reverse responsiveness is a bit uneven, and strange compared with a standard automatic (but hasnt been a big deal). The paddle shifters are very helpful on downhill grades. Fuel economy is ok, not great. Highway fuel economy is much better if you keep it 2-3 mph under 70 mph on the freeway (which can be slow on some CA freeways)--- keep it 2-3 MPH under 70 and I get 26-28 MPG. Avg 70 MPH, and I get no more than 26 MPG. If you average 75 on the freeway, youll get 24 mpg max. I dont jackrabbit start or use heavy throttle, mostly drive with eye-sight cruise control on. Currently, Im not using the roof rack and dont have a cargo box- so loading the roof would reduce mpg further. My biggest complaint about the car is driver seat comfort. I am 61", and 210 lbs. The seats are not large enough for someone over 6 tall, and its difficult to find a comfortable driving position for longer trips. If I had the ability to change the car, I would create a longer seat cushion for more thigh support, add more bolstering on the sides of the seats (almost none there now, not good in corners), improve adjustment range of seat tilt, and increase the steering wheel telescoping length. I have a 2009 Honda Accord coupe and a 1999 VW Passat, and in both cars I find several comfortable seating positions for long trips--- not so in the Outback.... Im constantly adjusting the seating position, but nothing feels quite right. The center console intrudes too much into the leg space. Im not uncomfortable in the car- but never very comfortable either. It also could use a center armrest which adjusts up/down. Wind noise with side mirrors is low, except in high cross winds, when you can get some significant rumble coming off the mirrors (guessing 15-20 mph+ cross winds it gets rumbly). The door storage pockets dont work well for water bottles, and Ive not yet been able to get the MirrorLink to work- from what Ive read, I need an older version of the app on my phone (which is not compatible with my newer Samsung phone)... so waiting on a software update from Subaru (annoying). One other complaint is the quality of the lower body cladding--- it pits very easily. My VW Passat with 180K miles on it has much less pitting on the lower cladding from snow and sand coming off the tires than the Outback with 4500 miles. The front splash guards need to be bigger and the cladding plastic a higher quality. Overall, Id give the car a "B" grade so far. The jury is out on whether I keep it long term or sell in a few years (I normally like to keep a car for 8-15 years) Too early to tell on reliability- although lots of friends with Subarus have had good luck.

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  Why is this car so popular? - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By KJ Osterkamp - August 6 - 5:34 am

  I got talked into this by my husband because it does well in the snow (which happens twice a year here.) However in the ways that count, this is a poor value. The road noise is so bad, one can’t hear the radio and the visors are not set to a position to block bright sunlight (blinding if you’re heading west.) The acceleration is like the old Beetle, albeit automatic, it is loud, slow and dangerous enough that freeway entrances are terrifying. The navigation system is unlearnable and incredibly frustrating while the phone operation is unreliable and not available when ignition is on. But the biggest design flaw involves the rear hatchback, which literally operates on its own. It never opens all the way up and has almost killed both my spouse and me by closing in mid lift! The battery has died several times requiring our AAA friends. The back seat is very awkward to enter and exit and the drivers seat controls do little more than go back and forth with little lumbar or positional support.

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  Garbage - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By wis family - August 5 - 4:20 pm

  At 60K the engine developed a bad knock we were told this was normal - as it got worse we had oil analysis done and it indicated there was a lot of aluminum in the oil after endless dickering with Subaru they replaced the engine - the old one had two very bad pistons and would have failed soon. We also have had many electrical problems and oil leaks at the cam seals. Also the alarm system was on and my remote battery died and I was unable to get it started until I got a new battery for the damn thing. We could go on and on about this lemon. We were Subaru fans and drove our last one almost 200K but this one has been a nightmare of epic proportions. We will NEVER buy another one.

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  Cant beat it - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By miken2uzu - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Chose the L.L. Bean Outback over a Highlander, Pilot, Matrix, XC70, and A4 wagon. You just cant get another car with full time AWD, 8 inches of ground clearance, leather interior, dual moonroofs, 6 CD changer, ABS, side airbags and a 212 HP engine for less money (we paid just over $28k). Weve had it for about a year, and the Outbacks winter performance is better than any SUV Ive ever driven (including Explorer, Yukon, Jimmy and Envoy)- it is so much more confident on icy corners. Im a volunteer firefighter who MUST be able to get on the road no matter what the conditions, and this car got me to the station through 10 inches of snow on unplowed roads more than once.

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  Practical but fun to drive! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By itonix - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Outback 2.5 XT Limited for a month now and it has met all the expectations both in the city traffic and during a road trip. Car has solid build quality inside and out. As with all turbos it is not fast from complete stop, but power curve picks up as soon as you start moving. Plenty of power is available for having fun in the passing lane. Handling is very predictable and Momo wheel adds to the sporty feel. Real life gas mileage is 21 for a road trip and 16.5 for a congested city. Ride is surprisingly quiet on the highway. Interior is appointed in visually pleasing but practical way. Plenty of cargo room with rear seats down. Two-part sunroof.

• 

  New to 95,000+, We LOVE this car - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By W. Robert - July 30 - 3:29 am

  We bought our 2011 Limited in 2010 to replace a lemon Honda Accord. This is our 1st Subaru, the whole family loves this car. Im a big guy at 64" and 280+ my wife is 51 and a light weight (shed kill me I posted a weight) . Bottom line is it fits BOTH of us, and we both find it extremely comfortable, including for long all day drives with limited rest breaks. More comfortable than a 2014 Mercedes E350 for 400 mile road trip (new rental) and left me wishing I had drove my Outback Limited instead. We have done normal servicing, bought 1 set of new tires at 50,000 which by the way inproved ride and handling over the factory tires. Passenger seat had a squeak, dealer fixed no charge as it should have been. Headlight bulbs have both needed replacement (seriously difficult task, go to YouTube for examples if you want to do it yourself). This is not a sporty performance machine, but it a roomy outstanding outdoorsy family car, that has turned out to be better than we expected. It drives more like a older American full size sedan, but has better road feel, and navy less acceleration ability, but it is more than adequate with outstanding full economy for the size of car it is. We averaged 27 mph mixed driving, after a move were we did much less freeway driving overall mpg fell to about 24. We are now thinking of a second Subaru. This car has been very reliable, required little maintenance, and is extremely comfortable for a an active family including vacations, camping, Home Depot runs, multi state trips, and all the running around a family does. Absolutely love it!!

• 

  Excellent car apart from the power! - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By drm - July 29 - 9:10 am

  This is my wifes car, I have been very impressed. Excellent handling, especially in the awful winter weve had in WI. Exterior and interior are very well done. Fit and finish is very good. The wagon utility is unquestionable. I think the car is very good value with the AWD and what you get in terms of extras with the LL Bean addition. Nav system is very good, the stereo is actually quite impressive. My benchmark is my 2008 Acura RL AWD, and considering the Subie is close to half the price I think its an extraordinarily good value. My only issue is that, considering the cars weight, I think the base 2.5 liter engine is a little underwhelming.

• 

  New Subaru - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Neil S. - July 27 - 11:21 pm

  New to Subaru after luxury German cars. Car is under 1000 miles so its hard to give a true assessment but so far, love it. Very comfortable, very solid. Definitely go with the 6 cylinder for a quiet, solid feel.

• 

  This is one awesome car! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Mike A. - July 26 - 11:32 pm

  My 2016 Outback 2.5 Limited now has 2600+ miles on it with 2000 put on during a round trip to St. Louis and back. I love this car already. Its very roomy and comfortable, handles well, has plenty of acceleration (especially considering its a 2.5 liter four cylinder), gets 33+ mpg on the highway, and in every way so far, has exceeded my expectations. The sound system is plain awesome, and the safety features just outstanding. While traveling on an interstate doing about 65, a car suddenly switched lanes and cut in front of me. The Outbacks Eye Sight system detected the treat and automatically applied the brakes and slowed me down. I cant speak to its reliability yet, but expect it to be very good based on Subarus history. I have several minor complaints...both the clock and the outside temperature display are on an information "strip" on the lower part of the dash, and are quite small and can be difficult to find quickly. The manual(s) have a ton of information in them, but can be tricky and a bit difficult to use 1) because of how they are organized, and 2) because the writers first language was clearly not English. I think Subaru could have done better in both areas. Overall, the car is fantastic and I am very pleased that I opted for the Subaru. In my opinion, it offers great value, and I would heartily recommend it to anyone considering it.