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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  handling - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By tonysboy2 - June 25 - 3:39 am

  I have to agree that I am one of those who have driven subaru for 15 years and am disapointed in my 40,000 dollar purchase. It wiggles all over the place and does not stay on track. 6,000 miles and had my second alignment? wonder why?

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  Disappointed - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By bellet98 - June 23 - 12:12 pm

  I went from a 2006 Altima to a Subaru Outback wagon. I loved my altima, hate the subaru. The ride is horrible. I recently went on a 2 hour trip and my leg cramped up trying to keep my foot on the gas pedal. The gas pedal is extremely tiny and high and very hard to depress. I cant seem to get the seat adjusted to be comfortable and still be able to reach the pedal. The hard button is smack dab in the middle of the console so you accidently hit it all the time. Radio controls are also not very user friendly. My biggest complaint tho is how uncomfortable this car is to drive, especially on long trips.

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  Great Car with all the room - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Stunt50000 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as an alternative to a large SUV, and i have never been happier. This car is truly an excellent automobile and I highly reccomend it. I dont have the turbo engine, but its not really necessary, although it would be at times nice to have. I honestly think that this car runs far better than the merceded E class (at least its more reliable, i have had the mercedes in the dealership 6 times this year - subaru 0).

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  Another great Subaru - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Allan - June 14 - 2:16 pm

  Opted for the Touring model, love the saddle brown interior color, exceptional comfort and easy to drive. As a handicapped person, very easy to get in and out of. Great cargo capacity and easy to load and unload.

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  2002 Outback wagon - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By nhs275 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Car performance in snow/ice is great. Car has poor passing/climbing performance. WAY too much wind and road noise at freeway speeds.

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  OMG OMG Giddy I am - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By BURU CUBBY - June 7 - 9:56 pm

  Got this 02/09. I can only say OMG! Never had a Subaru before... I got 2 independent mechanics I keep, they said GET IT. Its a steal!! Had 79986 on it, 1 owner, is fave color green, its got things I didnt think a car would dare have. I need it for the Chicago winters!! Im in luuuvv!! I can NEVER drive an American made car again. Love passing by storefronts with windows & seeing it. Im still in awe. The dual sunroofs are the bomb!! From what I hear these things just dont break down. I need that security driving alone a lot. The salesman thought I was gonna pass out from jumping around when he showed it to me (0: My Buru is all I could ever ask for. Everything is a perfect 10!!

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  update on oxygen sensor problem - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By anxious - June 7 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this vehicle in August 2004 and initially wrote in to Edmunds about an oxygen sensor light that went off immediately after I drove the car off the lot. Following the dealerships replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor (now 7 months ago) I have not had any problems with the car and I continue to enjoy driving it.

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  Best car for the money on the road, today. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By roger gorski - June 7 - 12:35 pm

  This is my 3rd Subaru. I have only traded an old for a newer one, because the lease ran out. Great value for the money.Like a Timex watch...just keeps on ticking.

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  5th Subaru and the Worst one ever - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By James Meyer - June 5 - 6:17 pm

  We bought our 5th Subaru because of the Outbacks revised exterior styling, 4 cylinder engine and the new touch screen system. I was happy as we drove off into the sunset and then my attitude soured. I think the entire entertainment layout is horrible. The volume control for the stereo is very small. Touch screen is not intuitive. The outside temp and time displays are very small. The worst is how it handles in the snow. Just driving in my neighborhood I have slid around corners and through corners with bad traction control and antilock braking. My confidence is shattered. Mountain driving is no longer fun as I am white knuckling the entire time. Anyone else experience this?

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  New Happy Convert - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Scott Dorsey - June 4 - 12:25 pm

  With aging parents and growing kids to transport, I had completely outgrown my 2005 Honda CR-V. It was a nice car and served me well, but I was ready for a change. I was looking for a Crossover or SUV with similar or better gas mileage and driving experience. Nothing against Honda, but Id ruled out another Honda because I was ready for something different. Other SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue and Dodge Journey caught my eye, so I test drove and enjoyed each. However, after doing the research on those models, I just wasnt sold on what they had to offer. Their rear visibility, blind spots and safety ratings were a concern, especially on the Rogue. Too, coming from a CR-V with All-wheel drive, I wanted to keep that feature without having to pay extra for it. So, when I finally got around to doing the research, then test driving the 2016 Outback, I was sold, almost immediately. The quality of the build, interior materials, front seat legroom comfort (for a tall guy like me - 62"), quiet cabin, nice ride and feel, short turning radius, unobstructed view, ease of use of the infotainment center and many other thoughtful appointments made me an instant convert. And, the CVT works great, too! In some ways, its hard to believe that a thoughtful guy like me made the switch so quickly. To top things off, Stivers Subaru of Decatur Georgia did an excellent job of addressing all my questions, to make the transition seamless! I purchased my 2016 Subaru Outback, 2.5i, Limited, in Twilight Blue with black/charcoal leather interior. I LOVE it! Since I made the switch, Ive received many favorable comments from friends and neighbors about how it looks. Theyre very handsome vehicles, and there arent many in my area, yet! Those whove had the opportunity to ride in my Subie were very pleased with the experience. I know Ive made a good choice, and now, Im looking forward to many happy years ahead behind the wheel of my 2016 Subaru Outback!