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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  LL Bean Luxury for Beer Budgets - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Michael K - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car, this is our second Subaru (my car is the WRX). We compared the other SUWs in this class and the Subaru had all the features of the Volvo, Audi All Road, Passat Wagon, at much less of a price. Plus the inclusion of one year of ONstar, free general maintenence for three years, and the Subaru safety record, this car is a steal. It rocks in the Northeast

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Rich Purdy - June 3 - 4:13 am

  We purchased this vehicle in trade for 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd with hi- preformance V8. Excellent decision! The performance exceeds expectation while quality, comfort and style are all excellent. Tested the Limited but found the sunroof too large and noisy when open. Also, preferred fabric over leather. Only disappointment is manual passenger seat. Narrowed the short list to this vehicle and the Volvo V50 T5. Clearly no comparison - XT rides, handles and outperforms in all areas. This vehicles actually overshadows our previous 01 Volvo V70 T5. Purchased vehicle over the internet (although local) and received exceptional, professional treatment along with favorable numbers.

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  Love My First Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Tony - May 28 - 10:53 pm

  My wife and I recently purchased our first Subaru. We briefly considered buying an SUV but after test driving the Outback, we were hooked. We have been very satisfied with our choice. The Outback is perfect for northern climates and handles great on wet and snowy roads. The interior is very comfortable and the base model is packed with nice features like heated seats and mirrors. No matter what the weather is like outside, I look forward to getting behind the wheel.

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  They need to upgrade the quality of their plastics and fix some of the "accepted" normal problems with Subarus - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By 1happycamper - May 28 - 8:12 am

  I have owned two Subaru’s over the past four years (2009 Forrester; 2011 Outback). I was happy to start up with the Subaru line since I thought I would be getting a quality car. I have to say that I’ve been disappointed in the quality and irksome “normal” issues. It has the standard Subaru brake clunk and the muffler-guard rattle. It has a catalytic convertor baffle noise vibration too. It has a clicking noise behind the driver’s dashboard and creaking/rattles in the plastic trays on the sides of the doors. I’ve already started looking at what other car brand I might be able to purchase. Sorry Subaru, it’s sayonara for me.

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  Youd be smart to own one - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Gary - May 25 - 5:13 am

  This is my 3rd Subaru. Ask anyone whos owned one and you know why we come back - they dont "break in" until they hit 100,000 miles. I traded my 99 Forester for the 05 LLBean (Pacific blue = outstanding color) because I loved the body style, power & multiple upgrades inside & out. Safety wise, Im very happy with design and integrity plus side impact/curtain airbags which make this a car that rivals the overstated Volvo. Power is exceptional. Moving from the Forester, very capable/nimble ride w/165 horses, to 250 is unbelievable. It hugs turns better with no lean in turning & braking w/life saving acceleration. Also, Im getting up to 22 mpg on DC beltway driving which will improve.

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  Wonderful value! - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By drj13 - May 22 - 2:22 pm

  I took a look at the Outback at the suggestion of a friend. I was lukewarm on buying since I was very happy with my CRV. Took the Outback for a test ride and liked it for a number of reasons. So I decided to make an offer to the salesperson along with what I wanted for my trade in. He disappeared for a few minutes and came back and said "okay". At that moment I changed from just looking to really buying.

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  Practical - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Ann - May 21 - 2:30 pm

  I really like this car. I bought it because the price compared to other similar AWD vehicles was the lowest by far. I needed something that gets around well on snow and that my dog can be comfortable riding in. I have the green color but the interior only came in ivory cloth and when I get in my car after working out I leave sweat marks! The car doesnt get around in the snow as well as my 1999 CR-V but it still gets around. I find the delay in accelerating to pass annoying but not a fatal flaw. The get-up-and-go is the best of any 4 cylinder Ive owned - even my husband commented. The seats are comfortable but really low to the ground. I needed a practical car and this is it.

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  This is one SAFE car!!! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By LovemyOutback - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Just had a major accident in my Outback wagon and walked away with only bruises from the seatbelt! Was going 50mph and SUV pulled in front of me and stopped dead in its tracks. I didnt even have time to hit the brakes. Front end smushed in, but passenger compartment still in perfect condition! Im getting another one!

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  Our third and last Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Moneted - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Exeptional AWD. Came withe bad alignmant (insides of front tires gone-Subaru not responsible), one of the motor mount bolts missing (I discovered it while changing oil at 1000 miles). In general qertionable production line quality

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  Major issue with electronics - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Subaru users - May 19 - 6:49 pm

  According to Consumer reports this car has great reliability. We have owned the car for 6 years now. Since last few months we find that electronics like O2 sensors, rear view camera and now the electronic parking brake are not working. It is very expensive to get the issues diagnosed and even more expensive to get the parts replaced as these are electronic modules. Both the rear view camera and electronic parking brakes are nice to haves. You can get by the rear view camera by the old fashioned way of turning your head. Same with electronic parking brake. The old fashioned mechanical brakes are more robust and less expensive to repair. Long story short, the electronics start breaking down beyond the warranty period. These features are nice to have and expensive to replace.