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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  The quality and love are gone! - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By bobg04 - May 19 - 7:45 am

  I previously owned a 97 Outback, so when I got a deal on the 07 I was excited at first. I liked the high ground clearance, more horsepower, larger fuel tank, and roomy interior. Then I noticed the still weak fuel efficiency, cheap knobs, cheap and hard to clean interior fabric, and door windows that catch (like my 97). This was nothing when my head gasket went at 97.5 k miles, like my 97 head gasket that went at 105 k. Subaru said they fixed this, but too many others have had the same problem. Its inexcuseable. I think Subaru have lost their quality, and owe all of us the cost of the repair for their poor design. Next time Im looking for another brand of car.

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  a keeper - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Kenyatta Whiteside - May 18 - 9:46 am

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  BEST MILEAGE SUV awd - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By jasperdog - May 17 - 12:35 am

  Fabulous Mileage for a 3400lb SUV...better than my CRV by 20%!! Just put on my first 8,000 km (90%hwy/10% City) or 5000 miles by driving to calgary,salt lake, sedona,LA,etc and back to Vancouver,BC. I used AVERAGE 7.0 l/100km...thats 34 us mpg or 41 canadian mpg for 5000miles. At one point when I kept speed downto 60mph I averaged 39usMPG or 47 cdn MPG for 200 miles. Car is very comfortable with best leg room ever( 6,3inches...my crv sucks in comparison) for long drives. Fantastic Car!!!Suggest you rename car as SUPARU

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  Subaru Quality - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Rosalie Curtis - May 14 - 10:00 am

  It is a good safe car. I survived a major accident with very little injuries considering the impact.

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  Second Beaner - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By jim n. - May 13 - 10:16 pm

  Traded our 2002 Bean Outback. This one is a much better performer but the interior has been redesigned for the worse. Controls were moved around to accomodate the opt. Nav. screen (which should be mounted on the dash). Climate controls placed low behind gearshift, audio controls lowered. You used to be able to adjust with a glance, now you have to take your eyes off the road. No storage for cds or loose change. The ashtray barely holds a chapstick. Rear seats no longer fold truly flat. Parking brake lever intrudes on drivers right leg. Odometer/temp/etc multigauge is useless and annoying.

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  Mechanical Masterpiece - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By phomat - May 13 - 12:16 pm

  Swapped my 1991 Acura NSX for this--wife wanted an SUV and I wanted a junk hauler. Have always admired Subaru for being unique, but poor gas mileage in the past kept me out of them. Theyve apparently solved the issue recently. Were getting better than EPA estimates, which is quite good for this size vehicle. The Outback has grown a lot since being a station wagon Legacy. Its now a full-fledged SUV, although, unlike most SUVs, it is sporty and utilitarian. Handles much better than expected (despite reviews Ive read). Corners flat unless driven excessively hard. CVT is really quite good providing you adapt your driving to the way it works.

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  Buyer Beware! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By Adams - May 9 - 6:26 pm

  We spent $15k on a used Outback two years ago. The thought was to pay more up front and spend less on maintenance. Wrong! We just spent $4k in the last two weeks on repairs: $1500 for a new clutch and $2400 to replace the head gaskets (the car has 88,000 miles). As well as $300 in towing fees because it died in a remote spot. The car is now worth about $7k according to KBB, so all in all weve probably spent $20k on a car that didnt even make it to a 100,000 miles without over $5k in maintenance costs. Ive owned many other, lower-cost vehicles that ran much stronger and longer than the Outback. I would not recommend Subaru products to anyone.

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  10 years with subaru - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By stan46 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my first subaru 1993, Loyale front wheel drive wagon. I am on my fourth Subaru and I am very satisfied. I have never been disappointed. the interior comfort for long term and short trips has always been pleasant. I have never had any discomfort. I took my first Loyale to Quebec City and back with my family. everyone was comfortable. Outside of normal maintanence, I have never had any major problems.

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  Eats rear tires - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Last Subaru - May 6 - 1:43 pm

  Ive owned four Subarus. The quality of each successive Subaru has declined. Recently, I discovered that the Outback eats rear tires - $1000 worth of (80K) tires in 35K miles. After taking it to a dealer, I got the sales pitch answer, "Were a small dealership, but we are unaware of a problem". So I proceeded to Les Schab. They told me that they aware of four other Subarus with the same problem. Also, the problem is well documented on the internet. Im a licensed mechanical engineer and Ive owned my last Subaru as Ive lost trust in Subaru as a company. I can understand design problems - but not acknowledging the problem and taking responsibility for it is unacceptable.

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  Im Baaacck - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By DKK - May 5 - 10:16 pm

  Bought the new style Outback as a company vehicle after having owned 4 GL wagons over the years. What brought me back was the increase in size and just "feeling at home" when I sat in one again. I had been looking at everything from another Acura to a Venza to a Mazda to a Lexus. I dont know. It just felt right. I drove many of the models and finally decided on the 2.5 Limited. The only disappointment is my gas mileage. I have made several trips of 300 to 700 miles and have averaged anywhere from 22.5 (ave. 75-80mph) on the low side to a best of 26.5 (70-75mph). Maybe due to AWD but on my 265hp 2005 Acura TL I get 24 in city and 29-31 on hwy.