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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  Head Gasket Blew at 69,000 miles - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Working Mom - April 25 - 5:27 pm

  I bought this car new off the lot in December 2011. I was thrilled with the fact that I could get such a nice car with a 6 speed manual transmission. It was perfect for me and my family - easy to park, utilitarian and good to drive. However, that changed last month when every light on my dash started flashing just before getting home, and the coolant overflowing in my driveway. Thank God I have AAA to tow it to the dealer. Three weeks later, my dealer tells me that it was the head gasket and that they replaced all the seals as well as the timing belt. Since I have the extended warrantee, it didnt cost me any more than my deductible ($100). Now Im wondering how long its going to be before the head gasket fails again. I love this car but now I question its reliability.

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  I Love this car. - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By terry sillins - April 24 - 10:53 pm

  I live in Pittsburgh Pa. As we all know the snow and steep hills during the winter mounths can be dangerous. Since I have been driving this AWD it is like night and day. I can always get where I want to, no matter what the weather is.

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  Whoop de do! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By GeneZX11 - April 21 - 2:20 pm

  For me, the 2005 Sube was a tough choice between it and the Passat wagon, especially with year end discounts on VW 2004s. I think the Passat GLX wagon was a little bit plusher, and supposedly handled a tad bit better. However, the turning point for me was the 250hp, the AWD, Subaru reliability, a 2005 model and 8.7" of ground clearance, vs the VWs 190 hp and FWD, for close to the same price. Essentially, the turbo power fun factor sealed the deal.

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  A great suprise - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By bach - April 16 - 10:00 am

  My last two cars have been Saabs, I like a car that handles and is fun to drive. The Subaru Outback is the best car I have driven and owned. The six cylinder is as almost as powerful as my 3.0 Turbo-charged Saab was. But the velvet smooth power is certainly in contrast to what the Saab felt like. The hydrauling motor-mounts must be the difference. Ive driven this car only about 1400 miles now but it is a real pleasure. The only thing is the comfort of the seats. It does have plenty of lumbar support for the lower back, but we have a jeep and a lexus as well, and the seats are just more comfortable in the other cars.

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  Head gasket on 4cyl. - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By steviet - April 15 - 3:53 pm

  Im surprised that the last review is so old. At just under 100,000 miles, my head gasket blew. This appears to be a design flaw. I think Subaru should reimburse me $2400.

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  Best Car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By thebest - April 15 - 1:26 am

  Have had car for a little over a month, been through 1 blizzard already and roughing one right now in Wyoming. Came to work this morning over drifted roads and very little visibility. This car made it fine. One drift made the car jump but it never felt like I was losing control. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who does a lot of driving in winter conditions with snow, ice, drifts, mud, etc.

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  Big Inside and Almost a Turbo - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By rmnord - April 13 - 11:16 pm

  Living in the Rockies at 9100 I was looking for a replacement for my 06 Outback XT. I wanted enough power to accelerate uphill at altitude and the supposed improved fuel economy and use of regular fuel were certainly an appeal. So I drove the 2.5i w/ CVT and found it to be almost as powerful as the turbo and when using the paddle shifters, quite fun to drive. Ive now owned it for a month and am mostly satisfied w/ a few exceptions. Build quality doesnt seem as good as previous Subys-seems like some rattles that shouldnt be there. The ride is lots more spongy and soft. Lack of temp gauge bad idea. Interior comfort is great-Im 63" and have lots of legroom-almost like a European car.

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  Great car, but questions about customer service - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Carlos - April 13 - 12:17 am

  First of all, I think the 2016 Outback is a great vehicle. It has lived up to my expectations and I highly recommend it. Very comfortable, well designed and the eye sight system is great. My only issue so far is the famous Subaru customer service that I have heard so much about with glowing reviews. I havent had that experience. When I got the car the Nav maps werent working properly, so the dealer swapped it out for another infotainment system from a demo on the lot. So far so good, except that I didnt get the advertised 3 yr SiriusXM traffic subscription. I asked Sirius about it and they said contact Subaru. I contacted the dealer and they said contact Subaru customer service. I contacted customer service and they said they would research and get back to me in 48 hrs. Its been almost 2 weeks and no contact. I e-mailed them several days ago and no response. This is not a big issue, but i am disappointed after all I have heard over the years about Subaru customer service. Hopefully I wont have any serious problems down the road where I need their help.

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  spice - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By merle - April 9 - 2:43 pm

  I love my Outback. Its one of two we have; the other, a 97, is also in excellent shape and reliable. I feel very safe and secure when driving or a passenger in either Outback. Especially after a long winter!

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  Best Wagon for $30K - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By VDC_Scooby - April 7 - 12:20 pm

  The Outback handles great in every day driving around town or on the highway. Steering is light and responsive. The Outbacks 3.0R engine delivers plenty of refined power with a hint of growl. The transmission delivers that power unobtrusively. I normally leave SI drive in Intelligent mode but when necessary "sport sharp" mode (S#) provides that extra punch. The Outbacks raised ride height means more suspension travel (take that speed bumps!) and it has a smooth ride over rough surfaces. I think the Outback looks the part of a luxury wagon. The interior is upscale and comparable to my 2004 Passat. The materials feel substantial and fit and finish are excellent. Braking is very sure.