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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  Subie magic - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Daniel - April 3 - 7:40 am

  I love this car. Its a wagon. Its a SUV. Its a car. Its a Jeep. Its a Lexus in sheeps attire runs great handles great quiet smooth plenty of stuff to play with.

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  Bad Clutch and blown head gasket - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Bob Rian - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Clutch has shudder and rotten egg smell from day one and dealer will do nothing about it. Blown head gasket at 34,100 miles. Service Bulletin says put in special conditioning coolant to prevent leakeage. Wheel wells quickly build up with ice in winter conditions. When new the check engine light resulted in 4 trips to the dealer. Factory Firestone tires are poor in snow.

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  I am going to miss it. - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By montanagirl - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall I have loved my Subarus but after my recent massive outpouring of money to get a new engine for my 2000 subaru limited outback sedan, I will never buy another one. I have 90,000 miles on my car and needed a new engine it was/is ridiculous. The engine was insanely expensive and still doesnt run perfectly. The car performed great on my montana winter roads, was comfortable to drive, needs more power but I suppose that is why they introduced the 6 cylinder model.

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  Back to the past - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By rsdao - April 2 - 10:53 pm

  Purchased a 2010 Outback recently after owning an RX 330 for the past 6 years. I must admit that both my wife and I felt a bit uneasy contemplating moving "down" from a luxury name plate but we couldnt be more pleased with our decision. We went with the less fuel efficient but more fun to drive 6 cyl. It combines performance, safety, comfort, and utility in a sensibly sized and priced package. Our first family vehicle was a 1985 subie that we loved but grew out of. After driving mini vans and various SUVs it is nice to know that you can go "home" and enjoy the experience. I recommend the 2010 Outback Highly!

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  Traded in our 2012 Outback for a 2015 - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By rweller49 - March 31 - 7:16 pm

  I read a lot about how the 2015 Outback was improved over the 2014 and earlier versions. We decided to take a look and drove off the lot with a new Premium model (4 cyl). Everything is better on the 2015. Stereo, speaker quality, suspension/handling and interior materials have all been upgraded. Most importantly the CVT auto trans is greatly improved. The cars acceleration is far more responsive and that horrible CVT engine drone and "mushiness" is gone.

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  Blown Turbo(s) - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By zkeatley - March 29 - 4:48 am

  This was my familes second Outback with the first one putting in 10 solid years of service. The only thing that was lacking for me was that there was not sufficient enough power for passing so I was excited to find the turbo model which added greatly to the cars performance numbers and made the car fun to drive. The first turbo blew right around 60k and the second was like clock work at 120k. Sure things break on a car but at $2500 a piece, and the same exact part with the same exact problem...not really. The first time it took 4 weeks to get my car fixed because the turbo was on back order and there were two other cars at the same dealer, with the same exact problem.

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  2008 Outback - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By France - March 28 - 11:20 pm

  This is the 4th Subaru Ive purchased. My last one was a 2002 Outback which I found comfortable to drive. Ive owned my 2008 for about 2 months and am looking to get rid of it. I started getting back pain within a week. There isnt enough foot room between the brake and gas pedals to place your foot comfortably on the gas pedal. In my 2002, the passenger side didnt have enough leg space. Now the 2008 does, but at the expense of the driver side.

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  This car/SUV is a sleeper! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By sea_eagle22 - March 27 - 1:03 am

  Bought a 2011 limited at the end of Sept 2010 and drove it to Southwest Florida from MD. Mileage was 30mpg on the interstate. Locally I am getting 26+ in combined driving. Seats are wonderful times 10 exp 100. The only thing I dont like is the cheap radio display which can not show the majority of the letters of the artist or song title. We have the technology! I experienced the vibration, caused by conti tires that could not be balanced. Two tires were replaced at 3500 miles. Did I say the seats are fantastic? It takes some time to get use to the rea view camera in the rearview mirror

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  Very well designed utility vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By WD - March 26 - 4:26 pm

  Good interior design, not that kind of cheap plastic style as in Toyota Camry! Plenty of space, nice touch on the fine details, such lights in the cargo area, hooks for shopping bags, surround sound effect, auto-adjustment of audio volume based on speed, instantaneous and average MPG, etc. Good car-like suspension. Very quiet ride on local roads and highways. Very good gas mileage, 29 MPG after a week of daily commuting, 50% on state highway and 50% on local roads. Acceleration a bit slow with a 4cyl, not bad for an AWD of this size and this MPG.

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  An Outstanding Vehicle - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Jude - March 24 - 11:56 am

  I bought the 2009 Outback SE recently and took my wife on a road trip during some very heavy rain. The car handled extremely well on Interstate "heavy rain," rough roads with heavy rain, and incomplete roads. Never had any traction problems. Interior is very comfortable, easy to use (no extra stuff to figure out - simple and straight forward), and the cargo area is very useful. We are expecting our first child soon, and the child seat latch system seems very straight forward.