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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  A superior fast touring car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Hans Harald - March 22 - 6:20 am

  Am 70 years old now, owned some very nice and powerful cars during my life, this one is the most satisfying of them all, by far, especially after replacing the OEM Yokohamas with Michelins (see below under "suggested improvements"), which actually make the car do what I am waxing about in this review!

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  2011 Subaru outback cvt 2.5i - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By billj33 - March 18 - 9:10 pm

  I have an annoying chriping sound when driving slow & or coasting. Dealer replaced at 2000 mi, the timing belt, tensioners, & pulleys, & submitted a QMR to Subaru. The noise continues, & Dealer states this noise is common with 2011 Outbacks. I have filed an ongoing Case # with Subaru. The noise is unacceptable, & Subaru needs to address this problem.

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  Best car ever - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By dmor35 - March 18 - 10:40 am

  I have had my car for about two weeks. With football season in full swing I have made a 600 mile round trip and a 300 mile round trip. EXCELLENT mileage and comfort. There is nothing bad about this vehicle. Kids love the reclining back seats. Harmon/Kardon radio is the best. Blue tooth feature...awesome. The hatchback takes a little harder slam to close all the way which is a little annoying but we can deal with it.

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  Good solid car - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mark - March 11 - 9:03 am

  Owned a 2003 Forester until it was totaled in an accident. The safety design of the car was a selling point and paid off. I never had any problems with the car and dont expect any from my new Outback. The Basic comes loaded, so a higher version just buys luxury items. I think Subaru is trying to compete with the Audi and Volvo AWD sports sedans/wagons. I did not drive them, but the Outback Basic in comparison is a good value. Edmunds true cost to own statistics is a good tool. Even though it doesnt have the lowest total cost, a low purchase price and using Subaru rewards brings the cost down. Two months driving and no problems except the lift gate rattled over bumps. Dealer fixed it.

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  Great Car - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Steve - March 9 - 7:03 pm

  Bought our Outback the same week our local dealership got them in. We love it! Our only complaint if you want to call it a complaint is the engine - it has enough power, but no extra. Its using all it has when merging onto the interstate, but its golden when cruising. Set it on 70 MPH, and the CVT gears down the engine to about 2000RPM and the "instant" MPG gague is showing 35+ MPG which is great for a vehicle this size. Everything else with this car is great - the exterior styling stands out, and the interior is comfortable and the styling is great - plenty of room for our family of three.

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  Best Outback Yet! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Gary - March 8 - 10:25 pm

  Fourth Subaru owned since my 2000 Outback. Have had one from each generation The 2000 was a good car but underpowered. Drove it for about 85,000 miles before trading, never let me down. Had a company car for 8 years, but we bought a 2008 Outback XT Limited (turbo) for my wife to replace a disappointing GMC Envoy XUV. That 2008 XT was a fun car, lots of power and good handling. Downside was high level of highway noise and fuel economy only 20-22 mpg, maybe 26 on long highway trips. Wife drove the XT from 2007 to 2011when it got handed down to me from 2012 to 2016. From 2009 through 2012 I had a 2009 Forester fleet car for work. Way quieter but very numb handling and down on power compared to the Turbo. Not the best riding car but never left me stranded. Drove that for over 60k. The 2017 model is head and shoulders above any previous Subaru owned. The best bang for the buck is the base model at around $25,000 if you dont need all the active safety options or the six cylinder. The car is quiet, roomy, good handling, excellent in snow and ice, has adequate acceleration, and so far has been getting combined over 28 mpg on regular gas. The CVT automatic transmission makes excellent use of the 175 hp 2.5 liter engine. Six speeds with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Also has a low-speed "off road" mode and steep hill ascent mode which most people will never use, but with the good ground clearance, you might drive it to Moab and do some real off-road driving. We live in the mountains and there are 7-8 months per year where you may need AWD or even snow tires. The Subaru line has never let us down. Driven this one in about 8 inches of fresh powder and it does get a little "floaty" where my wifes Wrangler Unlimited just plows through. If you need AWD at any time where you live or drive, I believe the Subaru is the best choice for getting where you need to go safely. In addition, I worked in he insurance industry and have seen fewer injuries or fatalities in Subaru vehicles than any other brand except perhaps Volvo, Mercedes, BMW.

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  Will get another eventually - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By lewis sherman - March 4 - 8:03 pm

  Terrific car except that after about 25,000 miles I got stuck with total brake jobs because NO DEALERS could diag. noises at low speeds. My mileage - not kidding - is terrific on open roads. Always get no less than 33 mpg on the 100 mile trip from the Catskills!! Love the looks of the Forester but hate to give up the Outback.

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  greatAWD - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By abj - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Everything, and particularly the H6, is top notch. Strange ergonomics on it (probably due to Japanese RHD converted to NA LHD). Brakes sre noisy and vibrate too soon in their life. Id buy again though.

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  I really wanted to like this car, but... - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By WeatherfordOutback - March 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a great snow car, however it developed the well documented front end shimmy almost immediately. Many of the convenience and entertainment features are quirky or poorly implemented (such as a Nav system that is horrendous and cant be read with Polarized sunglasses). Subaru finally admitted that their proposed fix to the shimmy problem would not really fix the problem, so we traded the vehicle in. Gas mileage was mid-20s in town, 30 and up on the highway. Dealership process was generally poor. A road force balance would fix the shimmy for 1000 miles or so, then it returned with a vengeance. Proposed permanent fix involved almost entire steering system rebuild.

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  Best car ever owned - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By tony D - March 1 - 4:10 am

  Well I have 103,000 miles and I beat on this poor car and do the minimal maintenance and it has never let me down.The cars handling has saved my life several times the latest was a high speed deer avoidance situation the guy in the Acura behind me was not so lucky. The head gasket problem You have to use the Subaru coolant only or you will be screwed. just starting leaking a small amount of oil recently but I do use mobile 1 synthetic and it will find its way out of any engine sooner or later. My only complaint would be wind noise on the drivers side only. I also had a problem with the engine computer but the solution was to leave the battery disconnected overnight problem solved.