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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  No Subarus in the future for me - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By TG - February 26 - 6:10 pm

  Within 48K I have lost my AC, redone the Brakes, lost the radio, small plastic hooks and knobs break off easily and finally the Head Gasket failed. Bad Subaru! the HGs have been failing on these cars since 1976 (my 1st Subaru) after many misleading discussions with Sales/mechanics we decided to give them another chance. FAIL. dont buy a Subaru w/o looking up their reviews/complaints first.For a car with this many features you would not think that this CRITICAL part would be so consistently overlooked.

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  Descent, not great - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By talldude - February 26 - 4:06 am

  A solid performer in snow and enough backseat room for child seats, the 2 main reasons we bought this. We bought private party, single owner with receipts. The previous owners had to buy head gaskets (80k) and a 5 spd transmission overhaul at 110k; shortly after purchase (at 114k) I had to replace front wheel bearings, and shortly after that the clutch started to chatter (had been replaced at 80k). High wind noise at highway speeds. The car is too heavy and the engine works too hard most of the time. With the exception of excellent traction control, this is a very average car in all other respects. I wish Subie would build small light AWD cars again, thats what they do best.

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  Best valued car taking everything into account - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Alberto - February 25 - 7:38 pm

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  GREAT! - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Outback Sedan Driver - February 24 - 10:00 am

  The Outback Sedan 4 cyl is great. When i bought it, the 6er was not out yet.

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  Eyesite feature great, Navigation maps outdated - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By MR - February 22 - 7:14 pm

  Very happy with the Eyesight System & features. Navigation maps are about 3 years out of date in a new car with no updates available. I have contacted Subaru customer service several times and they dont seem to care and dont offer any prospects when an update will be available. Cannot see the clock or outside temperature display (which are poorly placed) if you are wearing polarized sunglasses. Some of the apps are a waste. I miss the calendar and calculator that was available on my 2011 Outback. They could redesign the display of the steering wheel and dash switches to make them more easily readable during the day. At a glance you do not know what some are for. At night with the red display on the buttons they are easier to identify. I dont understand why they havent changed that over the years. Other than that I am quite happy with the car but very unhappy regarding the maps. I would not have bought the navigation system knowing the maps were out of date. Frequently have to use my iPhone for directions.

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  Solid choice - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Spec - February 22 - 7:16 am

  Youll be hard-pressed to find a family-sized wagon in this price range that has a decent reliability record. I opted for the Outback because of its very smooth ride and generous cargo space compared to similarly-priced SUVs. I have not been disappointed. Enjoyable to drive. City mileage for me (~17) is a little disappointing, but highway mileage (~29) has been a pleasant surprise. I wish at times it had a little more power, but in most cases it is more than adequate.

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  great ride - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By lazymedic42 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  owned 97, 05 outbacks. 2011 version much improved in interior space, comfort seating and ergonomics. 3.6 engine is needed for highway; gas mileage much better than listed. Cant throw the new car around like the older models, miss the weather band radio and engine block heater. Back-up video takes time to get used to but worth it;

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By wyattearp - February 19 - 2:46 am

  With just over 9,000 miles on the car I couldnt be happier. Fit and finish is on par with any car that I have seen. Subaru is know for its reliability and loyal customer following and I can honestly say that I am a believer. The car looks great and has all of the interior comforts that you would expect. Highway driving is sure footed with AWD and the interior is pleasantly quiet. The leather seats are plush but also durable enough to take outdoor activities without worries. Interior space is great especially in cargo area and front seats. Commuting mileage averages 27.5mpg in 60% hwy 40% city driving. Recent 700 mile road trip averaged 31 mpg.

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  the best but still junk - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By pavel - February 17 - 10:00 am

  There are very few wagons in the market, even fewer are imports, available with manual transmission and have 4 wheel drive. Only two are affordable - Outback and Legacy. Therefore, Outback is obviously the best and at the same time the second worst in its class. Problems: - very low torque at low RPM - the flip side of inflated max power at high RPM. They are fixing the numbers at the expense of actual performance. - clutch glazes in no time - very poor material and design - interior material is poor - mexican assembly and even some part manufacturing

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  After 30,000 miles! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sabatia - February 16 - 7:20 pm

  I have driven 30k miles, including three trips to my extreme getaway in the near arctic in winter and summer, city driving, and semi-rural around home. This car is fun to drive, feels quite safe, has plenty of cargo room, a big sunroof. If I could do it again, I would have gone up one more step to the VDC and gotten a major winter safety boost. The all-wheel drive is seamless and has gotten me out of some very slippery and rough situations in my explorations of very remote areas in all seasons. I live in a very wealthy area and I dont see any car Id rather have!