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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  super car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By scarwaf - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Ilike it so much Iwould buy another one

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  Good Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By hey - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Subaru Outback and Ive had no problems with either one. The car has great features and a good fit and finish. My friends are always amazed with the amount of cargo it can carry. It also does a great job hauling my skis and mountain bikes around.

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  New limited 2.5 with nav and eyesite - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Bill Ppwell - October 1 - 12:52 am

  I searched for just the right combination of size, cargo capacity, saftey and economy. I decided on a fairly well equipped Limited 2.5 with sunroof nav / eyesite. Once you have decided on sunroof nav the eyesite is just an extra 800 or so. New to car. Will update as I own. Buy experience : ended up working worth Danny at Goldstein Subaru in albany. He was patient, answered all my questions, sought expert advice to answer questions he was not sure on. Saw him at 5 pm Monday. Picked up at 10 am on Wednesday. I recommend this dealer and DNny Update 5/30/16 17,000 miles Car is great. All as expected. Have used for regular dailey driving and a NY to Grand Canyon and back. Car handles well in all situations. Eyesight is gear.

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  Great car for tall drivers - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By JRV - September 30 - 4:33 pm

  I cant tell you how many cars I sat in trying to find a comfortable drivers seat with good leg room (Im 61"). The Outback is just perfect. Love the heated seats, the padded arm rests and the steering wheel stereo controls. Auto dimming mirror and puddle lights are also a nice touch. This car is so smooth on the road, but more than stiff enough on the off road bumps.

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  Almost perfect - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By benthedog - September 29 - 7:48 pm

  Got a 2013 3.6 with the special appearance package. Car is a joy to drive with plenty of pwr and torque combined with the paddle shifters. This is my first Subaru and I am impressed with the fit and finish. The interior space is more than adequate for my wife and me. The car is easy to get into and out of. The car seems incredibly solid.

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  First time owner! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By LCC - September 25 - 3:32 am

  I am so pleased with my Subaru Outback. It is the very first time that I am able to depend on a vehicle after owning a car as along as I have.

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  Great car but cheap interior - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Brian - September 24 - 4:06 am

  Overall the car is great. I have the 3.0 L.L.Bean edition and its very luxurious. It has plenty of power and the fuel economy is ok I get about 15 mpg in the city but I could get 21 mpg city if i drive like a granny. The sound system is pretty good. I love the XM radio and the panoramic sunroof. The main thing I dont like about it is the quality of the interior materials. The leather feels very cheap and is not very soft. The leather around the parking brake is all cracked. The plastic around the AC controls is all scratched just from fingernails turning the dials. The factory Nav is useless! It gives you wrong directions and it always tells you to turn if there is just a curve in the road.

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  Versatile - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By TW - September 21 - 5:53 am

  I value versatility or all else and this car has it in spades. Bought it new, now have 167,000 miles with very few issues. Family trips with 4 kayaks on the top, 4 bikes on the back, 4 people and a 160# dog and loaded to the gills. Enough power and decent gas mileage. I tow with it. I have hauled stone and mulch and top soil. Im a musician and it holds all my equipment and is easy to load and unload. Love the low weight of the flat 4 engine and how it just pulls you through corners. Im up for a new car this year. This one goes to my daughter and I will most likely get another Outback.

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  Our New Outback - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Tom - September 18 - 4:23 pm

  We researched numerous cars and had focused on the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV-4. We then hear about the Subaru Forester and test drove that great vehicle. But the Outback jumped into our possibilities and offered the best overall vehicle flexibility. The expressway ride and cool features/appearance sold us. The HK sound system is great and our iPod came to life like never before. After we brought this home, we discovered how many friends have owned Outbacks for years and will never switch to another vehicle. We are now part of the family of happy Outback owners. It is the perfect vehicle for us.

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  One versatile vehicle - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By ToughCar - September 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Outback 03 in Nov 02. We needed a good AWD for tough winters in northern NJ and boy does the Outback handle winter! Reliability has been spotless so far - odo 23K. Mix driving averages us about 23 MPG. We were considering an SUV but are happy we got the Subaru instead. It handles very well in clear and inclement weather. Comfortable on long rides as well - took it down to NC and upto NH. We love this car and plan on keeping it for a long time. If youre looking for the most value for your money, I doubt theres anything better out there.