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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  Great Snow vehicle but MAN the Oil leaks... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By junkyard2 - February 1 - 5:30 am

  This is my third Subaru and it will be my last. Pros: Fantastic AWD System, will flat out go in the snow ! Good gas mileage for a AWD, 27.5 highway, 23 city Easy to work on. Heated Windshield Cons: Cheap interior, Sub Standard factory Stereo System, Head Gasket leaks ! All 3 of my Outbacks have had head gasket issues, once they start leaking, they drip on the exhaust and the oil vapors come right in the fresh air ducts. If you buy one you WILL be eventually be putting head gaskets on it. At 120K miles, my steering rack is leaking oil bad, one head gasket is leaking and the cat converters are shot ($1860 at Subaru) I have a neighbor with a 2011 Outback that has oil leaks, BEWARE !

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  John of Columbus, NC loves his Outback Limited - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By jaacolumbusnc - January 30 - 4:24 pm

  On 8/23/2012 I traded in my 2012 Honda CR-V EXL for an Ice Silver Outback 2.5i Limited with Option Package 04, body ice molding, puddle lights and splash guards. It is far more quiet and comfortable then the Honda. It rides like a sedan and is terrific on fuel. I am honestly getting 25-26 mpg around town and close to 29 on my limited highway driving. My dealer, Vic Bailey Imports, Spartanburg, SC was a real treat to deal with.

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  smooth yet tough - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By crusin texas - January 27 - 7:00 am

  A perfect vehicle for almost any occasion. Rush hour, around town, highway or back country roads. It handles superbly and responsive. If folks are aware of the notoriously short Texas Highway on-ramps then youd appreciate this cars power. Can go from a mere coasting at 20 mph to 70 in no time. Able to move down and around country roads without fishtailing all over the road. Around town, the maneuverability and quickness is great. Only had one problem -- stereo and climate control unit failure. But the dealer serviced the car quickly and provided a loaner until car was fixed.

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  Excellent car with minor quirks - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By ssubiedoobie - January 26 - 3:31 pm

  Great car traded in my sport car, BMW which was in the shop frequently. Having said that I am done with "German" Engineering. I got the Outback for obvious outdoor activities as well as daily driver. The car handles well around sharp curves, their are to minor quirks with the car. 1) audio system to blue tooth, sometimes fades in and out. 2) Ignition keys, this I find more annoying I have not had ignition keys on a car for over 6 yrs but if you can go "retro" then it should not bother you. Overall great car, fun to drive. Impressive off road not only for its handling but the fact that it handles those bumps flawlessly. Works well on potholes also.

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  Fast and Safe - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Zipperhead - January 26 - 4:13 am

  This vehicle out preforms most cars on the road today. It is one one of the safest cars on the road and even comes with AWD. The interior and design is much like that you find in more exspensive cars from Lexus and Infiniti. You can not beat this car for the price.

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  Exceeds expectations - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By skibum - January 25 - 4:06 pm

  First off, I was dubious of the new transmission at first, but I cant believe the mileage Im getting with the CVT, its been between 29 and 32mpg so far. Ive found it to be very controllable as well, and the simulated gears look like they will work well in the Sierras this winter. The upgraded stereo sounds terrific, tons of room and ridiculously spacious in the reclining back seat, and many improvements over my previous Subaru, a Forester. No squeaks or rattles here.

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  Cams Outback - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Bill Bell - January 22 - 2:53 pm

  Try all other SUVs . Once you drive the Outback , there is no reason to drive anything else.

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  Love It - Even though one problem - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By steve & sue - January 22 - 7:06 am

  We love our new Outback-- best feature, averaging 28 mpg around town. Super comfortable and great looking. Warning, we had a strange "whomping" sound the first week when we hit 40 mph and would stop at 45 mpg, sounded almost like pressure in cabin as if one window was open slightly. When returned to dealer they were excellent and an engineer from Indiana flew down, knew just what it was, rear differential, and said a batch were defective with cement bits in them? At any rate, perfect now, but just to let others know if they hear a slight, strange sound to get it checked.

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  I now this car with a few exceptions - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Gadabout - January 22 - 3:59 am

  On any Drive Beyond one hour the front seats are totally unacceptable. Leg cramps are the norm. If it were not for the cruise control offering some relief I would have to pull over and stop. I have never owned an automobile in my 60 plus years of driving that has been this unacceptable in seat comfort. My second issue are the voice commands for the navigation system. They had best can be described as a joke. They flat-out do not work. Ive been dictating into machines one type or another for 40 years I use computer dictation everyday Ive used navigation systems on all of my other automobiles and Garmins and this one does not work. The other technologies out weight the previous issue. I would buy another BUT I would hope they get their act together on the fronts seats, the voice commands etcetera.

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  Overall performance - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Perry, S. California - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I enjoyed the car and fun to drive. Waited for while before I write this review. I love stereo system and nav. Dislike: firm seat,not enough storage, engine power ok,not as quiet inside the car, the steering wheel is firm for me - so far I do not have any major issue but rattle in front driver side at higher speed. Brought attention to dealer, cannot resolve the issue.