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 Car With Flaws - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Paul - December 23 - 6:36 am

  I just hit 5k miles and and remain extremely satisfied with my purchase of a 2017 Outback. The car serves as my primary vehicle and I commute with two other adults. The spacious interior has plenty of leg room in the backseat for adults. The cabin remains quiet at freeway speeds, though there is a distinctive wind noise from both the front driver and passenger windows. When multiple people are in the car, acceleration is sluggish. I like the eyesight and lane departure safety features, but have had a few growing pains. I live around curvy roads and the audio alarm I get everytime I cross the line on a curve can get a little irritating. I believe you can silence the alarm but I prefer to keep it on as I have two teenage children that also drive the car. The eyesight braking system activated a couple of times as I closed the distance gap too quickly on a car turning right. Also, when backing up in a grass parking area, the tall grass confused the system causing the car to break suddenly. My biggest complaint is the STARLINK system. It is useless with the iPhone. Really wish the car had Apple CarPlay instead. STARLINK is the vehicles biggest flaw. While the Bluetooth system works well, not having full access to my iPhone features will likely keep me from making another Subaru purchase in the future. And while I do use the cars navigation system, its not as intuitive as Google Maps or Waze and have to rely on my phones smaller screen rather than the larger car monitor. Again, CarPlay would give me more options. Beyond the obvious STARLINK flaw, I really like the vehicle and look forward to putting the all wheel drive to the test as the first flakes of snow begin to fall in a few weeks.

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  Reliability - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Earl Evans - December 23 - 4:30 am

  This is our 10th Subaru, all were reliable, great in snow, dealer is fantastic.

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  This is my last Subaru - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By Doug - December 22 - 8:20 pm

  Ive had many Subarus, and this is my last one. After replacing the head gasket 4 times, Im done. (The tranny went on another one I still own). These cars dont spend much time in the shop but when they do, it costs me 5-6 car payments. Also, after reviewing options now (in 2009), the OB has not kept pace with other makers improvements. Its still the same car in 2009 as it was in 2002 with a few different options. Same engine, same power train, same reliability issues until someone proves otherwise. Also, the engine is underpowered for its size.

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  Some improvements, some problems - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By sb_sweetie - December 22 - 9:26 am

  I owned my first Outback (95) for 10 years before replacing it with the updated 2005. I love the look and some features of the new version, but am annoyed by others. The car handles well and the transmission is great. It drives much like the 95, but feels much more solid and safer. What annoys me is the cabin; it seems to have shrunk a few critical inches in all directions. The fit is tight for me and my 62" husband. I never felt this way in the 95. Also, the rear-view mirror is set too low (Im 57") and obscures my view through the front. Maybe Ill get used to this, but for now, it annoys me (Ive only had the car for a week). I guess Im somewhat disappointed in the 05.

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  Loving Subaru! I do not want to drive anything els - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Denise - December 21 - 7:26 am

  We have enjoyed this car, bought in 2006 at 130000 miles. Now we have 284000 and it is still driving like new. I sold my sweet 2003 at 288.000 miles. Never had one problem. We bought a 2016 brand new! Although the car is new and the technology is great it does not compare with my 2003. The old car was an LLBean Legacy Outback with leather interior. CD player (5 CD changer) which really was wearing out. Separate Moon and Sun Roofs. No navigation system. I used a separate GPS System. The new 2016 is an Outback. The ride in the 2003 is way smoother and the engine is so much quieter. The navigation system really ... well ... sucks. Everything I said before still goes about my 2016 Subaru. I have to really say that the navigation system in the car is hard to use! What I do not like about the whole system in general is that it takes over and does not allow you to do anything while the car is in motion. Or even sitting with your break on in Drive. Even the passenger cannot make any changes to the route or look up anything. The mapping program is archaic to say the least. Why cant Subaru integrate a system that matches what you have on your cell phone. You are used to looking at that screen used to in putting the data or information. I use a couple of mapping programs. The only thing good about the mapping program in my car right now is the graphics are good. But its so difficult to put an address in and the first time I tried it I kept putting the address that I wanted to go to as my home address because you cant tell what it wants and then you find out that youve put your home address as an address youre trying to navigate to. I really dont use it much its a waste of time for me. I also do not like the sound Radio / whatever its called. You cant take stations off that you dont want on there. I took Sirius radio off there because its seriously not worth the money. But I cant get the Sirius channels off. Ive tried going in and just putting another channel on top of that one that works but its very time-consuming it needs to be more user-friendly because you have to sit out in your garage for hours the program it. Subaru please send us a fix... I need a computer upgrade this year one that is not 20 years behind the times. I have leather seats my car does not smell like leather my husband said well theyre not really leather... I did not know that when I bought the car... Well I can live with it but its just one of those frustrating things if you know what Im saying. When I come up to my car and its locked I have a car full of groceries and I have my key in my purse I can open the doors no problem but I cannot open the tailgate it will not open for me. I have to unlock my car and then open the tailgate. It wont even unlock with the remote. , so far this car drives like a dream... I have no complaints about the car just the computer system that runs the mapping program and the child guards apparently that I cant turn my radio off when Im backing up since someone left it on parked it I turned on the car put it in reverse and then all the sudden the radio comes on and just blasting scared this scares the heck out of me and I have to stop backing up put my car into park to turn the radio off. Just those little aggravating things they super add up. And the little drop-down for the sunglasses that is in the ceiling of the car up close to the front windshield pops down put your sunglasses in... No sunglasses will fit in there it is so freaking small. Just saying

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  love my subaru - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By jb - December 19 - 3:47 am

  Best car for safety!! Our son and grandson were in a major car accident, T-boned, in their Subaru and suffered only minor injuries. The first responders credited it to being in a Subaru!

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  Great car for money - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By SClaus - December 17 - 9:19 pm

  Have owned Lexus rx and now own Toyota Highlander hybrid and the outback limited gives a great ride and list of options for substantually less money. Hard to beat

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  4th sub - upholstery quality ba humbug - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bgbFL - December 17 - 2:56 am

  Upholstery - fabric fit and finish leaves something to be desired. 2002 legacy outback wagon was better at trade in than this is new. Loose fitting in one area "bunch" up in several areas. Mileage is good. Seats firm and comfortable. Rides well. CVT takes some getting used to - at times its seems like its not "c". Paddle shifting a fun to try. Visibility very good.

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  New to Subaru - Great so far! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Carl N.C. - December 12 - 7:13 pm

  I replaced a 1999 F150 with a V8 with a 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium. The fuel mileage is as advertised. 29.5 on a trip to Atlanta. Bought the car in Oct 09. Have about 5K miles on it. The 4 cylinder for the weight of the car performs better than my V8 truck did. There isnt much road noise. I do have engine noise at passing speeds. The car is quiet the rest of the time. The CVT works quite well. The steering took a little getting used to. I do not have any problems pulling out in front of i40 65 mph traffic here in NC. For those concerned, buy the 6. No regrets here

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  2016 Outback 3.6 Limited w/MRP/KAS/NAV/ES-CVT - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ron Tamulonis - December 12 - 12:30 pm

  Im in my 70s and we hold onto our cars for 15+ years. I did a years research from talking to Subaru owners in my neighborhood and Mall parking lots plus reviewing owners comments for vehicles 2014 on that I could find on the internet. If folks had a complaint I looked to see if that complaint carried through on the latest dated reviews or did it disappear. I wanted the latest safety equipment that I could afford like: Adaptive Cruise Control; Eye Sight: Blind Spot Detection; Rear Cross Traffic Alert and found this vehicle had these plus additional safety features. We drove to Florida and loved the Adaptive Cruise Control that maintained a selected safe distance between us and the car in front from out 75 set speed to 45 mph slow downs and back to 75 without having to reset the cruise control speed. I loved the "Multi Information Display" in front of the steering wheel which I set to show the next route change without having to look at the large Navigation screen. I was disappointed in the navigation system in that it kept trying to take us off route 95 in what was completed Florida construction areas also it couldnt find the Motel address in Miami that the motel gave to us. However when we did a Custom search in the Accommodations category we found our Motel listed and hit Go and it took us directly to it. Both my wife and I have back problems and we didnt experience any pain or discomfort spending over 8 plus driving hours per day (an unexpected benefit). We didnt have any hesitation going from Reverse to Drive with the 3.6R engine that often found with the 4 cylinder engine. We didnt have slippage (wheel spinning) going on to a major highway from a side road in the rain. With the keyless ignition, I did find out how to listen to the radio picking up the grandsons with the engine off. My wife and I love the car and would highly recommend the 3.6 Limited 2016 Subaru Outback.