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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  Solid ride - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By MOutback - November 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is solid, but needs more power and refinement. The ride is smooth, handling is balanced, interior is comfortable, traction is superb, and ergonomics are decent. Of course, the key selling point was the AWD and Subaru dependability, which have proven their worth. Plus, its good looking. After 38K miles, the only problem Ive had was a bad AC compressor, which was covered by the warranty. But Im glad I dont have the McIntosh stereo (what a loser). Id gladly buy another, especially the 2005 model, which promises to be an excellent improvement.

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  Subaru Outback AWD Best Vehicle Ever - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By mike07734 - November 25 - 3:28 am

  I purchased my Vehicle in June 2010. Its the 2011 Limited AWD 2.5 4Cylinder engine. Subaru Dealer has been the most attentive, most friendly, best ever Dealership I have ever delt with in my entire life of owning cars. Acceleration / power is great, car rides very smooth, very solid car, very quiet, comfortable, its tons of fun to drive especially in snow puts many other cars and 4x4s to shame plus I can average 31mpg due to the way the engine is so perfectly mated to that CVT. This is an exceptional vehicle inside and out, built quality remarkable, value is outstanding. Service from dealer on scale of 1-10 is an ELEVEN !! Outback is an extremely good vehicle.

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  Love / Hate Relationship - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - November 23 - 12:04 pm

  Reasons for Hate: "Inexpensive and Built to Stay That Way" Ha! Whatever happen to that philosophy Subaru? Well, my 2007 Outback has been one of the most expensive cars to maintain. I have spent over $12,000 dollars in maintenance costs over the last 9 years - not including tire replacement. Your engineers should really do something about the Head Gasket issue as well as the flimsy boots on the front axles that require the entire axle to be replaced - and all too often. Certainly there are longer lasting materials out there for boot covers, or at least find a reliable way to replace the boot and not the whole axle. I have also replaced the clutch assembly twice, which is an exceedingly expensive job! It would have been cheaper for me to just upgrade to the Automatic Transmission when I first bought the car.
  
  Reasons to Love: Maybe Im shallow, but the only reason I do not trade the car in on something else is the fact that it is the most striking wagon design in recent memory - if not longer - if you have a long memory! Its an All-Wheel-Drive Sports car that just happens to be a wagon. The car has no bad angles! I just wish that the newer Outbacks had not lost their wagon roots. Any Outback after 2010 just seems to be struggling with an identity crisis, although the newer [2015+] models have shed some of their awkward bulges in favor of more subtle curves. You may be on the right path with the newer Outback, but just get the mechanical issues right!

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  A perfect Fit - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Bryan - November 22 - 3:50 am

  This vehicle is almost pefect. This is my 9th Subaru, so I am no stranger to the brand. This vehicle is everything I need in a vehicle. It has cargo capacity for my 3 large dogs, is getting 29MPG in mixed driving, and is very, very, very quiet. No irritating rattles and the ride is delightful. I love the fact that it has AWD and that it has high ground clearance. It fits me to a T. It is also a nice looking vehicle, which doesnt hurt. The only things Id change are the acceleration (though Im happy to sacrifice a slower start for the mpg Im getting), and having air conditioning in the rear of the vehicle in addition to the front. Because Ill be hauling my dogs to the dog park a lot and the fact that I live in sunny (and extremely hot) Phoenix, AZ, Id love to have rear air conditioning. Other than that, I dont have a single thing Id change. I love my new Outback and will keep it for a long, long, long time. Id recommend it without hesitation.

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  subaru - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By baillargeon - November 20 - 4:33 pm

  Very good winter vehicle, excellent in snow & on ice. Good fuel economy. Lots of power, good handling. Pleasure to own & drive this vehicle.

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  my outback - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By James Rutledge - November 17 - 12:50 pm

  great car. fun, handles well, versatile. built right.

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  The "go anywhere, do everything vehicle" - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By The Subaru Nut - November 16 - 8:10 pm

  Our 2010 Outback is our 4th Subaru over 20 years. This model is much larger, roomier, quieter and nicer than previous versions! We have the 4 cyl with CVT, currently with 3400 miles. Mileage is 26-28 in town, over 30 hwy! Power is quite adequate and handling great. Ride is fantastic (beats any other venders Ive experienced). Many nice creature comforts, including audio, puddle lights, bluetooth, heated seats and easy to locate/use controls on steering wheel. Overall this is the best Subaru Outback ever produced and I highly recommend it to anyone. A great vehicle for all driving and road conditions!

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  Solid Car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By matt - November 13 - 12:36 am

  This is my first Subaru. It has a very solid feel to it, which I like. The interior is comfortable, and the sunroof is a thing of beauty. I love to bounce it around on rutted old roads while going fishing, and love how it handles in the snow and ice. Ive always owned slightly larger cars, so it takes a bit of getting used to the size. The transmission is the only blemish I can mention. Going uphill it tends to never find its groove, keeps shifting up and down and up and down. Also it seems it takes the tranny a bit to warm up on cool mornings, it might try a clumsy double shift while accelerating out of the driveway.

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  Overpriced. Needs a LOT of Expensive Repairs! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By bob - November 9 - 10:07 am

  Our 2012 has needed a new transmission with under 65,000 miles, new head gaskets, and a new timing belt. Altogether, we have paid well over $10,000 in repairs. It also go through oil very fast, the tires and brake pads wear out quickly, and the transmission fluid costs more than $300 per bottle!

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  High Tech needs auto locks - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Bernie - November 8 - 2:47 pm

  The doors do not lock when put in drive, this must be done manual. With all the high tech in this vehicle this would be standard. Rest of vehicle works great.