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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  Starlink needs improving - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By 47states - January 22 - 5:30 pm

  This is our first Outback (Limited 2.5i). We really do like the car but Subaru needs to work out a few bugs first. We would buy again if we could have the black interior and Starlink is improved. We wanted the Lapis Blue Pearl color with the Slate Black Leather Interior. Not an option. The Lapis Blue Pearl is only available with the Warm Ivory Leather interior which shows dirt and scuffs. We only have about 4900 miles on the car and the interior is showing wear. I did purchase the protection package but still not happy. The interior of the car is very roomy and the backseat legroom is comfortable. There is a fold down armrest in the back with two cup holders. Each door has a water bottle holder compartment. The glove compartment is small and barely holds all of the manuals for the car. The manuals are informative and important to read for several of the features. The storage compartment between the driver and front passenger is okay in size but was larger in my Vibe. There is also a compartment in the overhead for sunglasses but it is much too small for mine. Almost kid sized. The display panel is well designed and you can change viewing options with a tap on a steering wheel lever. Seats have great adjustment and you can easily store settings for 2 drivers. The steering wheel is also adjustable. A great feature for our northern climate is heated front AND rear seats. Very nice and warm. Dual Zone temperature control allows the driver and passenger to obtain their comfort level. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat easily (no removing a headrest). You can even pull levers in the trunk to fold them flat while loading cargo. One of the features I wanted, the 120 Volt Power Outlet (standard plug in) is not available with Eyesight. It has 2 USB ports but charging a cell phone takes forever (8% an hour). I purchased a power adapter and that speeds up the charging process but it is bulky to store in the vehicle. Transmission Paddle Shifters on the steering column allow you to manually shift the car. I really miss a manual transmission but all this does is allows you to manually control the process if you need it, i.e. in the mountains. Wish it would allow you to shift from the console. Gas mileage has been less than listed. We are averaging 23.5 for a 50/50 mix of city and highway. We live in a rural area so even our city driving should boost the mileage but it hasn’t done so. Our best mileage has been 25.5 but that was only once. Acceleration is sluggish and for this price range it should be faster and smoother. My Vibe GT was much better at acceleration and was only 180hp compared to the Outback 175hp. The upgraded stereo system is great and I like the option to store channels seamlessly in one list from FM/AM radio, Pandora, Sirius XM, etc…. My biggest complaint is the mapping system is very obsolete. Restaurants appear that have been closed for over 2 years, streets that were built over 5 years ago don’t show up, etc… Subaru has an update available now BUT you need to have a code if you want the free update. Then you have to take out the micro SD card and place it into a computer to update the data and then replace it in the car. There are no instructions for this and it took a lot of research to get that far. I had to purchase a SD card sleeve to accommodate the micro SD so that it would fit in my computer. I was assured by Subaru that I would have the code a month ago but I am still waiting despite repeated requests. In the Starlink system you also have access to vehicle settings and you can change some vehicle responses, i.e. when you push the trunk button in the rear it can unlock all of the doors for you or just the driver’s door. Most vehicles lock the car doors when you either start the engine or shift the car into drive, but the Outback doesn’t have this option. Starlink also will read text messages from Android and Apple phones. If someone sends a series of text messages it may only read the last text. And there is no way to voice reply. You can use a pre-canned text message but I haven’t figured out if you can change them. You can make a call by pushing a button on the steering column and then requesting to “call Sue Peterson.” But you cannot ask to call the nearest Home Depot. If a number is not stored in your cell phone contacts, you cannot voice dial it. It really needs to be able to look up numbers for nearby businesses and dial them. Our vehicle insurance cost was less than insuring the old Vibe. The safety features (see below) are wonderful. 175 HP 18.5 gallon fuel tank capacity (87 octane) Keyless Entry System High Beam Assist HID Headlights Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Using radar sensors, the Blind-Spot Detection system warns you with a visual indicator in each side mirror if it senses a vehicle in your blind spots. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert can help warn you of traffic approaching from the side

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  Subaru - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By TIm - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Good in the snow

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  Made the Right Decision - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By mstrongin - December 25 - 12:34 pm

  Test drove many cars before trying out the Outback. Last Subaru I had was a 1992 Loyale (predecessor to the Outback) stickshift. Was a great vehicle, though I think it only had 100 hp. Really liked the new design and all the technology. Also very comfortable front and rear seats, as well as generous cargo space in the rear. Was pretty sure I would get the 3.6, but tried both and while the 3.6 was definitely faster/quicker, it was not sufficiently so and I opted for the lower price and better gas mileage. Id say for 90 to 95 % of my driving, the 2.5 is either great or fine. Very happy with my decision.

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  great turbo - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By michael - December 15 - 11:43 am

  This is a terrific car much more responsive than the 6 cylinder. Wanted to get the Limited, but am too tall for the sunroof. Why does a nice interior require a sunroof? Great handling for a car with this much ground clearance. Good job, Subaru.

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  Poor fuel economy - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By postit1 - December 7 - 6:46 pm

  I would like this car very much were it not for the gas mileage. I would not recomend this car if fuel economy is at all important to you. I am a light footed driver who has always gotten near or even slightly above the rated mileage on vehicles owned. There are always a few drivers who will get poor mileage with any vehicle. Before buying I dismissed these at lead footed drivers. I should not have. Check around on the web and you will find poor mileage is a pretty common issue with the 2013 4 cyl. Outback. I am getting 22-23 mpg on 70-80% highway driving split between 50-60mph and 75 mph. Non highway driving is suburban areas. Am actively working to unload this vehicle.

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  Good Value - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Bob - November 14 - 3:13 am

  I have driven the car 2000 miles. I find that the engine is disturbingly noisy above 2500 rpm. The rear hatch does not have a latch that you can undo before you lift it. Takes quite a hefty pull to open it. If by chance the hatch is locked when you pull, your fingertips are going to feel the pain. At highway speeds the car has a tendency to oversteer. The analog speedometer measures from 0-150 mph and it does not belong in the Outback. 0- 110 mph would be more suitable

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  Wonderful as expected - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By ESmith813 - November 10 - 7:03 pm

  Though I have not owned this car very long, my mother drives a 2000 Outback Wagon that I fell in love with. The extras on the Limited model are very fun and feel solid. The 5-speed manual is smooth, but cruising at 65MPH just a little over 3000 RPMs is higher than my mothers auto. The AWD is amazing. I have never been stuck in any snow or ice. This past winter it climbed a rather steep icy brick hill with ease. A recent road trip put 1500 miles on it without a single grip from the car. I averaged 25MPG with a heavy load. I wish I was able to find an H6 model - the power is only adequate, but I prefer the manual transmission that isnt offered with the 6-cylinder anyway.

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  good first time Subaru experience - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By SFBayDriver - November 3 - 5:26 am

  We were shopping for a Venza, Camry and ended up buying an 2010 Outback. This dealer was selling both brands and we test drove and liked the Outback. It feels heavier, stronger and more solid. We got it for 26k about 1k less than newspaper ad. This is our first Subaru, actually my first time driving a Subaru. I got to say it is pretty impressive and worth considering if you are shopping for a wagon.

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  Happy owner so far - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By LV - October 19 - 6:29 am

  Acceleration feels a little sluggish, but it is enough, if you press the pedal like you mean it. The car is very comfortable and fun to drive because of the great handling. Fuel economy is excellent for the size of the car. I dont like the exterior look too much, especially the roof rack rails, but thats not a surprise. Interior is great. One (small) disappointment is that the USB charging ports delivers very little current, probably under 1A, which is too little for the latest smartphones.

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  OK but I expect more - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By jasn - October 16 - 8:30 am

  I purchased this after owning a Acura, Honda & Toyota - comparatively, the performance responsiveness is lacking in the Outback & it guzzles premium gas. Brakes and AC had to be replaced already & the much-vaunted AWD doesnt seem to make much difference on the snow covered roads of Canada - still slip & slide all over. I would definitely not buy another... back to Honda or Toyota for me.