Subaru Outback Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.35/5 Average
2,095 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 691 through 700 of 2,095.00
  • Once a Subie Owner always a Subie Owner - 2010 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Just recently handed over my 97 Legacy GT Wagon over to the kid. Except for a scratch or two that baby was pristine. So going to an Outback, especially the new body was a big change at first. The car felt "huge" to me. But now after driving it for the last two months Im really loving feel of luxury in and out. Though I dont feel it handles quite as good as my Legacy (being its lower center of gravity), but I havent really taken it on a Mountain trip yet. Im really enjoying the comfortable ride and how you dont feel the gear change and really digging those heated seats! And being a bit higher in the car is a nice advantage in the world of all SUVs these days.

  • Frustrated!! - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Im sure I have a lemon but with 89,000 miles there is not much I can do. I do like the car other than the CV joint and Rear wheel baring need to be replaced. The CD player may or may not play. The front driver seat burns you when you use the seat warmer. The passenger seat "passenger sensor" dings all the time unless the seat belt is locked in. The windshield rattles unless papers are pushed down between the glass and dash, even after one windshield replacement. And the transmission lurches to shift until it warms up.

  • Great Car But Beware of Starlink - 2016 Subaru Outback
    By -

    First, the overall performance of the 2016 Outback. The car is great except for two items. Acceleration is not smooth. It seems to jump off the line. Not as smooth as I would expected. Next, the braking is not as good as expected. The car seems to not stop as I would like. Consider I am 67 years old and do not drag race! Otherwise this car, its design, most features, gas mileage, and comfort are everything I had hoped it would be. Truly great. Now the downside. One minor point -- The climate control does not appear to be very responsive. It does not quickly respond whenever we adjust the temperature. Its ok but other cars I have owned have been better. Now most importantly -- Be sure you know whether your cell phone is compatible with the Outback Starlink Infotainment System. No Subaru sales associate ever mentioned this. We were led to believe our phones would be fully functional with the car. Subaru happens to have a place on their website to check your phones compatibility with your carrier, make, and model of phone. For those listed the site shows whether it has been tested or not. If tested, the site shows exactly which features work with Starlink. If not tested or not listed, beware. When we encountered our first problem, the service department pointed out this site where it shows our phones were Not Tested. According to the service department, anything can happen and as we found, it does. For example, we could receive incoming calls and sometime make outgoing calls. When wanting to make an outgoing call, Starlink would dial a random number from our contact list when pressing the phone icon. We would not have the opportunity to choose the contact. Also, for some reason I can not explain, the Starlink Infotainment system will lock up totally. None of the controls of the Infotainment system would work. Could not change the radio station. No icons would work. Could not even turn Starlink off. There was only on way to fix this; pull off the road, turn off the car, and restart;very annoying especially if on an interstate highway. This has happened many times since we purchased the car in February. Unfortunately the service department said because the phone was listed as not tested, there is nothing they could (would). So, please check the compatibility of your phone with the Subaru website before you are disappointed. Our solution; we bought new cell phones that were on the approved phone list.

  • I love this car! - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I rented an Outback when I was working in Idaho last winter, and I really liked the way it handled. I needed a new car because my brothers old Honda was getting to be too old. And I just wanted something new. In fact, I test drove a 2004 Outback, but the dealer had a 2001 Outback LL Bean edition with a larger engine and lots of extras for the same price as the new 2004. Im sure I paid too much cause I bought it immediately and I didnt know whether they would even deal on a used car, but Ive never regretted buying it. I own a 1984 Porsche 944 that I didnt even drive last summer because I was still in love with my Subaru Outback. I drive a lot for work, and Im very happy with this car.

  • Aussie Outback - 2005 Subaru Outback
    By -

    The Subaru is everything we expected when we bought it. Fantastic interior, great performance and a high level of comfort and utility suggests we will like it for a while yet. Only drawback noticed so far is fuel economy - expect under 20 mpg around town and only open- road cruising gets it above 20 mpg

  • Great Car. Worth the price. - 2010 Subaru Outback
    By -

    We bought in late fall. Handles great, rides good. Can be tricky getting into reverse & other gears. Layout of controls is very well planned out & easy to adjust for all drivers. We live in the North East and this is the 2nd one we own. It handles the dirt roads in Massachusetts as well as it handles the highway.

  • Very Solid Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This has been a great car for me, Ive put on almost 100,000 miles. Now have 122,000 and the car is still running strong. I havent had any issues except with the door/window moldings, which lead to the wind noise everyone talks about. Two were replaced by dealer, one for free after warranty ran out (thanks Subaru!), and one more that needs fixing. Transmission "pops" when it downshifs from 4th to 3rd but has not created any issues except annoyance. Mileage is not bad considering the weight of car and full time AWD. I average 18-20 for everyday driving and get from 24-26 on the highway (with the H6-3.0) and I dont drive lightly. Out performs many trucks/SUVs in 12"+ snow in the mountains.

  • Outback Features make my commute easier! - 2017 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I got the 2017 Outback limited with eyesight. The adaptive cruise control makes my long commute much easier, as it will slow down and speed up to keep my car at a constant distance from the car ahead of me. Even if cars move in and out of my lane (or if I change lanes), the cruise control keeps me safe and less stressed during my 45+ minute commute. And the visual and audible alerts are hugely helpful when a car is in my blind spot as I drive, or when I am getting ready to back up. My family is very happy with our new car!

  • Love it - but recalls adding up - 2010 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I bought my first Subaru after a long search. Chose it over a CR-V, primarily for handling - the Subaru is very solid. I love the AWD - it saved my life this winter during a very difficult snowstorm. In my previous car (a Toyota Camry) I would have been off the road. I love the spaciousness of the interior - a big factor in my purchase decision. The rear seats fold down in a second, and leave lots of flat room, unlike the CR-V. The gas mileage has been fantastic - at worst 28, at best 32 mpg. The recalls are a big issue - my dealership is an hour away - that adds up to many added miles on my new, not-exactly inexpensive car! Wait for the 2011 - let them fix the recall issues.

  • Good deal if you use Edmunds and shop around! - 2017 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I had been a faithful VW driver for a while, but decided to go with the Outback after my TDI Sportwagen was involved in the diesel buyback. Ive only owned the car 2 months, but weve had our share of snow and rain in that amount of time. Im thrilled with the handling of the Outback. The entertainment system takes some getting used to. Its not as intuitive as I would have expected, and it seems to be glitchy with the bluetooth - it inexplicably tries to sync with my phone and play from my Pandora app about half the time Im in the car, and I suspect this is eating away at my phone data usage. The headlights are also taking me some time to get used to. Theres a definite "horizon" - I can see a defined line right in the middle my field of vision where the headlights end, and I find that it makes the visibility really low when going up or down a hill. It bothers me the most at night on winding back roads, I cant really see if there are deer along the roadside any further than a few yards. I highly recommend using Edmunds TMV to find the best price. My most-local dealership was unwilling to negotiate price and was giving me a hard time about getting the Premium with the options package I wanted, so by using Edmunds, I found multiple other dealerships within reasonable distance who were willing to give me a great deal on those exact packages. Not only did I save over $3000 from what the first dealership quoted me, I got a better financing rate as well. Roberts Subaru in Downingtown, PA made this purchase very easy. It was the most haggle-free, laid back, simple car purchase Ive ever made.

Subaru Outback Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area