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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  PZEV - "My Inner Treehugger" - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By highmile - August 9 - 10:10 pm

  We had already decided to buy a 2008 2.5i Outback when I happened across an Outback on the dealer lot with a different badge on the back that said "PZEV - Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle". I was curious as to what this was. Basically, it is the exact same car as your regular Outback, but with a more thorough burning of fuel and an emissions system on steroids. The emissions are as clean as a hybrid. My "Inner Treehugger" decided to splurge for the extra $200 for the PZEV option. We have been extremely happy with the vehicle. Unfortunately, I had to discover the PZEV since there seems to be little to no marketing for this "green" option.

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  Just a great car. 175k miles and going strong. - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By BrewCar - August 9 - 1:42 am

  Owned for 10 years, now at 175k miles. It loves the rain and snow... this AWD beast is simply unstoppable no matter the weather. In the winter, I put on Blizzak WS-70s, and it just sticks to the road (snow/slush/ice, bring it!). Driver position on wet freeways is like Goldilocks, just right, and youre above the tire spray. Im now spoiled with having seat heaters, fog lamps, and wiper defrost. Power has always been fine - I didnt buy it to be a muscle car. Only problems have been occasional oil leaks - valve cover, then oil pan seal. The brakes need changing about every 15 months, but it only takes about 20 minutes per axle and is dirt simple (yay disc brakes!!!). A bit of wind noise at freeway speeds, but some window seal restorer helps. Ive now handed her off to a college bound kid without worry; Im certain this ride has at least another 125k miles in her. My only real complaint was that I stayed with the stock speakers for the first 5 years - what a difference aftermarket makes!

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  Cant You Hear Me Knocking.. - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By USMercury - August 9 - 1:06 am

  First thing I noticed was the knocking of the engine, which they say is typical due to engine design. The knocking was unbearable, which they ultimately fixed. Knocking started to come back, but I just sold it, so it will be taken care of next by someone other than me. As with most reviews, lots of wind noise. The wind noise is to the point where you have to turn the radio up. I went from a 6 cyl to this 4 cyl to save on gas, but to tell you the truth, it got awful gas mileage. Came with a broken 6 CD changer. Minimal acceleration in this vehicle. Started making another noise, like a rattle or shaking sound. But, it’s gone, so fortunately not my problem now.

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  Still glad I sold it - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By huskerfan_1 - August 7 - 9:11 pm

  I had this car for exactly one year. Special ordered and purchase in Nov. 2009 and sold Nov. 2010. I am still seeing reviews noting the same deficiancies I left in my March 2010. review. I went on to purchase a 2011 Honda CRV. Still not the best, but it doesnt have ANY handling issues and comes with same crappy Continental tires. It has a better throttle response and the car is secure when entering and exiting tight exit ramps. The sound system is a trillion times better than the Harmon Kardon. I see many of these on the road and wonder if the owner has regretted their purchase.

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  The best value in a 4WD SUV - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Tim - August 4 - 10:34 pm

  After hearing friends rave about their Subarus we decided to replace our aging 4Runner(over 340k miles) with a 2016 Outback Premium 4 cylinder. Initial impressions are: great build quality, plenty of room & storage, entry/exit very easy, great sight lines, wonderful mileage, great handling and traction, * Steering feels well centered, tracks great and provides just enough feedback to make long drives comfortable. * Ride is well controlled and handles the pot holed northern Ohio roads with grace. * Very quiet interior at speed. * CVT transition also feels like it’s not a CVT, provides the common shift breaks and always seems in tune with what’s needed. * Acceleration of the boxer 4 cylinder is what you should expect, I never feel under powered and unable to pass or keep up with traffic. But never feel like there is a big reserve to pull from when needed. * Gas mileage is fantastic for an 4WD SUV with this much room, this is where the boxer 4 come in. * An intangible as it may sounds - it feels like a well-engineered vehicle. From the packaging of the engine and 4WD drive system, to the details that include underside paneling, engine bay access for maintenance, cross bar and roof latches, ties downs in the rear for cargo, triple door seals, safety systems that include a hefty rear door impact beam, etc. We shopped around and even considered an Acura RDX, we own several other Acura’s and also considered Mazda(CX6 and CX9) and Ford(Escape and Edge) entries. While the Acura was a much better vehicle in every category(expect MPG) it was also another $11k. I love the look of the Mazda’s but they felt cheap with lots of wind and engine noise, poor CVT shifting and a tin feel to everything about them. The Fords were the biggest disappointment, horrible shifting, poor ergonomics and over-priced. Both felt cheap in comparison. I don’t understand how Subaru is able to build this car for this price when I compared it to similar entries from Mazda and Ford. The Outback was leaps and bounds a better car and value.

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  Wow! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Greg - August 4 - 10:00 pm

  Just traded a 2009 Jeep Liberty for the Subaru. The build quality is superb and the gas mileage is FANTASTIC. What a fun car to drive (its my daughters car so I will not see it that much).

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  Great Safety Features - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By David - August 4 - 2:01 pm

  Purchased the 2016 Outback Premium 4-cyl in Jan. Very impressed with the safety features (have Eyesight). Talked with about 5 Subaru owners before purchase...all were very pleased. The vehicle is great in almost every way . Had difficulty with drivers seat for a while.... Found the drivers seat more comfortable when moved my shoulders as far back as possible. Had a 1550 mile round trip and did ok. Believe the Outback is a very good value for the $$$.

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  Enjoying my new 6 cylinder Subaru Outback. - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Eila K - August 3 - 5:52 am

  Ive had my Outback for 9 days, and have driven it for only 3 days. Overall, Im glad to be driving my 2017 Outback. It is a comfortable vehicle inside, rides well and I am glad I got the 6 cylinder vehicle for better acceleration, especially on the highway ramps. Ive made use of the blind spot assist, back up camera, lane assist and I believe once the eye sight engaged when I was driving quickly towards the car in front of me, stopped at a stop light. Im still getting used to the car so I dont know much about the GPS and blue tooth. I use my phone GPS anyways. Im glad I extended the star link for safety reasons. Ill know more in a few months and will update my review then.

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  Our Subaru - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Jmk - July 27 - 12:07 pm

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  Very pleased. Great value. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Hiland Hawk - July 27 - 4:11 am

  Went from Honda CRV to Outback with lane change technology. Drives like larger vehicle. Lots of power.