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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  A Happy Subie owner - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By A Happy Subie owner - June 6 - 12:30 am

  I absolutely fell in love with this vehicle after I saw quite a few on the road driving around. After doing my research and going to this website (www.edmunds.com) and Subarus website, reading all of the great comments people had on this particular vehicle, I was sold. I got the sport package with the heated seats and the heated mirrors. I think the heated seats will help me in those cold winter early mornings to work when i have to clear the sidewalks at a school where i work at.

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  Subaru, where did the reliability go? - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By equiuga - June 5 - 6:29 am

  I love my car, but it has had soooo many issues that a car with 70K should NOT have. Both boots in front, the front AXLE!, front bushings, rear wheel bearing, DS seat malfunction, Ck engine lights to name a few. I get my regular incredibly expensive maintenances done and expect more out of a car that I paid this much for. I spoke to a lady with a 08 model and she even had to have her transmission replaced at 30K plus many other MAJOR repairs. I actually chose this car over a honda and I now regret it. Subaru, where has your quality gone?

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  Great overall car with just a couple design issues - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Bart B - June 5 - 12:55 am

  I really like my 2016 Subaru Outback. It rides very well, even in the rain. Its roomy, comfortable, great family car, and reasonably priced. The safety features cant be beat. P.S. If you have an iPod Classic, dont try to get it to work with the infotainment system - it wont! Just buy an iPod touch. Pros: Drives like it is on dry pavement, even in the rain. Eyesight features are great (cruise control that speeds up/slows down as needed to keep a safe distance from other cars, automatic braking to avoid collisions) Cons: Acceleration from a stop is not smooth. Climate control layout could be better (2 buttons for the fan instead of a dial?) Infotainment system wont work with an iPod Classic.

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  Love this car - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ed Cure - June 4 - 6:25 am

  2016 Outback Limited with Eyesight and Navigation. Four Cylinder. We just completed a long trip SW Florida to Morganton NC, to Phoenix, AZ then back to Florida on I-10 E to I 75 S. Really like the 18.5 Gallon gas tank. Gives us a lot of range. Comfortable feeling when driving on some of those roads out west with gas stations few and far between. I agree most of the previous contents so I will not repeat. RE 4 cylinders vs 6. We did not feel deprived at all for lack of the 6. I would not buy the 6 just for the pickup but if it rode better and quieter, I would definitely consider it. Starlink was useless to us on the trip. We listen to talking books downloaded from our library to a cell phone. We then use bluetooth to listen on car radio. Starlink would not work in that situation. It seems now that give a 3 year subscription to Sirius radio. That is good if only to stop the annoying calls and e-mails from them if you do not renew. We only got a 30 day free trial. Generally like the Nav except that I detest the fact that the Voice Guidance cannot be turned OFF. I anything that is dangerous because when travelling at speed on an interstate at highers speeds by the time the voice tells you to take a turn in xxx feet, it is too late to do anything about it if you rely only on the voice. Looking to buy another one so that we have two. Our older 2007 Toyota Avalon Limited runs well but lacks the safety features like eyesight, backup camera. It does have the dynamic cruise control which is almost never used because it it not smooth like the Subarus. Will probably buy the 2017 Touring which inclueds what we like as standard. After reading some of the other comments, I will also evaluate the 6 cylinder to see if it does ride better.

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  Eye sight needs an eye check!! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By FABNY - June 3 - 11:18 pm

  Right turning vehicles even in another lane cause crash avoidance braking if adaptive cruise is active. High beam assist very erratic. When decreasing speed using cruise control it applies brakes to slow down instead of doing a gradual slow down. Cant even allow passenger to use navigation when moving

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  Nice but needs improvements - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By ebomb - May 29 - 8:26 pm

  So far I would say that this car is good but not great. The boxer engine lacks torque. Going up hills requires lots of down shifting. My other cars have way more power and they have similar or smaller engines. The AWD is excellent and is the main reason I bought it. The OEM tires are not that good. They lasted about 18,000 miles before needing replacement. The gas mileage is not good. I get around 23 mph and for an engine that lacks power it adds injury to insult. The build quality is very good. No problems so far and seems tight. I like the way it handles. Very responsive and the steering feels tight. I think many of my issues have been addressed by the 2010 model.

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  love, Love, LOVE! - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By angel76 - May 26 - 10:03 am

  Just purchased the vehicle this weekend. The ride is ultra smooth. The electric seat adjuster on the drivers side is great. This car is a good choice for both the young and old! The interior is both stylish and functional. Just the right amount of gadgets for me, not too many to overwhelm the driver. The power panoramic sunroof is awesome. I will enjoy this S.U.W. for years to come!

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  " On Star " Analog To Digital - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By 2003 Subaru Outback - May 25 - 4:26 am

  Other than the up-coming change in 2 1/2 years for the OnStar system, from analog to digital, the car has been all I have ever expected out of it and more. I have mine serviced every 2,500 miles, and if I find something wrong, I have it repaired while it is still nickel dime, before it reaches quarter half dollar condition.

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  Like my new 2010 3.5 Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By PM - May 24 - 10:23 am

  Got about 600 miles and really like it. Had a 2004 LL Brean and this is a lot more car. Larger, more comfortable to drive, but more difficult to parallel park. A lot nicer on the road and feels like a Lexus ride. Mileage is better too. Will take it to snow country this next weekend. Tires bounce a little (not terrible) and feel like they are over inflated or made of a cheap single ply rubber.

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  Makes driving fun again - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By LDH - May 19 - 3:10 pm

  I test drove this vehicle about 6-8 times comparing it to Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Acura, Nissan, BMW and each time the handling and "feel good" factor made the Outback the superior choice for me. My wife and I travel to the mountain states each year and cant wait to get into the Outback and put it through mountain roads at a good pace. We also have a Lexus RX 350 and we both barter to use the Subaru each week. If there is a hint of rain or severe weather, the Subaru is the automatic choice. Acceleration and the combined handling with the fuel economy is propelling this vehicle to compete with "all time favorite vehicle owned" for our house. A smart choice.