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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  Oil Consuming Outback - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By russellta - May 16 - 6:23 am

  Love the car, hate how it burns oil and Subaru knows about it but will not stand behind their product. Oil consumption test done by local Subaru Service department shows 1qt oil consumed in 1,529 miles on our 2014 Outback with 9,253 miles on the odometer. Local Service Department says they did not do the test right, but I looked at the dipstick myself before we took it in. 1qt low at 1,520 miles. Oil consumption test says 1/3qt in 1,200 is out of specification, contacting SOA got us an answer of; go back to the dealer. Really? Stand behind your product Subaru. Read the lawsuit against you and you will see there is no reason for me to go back to my dealer.

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  Nice car, be good to it and will probably be good to you. - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By ramborob79 - May 10 - 9:35 pm

  We have owned this car for about 5 years,bought the car with 60k and have put a little over 100k on it. The car has been quite an investment to buy and service but has never left us stranded.Head gaskets were replaced shortly after purchase under warranty and have been fine since. I was told subarus can be considered a specialty vehicle and I agree as they are built different than a lot of cars. Still starts right up,shifts smoothly,rides nice. If you are hard on your vehicle and used to putting very little money into it in the meantime, probably not for you.

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  Love the eyesight - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By jonaki - May 7 - 7:11 pm

  I bought my subaru from Gillman Subaru San Antonio, Texas. Austin, Tx dealers are hard to negotiate. I read about the eyesight technology in 2013 outback. This tech provides adaptive cruise control, safety against impacts, lane departure warning, etc. Unfortunately, this feature comes with a package with moonroof and navigation. The whole package and some other accessories brought the MSRP to about 34.5K. Offered 29.3K which was accepted by Gillman. Really enjoying the car, especially the eyesight features.

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  Vibration - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Bad Outback - May 6 - 3:36 pm

  I have owned my Outback about 4 months and have had a consistent vibration that starts at 60 and goes to 71. Subaru is well aware of this problem and to date, has no fix. This is not my 1st Subaru, but may be my last. Factory Customer Service is very poor. Not what I would expect. I will not wait much longer for a fix before the Lemon Law comes into play. This is not effecting all Outbacks. I would highly recommend a lengthy test drive before you take delivery.

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  My new XT Limited - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By pthal - May 6 - 1:06 pm

  I bought this car in 5/05 using the 1,000 dealer incentive for a total of $28,600 (traded in a BMW 328i). All around it has great power but drives a little more like a SUV than I thought it would--sits higher than the previous model. Handling cant compare to a BMW but the acceleration is great. Love my bike rack and Im impressed by the quality of the interior. The more aggressive stance of the car is what appealed to me vs. previous version.

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  It grows on you.... - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Chris Amberg - May 4 - 8:30 pm

  Traded a 2002 Honda CR-V manual for the 3.6R Outback auto. I live on an acreage and drive gravel every day, plus after this winter realized I needed the ground clearance. With snow tires (must have) it will be a tank. Most CUVs have gotten lower to the ground; Subie is tops here. Love the smooth, quiet power of the flat six; wish the engine came with a manual but paddle shifters will help wean me from my manual preference. I still have a Miata stick so ok compromise.

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  Ranch Mom Liking 08 OB - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Ranch Mom - May 3 - 3:40 pm

  After 3 years of researching I decided it was time to downsize from my Ford Excursion. I love my Excursion, but couldnt stomach the cost of driving it any longer. Even though the Subaru is a world apart from my "bus", I am getting used to the small size. The Ltds fit and finish compared to other crossover vehicles was far superior. It is smooth to drive and after two tanks Ive averaged 28 mpg in mixed driving. Im 6 foot tall and with the much loved sunroof, the head room is tight and the leg room is adequate, while the backseats leg room is snug for adults. I enjoyed driving the XT but with the premium fuel requirement and decreased mpg I couldnt justify it.

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  Subaru happy - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By curt ritter - May 1 - 3:13 pm

  I have looked for several months for a vehicle including Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Dodge and Chevrolet. The best bargain that I found was the Outback. Great fuel economy and the handling is great. I would recommend purchasing a new one without question.

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  Best value out there - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By awall - May 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought our new Outback a week and a half ago, so I cant give much feedback about reliability yet, but so far we love the car. The redesign they did in 2010 made the outback one of the best family cars out there, in my opinion and the 2011 continues mostly unchanged. Rear seat space is fantastic. Ride is terrific and you feel well connected to the road. Bring on the snow!

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  A car for all seasons. - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By harrytdd - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Whats not to like when a car does all it says it does. MPG, comfort, cargo space, and safety. Just got back from a 1000 mile excursion to North Cal. forest areas with excellent MPG-32 on regular gas..AC on and traveling at posted speed limits. Havent quite figure the Bluetooth features, but the XM radio was a boon when driving in regular radio-deprived areas. Have not experienced any sustained wheel vibration when driving at the higher speeds. If it does appear, we hope that SOA will have a solution.