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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  First Sub - Very Happy. - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Mainer Rich - April 14 - 9:40 am

  This is my first Sub (always had Hondas) and I have been very happy. I was nervous to purchase the car given the history of Subarus head gasket issues. With much research, it became clear that the issue has been addressed for new Subs. Plus, my dealership covers engine/tranny issues for the life of the car. Gas mileage greatly improved after 4000 miles, and with a little warmer weather. 26 mpg around town - 30+ on highway. Great car! I plan to hand it down to my 7 year old when he turns 16. If you are on the fence about purchasing, just do it. You will be happy you did.

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  So far, so good! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Ione - April 13 - 10:46 pm

  Weve had our OB for about 3 weeks & in that time weve taken it on 2 excursions, 1 thru sloppy snow on black ice, dirt roads & extremely steep grades. Not the slightest loss of traction on the ice while other cars were wiggling thru the snow (tho found changes in acceleration very jerky while in low gear), the bumps melted away on the dirt road, our fully loaded car zipped up the steep grade & the paddles worked very well going down while the car in front of us (older Subaru OB, BTW) had to be pulled off to cool the brakes down. Once we hit the flats & the freeways we got c. 30 - 33 mpg. Drivers seat is very comfortable, ride is very quiet, fit & finish fine, good head lights.

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  My 2007 was better - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By PANORAL - April 13 - 1:26 pm

  My wife totaled our 07 outback without a scratch on her. I therefore replaced it with a 2010 limited. First off, I did not like the privacy tinted Glass-it ruined the rear view. Secondly, the multifunction display is really a non-display, it is invisible in normal outdoor light and placed in a bad position. I had a homelink mirror on my 07 but this car came with only a dimming/compass vanity. The dealer wants about $200 to change it, the difference in price is only about $15. Im not sure about the mpg gauge, it is rarely at neutral and pegs at max going downhill with the engine braking. I wish I had my 07 back!

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  Wintertime Driver - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By New Hampshire Seacoast Driver - April 12 - 9:43 am

  Seems to be the official vehicle of northern New England with so many on the road. Only valid complaint at this time is the poor performance of the navigation software. Will not allow update for 18 months; meanwhile, road speed limits change, routes are modified and the "voice" will not warn of turns until it is too late.

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  Poor Design, workmanship, and service - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By keigzdad - April 11 - 6:36 pm

  Our 2012 Outback passenger side seat molding has fallen off four (4) times. We have to drive 150 miles round trip to have it serviced. Last time it was "fixed" it had fallen off by time we arrived back home. Today we received a call from Karen Quinn at Subaru USA asking us to cancel our saturday appointment and reschedule for Tuesday because that is when their district manager is available. Seriously!? My wife is a COO for a health system and I am a university professor. Since when do we have to facilitate YOUR needs Subaru? Shouldnt you and your district manager facilitate OURS?

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  Just the right mix - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By David Enlow - April 9 - 4:24 pm

  Outback brings all the good factors of a wagon and a suv into one platform. The safety features are without peer. The handling on the road says its ready for long distance excursions. The visibility exceeds other cars we have owned. Looking forward to many road days in the years to come.

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  It is what it is - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By thebigv21 - April 6 - 11:33 pm

  Traded in a Ridgeline for this vehicle. Couldnt pass up the price. It came certified bumper to bumper for 100K and only had 4K miles on it. Didnt really desire a 5 spd but I do like making the 4 cyl shift when I want it to shift. It has plenty of power. I average 25-26 mpg on about 60/40 highway/city driving. Had to purchase 4 tires because it wouldnt go in the snow. Unusual for a subaru. Why would they put high performance tires on a base wagon sold in the Northeast? Car is nothing special, but it does what it is meant to do. Good second vehicle for going back and forth to work

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  2008 Subaru - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By miamioolite - April 4 - 1:05 pm

  Third Subaru. First was an 86 GL station wagon= 279,000 miles till it rusted away aroung the engine. Second was a 96 outback=120,000 sold to a friend who took it to Baja to be a surf wagon. Bought this one used with 20k Im now at 30k. So far, nice car, no mechanical issues, drives great, still smaller than the new ones (I wanted that) drives through almost anything (snow, sand, mud) very comfortable on the highway on long drives. Finish is solid all the plastic lines up (AHEM chrysler...) and the fuel econonmy is good 23/28. Biggest complaint, the automatic is slow, and chunky, it seems to rob the engine of power. Look for a manual. Subarus are the offical car of the Mountain West!

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  None better at this price - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Eastharlemboy - March 30 - 3:53 pm

  First 4500 miles impressions: good handling, comfortable, quiet, decent stereo, sufficient (not great) power, averaging 28 MPG. For around $21K - $22K I believe this car is a bargain compared to other all wheel drive vehicles.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By GNC - March 29 - 6:43 pm

  Took almost 12 weeks from order date until delivery, but was really worth the wait. This is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned, I love driving it. Drives like a much more expensive vehicle. Very responsive acceleration and braking. 3.6 engine has great power and still gets very good gas mileage, avg 21 mpg in city. Extremely comfortable seats. Excellent sound system. Performance in snow is outstanding. Holds the road like a magnet even in deep snow. Hands free phone system is disappointing, not easy to program or use. Heated seats work great but would prefer they turn off automatically when engine is turned off.