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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  Terrible - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Donna - March 9 - 5:56 am

  The first year I owned it - had to get new brakes, and new tires. Headlights burned out twice. Headlights are terrible - almost ran into the back of a tractor hauling a wagon because I was coming down hill and the lights dont shine upwards at all. 2nd year, had to get new Rotors, Brakes and tires (I made the mistake of buying the same Bridgestone tires). Terrible in the snow - Rear end constantly fishtails - even with new tires. Car sways as if the chassis is going to fall off the frame. I am so disappointed. This is my third Subaru, but will not buy one again.

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  Great in the Snow, Rain - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Michael - March 8 - 7:03 am

  Great car. Great value.

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  need new engine - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By dummy1234 - March 6 - 6:19 am

  the outback suffers from a fair 4 cylinder engine. it takes 75 horse power for the all wheel drive system. which leaves only leaves 95 hp. thats why it is a poor performer. and the cvt transmission makes the engine drone. previous 2009 didnt drone. time to replace boxer engine?? also headlights dont shine far enough to front - mostly to sides ???

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  Very Happy - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By R - March 4 - 4:33 pm

  Purchased Limited 3.6 new, have driven 5950 miles, 19.5 mpg in town, 28 mpg highway, very quite even on the highway, Great SUV, would purchase again.

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  2005 Outback - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave Clements - March 3 - 12:00 am

  We upgraded from a Forester which we were very happy with but there is no comparison. Much more comfortable and quiet ride. The car feels very solid and is pleasure to drive

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  Old reliable - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By x.morgan - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Having been familiar with the Subaru reliability aspect for years,I was pleased to purchase a new Outback Ltd. The OB is a great blend between car & SUV.I was hesitant to purchase a brand new car at first,but soon it had 5,ooo,10,000,and now it has almost 30,000 trouble-free miles on It. Have not been to the dealer for any defects or problems.How many american cars can say that?The leather seats are just getting broken in.(a little stiff at first)The 2 tone paint is very appealing.Overall,I can see this car easily reaching 150-200,000 miles with proper maintenance.Excellent v@alue

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  2012 Subaru Outback Moon Roof Leaks - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By goalkik753 - February 28 - 7:26 am

  A car wash revealed a leak at the rear seal of our 2012 Subaru Outback Limited. The leak was enough to splash over the small gutter system below the rear seal and onto the passenger seat. Its designed to be able to pop up for ventilation or slide down and into the roof of the vehicle when full open. In order to do this the rear seal sits loosely against the roof lip. I have had two automobiles with moonroofs before this (a Chevrolet and a Ford). Neither one was designed this poorly. I have tested the seal by pooring a bottle of water on it and it still leaks in 4 spots at a continuous drip rate. I cant leave my vehicle parked outside untill Subaru comes up with a fix.

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  A Big Step Up for Subie - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jack Hinks - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Needed a second 4WD wagon – I drive an A4 Avant 1.8T – and this was the only good choice below $30K. Much better than last years. Roomy interior with sturdy upholstery, far nicer back end, decent power, killer turning radius. Its no Audi – I think its a little floaty at highway speeds, and nobody does interiors like Ingolstadt – but its darned fine for the dough and it feels plenty secure all the same. Cant wait for winter...

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  A lot of value for the money - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Buckthorn - February 26 - 10:00 am

  We took this car off-road (St. Elmo, Tin Cup, Colorado) where you mostly saw only Jeeps. Performed like a dream. Also, fun to drive around town. This the sixth Subaru we have owned and we like the new interior and better transmission than our 98 Outback. For the money, you get excellent value.

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  The Best of all cars - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Adel - February 24 - 2:00 am

  It Handles perfect in the snow.