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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  What a really nice surprise - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By superhoncho69 - December 30 - 6:02 pm

  For starters its the first import Ive ever owned. We traded in a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.7 V8 that averaged 16.9 mpg no matter how easy you were on the gas pedal. It NEVER got stuck, but the mileage was backbreaking. The Jeep weighs 4700 lbs, and the Outback 3400 lbs, yet the ground clearance is nearly the same and acceleration with the 2.5 feels just as quick if not faster. Over 3 days of mixed driving were averaging 29 mpg with better handling and tangible money saved at the pump. Interior quality is good, sound insulation very good, with TLC this vehicle will last many years. Looking forward to the first blizzard of 2013!

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  First Time Subaru OB Owner - Happy Driver - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By bmwshin - December 30 - 1:49 pm

  Ive driven my 2011 Subaru Outback about 1000 miles so far. Bought it used with 37K miles. I was at first hesitant to jump in for this crossover, but decided to give it a shot. Id say that CVT transmission and some Subaru quirks are something that I needed to get used to, but once I was acclimated, driving any other car is not fun any more. I love the spaciousness of the interior, and the performance of the AWD and boxer engine. You get respectable gas mileage at around 25 miles combined. Everything the Edmonds / CR experts talk about is spot-on, but nothing that youd want to worry about. I love driving this thing around my town and cant wait for next road trip!

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  Never again, going back to Toyota! - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By msshrink - December 30 - 5:20 am

  I bought this 2.5i Subaru Outback used about two and a half years ago, after totaling my previous car in a nasty rainstorm. The four wheel drive was barely needed overall (milder winters) and my gas mileage plummeted from the mid 30s per gallon (Camry) to more like 20 mpg, sometimes a rare 25 on the highway. Then an annoying clicking sound developed when I turned the wheel and, only two years into the vehicle, both axles were shot. Naturally, they were very expensive because they could not be after-market, only Subaru. Several mechanics told me this is not unusual for Subarus, and after I had to plunk down over $1,000 suggested I head back to Toyota-land.

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  Very Nice!! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By KTW - December 28 - 5:16 pm

  Great safety features but not all are standard features so you will need to pay extra for them. I have a young child and a lot of children in the neighborhood so the safety features & back-up camera were very important to me and well worth the cost. I previously owned a Volvo XC70. In comparison, the interior is a little roomier but the material is a little lower quality & not as luxurious. Visibility for me is much better and I like that the vehicle rides a little higher but not quite as high a SUV. I have had the car for a only month and so far I have had no maintenance issues. The car, at first, was a little "jerky" when starting for a stop and it just took a little time to get used to the "touch" on the accelerator. All in all I really like the car. The gas mileage isnt great with the 3.6 engine but its still better than my Volvo.

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  The worst mistake of my life - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Elizabeth - December 27 - 5:23 pm

  Second Subaru - both lemons. After 83,000 miles on the car (legacy Outback) and regular maintenance (no problems to date) the car needs over $4k worth of repairs. van Bortel, Victor NY - worst dealer ever - offered me $800 trade in. Thats right, $800, even though Edmunds lists rough condition as worth about $4k in trade in. Yes, I bought the car there. van Bortel really knows how to treat their customers. I will never buy a Subaru again. Shame as I really wanted to like them.

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  2016 Outback limited - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By mark smith - December 22 - 11:31 am

  We purchased this Outback to replace our 2009 Rav4 Sport (a great SUV) but the ride was a little stiff this Subaru has a ride of a car and is so comfortable i would recommend it to anyone

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  Pleased to the Nth - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By Twigaduma - December 20 - 2:00 am

  The LL Bean is on "special" edition that really is special. We are really enjoying this car and were very pleased with the salesman and dealership. This is a beautiful fun car for all the family.

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  Needs to be bigger and stronger... - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By nek_md - December 19 - 10:59 pm

  We bought the Subie for its safety and reliability. I did not do my homework on the performance of the vehicle, nor on its interior space. The engine is adequate, but the 4AT is a lousy transmission. The car works too hard to find the right gear, and kick-downs are frequent and blatant when the engine is working hard. The rear seat was woefully inadequate for accommodating a standard infant seat without pushing the corresponding passenger seat up all the way. This led us to trade in the vehicle. The car was reliable while we had it. No complaints there. The paint quality was thin and there were rattles in the dash that shouldnt have been there for a young car.

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  Very Impressed - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Nittany Lion - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Just bought new 3.6r limited, very impressed. Wife has an 07 rav4 6 cylinderlimited, but I chose ob as need to climb our snow/ice mountain to home in north central pa. Slid down backwards in rav4 3 times last year. Computer shuts down power when wheels spin. Ob leather seats are the most comfortable Ive ever had, ride is unbelievable (a ride on a cloud) for a crossover. Toyota much stiffer and much louder inside- cannot talk front to rear on a trip. Mileage pretty good, acceleration great. Fit and finish good. Exterior lines cool, interior plush and techie. No steering shimmy and my dealership has never seen any. I am very happy with ob indeed.

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  cool wagon - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By madcow - December 14 - 2:00 am

  great car.practical and the sunroofs give it a little "edge" in the fun to drive factor considering that it is a family station wagon..