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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  Nice but some erg issues - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By jeep8 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall we like the Outback, but there are a few odd ergonomic issues. The switch for the sunroof needs to be held down to open or close. Since the sunroof has build in stops, to close you hold down until it stops moving, release the button, hold down again (repeat) Due to the short winshield (the roof slopes up in front) tall drivers (62") may have an issue with the rearview mirror creating a nasty blindspot. Also on rough roads your head may bump on the side handle (roof is narrow). A shorter person will not have these problems. As for quality I rank the Subaru below Toyota/Honda but above the Big Three. This is our second Subaru.

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  H6 verses the 4 cyl - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By wankie - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2001 Outback 4 cyl, which was a good car. Having traded to the H-6 in 03,it feels like a different car, suttle differences emerge over time. Corners much better, and rolling acceleration, for passing are night and day better. Here in Boise, I can now keep ahead of the mad Truck Drivers.Or at least,Get away from them.

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  Big Dissapointment - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By pjgelao - December 13 - 2:38 pm

  I purchased this car new and have had nothing but COST. At 36,000 it had a leaking head and it was pulled out and fixed, then it was the timing belt at 50,00 miles. Something wrong with it all the time. At 77,000 BOTH heads was leaking again & pulled resurfaced. Heater not working & fixed. When contacting SUBRAU they wanted all servicing recordss. I got the packet together of services & plus ALL fixes.. We waited A MONTH- called many times. My hubby called them and They wouldnt do a thing for me !!! One statement why was I didnt have the car serviced all the time from a Subrau dealer - we were very upset and never a SUBRAU again!

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  First Subaru - 2015 Outback 3.6R - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By echodave2004 - December 10 - 4:29 am

  Was originally interested in the 4cyl Forester, but after reading about Oil Consumption Issues with the 4cyl engines, decided to go for the 6cyl Outback. The 6 cyl with the CVT is very Smooth/Quiet and has nice pep. There is a little lean with turns, but no big deal (taller car). The interior and infotainment system is much improved over previous models. Speakers are clear, but seem to lack some depth to the sound. USB ports are GREAT for music. Did not get the eyesight/nav system cause of the extra cost. LOVE the blindspot monitoring system. Very happy with the purchase and look forward to the next 10+ years with this vehicle. Bring on Winter!!

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  Exceeds Expectations! - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By ladywclass - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a number of new cars including several Suburbans. With kids grown and a move to snow country, I bought the OB new and have found it to be the best car I have owned in my life. Any other cars had to be taken back to the dealer within about 2 weeks with a long list of fixes. (Maybe they lowered my expectations for this car ... lol) I looked for several months before buying, and had intended to purchase a small SUV. The OB gave me the best of two worlds - the AWD and the hauling capacity of a small SUV with the comfort and better ride of a nice car.

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  We bought two. - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By A new Subaru fan - December 5 - 7:08 pm

  My wife and I car shopped for two months and nothing compares to the 17 Outback Touring. She decided on the Touring, not me. Since it was "her" car, I didnt drive it a lot (my daily driver was an 05 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 that has 14k on it. I am the original owner.) We live very close to Sequoia National Park. What I fell in love with about her car is that you can throw any road condition at it with no complaint or hesitation. Through all of this, you can balance a dime on the dashboard. Its basically a Legacy 3.6r chassis with a wagon-ish body. The Forester is a bit too tall for us. Rather a bit ungainly (just my humble opinion). Soon after we bought the Touring, we took it on a weekend to Monterey/Carmel. Old money is there. They can buy anything. Guess what? we saw a lot of new Outback Tourings with the 3.6r. Wow! Ferraris, Maseratis, and 3.6r Tourings. Crazy. So I told my wife that I was totally sold on the 3.6r Touring. We proceeded to buy another. Now that one is my daily driver and I placed the SRT-6 in mothballs. Ive owned over 50 cars in my life and this one is my favorite. Having 2, obviously I have no complaints. Extremely well designed and engineered. A bargain compared to the competition. From a die-hard Toyota customer, Subaru now has my business. Lastly, the only vehicle that Toyota makes that is truly comparable is the Land Cruiser and that is waaaay more expensive. Just my 2 experienced cents.

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  This car is a great value - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By bh123 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  It makes the commute to work actually fun! Great performance and comfort.

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  Great car until it hit 100k miles - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By bartemaeus - November 28 - 11:00 am

  Up until the 100k mark, the car was flawless. But after that it went downhill. The transmission leaked and cost $2k to fix, the belt broke at least twice, belt pulleys had to be replaced twice, and the A/C compressor died. That was the final straw and we traded it in. I had hoped I would get a few more thousand miles out of the car. It was still a great car to drive, smooth on the highway, and never got stuck in snow.

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  WOW! Our first Subaru Outback - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By mikeminardi - November 27 - 1:43 pm

  We just took delivery on our very first Subaru Outback. It is our first Subaru ever. My wife has been driving Honda Odysseys for many years and wanted to down size a bit, but still have room to haul stuff. She does a not of gardening. Our initial impressions of the 2015 Subaru Outback are very good. Comfortable, quiet, great driving position and great visibility. And it has a lot of space for hauling stuff. We purchased the 2.5i Limited. We like the leather seats and the soft touch materials. It seems very solid and refined for a vehicle designed to go off road. The performance of the 4 cylinder engine is just fine and the overall build quality is outstanding.

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  Snazzy! - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Patrick OBRIEN - November 26 - 4:01 am

  Neat car with great features. On our first road trip we got 26 plus mpg.