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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  Great Value so far - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Clayton - November 20 - 8:13 pm

  Have owned this car about 1 month. Have taken a 2600 trip with no problems. Great car, averaged 31.8 mpg @ 70 miles per hour. For the price of this car, assuming it holds up the way other Subarus do, is a great value. Well built and very tight.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By ashecnc - November 19 - 9:06 am

  Had the car one year, kept having a burning smell that dealer couldnt fix. Deal pedal had a cheap plastic button holding that and the carpet down, and mine had a horrible squeak. Took to dealer 4 times, no fix. Had lots of rattles, and the car seemed weak, no power. I made a bad decision when I got this car, and traded it in.

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  Good Car - No Regrets - Highly Recommend - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Kevin in SF - November 17 - 6:23 pm

  We waited for the manual transmission models to come out so we could save $$. 6MT is good but not great. Clutch take up is a little harsh and its taken a while to get used to. 2.5 engine is adequate even with Nor Cal hills. It can go up freeway hills at 65+ but in 5th gear rather than 6th. The engine does not like to rev beyond 4,500 rpm but it has good torque. Ride is firm but not jarring. Much better sized interior than old model. Im 61" and I can comfortably sit "behind myself". Additional width provides good shoulder room. Upgraded HK radio is good, not great. FM reception is poor. My 10 yr old Acura has better FM reception. Heated seats cycle on/off rather than stay on. FYI, standard Thule and Yakima bike trays wont fit the factory cross bars. Yakima sells one that will.

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  Excellent all-around car - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By surfinbird - November 17 - 12:46 pm

  Wonderful car. The boxer 4 has a unique sound and feel. Its a bit thirsty - the best mileage Ive gotten is 28 mpg. Build quality is first rate. Suspension is soft enough for comfortable distance driving but firm enough for the twisties. Seats are very comfortable. After all these years that car still cleans up and looks like new. The all wheel drive is very comforting on long trips in poor weather. This is a car that car be driven long distances in great comfort, Ive covered 800 miles per day on many occasions.

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  Best Subaru yet - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Beardman48 - November 15 - 7:13 am

  Have owned a Subaru since 1969 on and off this is our 8th one, i can tell you what a change of course from 1969. This car does everything but steer itself it tells you who is behind you side of you in front of you, very comfortable handles well when you on a interstate and the cruise is on it will keep you safe every mile. Nothing i would change about these cars except maybe driving itself would be great.

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  Great Choice - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By Doug - November 15 - 12:36 am

  I did a lot of research and really wanted to buy my 4th Honda. I looked at the CRV and didn’t like the interior. I am a fly fisherman and like to have a vehicle in which I can lie down and take a rest. I have a serious back problem and need to take breaks in my fishing day. The CRV just wasn’t able to provide a long rear floor space. When the rear seats are folded down there is plenty of room for me at 5’9”. Interestingly enough, the Honda dealer sent us to Subaru! The Subie us everything I wanted. I am an environmentalist and biologist so my carbon footprint and controlling pollution output is important. So far we have gotten 25 mpg in mixed driving short trips (a bit disapointing).

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  New Subaru - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By PBRUNNICK - November 14 - 4:26 pm

  So far the car has exceeded my expectations. Great ride and performance and too much fun to drive. Very impressed. I had test driven the Audi, and while they are a bit quieter, the cars are very close in quality and far apart in price.

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  My 3rd Subaru, with more to come! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By urabus - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Im more into function, than form. This car is the best Ive owned. AWD is great ALL the time, not just in snow. Safety rating is comparable to Volvo, for thousands less. My wife drives our 96 O/B with 130k...still as good as it was when we bought it 6 years ago. I cant imagine driving anything else.

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  Great all around car! - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By retirednavy1 - November 10 - 2:03 pm

  We have a little over 4000 miles on our "15" Outback. The gas mileage is impressive. We drive mostly city with short drives on the Interstate. We average just over 30 MPG. The ride is smooth and everything works as advertised. We have owned many cars in our 43 years of marriage and the is 2015 Outback is THE BEST car we have ever had! We save the BEST for last!

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  Slow slow slow slow slow!!!!! - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Kevin Lowhorn - October 31 - 2:49 pm

  This review isnt likely to dissuade anyone from buying one of these if theyve decided this is what they want. Subaru owners are some of the most loyal in the industry. The Outback offers a lot of bang for the buck, in fact, it may be one of the best values out there; however, Id never own one. The real hindrance in these vehicles is the powertrain. The Outback is seriously slow with the 4 cylinder, its painfully and laboriously slow. The fuel economy is great for a vehicle of its size that has standard AWD, but it really needs an extra 20+ hp, and a conventional automatic. If it had 20+ more hp, and 20+ more lb. ft. of torque with a conventional 8-speed auto, then it would be an incredible bargain. Sure, you can get the 6-cylinder, but then the value proposition changes due to the cost and resultant drop in fuel economy. I was given one of these as a company vehicle, and my other option was a Dodge Grand Caravan-I wish I had been given the Grand Caravan...no joke. The droning CVT and terrible acceleration made this thing a pain to drive day in and day out.