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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  Pretty Nice - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By shaposky - October 4 - 4:00 pm

  I like my new Outback 2.5i. The only problems I have had with it so far is a malfunctioning airbag system and mediocre (but EPA accurate) gas mileage (Im getting between 23 and 24 mpg in mixed driving). I did average 31 mpg on a recent road trip to New York, though, which was impressive. People dont buy an Outback for its sportiness, but a little of that would have been nice. The cargo area is extremely useful.

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  Repeat Outback Owner - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Peter - October 3 - 12:14 am

  This version of the Outback is a significant upgrade from my 2012. The biggest change I notice is a vastly improved transmission. Modern tech, information, entertainment make rides more enjoyable.

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  Great Car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By colorado_subie - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I traded up to the 03 LL Bean after owning a Toyota 4Runner for 8 years. It goes everywhere my old car went except very rough roads. You get a lot of car for the $ and the cost of ownership is WAY less than a clunky SUV - insurance and gas both cost a lot less! Very well designed car inside and out.

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  Dashboard readout-washout - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By HSP - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Fine long distance traveling car. Complaint #1. LCD information (mileage, trip odometer time, temp. and radio station) completely washed out on sunny days. Impossible to read. #2 what is the button located on top of stering wheel for lights supposed be used for? How does it differ from light stalk control? #3 Need louder turn signal indicator. #4 emergency brake light should be easier to see. In general, a fine riding car with minor quirks.

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  Dont Overlook Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By roger33 - September 29 - 7:23 pm

  I purchased this car about a week ago. We looked at every SUV in its class. The Outback surpassed all in ride, comfort, build quality,safety, and price hands down. I had never really paid much attention to Subaru before this. I have a feeling it wont be the last Subaru we will own.

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  New 2010 Outback - Nice improvements! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By bam - September 26 - 6:13 pm

  This new Outback has a ton more room than the previous model, rear seat and cargo room are great! The ride, smoothness, and quietness, are very impressive. Very solid feeling, no rattles or issues so far. The quality look and feel of the interior is excellent, very thick and padded carpet is a nice touch. Seems like a very good price/value for all that you are getting in this all-new Outback.

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  2017 Subaru Outback Touring 3.6R - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - September 24 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this for my wife and wanted her to have all the best technology when it comes to safety. We identified the car we wanted and then did a factory order through a dealer for the exact color, accessories we wanted. The Eye Sight system is amazing and in my opinion worth every penny. We compared this car against the Audi Q5 and Acura RDX, based on everything that was important to us the Outback was just a much better value. One thing I learned early on in my research is all AWD systems are not the same. Subaru really has a great story to tell regarding their symmetrical AWD system. Acuras new AWD system falls a little short and Audis AWD is in my opinion the only one that can truly go toe to toe with Subaru on this point. I am very happy with selecting the 3.6R over the base engine as the one constant complaint I seen from hundreds of reviews was related to the base engine being underpowered. I can tell you the 3.6R offers plenty of acceleration, smoother and quieter engine operation and a more satisfying experience. Yes you take a little hit on gas mileage, but if that was my primary consideration I would have bought a small compact hybrid. The touring interior is on par with the Acura RDX and close but a little short of the Audi Q5. The safety technology on this car was much better then the the Audi Q5 and a little better then the RDX. Outward visibility is terrific in this car and ranks among the best of any car we have ever owned. The heated back seats with recline is a nice touch for passenger comfort, wish they would have included seat ventilation also for those days when our temps are in the triple digits. Like other reviewers stated the handling for a SUV/SUW is very good and you feel confidant and in control even when coming into a tighter then expected corner at a faster then desired speed. We have owned many luxury and non luxury cars over the years. While the Subaru brand does not communicate the prestige of some of the German or Luxury Japanese brands. The practicality, safety, resale, reliability and price of the Subaru far out ways any need for pretentiousness on our part. So in summary if you are looking for a near luxury car for over ten thousand less then comparable vehicles and dont care about the badge on the front, or are looking for a very nice car with the latest and best safety features and technology the 2017 Subaru Outback Touring/Limited should be on your shortlist.

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  Outback in Beast Mode in the Snow - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By subetraum - September 23 - 2:00 pm

  After two years of research on which cross-over vehicle to buy I am proud to say I chose the Subaru Outback. I have the limited 2.5 edition. For a guy with back problems I am very pleased w/ the comfort of the seats. I find the layout of the controls very easy to use and the bluetooth handless free phone system works great. I got to test the Subaru in this years blizzard the day after Christmas and the Subaru dominated. Able to drive safely and comforably at 40-45 mph in blizzard conditions w/out slipping. Its my first subaru and it wont be my last.

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  2016 Outback--my 2nd Outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ted Waltman - September 23 - 5:37 am

  Tough to find the base model. Great car for the money. Sound system is great. Position of exhaust below rear diff is poor--will catch on a rock or ice for sure (but not a darn thing one can do about it other than to note how vulnerable it is).

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  Great in the mountains! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By The Outback Rocks - September 20 - 10:43 pm

  I have over 3000 miles on my 2011 Outback and have been very happy. It has a smooth quite ride with plenty of power for hills and passing other cars. The front seats are firm and comfortable for long trips and the rear seat room is the best on the market. I have taken it to the Sierra, in California, twice and it was very impressive. Driving up the steep grades was no problem and it handled the trails around Crowley Lake like a champ. The AC works well and keeps the inside cool and comfortable even when it’s well over 100 outside. There is enough space for a full size spare, which I added. I tried the hill assist mode on a steep hill and it worked as intended with no backward motion