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 car, but . . . - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By arw608 - August 25 - 11:38 pm

  So many things to like: handles exceptionally well despite its size; near zero-degree turning radius; plenty of power for a smaller engine with a CVT; lots of cargo space; huge improvements in fit and finish; the list goes on and on. But none of that matters because the front seats, and in particular, the drivers seat with power lumbar support, is the WORST seat in my entire experience with motor vehicles. Its a torture device, particularly for a smaller person. Zeroed out, the lumbar support still feels like a football at the base of my spine. I took a 20-minute test drive and I assumed I would find a comfortable position if/when I bought the car. Not even close.

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  Seat Comfort - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By 3rd Subaru - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This Outback is my 3rd Subaru -- I still own a 93 Legacy LSI wagon. Fantastic exterior design, quality, etc. But... WARNING: Im 5 10 tall and am still having difficulty adjusting to the extra firm seats and a steering wheel that is too far away when my legs are in a comfortable position. Several others have commented about this in Subaru forums - It is not a minor inconvience when you find yourself in pain after a long trip. A beautiful car with a serious design flaw -- it needs a telescopic steering wheel.

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  Fun to drive-Cheap to own. - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Bill Hilow - August 14 - 4:36 am

  2005 Outback XT Limited 5M, 32000 miles - no complaints. The cost of AWD eliminates a few of the creature comforts most cars in this price range have e.g. radio controls on the steering wheel, iPod jack etc. The things that matter most get priority and Subaru needs to be applauded for that. Excellent AWD that is seamless and smooth as a Cadillac, Light vehicle weight, turn signals in the sideviews, fit and finish are unsurpassed and on my Black on Black Outback it is truly flawless. "Jewel like" is how I describe it. Not a cheap car for sure. But it is a statement of quality and independent thinking; performed to a high level. A superbly constructed lightweight rocketship.

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  still ok, but here to report some minor concerns - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By cocopuff2 - August 12 - 1:19 am

  My 2011 outback has almost 36,000 miles. Several pieces of plastic have broken on the interior--all covered on the warranty. But now I that I have reached the millage limit, I may be on the hook for these irksome repairs. Also, the battery hold down bars are corroding. I brought it up to the dealer, and the technician acted as if it was a mystery, and nothing to worry about. However, my 2004 legacy mustve had the same problem, as the battery holder corroded completely and needed replacement after about 60,000 miles. That cost me almost $200 at the dealer! Thats all to report for now.

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  Poor start - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Paul - August 9 - 5:10 pm

  I have not seen other reviews for the 2009 3.0R, so here it is. The car is great to drive and both the stereo and nav are fun to use once you get past the complexity of the user interface. Mileage is as advertised; should not expect better with this power and AWD. Now the down side. After 5 days and 500km, the check engine light came on with flashing cruise and shift control lights. The dealer had difficulty trouble shooting, but claimed to find the root cause after 2 days in the shop, replacing a solenoid that is used for control of one of the cams. One day after I got the car back I am staring at the same failure. This is not the reliability that I expected from a Subaru!

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  Wanting to Love My Car - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By alyonsd - July 27 - 7:06 pm

  I did a lot of research and test drove many cars before settling on the Outback. I liked the reputation Subaru had and the smoothness of the ride was very important for me with some medical issues. The Forester was a little too rough. I took great care of it but brakes went at 30K. Trunk cover/shade broke at 60K despite being gentle and not used much. Headgasket went at 90K. Catalytic converter went at 106K. Im done now with Subaru, as much as I want to believe in them. I spoke with my mechanic about them and he said his experience is that they are either great for you and last, or you end up with one thats not up to par.Im in the later. Sadly, I think this is my last Subaru.

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  A great vehicle but a hacker is needed to improve - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By alton briggs - July 8 - 10:14 pm

  Whenever the car is started the display immediately shows the "lawyer screen" dealing with safety. That is a fixed feature which cannot be changed. OK, I reluctantlyunderstand the manufacturers defensive choice there, and the screen disappears in a few seconds. A regrettable fact but acceptable. Its what happens next that is really dumb, and arrogant, forcing presentation of a screen which many drivers would not want. That screen is for audio. It is not the menu screen. The menu screen logically should be presented immediately after the "lawyer" screen because it allows touch selection of screens which more likely would be of interest than the audio screen. OK, Ill admit that this complaint is subjective and the problem is not major, and Ill reiterate that the vehicle otherwise is great. But why would Subaru designers do such an unnecessarily dumb thing?

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  Great Wagon - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By RangerRon7 - July 3 - 9:16 pm

  This vehicle has been great! The AWD has proven itself in two major snowstorms that we have had here in the Midwest. Its a very quiet, comfortable cruiser with excellent handling (especially compared to any SUV). The cargo space is huge. This vehicle is NOT going to snap your head back with its performance, but acceleration is adequate in day-to-day driving situations. Im definitely glad we bought this vehicle.

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  Very Happy - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By merlwein - June 30 - 8:20 pm

  Once owning it I finally opened it up and this car is great. Has great take off with a nice highway feel. The automatic sport transmission is really fun when you want to feel the pull. Handles very nice around turns with great precision. I have the heated seats and windshield which I cant wait to use this winter.

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  No Audi, but the price is right - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By wepperson - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good car, but hardly "Lexus-like". For one thing, the comparable Lexus is the ES300, which is awful for torque oversteer. But the ride comfort and quietness of the Outback dont approach the Lexus, nor my old A4 Quattro. And the handling has always been disappointing--yeah, I know its a "sport utility sedan" and not set up for sport touring sedan handling like the A4, but I wish it was.