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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  Gearing - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By lucacima - July 27 - 11:33 pm

  I had Subarus in the past and loved them. I just bought a new 2009 30R automatic, a left over from Subaru Dubai Dealer. I love it but I am disappointed by the gearbox. I reckon 4th gear is too long and distant from 3rd. It means that when you need some acceleration and youre in 5th, the system will shift down to 3rd, since 4th and 5th are very close to each other. The result is a jump from 2000 rpm to somewhere around 5000, which is not necessary. I would have it geared with 3rd, 4th and 5th in a more balanced way. I think the [non-permissible content removed] engineers thought this model as a 4 gears plus 5th, as a resting gear. Result is better economy but quite annoying and tiring to go always from 5th to 3rd...

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  Another check engine light - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By gvanmoor - July 27 - 5:50 pm

  I also have the check engine light problem with the cruise control light blinking (and the cruise control itself non-functioning). The dealer knows about it but so far hasnt come up with a solution yet. Mileage is excellent; between 25 and 27 mpg overall in mixed driving with Interstate speeds close to80 mph. Gas mileage gets a lot worse from 70 to 80mph; probably the price one pays for the high clearance. The engine gets a little bit noisy at speeds over75 mph. With the 5-speed manual, power is adequate, but nothing special. I can imagine this to be worse with the automatic.

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  Outback Notorious Transmission Issues - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Shane - July 27 - 11:31 am

  CVT transmissions have well documented problems. If its out of warranty, installation of a re manufactured CVT transmission is $10K!

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  Solid choice for versatile vehicle - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ray S - July 25 - 12:54 am

  Positives - great value, simple and logic gauges / controls, great audio system, EyeSIght safety system is top-notch, great gas mileage, easy access in and out Negatives - navigation system not as good at my 6 year-old portable Garmin, Starlink system is worthless, do not like the volume button on steering wheel (not as good as Hondas thumb wheel)

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  Very nice car - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Tscheid52 - July 22 - 11:06 pm

  My GMC Jimmy was coming off lease and I was forced to look for something else. I wanted four wheel drive to deal with the winter weather conditions of the Northeast. However, I was getting tired of paying for the poor gas economy of a mid size SUV. The Outback fit the bill perfectly. This is a very nice vehicle. It is well made inside and out. It drives very much like the 1984 Toyota Supra I owned for ten years. The 6 cylinder boxer is very smooth and powerful. Plenty of passing power, very stable and nimble in the turns. It is very easy to build up speed without noticing it. Good braking. All this and 4 wheel too. Buy it!

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  My third Subie in three years - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By 2005graypwrstk - July 22 - 5:36 am

  We have an 08 Impreza OBS and an 09 WRX with lottsa mods. Both great cars. I needed a comfy adult vehicle to replace my just sold F250 pwrstroke diesel. I opted for the mileage and utility of the Outback Limited,moon, HK,Sat,camera. With 1400 miles and just returning from a ski trip where I average just under 30 mpg over the Cascades, I am very happy. I questioned my not buying the 3.6 for the first 1k miles until the 2.5i loosened up a bit. From experience I know the Subies dont really break in until close to 5k miles. This car is tight, very comfortable, and actually handles decently now that Im getting used to how to toss it. Only gripe..hard plastic dash.

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  Having Second Thoughts on Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Erik59 - July 20 - 1:03 am

  I purchased a manual 2010 Outback after wrecking my BMW in a snow storm. It definitely has great all-weather traction, and is very comfortable. Im very tall and I fit very comfortably in the front seats. The power front drivers seat is nice. It does OK on the highway, but is more jittery than my old car. I thought the manual transmission would be fun (my last 4 cars were manuals) but the clutch engagement is very high, and not progressive. The 4 cylinder engine has just enough oomph but is very noisy at anything more than medium throttle. The handling is clumsy compared to a car, but probably better or on par with other mid-size SUVs. Should have gone with the AWD Ford Fusion

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  Outback - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By stevelew - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Great dealer. No problems so far. 30000 mile service was as expected $500.

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  Great wagon - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By vivatahoe - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had an SUV, traded in for the wagon and I really am impressed. On the freeway, 70mph to 100mph is way too easy to reach in my 5 speed tranny and seems effortless. The best part is the AWD system in the snow! No more snowchains (unless its blizzard outside). Backseat can be folded down to increase trunk space and Ive able to move one bedroom worth of stuff (besides the bed and big furnitures) in one trip. Though the leather seats isnt the most comfortable thing in the long drive despite all the different seating positions adjusted. Fuel economy is pretty good for this size car.

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  Not your grandmas Subaru - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Firefly Dad - July 13 - 3:33 am

  This is the 7th Subie to grace our driveway. We currently have a Baja, WRX, Legacy and another Outback in the driveway. My wife and 4 kids all drive Subies. The 2010 Outback/Legacy is the closest to a main stream vehicle Subaru has built. A roomy interior and much more comfortable seating is immediately noticeable. The Outback is peppy even with the 2.5 and CVT. The CVT is strange at first, but I am getting used to it. The Subaru secure driving experience is still there; its just quieter, more comfortable and efficient than earlier models. Part of Subarus charm was the quirkiness of its vehicles. Im not sure where the quirks are in this car yet. It is a blast to drive though.