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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  My 3k mile trip - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By joseph sherman - July 11 - 11:30 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Outback 4/30/2009. I traded my 1999 Outback. I bought the new Outback because I got a great deal and I didnt look forward to 3k miles in the very uncomfortable 99 Outback driver seat. I have only one complaint about my new Outback. The cruise control is anemic! The cruise control in my 99, the car raced up hills regardless of incline or elevation. In this car, it acts like "the little engine who couldnt". Climb performance is affected by incline and/or elevation. On descent, it has trouble holding assigned speed. The cruise control is hit or miss in the mountains and on medium to steep inclines. Otherwise, the car is great and all Id hoped it would be... so far.

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  Awesome mini-SUV with capable engine - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By faster_1 - July 11 - 3:19 pm

  Finally found guts to get rid of my "Thirsty Elephant on hormones" - 2006 Jeep Commander. Both me and my wife love everythng about Outback and the 3.6 really moves it. Leather quality comparable only to Infinity. Everything is where it is expected to be. My only couple of little gripes are: (1) Cant raise the back glass (need to pop the entire door) which I find pretty irritating especially if you need to bring a few 10 ft 2x4s from Home Depot. (2) Also, it is strange that only drivers side mirror has one-touch up feature and you need to hold the button full time to close the passenger windor. But otherwise, it is a blast to drive. No regrets whatsoever. Get a 3.6R for sure!

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  2011 Outback Limited 2.5i - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Phil - July 10 - 12:46 pm

  I traded a Cadillac CTS and the Outback drives and feels better on the road than the Cadillac. I love the CVT as there is no shift at all.

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  Traded up from a 14 to a 15 - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By cornpuff - July 6 - 7:23 am

  We drove a 14 Limited Outback for a year, our first Subaru, and we loved it. When the 15s came out, I was intrigued by the new features and positive reviews. We are not the kind of people who trade up this quickly, but we wanted a push-button start and power lift gate to help my wife, who suffers from RA. We loved the push-button parking brake in the 14. Bottom line: this car is quieter, more powerful, more solid and way more luxurious than previous Outbacks. Features galore, right down to LEDs and ambient interior lighting! Awesome stereo, beautiful night time display. Our 14 was noisy at high speeds; not so, this one. Honest! Yes, trade up! It is SO worth it!

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  Outback 2.5i Limited Excellent Value - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dr. Barry - July 6 - 7:13 am

  Drove a Saab 9-2 x as a loaner car when brought my 9-3 Linear in for service. I was so impressed with the Saabaru I drove over to the local Subaru dealership. I test drove the Outback Limited 2.5i and lost no time trading in my 2003 trailblazerEXT.Yes folks I have a few cars but Ive got to tell you the Outback is the best all around 4 wheel drive for the money if you dont want to be married to a gas station. Try one and you will buy one!

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  Outback - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By zeke - July 6 - 5:26 am

  Driven 4000 miles. I am really happy with the purchase. Needed a family car and was not interested in SUV gas mileage. Been getting 27 mpg combined. The CVT is slick but does get confused at times. It is a little funny looking and after coming from a BMW m3 performance and outback should not be in the same sentence. But its versatility and price can not be beat.

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  Not great - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By nothappy9919 - July 6 - 2:21 am

  This is the only new car I have owned where I received 2 apologies from Dealer or service companies. After about 2000miles, I complained about transmission noise and the mechanic from the dealer apologized and said your stuck with it. At 12000mi, the front seat bolsters are going bad and the upholstory shop i was sent to by the dealer apologized, indicated Subaru is aware of the problem, that along with the hard to clean cloth seat covers. Subaru of America says they never heard of it so now starts the mess over warranty and for how long. The car is otherwise ok but far below what I expected

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  My first Subaru - 900 mile review - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By wolfie8 - July 3 - 10:45 am

  I like the uniqueness of this car, Im glad they priced it sensibly. It is really good value considering the capabilities and quality you get. I like the elevated stance & feel it gives you when driving. Love the ground clearance. The clean look from underneath with nothing hanging down. 1st tank all city was 24.7mpg. 2nd tank mostly highway@80mph w/4 adults 25.9 mpg -both hand calculated. The CVT is awesome. I drive manuals too but this is a great transmission. Keeps rpms low in most situations and offers good thrust. This car is a pleasure to drive. Quiet. Solid. I am a fairly critical car person and do my research.

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  Outback in the Outhouse - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By rrrust - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Check at 10K miles engine light prompts trip to dealer. Aux. air injection valve (emissions) failure is indicated. This becomes a recurring failure. Valve is replaced once or twice per month for several months. Finally tech rep calls factory and they suggest re- programming cars brain. This fix works, but then car develops severe knocking in valve train (stuck or gummed lifters?). Get rid of this one before warranty expires.

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  woo-woo my subaru! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By thegreatswamp - July 3 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car to drive,,, really fast (85 mph without any noises, etc),handles great and 25 mpg. i havent gotten that in 8 years - traded in a 96 blazer. lots of room too. i cant wait for the snow to start falling. lots of tie-downs in the rear; thats a nice feature.