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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  Im Lovin It! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By AR411 - June 18 - 10:23 pm

  No, Im not talking about McDonalds. Just got the new 2010 redesigned outback and couldnt be happier. Thought I might miss the shift feeling, but instead the CVT is much better as youre not trying to anticipate the jerking when the car shifts, especially when accelerating up a hill. Love the new more rugged body style and updated interior. Not often when a car is able to get bigger, faster, smoother and at the same time 3mpg better gas mileage. After 70 miles already averaging 25.5mpg with 50/50 city/highway. Cant believe how smooth the ride is, feels like a much higher end car. The last Subaru I owned was back in 93, and I must say its been too long!

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  Excellent! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By darkfire757 - June 18 - 12:34 am

  A little backstory, I was originally looking at a used Audi or Chevy Tahoe, I then ran the numbers and found a base Forester wasnt too much more. So I went in to test drive the Forester (with auto and alloy wheels), I thought it was ok. Then I tested the Outback back to back, WHAT A DIFFERENCE! The Outback is smooth, refined, quick and big. Even though it is a 4 CYL it is not underpowered. In Wyoming (7200 ft) I can do 80mph at 2100 RPM. The audio system is great, I love the iPod capability, and I have the All Weather Package which I would strongly recommend. I love this vehicle and the CVT is great, it is very smooth.

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  Its taken me to the moon..now I want to come back - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By gowest2 - June 17 - 5:29 am

  Ok. So I am a died in the wool subaru fan but will make no bones about the fact that the H4 (2.5 liter models during these years and current models) have a BOATLOAD of head gasket problems. Their failure rate is very high. I happen to be lucky enough to have the 3.0 H6. I have just about 270k now and it still runs great and burns no oil. I maintain it well and do all the maintenance repairs myself. Have had no major repairs as of yet.

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  9 months of driving - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By john - June 15 - 5:43 pm

  Between myself and my wife we have had 5 Subaru outbacks, two of which have been LLBean editions, and three had leather interior. This car carries me alone and I have had the drivers seat cover replaced 3 times so far and coming up on 4, because of abrasions in the leather surface. Subaru has replaced the seat hardware supposedly and adjusted the frame, nothing seems to correct this problem so far. My only deduction is that since my last LLBean in 2002, the seat material quality has declined. Subaru does not indicate to me that they have any major issue with the leather seating.

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  LL Beam - Best Buy In Its Class - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By TerryLee - June 13 - 10:00 am

  All things considered, this car offers the best value comparing to its rivals such as Passat, A4 and XC or V70. The engine is smooth though its lack of low- end torque. Teh built quality is excellent and teh ride is very comfortable. I have been averaging 24- 26 mpg doing mixed commute. The only thing this car is missing is its reputation in the luxury car semnet.

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  Summit County Subaru - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By zlmtb - June 8 - 8:30 pm

  This is my third Subaru wagon. Its been very reliable during the 4.5 years Ive owned it. The only non-scheduled maintenance item Ive had to perform was the replacement of a malfunctioning anti knock sensor. At 70k the engine is not as strong as it was at first, but still runs strong. Both my previous wagons (GL and Loyale) were purchased used at about 90k and driven to 160k. With regular maintenance Subaru wagons will serve you a long time. They get good gas mileage too; 26-28 mpg on my current Outback wagon. Theres plenty of space to haul cargo and luggage too. Dont hesitate to buy one!

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  Starter motor broken at 40K - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By rosenbom - June 7 - 5:28 pm

  I am from the country that produces worst cars possible and I had 3 cars there but neither of those got its starter motor broken at 40K as my NEW Subaru Outback 2009 I bought less than 3 years ago here in US. I LOVED my Outback but this problem ruined everything. Guys at Subaru Service informed me that starter motor almost dead and I have to wait about 3 weeks for new one! This is my worst auto experience. I wasnt imagine things like that here in US.

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  I love my outback! - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By suepsales22 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I had absolutely no mechanical problems with my outback until 97,000 miles. The headgasket was replaced and fortunately I had an extended warranty to 100,000 miles. I dont know if it is coincidence or not but my mpg dropped from 26-27 to 21-22. My fuel didnt change, or driving conditions? I will buy another one when this "dies".

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  Great Expectations Met - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By daleln - June 4 - 6:39 pm

  After purchasing a 2000 Subaru Legacy/Outback to be used as a kids car, the wife and I were amazed at how well the Legacy had held up for the past 12 years. Aside from some wear and tear, it was a better car than our 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser and 2008 Ford Edge SEL. That got the ball rolling into researching and ultimately replacing the aforementioned vehicles with a new 2013 Subaru Outback. Weve owned the car now for a little over two weeks and about 700 miles of driving. The Outback looks great and with Subarus AWD feels competant and safe. Fuel economy thus far has been a rock solid 24.3 mpg in city driving. The car is exceptionally quiet and road noise is dampened to a whisper.

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  Great Cruiser - 2001 Subaru Outback
  By slivka - June 4 - 5:26 pm

  The car is a great freeway cruiser. The engine is very smooth and quiet. At freeway speeds RPMs are well bellow 3000. Little wind noise does get in (especially around window seals) and rear differential whines a bit at around 70mph, but overall the cabin stays quiet. Soft suspension and raised ground clearance make Outback a comfy ride when the pavement ends. Lazy automatic, on the other hand, kills performance and makes it hard to control the car at slow speeds when “off-roading”.