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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  The engine can shut off while turning - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By Delta - June 4 - 2:26 am

  I bought this after driving a 1999 Forester for 10 years. We also have a 2005 Outback in the family. I initially like that this Outback is bigger, but quickly found that it is clunkier to shift and does not have the pick-up or power I could feel in my old Forester. Also, the trunk/hatch door is unnecessarily heavy and a pain to open and close. There have been two recalls necessitating trips back to the dealer for fixes. Now, after having the engine just cut off during turns several times, I have learned from my dealership that theyve seen this with 2010 Outbacks. Engines can just shut off while driving! Seriously dangerous and the recall for this has not yet been written.

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  The PERFECT Car? - 2006 Subaru Outback
  By Stephen - May 31 - 12:06 pm

  This is my 2nd Outback. My first was a 00 5 speed manual. When I was in the Pacific NW, that car was my weekend savior, irrespective of the weather. I loved it. Well Im pleased to say the new Outback is better in every way. 1st-incredible power with the 2.5l turbo. 2nd, shifting/clutching dramatically improved. 3rd, interior build and design is outstanding. 4th, handling has improved. 5th, ride quality and comfort are also improved. This car will get you there in any weather, and youll have a blast along the way. Suggested improvements: get rid of the plastic popit fasteners for engine cover and oil cover-theyre too easily damaged on removal (I bugged the dealer to give me a dozen).

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  Awesome car, BUT - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By Lumpy - May 31 - 3:46 am

  Not happy with fog lights - they shine directly down to the ground even after dealer adjustment. Does not improve visibility at all. Inside of windshield has a scratch near top that can be felt with a finger nail. Other than that the car is great and the gas mileage ranges from 27-31 after 7000 miles.

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  Our first Subaru and were loving it! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By schlaflette - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Were very happy with our purchase so far! One of the selling points was the all wheel drive and it works wonders in our rainy climate. We also liked the look of the vehicle better with the optional spoiler which we did purchase.

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  Junkorama - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By unhappy - May 23 - 8:23 pm

  Purchased the car in November 2008, in Colorado. Violent bucking forced us to a dealer in New Mexico who told us that we could only use one brand of gasoline. Returned to the Colorado dealer who told us New Mexico dealer didnt know what it was doing, kept the car for awhile and replaced a camshaft sensor; assured us car was OK. It wasnt, so took it to yet another dealer, who replaced the turbocharger and some other parts; assured us car was OK. Observed gas mileage appears poor. Well see if further observations confirm poor mileage. If they do, were on the way to the court house! If not, we may sell it anyway. Word to the wise-- think twice before buying a Subaru.

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  Wow, where do I start? - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By jillreyna - May 19 - 8:31 pm

  I have a 2003 H6 V3.0 with just 119,000 miles on it. It is hard to put this car and "reliable" together in the same sentence, not to mention that dealers in my area do not stock many parts for it. Averaging around $450+ per simple repair, after shopping around some. I would buy any other Subaru, but any reader who finds this a good car value is welcome to make me an offer. One-owner Arizona vehicle, driven by senior person. Maintained to point of exhaustion.

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  VERY GOOD - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By summerdude3283 - May 18 - 7:23 am

  This car is great! I have had 4 other Subarus but this one is by far the best! It is soo nice! I recommend this to anyone who wants an in- expensive reliable car. Its really fun to drive and has lots of room.

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  My Dream Car -- Outback 2.5 XT Limited - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Joy Ashton - May 18 - 12:23 am

  This car is very fun (and safe) to drive. Has firm and confident handling. Car is built tightly -- no rattles or noise of any kind -- except the growl of the turbo engine. Unbelievable pick up, especially compared to the 2003 Subaru I had last. The reduction in length makes it much easier to park. The passenger side accommodates very large people.

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  Great vehicle more than just a car - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Adam Williams - May 14 - 12:45 am

  Had to buy mine to order. Dealer says they sell before they hit the lot. Three weeks before it got to my garage. Worth the wait.

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  dissapointed - 2013 Subaru Outback
  By antlerking - May 6 - 8:03 am

  Choice of interiors, almost white or almost black. Two hardest colors to keep clean. My friend reached 16k and started using oil,{ring job]. Ive just reached 16k and used a qt. of oil in the last 800 miles. that will be a ring job also. Dash gauges that are of some real use. A voltmeter and temp. gauge to tell me about potential problems. What I do have is a gauge with a plus or minus to tell me about my fuel usage. It goes to minus when I go up hill and plus when I go down hill. This helps me in no way. The trans./engine combo is very noisy on acceleration. Stop talking and forget the radio, you cant hear anything. Its also a dog on acceleration, all noise and no go.