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 but... - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By captjrh - May 6 - 5:22 am

  Car was an afterthought, but a great afterthought. Was going with an Escape until the test drive. Only 2 things that I dont care for are: 1 both side mirrors are small and dont tilt out enough, and doors dont lock automatically while driving. Other than that, Im hoping the New Car MPG gets better and wish they had a front license plate holder bthat doesnt require you to screw holes into the bumper cover.

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  My Green Bean - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Nathan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Its my first Subaru and hopefully not my last - we love our Green LL Bean (aka the Green Bean) - Our Subaru has an excellent highway ride and comfortable seating. However, the V6 Edition needs a little more power and could use some work on the handling maybe Subaru could borrow the suspension from the WRX.

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  Who Designed the Subaru Seats? - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Frank Babcock - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle handles more like a sport car than a station wagon. It holds the road well with no body roll and the steering is tight with excellent feed back.

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  Only a week - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By gar - April 28 - 8:51 pm

  I have been in the car a whole week. However, I am really happy I bought the Outback. Very comfortable, extremely quiet on the inside.... so far I think it is one special vehicle.

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  Green Bean - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Dave - April 28 - 3:43 pm

  I saw the car on the lot and fell in love with the color (Willow Green) for starters. Thought the flared fenders and rugged looks were awesome. I took it for a ride and the seamless power from 0 to 70 was awesome. It does have a few second delay when you step on it so If you are counting on the 250 horses to make up for the close pull out in traffic, think before you put your nose out there. The huge sunroof is a bit chattery when closed and almost impossible to have open while going over 50 from the wind noise. I tried to buy a sunroof deflector from the dealer and the one listed ONLY fits the sedan, not the wagon.

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  Virgin2 Outback - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By silencedogoode - April 26 - 9:32 am

  After over 25 faithful years to UAW built car, that was it. GM left me hang again. I first bought a 97 Corolla, too small, and bad on the northern Michigan snow. I spotted my 09 Outback, blue with silver on the bottom online, and went for a test drive. I admit,,I had pudding face. Its now late 2011, my used 09 with 24K mi drives better than my Trailblazer did new. I have owned this car all summer, and love driving it. MPG is 28-29 hwy, and I am ready for another road trip. I will buy a brand new Outback as soon as Subaru improves the look over the 2012. Thats one ugly stepchild to the 05-09. Never fear leaving the UAW behind.

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  Great Car - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By vallyo - April 26 - 2:59 am

  Ive the car for 3 weeks now and I can tell one thing I dont why so many reviews complain about the 2.5 liter engine. Its working fine for me. my other car is a 2010 Suzuki Kizashi and I am used to CVT it it a little different but still a good transmission. It corners really good for such a tall vehicle and it is almost as fun to drive as the Kizashi. Overall I cant think of something I dont like about the car. I am so happy that Subaru finally realized that the appearance matters.

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  Subaru #6 - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By ihtpsswrds - April 23 - 2:40 am

  Ive driven them all (yep, Ive had a De Soto); domestic, Japanese, German and American, and this make is the best bar none. The only brand Ive been able to consistently put 300k on since the Ford Falcon of the 60s. But this is a lot more fun. All Wheel Drive - its very addictive. The first time you squeeze a little too much out of a wet curve and you feel the Outback "hunker-down" and dig in its claws, youre hooked to the car like the car is hooked to the road.

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  I finally got one! - 2010 Subaru Outback
  By tennisbum - April 22 - 8:56 am

  My 96 Outback was superb for its time but was underpowered without a turbo. The new 3.6 engine and 5 speed auto are perfectly matched to deliver seamless power. The new design is superb and still retains the Subaru qualities we valued in past models. I only have a few hundred miles so far but really enjoy driving it every day.

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  I love my new 2016 Suburu Outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Gerri Graves - April 16 - 5:44 pm

  Great value for the money! Handles beautifully in ice and snow. I am 4 weeks into my purchase and so far, I am very happy.