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 worst car ever - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By James Yerks - July 2 - 4:14 am

  The worst car and the worst company support .Please look elswere and don.t buy any subaru .Our car has very bad steering and no held but alot company b-s.Kelly and megan are a company [non-permissible content removed] and won.t buy back our car that we call a skate board. Do yourself favor and don.t buy a subaru.Jim Yerks

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  Would never buy this car again - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By jwindler - May 28 - 2:16 am

  Have had my 2015 Outback all of 10 days and would never buy another one with the navigation system. In the 2015, you can not turn off the voice guidance system. I am forever hearing, "recalculating route!" I have called one dealer, taken it to another, and spent 10 days waiting for Subaru to tell me it is not possible to turn off the voice guidance. Performance, comport, value, fun to drive, etc., are all a zero when you cant enjoy sitting in the car. Every song, every radio station every conversation in the car is punctuated by the guidance voice interruption. Turning it down helps (Subarus only suggestions), but it is still always there!

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  Should have stayed basic - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Mr.Moto - March 18 - 9:59 pm

  I decided for my third Subaru I would get it with all the bells and whistles. I was one of the lucky ones who got one with a bad steering column and its been down hill since. I am on the second radio and the navigation still has problems. The rear hatch has been looked at three times and it still decides on its own when it will open or close. The answer my dealer has given is when the power hatch wont respond just hold the button down and it should become a manual hatch. How convenient. I want to know if I hold the ignition button down will the price of 3.6R I bought become the same price as the 2.5 and where do i get my refund? If you want to feel the "Love" save your money and get a base model.

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  Do not buy this car - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By 2012outback - March 10 - 8:06 am

  This car has a 60,000 transmission warranty. Our transmission needs to be replaced at 67,000 miles. The car is less than 2 years old and the mileage is all highway miles. I could not recommend this vehicle to anyone. When the transmission went out I was on the highway with children in the car. I cannot express how horrifying this experience was. Dont buy this car.

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  Worst car I have ever owned! - 2009 Subaru Outback
  By hatemysubaru - February 22 - 2:22 am

  This was my first Subaru and it will be my last. I have owned all types of cars in my lifetime and this has been the worst. I have 94k highway miles on this car and now I have to replace the catalytic converter for $1,400, sensors, recalls, just replaced the muffler guard for $500 and the list keeps going. This car is severly underpowered and uncomfortable to drive and worse for passengers. I bought it because of the reputation but that was a mistake. To top it off the mileage is only 25 MPG on the highway. I have a family of 5 drivers and everyone hates this car. Dont waste your money on a Sabaru!

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  Engine Blew at 107,000 - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Jody Miller - November 24 - 8:57 pm

  Car is just 3 years old, all highway driving. Followed maintenance schedule, last service for timing belt, 105,000 requested to do diagnostic testing and check engine carefully for my friend same car and year transmission went. One month later no signs or warning, when driving, dash board lights came on, pulled over and within 5 minutes the coolant poorer out, had towed and told that engine, radiator, valves, engine shot. needs a total rebuilt. Have a compliant in with Subura , told that this happen, not often, but car millage over warranty. How many people even have their car paid off by 3 years, costly repair, wish I could just get rid of the car, not great for resale either. Will see if Subrura pulls through and helps?!

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  Dont Buy a Subaru! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By leodog1 - July 13 - 2:31 am

  Car has more blind spots than Hellen Keller! A death trap on wheels. Minor dent in rear finder costs $2K to repair! Gimmic rear view camera -- doesnt help backing at all. Grossly overpriced. Stay away from Subaru at all costs!!!!! Rattles like my Grandmother! Expect it to come apart at any minute. 5 months old and 2 recalls already. Replaced the new sunroof already! No free oil changes! God, what a mistake I made buying this thing! Never again!

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  Very Noisy and Missing Key Feature - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By BigAl - March 19 - 9:32 pm

  Outback has excessive win noise when travelling over 30 mph. Even though the windows and sunroof have been recycled many times, it seems like the windows are open a crack when going over 30 mph. With all the safety features, there is no option to have the doors automatically lock when the car is placed in gear or unlock when the car is in Park and ignition is turned off. A real turn off for me.

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  Buy ANYTHING but the turbo model - 2007 Subaru Outback
  By Mike - November 19 - 11:52 am

  Maybe when they were new it was fine, but I bought a used one and the turbo destroyed the engine on the trip home. Buy any other non-turbo model, theyre probably fine, but the turbo is so unreliably my mechanic basically said theres no guarantee its going to last more than a year. This is after I spent $8,000 to buy it, and another $6,000 to put in a new engine. Not worth it. This is a nightmare. Never buying a Sub again. Avoid under any circumstances, no NOT buy the turbo model.

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  Major issue with electronics - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By Subaru users - May 19 - 6:49 pm

  According to Consumer reports this car has great reliability. We have owned the car for 6 years now. Since last few months we find that electronics like O2 sensors, rear view camera and now the electronic parking brake are not working. It is very expensive to get the issues diagnosed and even more expensive to get the parts replaced as these are electronic modules. Both the rear view camera and electronic parking brakes are nice to haves. You can get by the rear view camera by the old fashioned way of turning your head. Same with electronic parking brake. The old fashioned mechanical brakes are more robust and less expensive to repair. Long story short, the electronics start breaking down beyond the warranty period. These features are nice to have and expensive to replace.