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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  Good car, great combination of features - 2015 Subaru Outback
  By Jarred Bowman - February 17 - 8:11 pm

  The car is super safe and reliable (other than the transmission recall) and does everything pretty darn good. With good tires I have no concern driving anywhere and I do mountain passes with snow regularly. Tons of room too. Comfortable ride, seats and a good layout. Having the hatchback is very useful. My only complaint is there are cars with the same fuel economy (I get 31 mixed) that have more power. I find the car normally acceptable but forget passing on single lane roads unless you have TONS of room. Almost 10 seconds 0-60 in this day and age should really be a crime, especially in a $33k vehicle.

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  Question next purchase - 2008 Subaru Outback
  By experiences1 - December 30 - 1:13 pm

  This 2008 subie is my 3rd subaru experience. I was reluctant to leave a review because I have been told I am too critical so you be the judge. 1998 subaru was very noisy engine wise other than that a head gasket failure at 135000 miles 2001 subaru brakes once every other year at the dealer. Coolent leaks at the heads of the engine maintained by conditioner. 2008 Head gasket leaks at 68000 miles needed replacing. wire harness broke to tail lights. Noisy catalytic converters sheilding replaced under recall which is good. 75000 miles has a skip plugs and wires. ok

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  Transmission and/or fuel delivery problem - 2014 Subaru Outback
  By lillie12 - October 26 - 9:48 pm

  After shifting into drive, the transmission waits a beat (about 1 long second) and then shifts. When the car is in drive, the fuel delivery and/or timing surges periodically. Both make for a jerky drive. The gas pedal is VERY touchy. The gas pedal must be pressed very lightly at first, so as not to give passengers whiplash on start-up from a stop. For short drivers (5-54") the headrest can be uncomfortable. Instead of a flat surface, it bulges out and tips forward, pushing the drivers head into a chin downward position. It is not tilt adjustable. Eyesight is helpful, however, it once stopped the car on a highway when the car in front moved left to make a left turn.

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  bad choice - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By walter - August 24 - 5:16 pm

  I think it was my fault buying this car, because my wife needed a wagon or something really fast because she needed it for commuting to work. Suvs were out of the question, but now we feel guilty because anything is better than this junk car. Forget about going on vacation because there is TOO MUCH WIND NOISE!!!! Its almost like having a separate stereo system, one for the radio, and one for the noisiness of the car. You wont get stopped because people love the way it looks because it is ugly, especially the 03 model. We are hoping to trade in the Subaru before it depreciates.

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  So-So performance, scary clutch - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By clutchless - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after purchase has problems getting clutch into 1st/2nd gear. Bad chattering. Tough to drive in stop and go traffic. Clutch shudder made it unreliable busy intersections were getting scary. Dealer where purchased "could not duplicate" denied any problems. Was able to get another dealer to replace clutch assembly. HUGE improvement immediately but problem began again about 12k later. New dealer not that interested to replace again. Worsening clutch and warranty period approaching I traded in for an automatic Forester. Feel like I lost $, and Had to trade down to get rid of t

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  Worst Subaru Ive Ever Owned... - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Garandpa - July 6 - 2:56 pm

  This is our 5th Subaru, 2 Legacys, 1 Justy and 2 Outbacks & this car has been the worst of the bunch. On the positive side, the gas mileage is good, it runs well and the problems have not been anything serious. BUT, weve had trim pop off repeatedly, carpet come loose & handles break. In 4 years/77,000 miles, weve put in 5 headlight bulbs, all front & rear brake pads (my 88 Chevy truck had the original pads and bulbs in it when I sold it in 2004 w/130,000 miles), replaced the interior bulbs 2x, both rear wheel bearings (under warranty at least), put 3 O2 sensors in and now the car has a new whine in the rear. The nearest Subaru dealer is 50 miles away and difficult to deal with.

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  Not Lovin It - 2017 Outback 2.5i Limited - 2017 Subaru Outback
  By Lee H. - June 24 - 2:40 pm

  Ive owned this car now for four months and have about 2300 miles on it. Ive read the reviews on here and this is my take on the 2017 2.5i Limited with EyeSight: 2.5i engine is severely lacking . This engine only has 175hp, and for such a heavy car acceleration is terrible. Forget any kind of "fun" driving experience because you go from zero to sixty in over ten seconds - painfully slow if you are trying to do any kind of quick maneuver (which you must not do in this car lest you cause an accident). Honestly Subaru should not sell this configuration and should only do the 3.6R (which really isnt all that much better). The CVT transmission for the most part is sufficient, but again paired with this 2.5i engine, it is not a great transmission choice for a car lacking in horsepower. The "sport" shift paddles in the limited are a joke. Except for down shifting, there is no reason for them because they do not enhance performance in any manner. In fact if you use them, you cant really go faster than 65 - it is limited to about that speed, but if you go back into auto mode you can go faster. Makes no sense! I also am not getting the mileage promised on the sticker. It says 25 city but I am getting about 19 - not a great fuel savings for having to put up with a lackluster engine. For a Japanese car, the feature set is perplexing. The Starlink system is confusing with similar features offered in multiple apps, and some of the subjects offered like sports and stock info is redundant because if you have a smartphone you already have this. There is menu upon menu and honestly it is very convoluted. I have an iPhone and youd think in 2017 they would use Car Play and the voice activation assist Subaru provides is useless as well. You can do it faster manually than asking the car to do it. Also Perplexing is that there is no auto start available even as an option. In 2017 a $16k Chevy has auto start. You can however buy a dealer installed device, but thats another $600 or more and it is a bit confusing as there are two types offered. One that uses the existing remote (with extremely limited range) and one that is a separate remote (with a long distance range). If you opt for it the car promptly shuts off when you open the door which is very odd considering other manufacturers do not do this. Also some of these message boards indicate that you get the auto start with 2017 Limiteds. This is not true. The dealer has to "turn it on" and it costs you whatever they decide. One of the features that is supposedly superior is the symmetrical all wheel drive system. Ive owned Volvos, Fords and GM vehicles with AWD systems and have used them in heavy snow. I see no difference in Subarus system compared to other manufacturers and honestly before other manufacturers started offering it, that was Subarus niche, but now just about all car companies have AWD models and they all perform just as well as the Subaru. Also as reported the door locks are not programmable. All you can do program them to unlock all doors or just the driver when you grab the door handle. Otherwise the doors do not lock or unlock when placed in gear or when driving away. Also when the car is in reverse, the rear windows will not go down and you cant adjust radio volume. Again really stupid features! The radar cruise control feature is okay and works just as well as other cars Ive had - nothing special but the lane assist feature is annoying. The car over compensates and is very clunky. I never turn it on because of this. The lane departure warnings are extremely annoying and if you drive curvy roads it just adds to the annoyance factor. Same with the auto bright lights. If you use it, it constantly turns the brights on automatically and usually blinds oncoming cars because it cannot compensate for curves. Again I have to keep this off. Overall there is nothing special for this vehicle. If I had known all of this before I bought I would not have gotten this brand - there are a lot more negatives than positives and having had other vehicles with the same feature set as this Outback I can honestly say there is no compelling reason to pay the large sum of money I paid, and I feel a bit betrayed as this car has not turned out to be what it was promised. I will more than likely turn it in for something else once I have equity. Oh also the other real big detraction for me is that this car is extremely pedestrian and common. I chose the white and in my city there are THOUSANDS of Outbacks in white and other colors. I am not kidding when I say Ive gone up to the wrong car in a parking lot on more than one occasion!

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  Head Gasgets blown twice - 2000 Subaru Outback
  By Steve - May 31 - 1:23 pm

  We have had several Subarus but this one started having problems...head gasget went at 60k then again at 110k, radiator went at 110k, CV Boot replaced 2x, plus other problems..one major plus is Subaru stood behind their vehicle and covered the head gasget even when out of warranty.

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  Not happy - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By gideon2 - February 19 - 6:06 am

  I hate this car. Traded Grand Cherokee for new Outback 2.5 Premium. Car is running like cement mixer at low speeds. Can not adjust driver seat to be comfortable. After 30 minutes of driving seat is cutting of circulation in my leg and that is everyday struggle. Engine is noisy on highway and AC in summer is not so good. Gas mileage is as posted in manual.I canÂ’t wait to get rid of this car.

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  A Lemon of a Great Car - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By husker_soobie - January 18 - 4:40 am

  4th Soob. Bought it used at 2 yrs old with 40k miles Fast forward 4 yrs now at 100k. The last 2 yrs have been a nightmare. Brakes, headlight bulbs, CVs, spark plugs, axles, 2 Oxygen Sensors (in December 10, failed April 11 - part under warranty-not labor. The car was great to drive in inclement weather, & was a looker, it was a mess under the hood. Weve spent $2200 in the last 7 months. Took it in for brakes AGAIN last week only to find out that we had a bad head gasket. We used 3.5 qts of oil in 2000 miles! Estimates $1700, plus impending timing belt, water pump & steering pump $1200 more. Just traded for a new Forester. Praying this one isnt possessed by demons!