5 Star Reviews for Subaru Outback

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.35/5 Average
2,095 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 21 through 30 of 2,095.00
  • Suburu Delivers Again - 2010 Subaru Outback
    By -

    My wife and I are thrilled with our 2010 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTD edition. Fit and finish are excellent, road noise minimal. The CVT transmission functions smoothly, minimizing engine noise on acceleration. Amenities are numerous and well placed. Road feel is positive and responsive despite Subarus best efforts to point the ride more like a car than a truck. Thats a plus for me -- Ive moved beyond bouncing. Bottom line, this car delivers what it promises.

  • Great Car - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    All things considered, this is the best car availabe.

  • Great so Far! - 2016 Subaru Outback
    By -

    So far so good, glad I bought the 3.6R!

  • Exceeded My Expectations - 2011 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I have driven my OB 1200 miles. The build date was 10/10 and it came with Conti ProContact tires. In mixed city/highway driving, Ive been averaging 22 mph. I previously drove a Lexus GS300. I am very happy with the ride, handling, and features of the OB. When I took my first test drive of an OB last summer, I didnt like it and took it off my list, but I kept coming back to it and liked it better after each test drive. After my fourth test drive, I was sold. After buying the OB and getting to know it even better, I can say that the OB has exceeded my expectations and is an awesome car for its class.

  • 2016 OUTBACK...LUXURY REDEFINED FOR THE BEST MONEY - 2016 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my fourth Subaru, and my third Outback Limited. The new changes in the 2016 are very noticeable. I looked at the 2015s, and the 2016 drives so much better. Noticeable is the retuned steering, suspension. Other new additions are Starling SOS. What is so noticeable about the 2016 Outback Limited is how quiet the cabin is for a PZEV 4 cylinder. Acceleration is good, not great - 174hp. Fuel Economy is good average 21 mpg around city, and 35 mpg hwy. I wish the warranty would match that of Hyundai or Kia...but being a Subaru, there are hardly ever any problems. The leather is much improved from the 2014 old design, the dash is absolute luxury, and the harman kardon stereo is 10x better than the 2014 model. The touch key board is very user friendly and you really dont need the book to read on how to use it. Lane Assist Warning works like a dream, as does the blind monitoring...My favorite feature is when someone walk by behind you or drives behind you - you are warned immediately. A bigger moonroof, and my favorite fun toy - voice command (you can do anything from call phone, to change your speed on your fan)...and it is fast and responsive, and understands you. Unlike the 2014 model. Overall I love this car! a lot of car for the money, especially when you compare it to Audi Allroad $55,000 MSRP or Volvo XC60 $50,000 + when you add all the goodies the Subaru has. Why pay more? when you can get all the luxury, safety, and 4WD at such a great price $25,000 to 35,000 (limited loaded PZEV). I totally recommend this car, especially the new 2016 Outback. Its an amazing vehicle with all the upgrades!

  • Great Vehicle - 2010 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Bought my Outback in late February and it has been a great car. Ive put over 18000 miles on it commuting to visit my fiance in Dallas (Im in Houston) about every weekend, driving to Flagstaff,AZ and back and then driving up to Maine and back. I have had 0 complaints. The power was more than sufficient in the mountains and canyons in AZ and the gas mileage has been superb-low 30s on the highway, high 20s in the city. Comfort has not been a problem, even for the 20 hrs straight the fiance and I spent inside the car on the way back from Maine. Between my moms BMW X5 and my Outback, I would pick my Outback. Definitely recommend.

  • I love this car! - 2006 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is my second Subaru. Theres a world of difference between this one and the 2002 model I had earlier. The wheel wells are larger so I no longer get snow packed in them. (I live in a climate where we get 200 inches of snow a year, so this is important.) The car is roomier and theres more cargo space. The seats are more comfortable and the car is relatively quiet. Ive owned a lot of cars, but this one is my favorite.

  • A Go anywhere, do everything vehicle - 2007 Subaru Outback
    By -

    This is our 4th Subaru since 1990. This one is the best so far. Style, fit and finish are superb. The stereo with XM radio is outstanding. Wonderful sound system. Handling is great and I love the 3 position switch controlling turbo performance. In the conservative Intelligent mode we get 24+ MPG and the engine has yet to be broken in. Change the switch setting to super high performance and expect to get a real thrill (but plan to pay for it in MPGs). Turning radius is very short and without a doubt the ride beats any Mercedes or Lexus Ive ever ridden in. Heated seats respond quickly and will roast your back side when set to high. We have the nav system, but yet to test it.

  • super car - 2001 Subaru Outback
    By -

    Ilike it so much Iwould buy another one

  • New limited 2.5 with nav and eyesite - 2016 Subaru Outback
    By -

    I searched for just the right combination of size, cargo capacity, saftey and economy. I decided on a fairly well equipped Limited 2.5 with sunroof nav / eyesite. Once you have decided on sunroof nav the eyesite is just an extra 800 or so. New to car. Will update as I own. Buy experience : ended up working worth Danny at Goldstein Subaru in albany. He was patient, answered all my questions, sought expert advice to answer questions he was not sure on. Saw him at 5 pm Monday. Picked up at 10 am on Wednesday. I recommend this dealer and DNny Update 5/30/16 17,000 miles Car is great. All as expected. Have used for regular dailey driving and a NY to Grand Canyon and back. Car handles well in all situations. Eyesight is gear.

Subaru Outback Reviews By Year:
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