
Subaru Outback Review and Links

Outback is Subaru's midsize crossover sport utility vehicle (a little bigger than a Forester and a little smaller than an Ascent), and arguably the best performing Subaru in the snow.
Overview:
Outback is considered a "crossover vehicle," because it has the room and capability of a traditional sport ute but it is based on a car chassis (instead of a truck frame). It is built on a longer and wider platform than the Impreza and Forester, though the Forester is slightly taller. Outback comes standard with Subaru's Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission, which earns it remarkable fuel economy (33 mph highway). It is also available with a 2.4 liter turbocharged engine for extra go-go.
Price:
They are priced from the low $30s to the mid $40s.
What's new for 2023?
- See the updates
Resources:
- Watch an Outback pulling out of a glacier.
- Peruse a fancy dynamic Outback Brochure.
- Review Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test results
- See Outback's top three outward visibility ranking
Search our inventory for your Outback:
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Planet Exclusive Comparisons:
- Compare Forester with Outback.
- Compare Ascent with Subaru Outback
- Compare Crosstrek with Outback
- Compare Outback with Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
- See the Planet-exclusive quick model comparison chart
Outbacks through the years:
Originally introduced in 1995, the first Outback was basically just a Legacy wagon with two-tone paint and a little cosmetic differentiation. In 1996, Subaru produced the Outback that you would recognize today, with aggressive cladding, raised suspension, and bigger engine. 1997 saw the first Outback Sedan, a vehicle unlike anything sold at the time. It was available all the way through 2007. Subaru assembles every Outback in Lafayette, Indiana.
![]() 2020+ | You would hardly know if from the sheetmetal, which bears similarities to the previous generation, but nearly every part on the car changed, including the chassis or "frame." Built on Subaru's Global Platform that now underpins most of its vehicles, this latest generation is much more crash-absortive and it rides like it's hewn from a single hunk of very strong metal. Infotainment screen goes big time and new features, such as Driver Focus, abound. |
![]() 2015 through 2019 | This generation grew in every dimension, and the upscale interior abounds with technology and infotainment functions. Airbag count rises to eight with the addition of seat cushion airbags that deploy from the flat part of the seat to hold front occupants in place during an accident. |
![]() 2010 through 2014 | Sales went through the roof with the introduction of a larger Outback, close in size to traditional sport utility vehicles but a heckuva lot more economical and responsible. Continuously variable transmission debuts and causes steroidal fuel economy gains. Eyesight appears in 2013. |
![]() ![]() 2005 through 2009 | In 2005, we welcomed a quieter, more upscale Outback, even though the size remained pretty much the same. Six airbags were standard. Subaru offered a turbocharged XT model only on this generation. |
![]() 2000 through 2004 | This generation ironed out the wrinkles in the previous version, especially in the interior, formerly an expanse of hard plastic and curious ergonomics. Hood scoop from the Techno-Brutal era of Japanese auto styling goes away and no one misses it. First optional six cylinder arrived in 2001, along with Vehicle Dynamics Control. |
![]() 1995 through 1999 | Arguably, Subaru created the "crossover" segment by building a car with the sport utility capabilities of a truck. No wonder that "Subaru" comes quickly to mind when people think rugged, practical, and economical. This was a functional car, but not a pretty one. Dual sunroof model, also known as the "Double Bubble," appears in 1998. |
Exclusive Planet Benefits:
- Friendly staff and your undealership experience
- The exclusive Planet Passport Program...tires for life, loaners, and much more!
Outback in One Sentence:
Outback is Subaru's midsize crossover sport utility vehicle (a little bigger than a Forester and a little smaller than an Ascent), and arguably the best performing Subaru in the snow.
Overview:
Outback is considered a "crossover vehicle," because it has the room and capability of a traditional sport ute but it is based on a car chassis (instead of a truck frame). It is built on a longer and wider platform than the Impreza and Forester, though the Forester is slightly taller. Outback comes standard with Subaru's Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission, which earns it remarkable fuel economy (33 mph highway). It is also available with a 3.6 liter six cylinder engine.
Price:
They are priced from the mid $20's to the low $30's.
What's new for 2019?
- See the updates
Resources:
- Watch an Outback pulling out of a glacier.
- Peruse a fancy dynamic Outback Brochure.
- Review Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test results
- See Outback's top three outward visibility ranking
Search our inventory for your Outback:
![]() | ![]() |
Planet Exclusive Comparisons:
- Compare current generation Outback with previous generation
- Compare Forester with Outback.
- Compare Ascent with Subaru Outback
- Compare Outback with Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen AllTrack
- Compare Outback with Honda CR-V.
- Compare Outback with Toyota RAV4
- Compare Outback with Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
- See the Planet-exclusive quick model comparison chart
Outbacks through the years:
Originally introduced in 1995, the first Outback was basically just a Legacy wagon with two-tone paint and a little cosmetic differentiation. In 1996, Subaru produced the Outback that you would recognize today, with aggressive cladding, raised suspension, and bigger engine. 1997 saw the first Outback Sedan, a vehicle unlike anything sold at the time. It was available all the way through 2007. Subaru assembles every Outback in Lafayette, Indiana.
![]() 2015+ | This latest generation is slightly larger in every dimension, and the upscale interior abounds with technology and infotainment functions. Airbag count rises to eight with the addition of seat cushion airbags that deploy from the flat part of the seat to hold front occupants in place during an accident. |
![]() 2010 through 2014 | Sales went through the roof with the introduction of a larger Outback, close in size to traditional sport utility vehicles but a heckuva lot more economical and responsible. Continuously variable transmission debuts and causes steroidal fuel economy gains. Eyesight appears in 2013. |
![]() ![]() 2005 through 2009 | In 2005, we welcomed a quieter, more upscale Outback, even though the size remained pretty much the same. Six airbags were standard. Subaru offered a turbocharged XT model only on this generation. |
![]() 2000 through 2004 | This generation ironed out the wrinkles in the previous version, especially in the interior, formerly an expanse of hard plastic and curious ergonomics. Hood scoop from the Techno-Brutal era of Japanese auto styling goes away and no one misses it. First optional six cylinder arrived in 2001, along with Vehicle Dynamics Control. |
![]() 1995 through 1999 | Arguably, Subaru created the "crossover" segment by building a car with the sport utility capabilities of a truck. No wonder that "Subaru" comes quickly to mind when people think rugged, practical, and economical. This was a functional car, but not a pretty one. Dual sunroof model, also known as the "Double Bubble," appears in 1998. |
Exclusive Planet Benefits:
- Friendly staff and your undealership experience
- The exclusive Planet Passport Program...tires for life, loaners, and much more!
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