1 / 1Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Subaru Outback
Rugged wagon comfort with all-weather confidence
Subaru Outback review
The Subaru Outback is the wagon that thinks it's an SUV, and mostly gets away with it. Standard all-wheel drive, genuine 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a tall, easy-to-load body make it a favorite for buyers who want crossover capability without the bulk. It rides comfortably, swallows gear and dogs alike, and earns top safety scores. The base engine is relaxed rather than quick, but for many families that trade-off works fine.
On the road, the Outback prioritizes calm over excitement. The standard 2.5-liter boxer four delivers 182 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission, which is adequate for daily driving and highway merging but never feels eager. Buyers wanting more punch can step up to the turbocharged 2.4-liter unit, which adds meaningful pull for towing and mountain passes. The CVT is well-tuned and mostly unobtrusive, and the standard symmetrical all-wheel drive gives the Outback genuine confidence on wet roads, gravel, and light trails that would stop most car-based rivals.
Inside, the cabin is practical and built to take abuse, with durable materials, supportive seats, and a commanding driving position. Most trims center on an 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen that handles climate and infotainment. It looks modern but can be slow to respond and buries some common functions in menus, which frustrates owners who prefer physical buttons. Rear-seat space is generous, the cargo area is wide and flat, and roof rails with integrated crossbars make hauling bikes or kayaks easy.
Where the Outback truly shines is everyday usability and safety. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist suite is standard and works smoothly, and the model consistently earns strong crash-test ratings. Ground clearance and approach angles genuinely outdo most crossovers, so light off-pavement adventures are well within reach. Ride quality stays composed over broken surfaces, and road noise is well controlled for the class.
The trade-offs are familiar Subaru ones. The base engine's acceleration is leisurely, real-world fuel economy trails some hybrid competitors, and the touchscreen interface divides opinion. But as an all-weather, do-everything family wagon, the Outback remains hard to beat, and its reputation for longevity and resale value adds to the appeal.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Genuine off-road ground clearance
- Spacious, practical cargo area
- Strong safety ratings
- Comfortable, composed ride
What could be better
- Base engine feels slow
- Touchscreen can lag
- No hybrid option
- Fuel economy trails rivals
Subaru Outback price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Base Best value | GasolineAutomatic (CVT) | $29,010 |
| Premium | GasolineAutomatic (CVT) | $31,360 |
| Limited | GasolineAutomatic (CVT) | $36,140 |
| Onyx Edition XT | GasolineAutomatic (CVT) | $38,630 |
| Wilderness | GasolineAutomatic (CVT) | $40,640 |
| Touring XT | GasolineAutomatic (CVT) | $43,270 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Subaru Outback colours
Crystal White PearlExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
Snow days are no longer a problem
I live in Colorado and this thing eats winter for breakfast. The AWD and ground clearance get me up my unplowed driveway every time. Wish it were a bit quicker on the highway, but I can live with that.
Great family wagon, fussy screen
Tons of room for the kids and the dog, and it feels really solid and safe. My only real gripe is the touchscreen, which sometimes takes a few seconds to wake up and makes adjusting the temperature annoying.
Reliable and comfortable
Two years in and zero issues, plus it's super comfortable on long road trips. Fuel economy is okay but not amazing for a four-cylinder. Overall I'd buy another one without hesitation.
Alternatives to the Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback — frequently asked questions
Does the Subaru Outback come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every Outback comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive, so there is no front-wheel-drive version to choose from.
Which engine should I get?
The standard 2.5-liter delivers 182 hp and is fine for daily driving. If you tow, carry heavy loads, or drive in the mountains, the turbocharged 2.4-liter XT engine is worth the extra cost.
How much can the Outback tow?
Models with the standard engine tow up to about 2,700 pounds, while the turbocharged XT trims are rated to roughly 3,500 pounds.
Is the Outback good off-road?
For a wagon, yes. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.5 on the Wilderness) and standard AWD, it handles gravel, snow, and light trails better than most crossovers, though it isn't a hardcore rock-crawler.
Is there a hybrid version?
The current Outback lineup is gasoline-only in the US. If you want electrified efficiency, you would need to look at rivals or other Subaru models.
What fuel economy can I expect?
The standard engine returns around 29 MPG combined in EPA testing, while the turbocharged XT trims drop to the mid-20s. Real-world figures vary with terrain and driving style.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.