Subaru Outback:Review the specs, features and pros & cons
Overview of the Subaru Outback
Learn about the Subaru OutbackSubaru Outback Summary
The Subaru Outback 4x4 is a four-door station wagon that makes an excellent alternative to an SUV with its smooth handling and on-road comfort. The latest models offer a powerful four-cylinder base engine, with the options of a turbocharged or V6 engine available—although the latter is not the most fuel-efficient choice. For added versatility, choose from automatic, manual or continuous variable transmission. All-wheel drive comes as standard in every model, so its spacious interior and off-roading capabilities make the Subaru Outback well suited to families who like to get off the beaten path.
Subaru Outback Safety
The Subaru Outback offers the following standard safety features on all models since 2009:
- Daytime running lights so that other drivers can always spot you
- Anti-lock braking system to prevent wheels from locking when you brake suddenly
- Electronic stability control—if the car loses traction, it corrects over- or under-steering
- Driver and passenger airbags
Optional features include fog lamps and a rearview camera for assistance with reversing or packing. The Subaru Outback also comes with a comprehensive selection of driver assist technologies with its patented EyeSight® system, available on select trims since 2013. This suite of features includes a blind spot monitoring system, lane departure alerts to keep you from veering off-course and an automatic emergency brake, which is activated when the vehicle spots a panic braking scenario ahead.
Subaru Outback Interior
The Subaru Outback offers a diverse range of interior comforts. All models from 2008 onward come with the following as standard:
- Keyless entry
- Illuminated vanity mirrors for the driver and passenger
- Power steering
- Adjustable steering wheel
- Power windows, door locks and mirrors
- Rear floor mats
- Auxiliary power outlet
High-end trims and new generation models feature bonuses such as heated seats, front reading lamps and leather upholstery.
Subaru Outback Technology
All Subaru Outbacks offer AM/FM radio, a CD player, an mp3 player and auxiliary audio input as standard. Since 2009, models also include a six-speaker stereo system with base trims. Newer Subaru Outback models have further options such as Bluetooth capability, USB ports and an infotainment system. Subaru STARLINK™ is available with the choice of a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, as well as steering wheel integrated controls. It offers smartphone compatibility through Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, as well as a navigation system and music apps.
Subaru Outback Space
The Subaru Outback has a spacious interior with comfortable cabin seating for five people. Models from 2010 onwards have added back seat legroom as well as fold-down rear seats with a reclining feature for versatility of its best-in-class cargo space.
Subaru Outback Comfort
If you’ve opted for the Subaru Outback’s continuously variable transmission, you might find it’s slow to accelerate from starting—but other than that, you’re in for smooth handling and an easy ride, even on bumpy roads and rough terrain. This is partly due to the vehicle’s soft suspensions, though that also contributes to reduced cornering ability. The Subaru Outback comes with air-conditioning as standard, and newer models offer voice-activated dual-zone automatic climate control in upper trim levels.
Pros and cons of the Subaru Outback
- All-wheel drive standard
- Extensive suite of driver assist tech
- Spacious, comfortable cabin
- CVT transmission can be slow from start
- Optional six-cylinder engine hard on fuel
- Soft suspension hampers cornering ability
Safety ratings of the Subaru Outback
Safety ratings provided by NHTSA
- Frontal crash rating
- Side crash rating
- Rollover rating
- Number of airbags8
Specifications of the Subaru Outback
Key specifications available across all trim levels- Seats5
- Doors5
- Fuel typeGas
- TransmissionAutomatic
- City consumption9.2 - 11 L/100km
- Highway consumption7.3 - 9 L/100km
- Width1855 - 1895 mm
- Length4860 - 4875 mm
- Trunk space920 - 923 L
- Cargo space2141 - 2144 L
Trims available with the Subaru Outback
What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This variant of the Subaru Outback 2023 - present is available in 7 trims:Convenience trim features and specs
Available with the Convenience trim:
- Emergency wheel
Available across all trims:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Convenience trim:
- Steel wheels
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive
- High-beam assist
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- Roof bars
- Roof rails
- Short wheel base
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Fatigue warning system
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital radio
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Touring trim features and specs
Available with the Touring trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Emergency wheel
Available across all trims:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Touring trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive
- High-beam assist
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- Roof bars
- Roof rails
- Short wheel base
Available with the Touring trim:
- Dimming interior mirror
- Emergency call system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Fatigue warning system
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Touring trim:
- Electric tailgate
- Keyless entry
- Wireless charging pad/mat
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital radio
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Onyx trim features and specs
Available with the Onyx trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Emergency wheel
- Heated rear seats
Available across all trims:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Onyx trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive
- High-beam assist
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- Roof bars
- Roof rails
- Short wheel base
Available with the Onyx trim:
- Dimming interior mirror
- Emergency call system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Fatigue warning system
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Onyx trim:
- Electric tailgate
- Keyless entry
- Wireless charging pad/mat
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital radio
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Limited XT trim features and specs
Available with the Limited XT trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Emergency wheel
- Heated rear seats
Available across all trims:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Limited XT trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive
- High-beam assist
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- Roof bars
- Roof rails
- Short wheel base
Available with the Limited XT trim:
- Dimming interior mirror
- Emergency call system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Fatigue warning system
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Limited XT trim:
- Electric tailgate
- Keyless entry
- Navigation system
- Wireless charging pad/mat
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital radio
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Limited trim features and specs
Available with the Limited trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Emergency wheel
- Heated rear seats
Available across all trims:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Limited trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive
- High-beam assist
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- Roof bars
- Roof rails
- Short wheel base
Available with the Limited trim:
- Dimming interior mirror
- Emergency call system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Fatigue warning system
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Limited trim:
- Electric tailgate
- Keyless entry
- Navigation system
- Wireless charging pad/mat
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital radio
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Wilderness trim features and specs
Available with the Wilderness trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Emergency wheel (optional)
- Heated rear seats
- Spare wheel (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Wilderness trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive
- High-beam assist
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- Roof bars
- Roof rails
- Short wheel base
Available with the Wilderness trim:
- Dimming interior mirror
- Emergency call system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Fatigue warning system
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Wilderness trim:
- Electric tailgate
- Front sensors
- Front view camera
- Keyless entry
- Wireless charging pad/mat
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital radio
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Premier XT trim features and specs
Available with the Premier XT trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Emergency wheel
- Heated rear seats
- Ventilated front seats
Available across all trims:
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Power steering
Available with the Premier XT trim:
- Alloy wheels
- Sunroof
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive
- High-beam assist
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- Roof bars
- Roof rails
- Short wheel base
Available with the Premier XT trim:
- Dimming interior mirror
- Emergency call system
- Lane departure warning
- Overtaking sensors
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system
- Collision warning system with automatic braking
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Fatigue warning system
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
Available with the Premier XT trim:
- CD disc changer (optional)
- CD player (optional)
- Electric tailgate
- Front sensors
- Front view camera
- Keyless entry
- Navigation system
- Wireless charging pad/mat
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital radio
- Hill start assist
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Start stop system
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Frequently asked questions about the Subaru Outback
Yes. When properly equipped, the Subaru Outback has a towing capacity of up to 2,700 lbs, making it ideal for towing trailers.
Like its competitors, the Subaru Outback has a total of two axles for its four tires, one for the front wheels and one for the rear set.
No. Instead, Subaru Outback models across all years and trim levels come with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, providing you with a good balance of convenience and performance.
The Subaru Outback is a four-door station wagon, but its design is between a car and an SUV with its sporty handling, off-road capability and spacious interior.
The Forester a compact SUV and the Outback is a station wagon. It has a lower towing capacity and a smaller interior than the Outback. It's also less expensive.
Dimensions of the Subaru Outback
Year | Height from | Width from | Length from |
---|---|---|---|
Exact values depend on trim choices. | |||
2024 | 1680 mm | 1855 mm | 4860 mm |
2023 | 1680 mm | 1855 mm | 4875 mm |