Subaru Outback generations, specs and prices

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Subaru Outback has had seven US generations since it arrived for 1995 as a Legacy wagon variant. The current seventh generation launched for 2026; the 2027 Outback runs $32,995 to $46,595 before destination, with a 180-hp 2.5L or a 260-hp 2.4L turbo, CVT and standard all-wheel drive.

Type
Midsize SUV / raised wagon, standard all-wheel drive
Price (MSRP)
$32,995–$46,595 (2027 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,545 destination and delivery. Lowest = Outback (base), highest = Touring XT.[1]
Powertrains
Outback 2.5 (2027), Outback XT (2027), Outback Wilderness (2027) · 180–260 hp
Towing
up to 3,500 lb (Outback Wilderness, properly equipped. Subaru quotes up to 2,700 lb for the 2027 base Outback.)[5]
Current generation
First generation, 1995–1999

2027 Subaru Outback price and trims

The seventh-generation Outback launched for 2026 as a six-trim lineup starting with Premium. For 2027 Subaru brought back an entry-level base trim and cut most other trim prices by about $1,000 on average. Every trim uses a CVT and Symmetrical AWD; Highway Hands-Free Assist is now standard on Limited XT.[22][23]

Subaru Outback trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
Outback (base)$32,995excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY)2.5L SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (180 hp, 178 lb-ft)[22][23]
Premium$34,995excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); same price as 20262.5L SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (180 hp, 178 lb-ft)[22][23]
Limited$39,995excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); $1,720 less than 20262.5L SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (180 hp, 178 lb-ft)[22][23]
Touring$43,495excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); $1,900 less than 20262.5L SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (180 hp, 178 lb-ft)[22][23]
Limited XT$43,595excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); $770 less than 20262.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)[22][23]
Wilderness$43,995excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); $1,000 less than 20262.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)[22][23]
Touring XT$46,595excl. $1,545 destination (2027 MY); $1,400 less than 20262.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)[22][23]

Every Outback trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Subaru Outback engines, horsepower and mpg

The 2.5L is rated 180 hp for 2026–2027; the sixth-generation (2020–2025) version was rated 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. EPA figures are city/highway/combined mpg.

Subaru Outback powertrains with Subaru-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Outback 2.5 (2027)Base, Premium, Limited, Touring2.5L SUBARU BOXER flat-4[1][2][3]180178Lineartronic CVTSymmetrical AWD25/31/272027 MY[3]
Outback XT (2027)Limited XT, Touring XT2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4[1][2][4]260277Lineartronic CVTSymmetrical AWD21/29/242027 MY[4]
Outback Wilderness (2027)Wilderness2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER flat-4[2][5][6]260277Lineartronic CVTSymmetrical AWD21/27/232027 MY[6]

Output is as rated by Subaru; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

2027 Outback: 2.5L vs XT vs Wilderness

All three use a CVT and standard all-wheel drive; the turbo trims trade fuel economy for 80 extra horsepower.[1][2][3][4][6]

2027 Outback: 2.5L vs XT vs Wilderness
2.5L trimsLimited XT / Touring XTWilderness
Engine2.5L flat-42.4L turbo flat-42.4L turbo flat-4
Output180 hp / 178 lb-ft260 hp / 277 lb-ft260 hp / 277 lb-ft
EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)25/31/2721/29/2421/27/23
Ground clearance8.7 in8.7 in9.5 in
MSRP from$32,995$43,595$43,995
  • The Wilderness costs $400 more than a Limited XT and adds 0.8 inch of clearance.
  • The 2.5L returns 3 to 4 mpg more combined than the turbo versions.

Outback Wilderness: what changes

The Wilderness trim debuted for 2022 as the most rugged Outback Subaru had built. Longer springs and shocks lift ground clearance to 9.5 inches from 8.7, approach, departure and breakover angles all improve, and it uses the 2.4L turbo with all-terrain tires and dual-function X-MODE.

The seventh-generation Wilderness (2026–) keeps 9.5 inches of clearance and adds electronically controlled dampers. Subaru rates it to tow 3,500 pounds. EPA rates the 2027 Wilderness at 21/27/23 mpg versus 21/29/24 for other turbo Outbacks.

  • 9.5 in ground clearance vs 8.7 in on other trims
  • 260-hp 2.4L turbo standard
  • 3,500-lb towing (properly equipped)
  • Matte-black 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires
  • [19][5][2][6][4]

XT turbo vs the 2.5L engine

Turbocharged Outbacks were sold through 2009 and returned with the sixth generation as the XT models, using a 2.4L turbo rated 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. On the 2027 Outback the turbo comes on Limited XT, Touring XT and Wilderness.

The standard 2.5L makes 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. EPA rates the 2027 2.5L Outback at 27 mpg combined against 24 mpg for the XT, a 3-mpg gap in mixed driving.[13][2][1][3][4]

EyeSight, X-MODE and ground clearance

Subaru's stereo-camera EyeSight system first appeared as an option on the 2013 Legacy and Outback. Every 2026 Outback has the latest EyeSight, which supports driver-supervised hands-free highway driving up to 85 mph on trims with Highway Hands-Free Assist; for 2027 that feature is standard on Limited XT.

Every 2026–2027 Outback has at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance, compared with 7.5 inches on the 1995 original.[16][15][21][1][2][9]

What is new for 2027

Subaru added an entry-level Outback for 2027 at $32,995, $2,000 below the 2026 starting price, with the 12.1-inch touchscreen, digital cluster, EyeSight and a power rear gate standard. Subaru says it cut prices on most other trims by about $1,000 on average.[1]

Subaru Outback generations by year

Every US Subaru Outback generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
First generation1995–19992.5L BOXER flat-4Began as a Limited Edition Outback Wagon version of the Legacy for 1995 and became its own model line for 1996, sold as the "World's First Sport Utility Wagon." Two-tone paint, a raised roof and 7.5 inches of ground clearance set it apart from the Legacy.[7][8][9][10]
Second generation2000–20042.5L flat-4; 3.0L H6 flat-6 addedThe redesigned Outback and a new Outback Sedan were introduced in January 1999 and reached dealers that July. H6 six-cylinder Outbacks, including an L.L. Bean edition, followed in late 2000.[8][11]
Third generation2005–20092.5L flat-4, 2.5L turbo flat-4 (XT), 3.0L flat-6Subaru introduced the fully redesigned third-generation Outback at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show and updated it for 2008. This generation offered the turbocharged XT; Subaru says 2009 was the last turbo Outback until 2020.[8][12][13][11]
Fourth generation2010–20142.5L flat-4 (170 hp); 3.6L flat-6 (256 hp)A larger, roomier design with a new 3.6R six-cylinder replacing the 3.0R. EyeSight driver assist debuted as an option on the 2013 Outback, which also got a new 2.5L engine.[14][8][15][16]
Fifth generation2015–20192.5L flat-4 (175 hp, 174 lb-ft); 3.6L flat-6 (256 hp, 247 lb-ft)Debuted at the 2014 New York auto show with a roomier interior and a CVT for both engines. Subaru sold its two-millionth US Outback in 2018 during this generation.[17][18][10]
Sixth generation2020–20252.5L flat-4 (182 hp, 176 lb-ft); 2.4L turbo flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)Moved to the Subaru Global Platform, brought back a turbo (XT) and made EyeSight standard. The off-road Outback Wilderness arrived for 2022 with 9.5 inches of ground clearance.[13][19][20]
Seventh generation2026–present2.5L flat-4 (180 hp, 178 lb-ft); 2.4L turbo flat-4 (260 hp, 277 lb-ft)Launched for the Outback's 30th anniversary with SUV-style styling, a 12.1-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauges on every trim, and at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance. For 2027 Subaru added a $32,995 base trim.[21][2][1]

Subaru Outback problems and recalls

The most significant documented Outback problems are recalls rather than one chronic defect: Takata passenger air bag inflators across 2003–2014 models, corroding brake lines on 2005–2009 cars in salt states, failing low-pressure fuel pumps on 2018–2020 models, and a 2020 CVT drive-chain software fix. The 2013 2.5L Outback was also part of a court-approved oil-consumption settlement.

Documented Subaru Outback issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Takata passenger air bag inflator may rupture (recall 15V323)[24]Second generation (2000–2004) and third generation (2005–2009)2003–2008Recall 15V323
Takata passenger inflators, climate-zone campaigns (recall 16V358)[25][26][27][28][29]Fourth generation (2010–2014), plus 2003–2004 and 2009 models2003–2004, 2009–2014Recall 16V358
Takata replacement inflators replaced again (recall 20V001)[30][31][32]Second generation (2000–2004) through fourth generation (2010–2014)2003–2014Recall 20V001
Brake lines may corrode in salt-belt states (recall 13V110)[33][34]Third generation (2005–2009)2005–2009Recall 13V110
Secondary air pump relay can stick on and overheat (turbo models) (recall 16V738)[35]Third generation (2005–2009)2007–2009Recall 16V738
CVT cooler hose may crack and leak fluid (recall 10V196)[36]Fourth generation (2010–2014)2010Recall 10V196
Wiper motor cover can overheat and melt (recall 16V694)[37]Fourth generation (2010–2014)2010–2014Recall 16V694
Electronic parking brake may not hold (manual transmission) (recall 18V626)[38]Fourth generation (2010–2014)2010–2014Recall 18V626

All 17 documented Outback issues and 14 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Subaru Outback.

More Outback research

See how an Outback was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Subaru build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many generations of the Subaru Outback are there?

Seven in the US: 1995–1999, 2000–2004, 2005–2009, 2010–2014, 2015–2019, 2020–2025 and the current seventh generation, which launched for the 2026 model year.

When did the Outback become its own model?

Subaru introduced the Outback as a version of the Legacy wagon for 1995, and says 1996 was the first year it was its own model line.

How much does the 2027 Subaru Outback cost?

From $32,995 for the new base trim to $46,595 for the Touring XT, before $1,545 destination and delivery.

Which Outback years have a turbo engine?

The third generation offered a 2.5L turbo XT through 2009. The turbo returned for 2020 as a 260-hp 2.4L on XT trims and is standard on the Wilderness.

How much can a Subaru Outback tow?

Subaru rates the 2026 Outback Wilderness at 3,500 pounds and the 2027 base Outback at up to 2,700 pounds, properly equipped.

What is the Outback's ground clearance?

At least 8.7 inches on 2026–2027 models and 9.5 inches on the Outback Wilderness.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Subaru for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2027 Subaru Outback Delivers Affordability with New Pricing, New Outback Entry-Level Model Starting at $32,995 MSRP (October 22, 2026) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  2. Subaru Announces Pricing on All-New 2026 Outback SUV (August 21, 2025) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Subaru Outback AWD (2.5L) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Subaru Outback AWD (2.4L turbo) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. Subaru Debuts All-New 2026 Outback Wilderness SUV with Aggressive New Design Language, Upgraded Suspension, and Trail-Ready Performance (April 16, 2025) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Subaru Outback Wilderness AWD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  7. 50 Years of Subaru Products (photo gallery captions) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  8. Subaru of America, Inc. Corporate Timeline — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  9. Subaru of America Sells Three Millionth Outback (June 10, 2024) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  10. Subaru Sells Two-Millionth Outback in the U.S. (April 9, 2018) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  11. Subaru Outback — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  12. EPA fuel economy: 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon AWD (2.5L turbo) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  13. Subaru Debuts All-New Sixth-Generation 2020 Outback (April 17, 2019) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  14. Subaru Announces Pricing on All-New 2010 Outback (April 28, 2009) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  15. 2013 Subaru Outback Debuts New Powertrain, EyeSight Driver-Assist System and Revised Styling (August 11, 2012) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  16. Subaru Debuts New EyeSight System (March 14, 2012) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  17. Subaru Introduces All-New 2015 Outback at New York International Auto Show (April 16, 2014) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  18. Subaru Announces Pricing on All-New 2015 Outback (June 4, 2014) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  19. Subaru Debuts New 2022 Outback Wilderness - Most Capable Outback Ever (March 30, 2021) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  20. Subaru Announces Pricing on 2025 Outback SUV and Legacy Sedan (April 11, 2024) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  21. Subaru Debuts All-New 2026 Outback with Bold New Styling, Upgraded Technology, Innovative Safety Features (April 16, 2025) — Subaru of America (media.subaru.com)
  22. 2027 Subaru Outback Delivers Affordability with New Pricing, New Outback Entry-level Model Starting at $32,995 MSRP (Oct 22, 2026) — Subaru U.S. Media Center (media.subaru.com)
  23. Subaru Announces Pricing on All-new 2026 Outback SUV (Aug 21, 2025) — Subaru U.S. Media Center (media.subaru.com)
  24. Recall 15V323: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  25. Recall 16V358: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  26. Recall 16V359: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  27. Recall 16V361: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  28. Recall 18V012: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  29. Recall 19V007: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  30. Recall 20V001: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  31. Recall 20V002: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  32. Recall 20V003: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  33. Recall 13V110: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  34. Recall 14V311: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  35. Recall 16V738: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  36. Recall 10V196: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  37. Recall 16V694: Visibility — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  38. Recall 18V626: Parking Brake — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America, Inc. or Subaru Corporation. Subaru and the model names are trademarks of their owners.