Outback Research Pages: research all Subaru Outback models
this site you can learn about all the Subaru Outback models and years:
Base, 2.5i, Limited, XT, LL Bean, VDC
invoice, options, colors, photo pictures, specifications, what's new...
years and models , , , , , , 2004,
2017 Subaru Outback Touring model, all with java brown leather interior. The Touring was an all new top of the line model in 2016. Brilliant Brown Pearl color shown.
The Outback was introduced in
1995 as a trim package on a Legacy wagon..&
Research individual year pages: price,
options, colors, photos and more
I& Exterior photos& I& Interior photos& I& Options and Upgrades I
I& & I& & I& &
2013 , , ,&
photos pages- interior
options/upgrades ,
photos-& Interior
Options/Upgrades & Exterior ,
I& ,& & II
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2015 Outback Limited, Venetian Red
Outback, Azurite
Blue (2010 shown)
new color for 2011 Outback-
Ruby Red Pearl ivory interior. For 2012, ruby red has the gray interior
09 white 2.5i Limited
has new for 2009 tinted windows
(05 shown)
OUTBACK HISTORY
AND WHAT'S NEW
Made by Subaru
(Fuji Heavy Industries of Japan)& in Lafayette, Indiana
models are arriving
3/30/12 final day for 2012 factory orders for all Outback, Legacy, Forester, and Tribeca models.
2012 orders for Forester, Tribeca, Outback and Legacy end at 3pm today
3/30. This is early for Foresters, perhaps the 2013 model will get some
updates (CVT?)& in advance of the 2014 make-over. Outback and
Legacy manual transmission and 3.6L models had already stopped on 3/6. Dealers will continue to receive 2012s
but in diminishing numbers. Low production models will sell out quickly.
Subaru already announced 2013 Outback and Legacy details yesterday.
2013 Outback- some early details- gone, the 3.6
Premium model and the i Alloy wheel value package dropped.
New 2013 Outback features include: new 2.5L
engine with timing chain, slight more power, EPA rating at 24/30 MPG, 2nd generation CVT.
All models get upgraded suspension and steering, brake override system, new front grill, larger fog lights, slightly redesigned headlights, and new alloy wheels.
Limited models get new Special Appearance Package available in satin
white, black, and brilliant brown. The package includes saddle brown
leather, silver accented outside mirrors with turn signals, silver
accent front grill and door handles, and gray accented alloy wheels. The
package also includes pushbutton start, memory drivers seat, and dark
wood trim.& Requires moonroof and navigation.
Also, the new Eyesight active cruise control is available on Limited
models with moonroof and navigation. Iit isn't available with the
Special Appearance package, nor is it available in black.. This all new
system use two forward facing cameras to measure and control distance to
the leading car when cruise control is on, it also has lane
sway/departure that buzzes a warning when turn signals aren't used,
brake activation when an object is in front of the car and an impact is
imminent (low speed only, under 20mph)
New colors:& twilight blue replaces azurite blue, and venetian red replaces ruby red.
October 2011
2012 models
No major changes for 2012
2012s arriving at dealers
early October.
New stereos include Bluetooth,
USB, wireless streaming on all except base models
Ruby red pearl now with
gray interior, it was ivory in 2011.
new Alloy wheel option package
on base models includes 17" alloy wheels, fog lights and all weather package
for $995 list price
<font color="#/27/11-
new March 2011 Synthetic oil is now required
on all 2011 models
Synthetic oil is required
for optimum engine performance and protection. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable. Conventional oil may be used if replenishment
is needed, but it should be changed to synthetic oil at the next oil change.
Note- your owners manual
might not indicate this depending on the printing date. This change was
reportedly made around March 2011. Now all 2011 Subarus use Subaru synthetic
oil since the 2011 Forester 2.5Ls, and all turbos ( WRX, STI, Forester
XT, Legacy GT) have required it since the start of the model run. All 2011
models use 5w-30 except the Forester X which uses 0w-20
August 31, 2010- Fold-In
outside mirrors are now available for the 2010 Outback and Legacy!&
The non-breakaway power outside mirrors on all 2010 Outback and Legacy
were a source of concern for many people. This was fixed on 2011s, and
now these fold-in mirrors are available as replacement for the 2010s, in
all the colors so no painting is required. Mirrors kits (including left
and right side) are MSRP $199.95 from your local Subaru dealer.
Standard unheated mirror
kit is part #SOA635985,& Heated mirror kit is part #SOA635086
6/23/10 2011 Outbacks
starting to arrive at dealers
5/7/10-& 2011 Outback
and Legacy prices and features released. No major changes or price
increases. Destination increased $30 to $725. All models get fold-in mirrors,
a few new colors, the number of Option Packages is reduced slightly especially
on the Premiums. The Harman/Kardon stereo gets XM radio (with a $300 price
increase), the optional Moonroof Package includes a new auto dimming mirror/compass/Homelink
with rear view back-up camera. Navigation now includes the auto dimming
rear view mirror with compass.
Still no Memory Seat on
any model. Other changes, and there are sure to be some, will be noted
as the cars arrive starting in June.
A few new optional items
are offered like chrome rear gate garnish, side window drip moldings, new
mobile internet wi-fi .
New colors include Carmel
Bronze Pearl with ivory interior (replaces Harvest Gold), and Ruby Red
Pearl with ivory interior.
Hundreds of choices of
2011 models: There are 9 Outback models for 2011 with 22 Option Packages
and 9 colors for a total of 198 possible model, transmission and color
combinations, plus there are 5 PZEV emission Outbacks with 15 Option Packages
and 9 colors for another 135 possible combinations. And then there are
many individual options and upgrades. Your delaer might not have the exact
model you want and an order can take from 6-12 weeks +/-.
4/19/10 Outback and Legacy
model information released. Early information only and orders accepted.
No feature changes, prices, or specs announced yet, so no word on fold-in
mirrors for example or any other changes/upgrades for the 2011s.
The Outback model line seems
to remain the same as 2010, with 2 less Option Packages. The models are
2.5i manual or CVT, Premium manual or CVT, Limited CVT, 3.6R 5AT, 3.6R
Premium 5AT, 3.6R Limited 5AT. Major Option Packages reduced. New colors:
Caramel Bronze Pearl replaces Harvest Gold, and Ruby Red Pearl added.&
Sunroof package now includes new auto dimming mirror with back-up camera.It
works well, see 2010
page for pictures, and is not available with navigation.
8/27/09& Top Safety
Pick -& 2010 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback are the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety's newest Top Safety Pick award winners. "To
qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of
good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with
electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award
is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test
ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is
standard on the Legacy and Outback."
June 26, 2009.
2010s now arriving on car lots. All new and redesigned, slightly larger
interior space but overall length is 1" shorter, more rear seat room, 3.6L
6 cylinder (used in the Tribeca) replaces 3.0L. 2 new transmissions for
the 2.5L models - 6 speed manual and CVT (continuously variable transmission)
automatic. No XT turbo model, it's gone. Premium name replaces SE. Premium
models are available with a number of 'Option Packages'.& Prices announced
4/29. Production started early May. 2.5i list price increase $700 but the
Limited went down $300. The new larger engine 3.6L Outback now starts $1100
less than the 3.0L version in 09. Production starts 3/27 in Lafayette.
March 2009
- All new and redesigned 2010 Outback first showing will
be at the NY Int't Auto Show in April. Larger inside but 1" shorter overall!
Taller, more rear seat legroom, slightly more ground clearance.& The
4 cylinder has new 6 speed manual or automatic CVT transmissions. The 3.6L
from the Tribeca replaces the 3.0L. Framed windows are a first for the
Legacy and Outback.& No Outback turbo, 2009 is the final year. Cars
expected in June-July?
2010 - All new 2010 5th Generation
Outback wagon and Legacy sedans-& completely redesigned.
New body, new interiors,
new tranmissions, new engines, pretty much new everything...
The Outback model line-&
the overall Outback wagon line comes with either 1 2.5L& 4 cylinder
or a 3.6L 6 cylinder models. The turbo Outback has been discontinued.
4 cylinder- there are 3
2.5i models, a base 2.5i, mid-range 2.5i Premium (replaces SE), and top
of the line 2.5i Limited.
6 cylinder.& New larger
3.6L engine used in the Tribeca (replaces the 3.0L). The 3.6L has very
good power and runs on regular gas and is very a welcome upgrade! There
are 3 models with the 6 cylinder. They are: new base 3.6R, new mid-range
3.6R Premium model, and top of the line 3.6R Limited. Subaru says the 'R'
means is their code for a& DOHC normally asperated (not a turbo) engine
but in the past it has supposedly meant other things (like Revolution during
tghe GM days) depending on who you ask and what training class it was.
Other brief highlights.
&The cars are a bit larger
overall and have a much more open and spacious feel inside. But the overall
car size is actually .8" shorter!
& Interior space and rear
seat room has gone up dramatically. There's a lot more back seat room (finally)
and& the front seats are a bit wider and perhaps even softer (thank
you) etc. This was accomplished by increasing the wheelbase slightly andc
carefully maximizing the available space, all in a mid-size car,&
without losing the quality, comfort and driving traits that have made the
Outback a great choice since 1990.
& Frames doors- all models
have framed doors. If you're familiar with the Legacy/Outback line from
, you know the windows were always& 'frameless', now all
models will have door frames. This adds rigidity and hopefully will reduce
that ever-present wind noise from the outside mirror area that Subarus
have been prone to.
& For some reason the outside
mirrors don't fold-away. Huh?& Perhaps that will change.
& Option Packages. A new
way of doing things. It's almost impossible to have the exact right car
for every buyer. There are just too many possible combinations, some features
sell here, others sell there- popularity can be based on region and driving
conditions, like warm vs cold climate, wet vs dry, city vs country, lots
of snow vs no snow.
So starting with the 10
models, Subaru is offering models with 'Option Package' upgrades. The 'Option
Packages' are all described . What this means
for the buyer are more choices.
For example, on the previous
mid-range 2.5i SE model (now the 2.5i Premium), the All Weather Package
was standard. Like it or not you got heated seats etc. Starting with 2010s,
it's an option on the Premium. While I personally would want it, not everyone
does - some to save money, others live in warm climates where All Weather
Pkg's& heated seats are silly.
And tall people don't like
sunroofs (less headroom), other people really like them. The Sunroof is
also now an option on the mid-range Premium where it was not previously
available at all before, and is an option on the Limited model where is
previously was standard.
Models: 2.5i (was
the 2008 Outback), 2.5i SE (was 2008 Outback 2.5i), 3.0R Limited (was the
R LL Bean). Subaru has dropped the& LL Bean affiliation. XT
models are the same. Prices announced late May 2008. Cars expected mid
June 2008. New color, Seacrest green is a very light, silvery green. PZEV
(partial zero emission vehicles) now required in CA, CT, NH, NY, MA, MS,
RI, VT, WA, and OR. VDC electronic stability control now standard on all
models. New Harman Kardan 440 watt stereo standard in all except 2.5i model.
Dark tinted windows standard on 2.5i Limited, XT and 3.0R models. 2.5i
Limited gets alloy wheels used on 08 XT and 3.0R. 3.0R no longer has standard
auto dimming mirror/compass or wood steering wheel. This is the final year
for this 4th generation. 2010 model are expected to be redesigned.
12/10/08 new accessories
iPod-iPhone interface for Legacy, Outback, Tribeca.& iPod interface
controls your iPod and iPhone through the factory stereo. Also recharges
it except for 4th gen Nano and 2nd gen iPhone. Applicable on all Legacy,
Outback, and Tribeca 07 without Satellite radio. Available
factory or dealer installed
SPT turbo heat
shield applicable on -6-5 Legacy GT and Outback XT turbos.
Helps keeps the turbo warm, retain heat which increases performance.
more to come
2008 All Outbacks
are wagons, the Outback sedan has been dropped. All Legacys are now sedans.
So if you want a wagon it's the Outback, and if you want a sedan it's a
Legacy. Most noticable change is an all new grill so the car has a very
different look, also new headlights and tailights, new alloy wheels, new
colors, new cloth interior. New telescoping steering wheel with tilt, includes
cruise control. Top of the line 3.0R LL Bean 6 cylinder and XT 4 cylinder
turbo model steering wheels have audio and SI Drive controls. VDC, electronic
stability control, is optional on 2.5i LL Bean and 2.5i Limited LL Bean,
both also include Navigation, and VDC continues to be standard on the 3.0R
LL Bean and XT turbo. 2007's Outback Basic has been renamed the Outback
and has re-designed steel wheels with full wheel covers. Tire pressure
monitoring is standard on all models. Key and remote is now one piece instead
of separate key and remote as in previous years. All models are now pre-wired
for either XM or Sirius satellite radio (was only XM for 2007). EPA fuel
economy ratings lower due a change in testing standards.
2007 Price
drop on most models!& New model: low price Outback Basic 2.5i. Many
models dropped:& SE, VDC, base 3.0R 6cylinder,
XT cloth,& Limited 2.5i 5spd manual. Those were all dropped. New colors,
fold down rear seats on sedans. All models with MP3 player and aux (iPod)
plug, pre-wired for optional Remote Start (auto only), and for XM satellite
radio. Tire Pressure Monitoring System TPMS on all except 2.5i Basic. VDC
(vehicle dynamic control)& all wheel drive traction control system
on Limited XT and LL Bean models. SRSLabs WOW stereo for certain
models.& SI Drive (Subaru Intelligent) on XT models. Horsepower and
torque figures on turbos and 6 cylinders has changed due only to a change
in test methods. No change in actual power.
12/21/06 12/21/06
2 new 4 cylinder LL Bean models announced with Navigation: 2.5i LL Bean
and 2.5i Limited LL Bean. Available late January to Feb.
2006 available
mid July. The base cloth model turbo XT has been dropped but a new cloth
6 cylinder model, the 3.0R wagon, replaces it. The 3.0R sedan has been
renamed the 3.0R LL Bean sedan. Navigation is optional on the XT Limited
and 6 cylinders, and standard on the VDC which is an uncommon model. All
models now have standard air filtration and Immobilizer key. A few new
color combinations, slight price increases.
11/1/05 new models
Subaru announces 2 new models. The all new Outback 2.5i SE and the return
of the Outback 2.5i Limited 4 cylinder sedan, both available in mid December.
The SE package is a 2.5i with CD changer, navigation, climate control,
etc in only 2 colors.
9/29/05 New
models: Subaru announces the return of the cloth model Outback XT that
was originally discontinued for the 2006my, available starting October
2005. More information below of course.
2005 available
late May 2004. This is a very major 5 year remodel as Subaru moves the
new Legacy and Legacy Outback line up-scale.
There's a more contemporary
look, smoother and quieter ride and many other features available such
as dual climate control, power passenger seat, and 2 new models with 250
horsepower.
Still safety oriented,
every Legacy Outback now has 6 airbags. (2 front, 2 front side,
2 front and rear side curtain)
Ground clearance
has been increased at least 1" to 8.4"- 8.7" so it remains a very rugged
road and family capable car for campers, skiiers etc.
The Outback has not
abandoned it's dependable and economical 4cylinder Japanese heritage
even as a few of its new higher end models compete in a luxury market not
usually associated with Subaru. Fuel economy has been increased slightly
on the 2.5i models!
All models are built
in Lafayette, Indiana.
Models for 2005:&
Outback 2.5i replaces the Outback, Outback 2.5i Limited replaces the Outback
High-performance
XT and XT Limited with the new 250hp turbo engine.
6 cylinder LL Bean,
and 3.0R VDC wagon and sedan. The 3.0L H6 (Horizontal 6 cylinder)
is upgraded to 250horsepower from 212hp.
New dashboard, body
panels, seats, and available dual climate control systems and power passenger
seats etc make the Outback a good choice for a wide range of budgets.
Safety: Along
with the new emphasis on comfort, power and style, there remains Subaru's
long-term focus on safety.
All Legacy and Outback
models get 8 airbags: front, front side, and front and rear side
curtain airbags
Prices are
very competitive, destination is now $575 (Alaska $725). Please see my
05 spec pages linked above for full price, invoice, option and specifications
Emissions:
The basic 2.5i models have 2 emission models, Fed and Ca spec, just as
engines and transmissions
2004 few changes.
New look splash guards and wood trim. New lower accent colors for LL Bean
and VDC, H6 models get new look alloy wheels, new leather color on shift
handle, new logos. NEW California spec cars for 4 cylinder models.
SULEV 2 (super-ultra low emission) or Partial Zero Emission (PZEV) vehicles
for sale California and the NorthEast and a few neighboring states. These
will not be available outside those states. Destination increases $25 to
2003 No major
changes for the Outback. OnStar standard on H-6 models, new colors, new
suspension springs for smoother ride, new front grill. The base Outback
now with All Weather package and CD (no cassette) standard. Small price
increases, and the Outback actually is less than 2002 comparably equipped.
2<font color="#3 New mid-year models:
Available after February 2003, 2 new models announced: Audio Edition and
H6 wagon. The Audio Edition is focused on warmer climate areas and the
H6 wagon is focused on folks wanting more power than the 4 cylinder car
buying client expects
2002: 6 cylinder
available in the Outback Sedan. Minor changes include different tires,
keyless remote, colors, cupholders, dome, door, ignition switch lights,
in-glass antenna, re-designed rear center headrest (wgn), sedans have an
inside trunk release, and door panel woodtrim now standard. Destination/delivery
increased $30
2001: 3.0L
6 cylinder available on 2 new Outback models- LL Bean and 3.0R VDC.
2000: 5 year
major re-design. The car is substancially re-designed and refined with
a smoother ride, new standard power driver's seat, new dashboard, more
cargo area with less wheel well intrusion and etc
1999 there
were few changes. Keyless remote is now standard. SSV (Special Service
Vehicle) Outback sedan model is introduced for public safety agency use
only, this model is only made for one year.
1998 the Outback
Limited offered with either 2 sunroofs or no sunroofs. In January 1998
the upgraded 30th Anniversary (1968-98) models were introduced and the&&&&
SUS (Outback sedan) went national.
Limited Outback was introduced. A sedan version, the Outback SUS (short
for 'Sport Utility Sedan') was available in very small
numbers in the New England area only. The 2.5L engine is tweaked for 1997
and has 10 more hp than the '96 plus& runs on regular fuel, not premium.
The manual tranmission now uses the 2.5L engine and the hill-holder clutch
is discontinued. New separate door lock switch. All models have a non-functional
'hood scoop', it's just for looks.
1996: First year
for the 'real' Outback with 7.3" ground clearance. Also first year for
the 2.5L engine, which in '96 runs on premium fuel and is only available
with an automatic transmssion. The manual uses the 2.2L engine and has
the hill holder clutch.
1995: The first Outback
is a 1995 Legacy L wagon with special trim. This 1995 model is not the
Outback as we know it.
2006 LEGACY and OUTBACK OVERVIEW compare the models
The Legacy is a line
of cars with 2 models: Legacy and Outback
There are many versions
of the Legacy and Outback, and they share 2 body styles, a wagon or a sedan
ENGINE (these
are not official codes, they are only for this table)
A: 2.5L 4cylinder,
B: 2.5L turbo charged
4 cylinder, 250hp
C: 3.0 6 cylinder,
Transmission (these
are not official codes, they are only for this table)
D: 5spd manual
E: 4spd SportShift
F: Reinforced 5spd
G: 5spd SportShift
2006 LEGACY and OUTBACK
engine/transmissions
model name
Legacy 2.5i Limited
Legacy GT Limited
Outback 2.5i, SE
Outback 2.5i Limited
XT Limited
Outback 3.0R wagon
Outback 3.0R Limited-LLBean
Outback 3.0R Limited
body style
wagon, sedan
wagon, sedan
transmission,
transmission,
new 2005 LEGACY and
OUTBACK OVERVIEW compare the models
The Legacy is a line of
cars with 2 models: Legacy and Outback
There are many versions
of the Legacy and Outback, and they share 2 body styles, a wagon or a sedan
Engine (these
are not official codes, they are only for this table)
A: 2.5L 4cylinder,
B: 2.5L turbo charged
4 cylinder, 250hp
C: 3.0 6 cylinder,
Transmission(these
are not codes, they are only for this table)
D: 5spd manual
E: 4spd SportShift
F: Reinforced 5spd
G: 5spd SportShift
2005 LEGACY and OUTBACK
engine/transmissions
model name
Legacy 2.5i
Legacy 2.5i Limited
Legacy GT Limited
Outback 2.5i
Outback 2.5i Limited
Outback XT Limited
Outback 3.0R Limited-LLBean
Outback 3.0R Limited
Outback 3.0R Limited
body style
transmission,
transmission,
Subaru tips, web page comments
are always welcomed.
This page is maintained by
Joe Spitz who is soley responsible for content.
Please contact me if you're
interested in a Subaru - new or used.
Thank You, and Happy Car
Shopping. Joe