How the Subaru Outback Evolved From a Legacy Trim to an Icon

We’re not surprised that you’re searching the internet for a “used Subaru for sale near me.” People love Subaru because of its dedication to providing drivers safe, rugged, and quality vehicles, and the brand has earned its reputation for success and customer loyalty by being unafraid to challenge and push the industry’s standards to the limits for the best in safety, performance, and technology. We have seen throughout history consistently high safety ratings and desirable capabilities and performances on and off the pavement. However, one of Subaru’s greatest innovative designs and milestones that we have seen is the introduction of the model that the brand markets as the world’s first utility sports wagon: the Subaru Outback.

Today, the Outback is one of the brand’s best-selling models. With that kind of success and with its capabilities, we bet you’d never guess that the Outback began as a trim level for the Subaru Legacy. But don’t let that fool you. It wasn’t long before the Outback dropped Legacy from its name and went out on its own. If you’re in the market for a model that represents the Subaru brand to the fullest degree, breaking through barriers and pushing beyond all limitations, take a look at how far the Subaru Outback has come through the years, and decide for yourself if it’s a Subaru model worth your loyalty.

First Generation (1995 to 1999)

At an age when SUVs were becoming more popular, Subaru responded to the new demand with the Outback for the 1995 model year. It may not have been the off-road adventuring Subaru Outback that we know today. However, it was still a comparable alternative to SUVs, even as a trim package for the all-wheel drive Subaru Legacy wagon. The Outback was equipped with large rims and tires, mud flaps, and a roof rack for a better off-road experience than the Legacy, and it even had a more durable interior to hold up better against the dirt and mud. It did, however, share the same 2.2L 4-cylinder Boxer engine for a similar on-road experience.

For its second production year, the Outback received several mechanical improvements and had its name shortened, slowly evolving into the icon we know and love today. Although it was still built based on the Legacy, the 1996 Subaru Outback gained a suspension lift, improving its appearance and increasing its ground clearance to 7.3 inches for better capability on the trail. It also offered a more powerful 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer engine that produced up to 155 hp.

Once the third production year hit, Subaru released the first Outback sedan. The “sport utility sedan” was originally a test to see how it would fare on the market. After proving successful for a couple of years on the East Coast, Subaru made it an official version of the Outback for the second generation.

Second Generation (2000 to 2004)

With just a few years under its belt, the Subaru Outback went on its own as a separate model. Despite still sharing the same basic architecture as the Legacy, the new Outback was free to become the wagon that drivers craved. It was built larger, roomier, more powerful, and more rugged than ever before. It even received its first 6-cylinder option.

Now, with the 3.0L 6-cylinder Boxer engine, previously only available for Subaru’s sports car lines, the Outback could produce a desirable 212 hp and 219 lb-ft of torque for an even more impressive performance and greater capabilities. The new 2.5L 4-cylinder base engine also showed improvements with up to 165 hp for this generation versus its previous 155 hp. More room, more power, and more capability: what more could drivers want?

Third Generation (2005 to 2009)

Another generation down, and the Subaru Outback grew even larger and more powerful with a new platform and a new Outback XT model. The base model 2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer engine now produced up to 175 hp, the optional 3.0L 6-cylinder increased to 245 hp, and a turbocharged powertrain was added to the mix with the introduction of the Outback XT. The 250-horsepower 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivered the most power the Outback had seen yet. Even though the Outback was larger than ever, the new generation was lighter than its predecessors giving it a better ride quality and improved handling. Unfortunately for the drivers who favored the four-door Outback sedan, it was discontinued after the 2007 model year leaving only the Outback wagon as an option for the future.

Fourth Generation (2010 to 2014)>/h3>
Being the only Legacy-based wagon after the demise of the Legacy wagon for the 2008 model year, the Subaru Outback continued with its growth spurt and grew both in length and width for the fourth generation. The wheelbase expanded 2.8 inches, and the width gained 3.6 inches giving the Outback its most spacious cabin yet, which was enjoyed by the rear seat passengers with more legroom. The exhilarating turbocharged engine was removed from the powertrain lineup in North America, but there was no lapse in power. The Outback’s previous 6-cylinder engine option was replaced with a more powerful 3.6L engine fueled by regular gasoline versus the premium and pricier fuel that the 3.0L 6-cylinder needed. It produced an impressive 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque to give you more confidence while out on the trail.

Fifth Generation (2015 to 2019)

By the fifth generation, it seemed that Subaru was getting closer to being content with the size of the Outback. This time, it only gained 0.6 inches in length and 0.7 inches in width. But even with minimal changes to the dimensions, the cabin’s passenger space increased by almost 3 cu.ft. and the cargo volume by 2 cu.ft.

There weren’t even any significant changes to the powertrain options for this generation. Besides a few technology and cosmetic upgrades, the primary difference between this generation and the previous one is the transmission. The fourth-generation Outback was the last to see the manual transmission.

Sixth Generation (2020 to Present)

The modern-day sixth-generation Outback received minimal changes just like the last. The most significant change was an upgrade to the Subaru Global Platform in preparation for handling hybrid and all-electric powertrains. Although we have not yet been blessed with either eco-friendly option, we are sure we can expect to see it sooner rather than later.

The base model engine remains with the all-familiar 2.5L 4-cylinder for this generation, only it has evolved into producing 182 hp. The 6-cylinder Boxer engine option was dropped and replaced with a more efficient and powerful 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, an upgraded Wilderness trim with off-road features was added, making it that much easier for you to conquer any task or path in an Outback.

Why Choose a Subaru Outback?

The answer’s simple. You’re looking for a used Subaru for sale near you, right? Well, the Subaru Outback is not only a model you can depend on but also one that we know you’ll grow loyal to.

It’s an iconic Subaru that was designed and has evolved based on what drivers like you want and need in a vehicle. Although it may have started as a trim package to another Subaru model, it grew to become a legend in the crossover segment, pushing to be the biggest, most capable, and the downright best for its drivers. Here at Subaru of Troy, we are proud to say we carry both used and new Outbacks, and we recommend them to all of our customers because of their reliability, versatility, and value. Plus, we’re practically located in your backyard here in New York, so feel free to come on in to check out one of our Subaru Outbacks in person. We guarantee you won’t want to leave without the keys in hand.