A History of the Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV with a history spanning nearly 30 years. Learn about this beloved model’s humble beginnings and how it evolved into the versatile vehicle it is today. You can get more insight and see the Subaru Outback for yourself at Casey Subaru.

How It All Started

The Subaru Outback began as a trim for the Subaru Legacy wagon in 1995. Its features included plastic body cladding and enhanced cloth upholstery. A year later, it improved significantly with a more robust 2.5-liter flat-four engine. This trim proved so popular that it was later incorporated into the first-generation Subaru Impreza.

Becoming Its Own Model

By 2000, the Subaru Outback was released as its own model and as a second-generation offshoot. This variant shared a near-identical architecture as the Subaru Legacy, albeit with a longer and wider body and an available 3.0-liter six-cylinder BOXER® engine.

Third-Generation Model

The Subaru Outback entered its third generation in 2005. With it came even more diverse engine options, including the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four engine exclusive to the Subaru Outback XT trim.

Fourth-Generation Model

The model entered its fourth generation in 2010, whereupon Motor Trend named it Utility of the Year. This iteration brought a CVT transmission, which was a first for the model. In addition, the five-speed manual transmission was replaced with a six-speed manual. This was also the last generation to have an available manual transmission.

Fifth-Generation Model

By the fifth generation, introduced in 2015, the model began receiving the latest infotainment and safety technology, including the brand’s EyeSight® driver-assist technologies. This was also the generation to introduce Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.

See the Subaru Outback in Newport News, VA

See the current sixth-generation Subaru Outback at Casey Subaru. This model has an extensive history, with each generation building on the previous one. Schedule a test drive today and see what makes a legend!