Subaru Outback second generation
The Subaru Outback second generation (2000–2004): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 9 versions in the United States and Canada.
Model codes: BH
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,720–4,730 mm ASTRA | – | 4,684–4,760 mm |
| Width | 1,745–1,770 mm ASTRA | – | 1,694–1,745 mm |
| Height | 1,545–1,580 mm ASTRA | – | 1,481–1,608 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650–2,670 mm ASTRA | – | 2,649 mm |
| Front track | 1,470–1,495 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,465–1,485 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Mass in running order | 1,505–1,685 kg ASTRA | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,960–2,085 kg ASTRA | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,800–2,000 kg ASTRA | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 750 kg ASTRA | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 5 ASTRA | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 340–963 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,577–2,718 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 195–224 km/h ASTRA | – | – |
| Torque | 223–297 Nm ASTRA | – | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 215/60R16, 215/55R17
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), Wikipedia, US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 64.1% (60.4–67.6) | 69.2% | 679 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 62.3% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 39.0% | 36.4% |
| Lights and electrics | 31.8% | 28.8% |
| Tyres | 29.5% | 31.2% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 29.5% | 18.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 17.5% | 17.1% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
703 complaints for model years 2000–2004. 58 crashes · 15 fires · 32 injuries · 3 deaths
- Transmission and drivetrain 78
- Engine 74
- Speed control 55
- Fuel system 53
- Airbags 42
- Suspension 37
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 9 versions of the Subaru Outback second generation
United States 4 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2004CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 21–22 MPG (10.7–11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 251–263 g/km |
| 2003–20042MODE CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 20–21 MPG (11.2–11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 263–276 g/km |
| 2003–2004 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 2003–2004CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
Canada 5 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004Compact | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 11.0–11.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 253–260 g/km |
| 2004Compact · Station wagon: Mid-size | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.0 L/100 km 5-cycle | 253 g/km |
| 2003–2004Station wagon: Mid-size | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 11.0–11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 253–267 g/km |
| 2003–2004Compact · Station wagon: Mid-size | 3.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 278 g/km |
| 2003Station wagon: Mid-size | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.3 L/100 km 5-cycle | 260 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.