Subaru Outback third generation

The Subaru Outback third generation (2005–2009): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 13 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: BP
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,700–4,730 mm Traficom | 4,729–4,801 mm |
| Width | 1,740–1,770 mm Traficom | 1,770 mm |
| Height | 1,545–1,605 mm ASTRA | 1,501–1,605 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670–2,760 mm RDW | 2,670 mm |
| Front track | 1,495–1,540 mm ASTRA | – |
| Rear track | 1,485–1,540 mm ASTRA | – |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | 1,330–1,645 kg RDW | – |
| Mass in running order | 1,430–1,745 kg RDW | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,960–2,100 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,800–2,000 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 700–750 kg RDW | – |
| Seats and space | ||
| Seats | 5 RDW | – |
| Doors | 4–5 RDW | – |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | 195–230 km/h ASTRA | – |
| Torque | 226–350 Nm ASTRA | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 215/55R17, 215/60R16, 225/60R17
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Traficom type approvals (Finland), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), RDW type approvals (Netherlands). 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 | 65.9% (64.6–67.3) | 69.2% | 4,756 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 58.1% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 37.8% | 36.4% |
| Lights and electrics | 31.9% | 28.8% |
| Tyres | 27.3% | 31.2% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 26.1% | 18.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 17.9% | 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)
1,010 complaints for model years 2005–2009. 42 crashes · 14 fires · 28 injuries
- Airbags 250
- Electrical system 141
- Speed control 140
- Suspension 107
- Engine 92
- Brakes 79
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 13 versions of the Subaru Outback third generation
Show all 13 versions
United Kingdom 5 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–20102.0D R | 2.0 L | Diesel | 5-speed manual | 5.8 L/100 km NEDC | 153 g/km |
| 2009–20102.0D RE · 2.0D REn | 2.0 L | Diesel | 5-speed manual | 5.9 L/100 km NEDC | 156 g/km |
| 2009–20102.5 S · 2.5 SE · 2.5 SEn | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 8.7 L/100 km NEDC | 205 g/km |
| 2009–20103.0R · 3.0Rn | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 9.8 L/100 km NEDC | 231 g/km |
| 20092.5 S · 2.5 SE · 2.5 SEn | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 8.6 L/100 km NEDC | 204 g/km |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–20092MODE CLKUP · CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 2005–2009 | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Four- or all-wheel drive | 19–22 MPG (10.7–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 251–291 g/km |
| 2005–20092MODE CLKUP | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 276–291 g/km |
| 2005–20092MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
Canada 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2009Sport utility vehicle | 2.5 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.4–10.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 239–246 g/km |
| 2005–2009Sport utility vehicle | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.4–12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 239–278 g/km |
| 2005–2009Sport utility vehicle | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.9–12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 274–278 g/km |
| 2005–2008Sport utility vehicle | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.7–12.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 269–288 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.





