Subaru Outback third generation

Subaru Outback third generation
Photo: IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

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

SpecificationEuropeWikipedia
Dimensions
Length4,700–4,730 mm Traficom4,729–4,801 mm
Width1,740–1,770 mm Traficom1,770 mm
Height1,545–1,605 mm ASTRA1,501–1,605 mm
Wheelbase2,670–2,760 mm RDW2,670 mm
Front track1,495–1,540 mm ASTRA–
Rear track1,485–1,540 mm ASTRA–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight1,330–1,645 kg RDW–
Mass in running order1,430–1,745 kg RDW–
Gross vehicle weight1,960–2,100 kg RDW–
Towing, braked trailer1,800–2,000 kg RDW–
Towing, unbraked trailer700–750 kg RDW–
Seats and space
Seats5 RDW–
Doors4–5 RDW–
Performance
Top speed195–230 km/h ASTRA–
Torque226–350 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 testPass rateUK averageTests
13 years and older65.9% (64.6–67.3)69.2%4,756

What the MOT finds

AreaThis modelUK average, same ages
Suspension58.1%41.6%
Brakes37.8%36.4%
Lights and electrics31.9%28.8%
Tyres27.3%31.2%
Body, chassis and structure26.1%18.6%
Noise, emissions and leaks17.9%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 versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2009–20102.0D R2.0 LDiesel5-speed manual5.8 L/100 km NEDC153 g/km
2009–20102.0D RE · 2.0D REn2.0 LDiesel5-speed manual5.9 L/100 km NEDC156 g/km
2009–20102.5 S · 2.5 SE · 2.5 SEn2.5 LPetrol4-speed automatic8.7 L/100 km NEDC205 g/km
2009–20103.0R · 3.0Rn3.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic9.8 L/100 km NEDC231 g/km
20092.5 S · 2.5 SE · 2.5 SEn2.5 LPetrol5-speed manual8.6 L/100 km NEDC204 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 versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
2005–20092MODE CLKUP · CLKUP2.5 LPetrol4-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA251 g/km
2005–20092.5 LPetrol5-speed manualFour- or all-wheel drive19–22 MPG (10.7–12.4 L/100 km) EPA251–291 g/km
2005–20092MODE CLKUP2.5 LPetrol5-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA276–291 g/km
2005–20092MODE CLKUP3.0 LPetrol5-speed automaticFour- or all-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km

Canada 4 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2005–2009Sport utility vehicle2.5 LPetrol4-speed automatic10.4–10.7 L/100 km 5-cycle239–246 g/km
2005–2009Sport utility vehicle2.5 LPetrol5-speed manual10.4–12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle239–278 g/km
2005–2009Sport utility vehicle3.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic11.9–12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle274–278 g/km
2005–2008Sport utility vehicle2.5 LPetrol5-speed automatic11.7–12.5 L/100 km 5-cycle269–288 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.