The Subaru Outback is a comfortable family-friendly vehicle and capable cargo hauler with a balanced ride and handling dynamics. The Outback has popular sport utility vehicle traits such as all-wheel drive, a raised suspension, better ground clearance, and special interior and exterior styling details. It shares its basic design with Subaru's midsize Legacy, but has a slightly raised suspension. Outback comes in 2.5i, 2.5 XT, and 3.0 R L.L. Bean trims.

The Base employs a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. A turbo-charged 2.5-liter four-cylinder sits under the hood of the Outback 2.5 XT; it produces 243 horsepower. The Subaru Outback 3.0 L.L.Bean uses a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder producing 245 horsepower. A five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission is available with the Base engine, while the turbo-charged engine and the six-cylinder use a five-speed automatic. The five-speed automatic also has paddle shifters for manual control. Fuel economy is 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Subaru's SI-Drive comes with the turbo-charged engine and the six-cylinder. The system allows settings for accelerator response and transmission shift points.

The Subaru Outback provides everyday versatility along with the ability to take on dirt trails. The Subaru Outback displays a strong, rugged profile, a redesigned hood, fenders and a new grille. For 2008, Outback models get a revised instrument panel, and a telescoping-tilt-steering wheel. Fairly well equipped, its key features include auxiliary MP3 audio input, CD MP3 playback, satellite radio and a 60/40-split folding rear seatback.

Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, front side air bags, and curtain side air bags. An anti-skid system is standard on XT and 3.0 R, but unavailable otherwise.