DecodedCars2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 98 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 60 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 0% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Legacy/Outback — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Legacy/Outback →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | 0% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | 0% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +26% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +26% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -4% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +15% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +15% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +15% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Legacy AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2008 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Suburban | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Legacy/Outback years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 Legacy/Outback | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 Legacy/Outback | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 Legacy/Outback | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 Legacy/Outback | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 Legacy/Outback | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Legacy/Outback | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →