Teresa’s View
Right out of the box, the Outback was so ruggedly unique that when it was introduced as a version of the Legacy wagon in 1995, I had someone follow me into the grocery store to ask me about it – the first, but not last time that’s happened.
This year, the Outback gets a complete redesign and three new engine choices – a 2.5-liter four cylinder, available with or without a turbocharger; and a 250-horsepower 3.0-liter six.
The new Outback is slightly longer and roomier than its predecessor, although the new silhouette manages to make it look smaller. Part of the redesign this year was to add more luxury content. Look for the huge sunroof that opens in two pieces and three positions on the top trims. New safety features include side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for the entire passenger area. It also offers Northwest-friendly features such as heated seats, mirrors and wiper.
The Outback’s chic, out-of-doors styling sense continues into the cabin. I love the knobby, Berber-esque floor mats with the pleasant two-toned interior colors. There’s a bit of metal and fake wood trim.
On the road, the Outback is solid and stable, hugging the road in all the right places.
There’s always a debate about whether the Outback is a sport-ute or a buffed up wagon. Well, it does outperform many SUVs in several key areas. First, it’s easier to maneuver and feels more stable than some sport-utes. Second the Subaru is equipped with full-time all-wheel drive that makes quick work of rain, snow, sand or mud and it’s less likely than a heavy sport-ute to get stuck. Don’t ask me how I know. Lastly, the gas mileage is more comparable with a car. It’s rated 19 mpg city and 24 highway, which is a darn good thing because our top-of-the-line tester took premium fuel.
What the Outback can’t provide is that tall, regal view of other vehicles’ rooftops and it’s not meant to go too far outback. I’d consider calling it an SUV alternative, although some people prefer the term crossover because it has characteristics of a car and SUV.
What Is It?: Built as a Legacy wagon with some outdoorsy tweaks, the Outback is a four-door, five-passenger wagon and sedan. It’s offered in numerous trims based on the engine size. Yes, there is still an L.L. Bean edition. Prices start at $25K.
Gadget Rating: 7.4 out of 10. This is what Gadget Central should look like – no high-tech gewgaws to decipher or distract, just clean, clear, uncluttered buttons and knobs.
The Back Seat: There is no storage back here. None. The only amenities are a pull-down armrest and a pair of frail-looking cupholders.
So, Where Are Ya From?: Outbacks sold in the U.S. are made in Lafayette, Ind.
Trivia: Two Philadelphia entrepreneurs teamed up with Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Tokyo to found Subaru of America in 1968.
Cheat Sheet: General Motors owns 20 percent of Subaru.