The Subaru Outback is a mid-size car-based crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Subaru. It was first introduced in 1994 as a replacement for the Subaru Legacy wagon, and since then it has undergone several generational changes.
Design and Features
The Outback features a combination of on-road comfort and off-road capability, with a rugged exterior design that reflects its SUV heritage. The current generation (5th) of the Outback was introduced in 2018 and features a more aggressive and angular front fascia, a sloping roofline, and a flared rear end.
Inside, the Outback is equipped with premium materials, including leather-trimmed seats, and a range of advanced safety features such as:
- Blind-spot detection
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Sway warning
- Adaptive cruise control
Powertrain
The Subaru Outback is available with several engine options, depending on the trim level. These include:
- A 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque
- A 3.6-liter horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine producing 256 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque (available only in some higher-trim models)
All Outback models come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), which is a key factor in its reputation for delivering excellent traction and control on a variety of road surfaces.
Dimensions
The Subaru Outback has the following dimensions:
- Length: 192.5 inches
- Width: 72.4 inches
- Height: 66.1 inches
- Wheelbase: 110.9 inches
Cargo Space and Capacity
The Outback offers a maximum cargo capacity of around 35.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 73.3 cubic feet when they are folded.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy for the Subaru Outback varies depending on the trim level and drivetrain configuration:
- The 2.5-liter AWD model achieves an estimated 24 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG combined.
- The 3.6-liter AWD model is slightly less fuel-efficient, with estimates of 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and 22 MPG combined.
Trim Levels
The Subaru Outback is available in several trim levels:
- Base: The entry-level model that includes standard features like cloth-trimmed seats, a rearview camera, and AWD.
- Premium: Adds features such as heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- Limited: Features premium materials throughout the cabin, including leather-trimmed seats and door trim.
- Touring: The top-of-the-line model that adds even more luxurious touches like a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, and ventilated front seats.
Safety Ratings
The Subaru Outback has received excellent safety ratings from reputable organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
