If you were to draw a Venn diagram with station wagons making up the left circle and crossovers the right, then the Subaru Outback would fall squarely in the middle, where the two circles overlap. Although the Outback’s exterior proportions edge it closer to the wagon side of the equation, this high-riding hatch’s SUV-like ground clearance and resultant raised seating position move it back toward the realm of crossovers. It’s not the most exciting thing to drive, but the Outback’s reasonably fuel-efficient powertrains, standard all-wheel drive, and myriad available advanced safety features make the versatile Subie an agreeable and comfortable five-passenger utility vehicle.
What’s New for 2017?
A new top trim level is added: Touring. Available with either a four-cylinder (2.5i) or six-cylinder engine (3.6R), the top-of-the-line Outback sports a dark-gray grille as well as model-specific 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and lower body cladding. It also includes a heated steering wheel, piano black interior trim, and Touring-specific wood-grain implants in the interior. Touring and Limited trims with the EyeSight active safety system include a new reverse automated emergency braking system and automatic high-beam headlights.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Subaru offers the Outback with two engine options and one difficult-to-make choice: go with the base 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and suffer its lackadaisical performance, or shell out significantly more for one of the top two trim levels that give you access to the punchier 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder. Both of the Outback’s engines are of the horizontally opposed (“flat”) variety and both rely on a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to transfer power to the standard all-wheel drive system. As a pure station-wagon substitute, the Outback’s dull driving dynamics are disappointing. Considered as a crossover, though, the Subaru’s more carlike characteristics give it an edge over clumsier competitors. Comfortable and capable enough in day-to-day driving, the Outback suffers from less body roll than its high seating position would suggest. Still, don’t confuse the Outback with anything particularly sporty, as neither its lifeless steering nor its low-grip tires provide the confidence required to hustle it through curvy back roads.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Functional and versatile, the Outback’s interior is reasonably spacious and built to a high standard. Soft-touch plastic marks the car’s upper dash, and the door-panel and center armrests are cushy enough for extended resting. The base Outback comes equipped with the necessities, but it lacks perks such as automatic climate control, heated seats, or a power-adjustable driver’s seat. You’ll need to move up to the Premium trim for those items. Limited and Touring models feature additional niceties such as leather seats, a power-adjustable front-passenger seat, and climate-control vents for rear-seat riders. The Outback has adequate cargo room, and storage space inside the cabin is on par with its rivals.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Subaru Starlink infotainment system is fine for Luddites who prefer simplicity to the latest features, but uninspired graphics give the interface a dated look. The system responds promptly to touch commands, and menu structures are easy to understand. The base Outback comes with a 6.2-inch touchscreen; all other models are fitted with a 7.0-inch setup. Navigation is available on Premium and Limited models and standard on the Touring trim. Our top-spec Outback 3.6R Touring test car included every infotainment feature available. There is an in-dash navigation system and SiriusXM satellite radio as well as an auxiliary input, two USB ports, and two 12-volt outlets. Sadly, rear-seat passengers are left without a single USB port; however, the cargo hold includes a 12-volt outlet. The Outback’s biggest letdown is its lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
You can get a selection of the Subaru Outback from Garisea.com.
