Rear-seat legroom is up by 100 mm (4 inches), and makes that rear-seat area feel quite spacious.
It feels quite roomy up front as well. The addition of an electronic parking brake means there is more room for other stuff in the console area. Our test victim was a 3.6R Limited model, which comes with leather seats and woodgrain trim. I’m not sure I need woodgrain in a Subaru, but maybe others do. In any event, it doesn’t overwhelm the interior vibe, which is one of well-thought-out function, quality, convenience and comfort, and ease of use.
The only item I would second-guess is the navigation screen, which isn't too large and didn't overwhelm with its resolution and graphic capabilities. I'm ambivalent about the exterior, but not about the interior – I think it’s grand.
On the road
The 3.6R Limited model packs the 3.6L flat-6 engine capable of 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It is exclusively mated to a conventional 5-speed automatic transmission. So this powertrain is quite a sea change from the 2.5L/CVT combination which, although very efficient, is also known to be somewhat underwhelming.
We found the 3.6, however, to be very satisfying. Not only is it quick and powerful, it’s also surprisingly quiet and refined. If you’re cruising at 120 km/h on the highway for example, you only need the gentlest of nudges on the go-fast pedal to propel the Outback up to 140 km/h.
Consequently, there is a largish disparity in the fuel economy ratings between the two powertrains: the city/highway ratings for the 2.5L are 9.5/6.9 L/100km, while the 3.6’s numbers are 11.9/8.2.
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| Rear-seat legroom is up by 100 mm (4 inches), and makes that rear-seat area feel quite spacious. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
It feels quite roomy up front as well. The addition of an electronic parking brake means there is more room for other stuff in the console area. Our test victim was a 3.6R Limited model, which comes with leather seats and woodgrain trim. I’m not sure I need woodgrain in a Subaru, but maybe others do. In any event, it doesn’t overwhelm the interior vibe, which is one of well-thought-out function, quality, convenience and comfort, and ease of use.
The only item I would second-guess is the navigation screen, which isn't too large and didn't overwhelm with its resolution and graphic capabilities. I'm ambivalent about the exterior, but not about the interior – I think it’s grand.
On the road
The 3.6R Limited model packs the 3.6L flat-6 engine capable of 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It is exclusively mated to a conventional 5-speed automatic transmission. So this powertrain is quite a sea change from the 2.5L/CVT combination which, although very efficient, is also known to be somewhat underwhelming.
We found the 3.6, however, to be very satisfying. Not only is it quick and powerful, it’s also surprisingly quiet and refined. If you’re cruising at 120 km/h on the highway for example, you only need the gentlest of nudges on the go-fast pedal to propel the Outback up to 140 km/h.
Consequently, there is a largish disparity in the fuel economy ratings between the two powertrains: the city/highway ratings for the 2.5L are 9.5/6.9 L/100km, while the 3.6’s numbers are 11.9/8.2.
 |
| The 3.6R Limited model packs the 3.6L flat-6 engine capable of 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |