Highlights*
The 2013 Subaru Outback boasts good towing capacity and more ground clearance than most of its competitors. Engine selection, renowned all-wheel drive technology, and pleasant driving dynamics make this Japanese wagon/crossover a great package that's equal parts comfort and utility.
Lowlights*
The manual transmission lacks precision. Also, the quality of plastics in the 3.6R models fails to match the higher price.
Pricing
The 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i starts at $28,495. The PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) option requires an extra $2,000. Prepare to shell out $31,095 for the Touring Package (dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, etc.), and $36,295 for the Limited Package (leather seats, multimedia interface, etc.).
Meanwhile, the Outback 3.6R retails for a base MSRP of $34,495. Adding the Limited Package brings the price to $38,495 -- or $39,995 with the available EyeSight system, which features four different types of assistance to aid drivers in traffic.
Fuel consumption
Here, the numbers range from 8.6L/100km city and 6.5L/100km highway with the 4-cylinder and CVT combination to 11.8L/100km city and 8.2L/100km highway with the 6-cylinder engine.
New for 2013
The front grille and bumper, headlights and fog lights have all been restyled for 2013. The Subaru Outback also benefits from chassis and steering upgrades that improve handling, a more luxuriously equipped cabin, as well as a slightly more powerful, yet more fuel-efficient, 4-cylinder engine.
Styling
Subaru has found the right mix of sportiness, sophistication, and utility when it comes to exterior styling. The latest revisions give this ultra-capable wagon a sportier, more rugged, and more powerful look, the company insists.
Powertrain
Under the hood of the 2013 Subaru Outback is a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER engine that now produces 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, through either a 6-speed manual transmission or a Lineartronic CVT.
Looking for more juice? Then consider the larger, 3.6L 6-cylinder BOXER engine, which cranks out 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque with the help of a 5-speed autobox available with the 3.6R model.
In all cases, Subaru's symmetrical full-time AWD system comes standard to enhance grip.
Cargo capacity
The 2013 Subaru Outback has a 972-litre trunk. Fold the rear seats, and you can load up to 2,019 litres of cargo.
Safety
Six airbags, whiplash-reducing front seats, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and ABS brakes all helped the 2013 Subaru Outback earn a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Let's not forget the aforementioned EyeSight system, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, plus Lane Departure and Sway Warning.
Competitors
Audi A4 Allroad, Honda Crosstour, Toyota Venza, Volvo XC70
*Based on expert reviews.
Guay Jean-François, L’auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.516
Charette Benoit, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.550
www.subaru.ca
The 2013 Subaru Outback boasts good towing capacity and more ground clearance than most of its competitors. Engine selection, renowned all-wheel drive technology, and pleasant driving dynamics make this Japanese wagon/crossover a great package that's equal parts comfort and utility.
Lowlights*
The manual transmission lacks precision. Also, the quality of plastics in the 3.6R models fails to match the higher price.
Pricing
The 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i starts at $28,495. The PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) option requires an extra $2,000. Prepare to shell out $31,095 for the Touring Package (dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, etc.), and $36,295 for the Limited Package (leather seats, multimedia interface, etc.).
Meanwhile, the Outback 3.6R retails for a base MSRP of $34,495. Adding the Limited Package brings the price to $38,495 -- or $39,995 with the available EyeSight system, which features four different types of assistance to aid drivers in traffic.
 |
| Photo: Subaru |
Fuel consumption
Here, the numbers range from 8.6L/100km city and 6.5L/100km highway with the 4-cylinder and CVT combination to 11.8L/100km city and 8.2L/100km highway with the 6-cylinder engine.
New for 2013
The front grille and bumper, headlights and fog lights have all been restyled for 2013. The Subaru Outback also benefits from chassis and steering upgrades that improve handling, a more luxuriously equipped cabin, as well as a slightly more powerful, yet more fuel-efficient, 4-cylinder engine.
Styling
Subaru has found the right mix of sportiness, sophistication, and utility when it comes to exterior styling. The latest revisions give this ultra-capable wagon a sportier, more rugged, and more powerful look, the company insists.
Powertrain
Under the hood of the 2013 Subaru Outback is a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER engine that now produces 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, through either a 6-speed manual transmission or a Lineartronic CVT.
Looking for more juice? Then consider the larger, 3.6L 6-cylinder BOXER engine, which cranks out 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque with the help of a 5-speed autobox available with the 3.6R model.
In all cases, Subaru's symmetrical full-time AWD system comes standard to enhance grip.
 |
| Photo: Subaru |
Cargo capacity
The 2013 Subaru Outback has a 972-litre trunk. Fold the rear seats, and you can load up to 2,019 litres of cargo.
Safety
Six airbags, whiplash-reducing front seats, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and ABS brakes all helped the 2013 Subaru Outback earn a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Let's not forget the aforementioned EyeSight system, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, plus Lane Departure and Sway Warning.
Competitors
Audi A4 Allroad, Honda Crosstour, Toyota Venza, Volvo XC70
*Based on expert reviews.
Guay Jean-François, L’auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.516
Charette Benoit, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.550
www.subaru.ca