According to Subaru, Outback owners don't think much about the category their vehicles fall into. Drivers of the jacked-up, Japanese hauler see their machines not as their 'crossover' or 'wagon'—but more simply as ‘their Outback’. To many, it’s little more than a transportation-based appliance.
Outback, revisited
Utilitarian sounding, isn't it? One's got to wonder if this offends Subaru-- especially given the time and effort recently spent revamping the Outback from the ground up.
This year sees the machine bigger, more distinctive and more value-packed than ever. It’s more rugged than the now-retired Legacy wagon, and less trucky than the Forester. If you're a non-owner trying to quantify the Outback, think about two thirds wagon and one third crossover, and you're in the right ballpark.
Updated hardware and a CVT
The latest update sees some new hardware bolted within and beneath Outback's larger, restyled body. For instance, a new suspension delivers a more comfortable ride while intruding less into the cargo area. In fact, there's about 8 percent more cabin volume, despite the vehicle being slightly shorter overall.
There’s a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on board too, replacing the old-school four-speed automatic on four-cylinder models. This works alongside some lightweight components and engine mods to deliver better mileage and performance despite the added weight.
You may have heard mixed things about the CVT transmission. This type of gearbox is a bit like margarine: some dislike it, most are impartial, and very few actually prefer it to the real thing.
Ironically, the CVT enables buttery-smooth performance in this application.
With no shifting to be done, the 170 available horsepower are dispensed efficiently and without any pausing or lurching for gear changes. Additionally, the engine can be kept revving at lower speeds for more of the time.
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| According to Subaru, Outback owners don't think much about the category their vehicles fall into. |
Outback, revisited
Utilitarian sounding, isn't it? One's got to wonder if this offends Subaru-- especially given the time and effort recently spent revamping the Outback from the ground up.
This year sees the machine bigger, more distinctive and more value-packed than ever. It’s more rugged than the now-retired Legacy wagon, and less trucky than the Forester. If you're a non-owner trying to quantify the Outback, think about two thirds wagon and one third crossover, and you're in the right ballpark.
Updated hardware and a CVT
The latest update sees some new hardware bolted within and beneath Outback's larger, restyled body. For instance, a new suspension delivers a more comfortable ride while intruding less into the cargo area. In fact, there's about 8 percent more cabin volume, despite the vehicle being slightly shorter overall.
There’s a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on board too, replacing the old-school four-speed automatic on four-cylinder models. This works alongside some lightweight components and engine mods to deliver better mileage and performance despite the added weight.
You may have heard mixed things about the CVT transmission. This type of gearbox is a bit like margarine: some dislike it, most are impartial, and very few actually prefer it to the real thing.
Ironically, the CVT enables buttery-smooth performance in this application.
With no shifting to be done, the 170 available horsepower are dispensed efficiently and without any pausing or lurching for gear changes. Additionally, the engine can be kept revving at lower speeds for more of the time.
 |
| With no shifting to be done, the 170 available horsepower are dispensed efficiently. |