For 2005, the Outback is available in three trim levels (2.5, 2.5XT and 3.0) designated by their respective engine capacities and turbocharger in the case of the XT.
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| My tester's 3.0-liter 'boxer' six-cylinder powerplant produced an impressive 250 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Subaru Canada) |
My tester's 3.0-liter 'boxer' six-cylinder powerplant produced an impressive 250 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque, up from the 2004 model's output of 212. While not as racy as the
XT's 250 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, which also doles out 250 lb-ft of torque, the 3.0-liter is said to be much more refined and smoother from gear to gear. The base car gets a 168 horsepower boxer four, with 166 lb-ft of torque, which is quite strong when compared to what's available from rival wagon manufacturers. My test unit also came equipped with Subaru's optional Sportshift gearbox, a five-speed automatic that can also convert to a clutchless manual. Base cars and the XT get a 5-speed manual while normally aspirated 4-cylinders can be optioned out with a 4-speed automatic as well. In manual mode, the 5-speed
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| Creature comforts abound in the new Outback, including a massive glass power moonroof, woodgrain and leather throughout and a killer CD player. (Photo: Subaru Canada) |
automatic's shifting was seamless and I found downshifting to be solid and sure. What's more, a nice feature is an audible "beep" that sounds when you try to shift down but are going too fast for the lower gear. As mentioned, creature comforts abound in the new Outback. My test vehicle was loaded with all the goodies, including a massive glass power moonroof, woodgrain and leather throughout and a killer CD player. As with all Subarus, the Outback's controls and gauges are well laid-out and easy to use.
Perhaps the greatest attribute of the Outback is Subaru's incomparable symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive system. Land Rover makes a big deal about inventing four-wheel drive, but Subaru has perfected all-wheel drive over the past three decades.
