My sole complaint about the new Outback is the tight quarters in the backseats, particularly in when it comes to legroom. With a six-footer comfortably in the driver's seat, the
rear driver's side position is a tight squeeze for a six-foot friend. Ideally, the rear seats could be mounted on a rail so that they could slide back into the cargo area, similarly to how Subaru's kissing-cousin Chevrolet does it with its new Malibu Maxx. Who knows, maybe Subaru is saving that feature for the next Outback redesign. In the end, if it's not already obvious, I'm impressed with the revised Outback. Its upshifts are functionality, performance and the brand's superb all-wheel drive system, while its only downshift is cramped rear legroom. Fully-loaded it might be pricey, but compared to a Volvo XC70 or Audi allroad, two models that more or less copied Subaru's crossover after it became such a raging success, it is a veritable steal. Factor in the high expected reliability, excellent fuel economy, especially in 2.5-liter 4-cylinder trim, and stellar build quality, plus a 5-star crash test rating, and the Outback becomes an even better value. You know, the one that started them all off, at least in modern times, might just be the best crossover vehicle ever created.
Specifications:
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| The revised Outback might just be the best crossover vehicle ever created. (Photo: Subaru Canada) |
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP): $32,995 - $44,995
- Body Type: 5-door SUV, unibody
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Base Engine: 168 hp, 166 lb-ft of torque, 2.5-L, 16-valve, SOHC H-4
- Optional Engine: 250 hp, 219 lb-ft of torque, 3.0-L, 16-valve, SOHC H-6
- Optional Engine: 250 hp, 250 lb-ft of torque, 2.5-L, 16-valve, SOHC turbocharged H-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual (opt 4-spd auto, 5-speed auto with manual mode)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight: 1,500 - 1,645 kg (3,307 - 3,627 lbs)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Ground Clearance: 213 - 221 mm (8.4 - 8.7 in)
- Towing Capacity: 906 kg (2,000 lbs)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 12.2 / 8.5 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Audi allroad, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Freestyle, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volvo XC70
- Web Site: www.subaru.ca
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