Alton Brobst If you’re in the market for a versatile and capable vehicle, you’ve probably come across the Subaru Outback. This crossover SUV has been a popular choice for years, but is it really worth the investment? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Subaru Outback to help you decide if it’s the right car for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Subaru Outback offers an impressive combination of off-road capability, safety features, and fuel efficiency.
- Its standard all-wheel drive system and ample cargo space make it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
- The base engine can feel underpowered, but the available turbocharged engine provides plenty of pep.
- The Outback has a strong reputation for reliability and resale value.
Performance and Capability
One of the standout features of the Subaru Outback is its standard all-wheel drive system. This feature provides superior traction and handling in all weather conditions, which is a major plus for drivers in areas with harsh winters or frequent rain.
The base engine in the Outback is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower. This engine is adequate for most driving situations, but it can feel underpowered when you need to accelerate quickly or merge onto a highway. However, if you want more power, the available 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers 260 horsepower and excellent acceleration.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Outback is quite impressive for a crossover SUV. The base engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. These numbers make the Outback a great choice for drivers who want both capability and fuel efficiency.
👍 Pros:
- Standard all-wheel drive provides excellent traction and handling
- Impressive fuel efficiency for a crossover SUV
- Available turbocharged engine delivers plenty of power
👎 Cons:
- Base engine can feel underpowered
- Some drivers may prefer a more traditional SUV with higher towing capacity
Interior and Cargo Space
The Subaru Outback is a spacious and comfortable vehicle that’s perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The interior is well-designed and features high-quality materials, while the seats are supportive and comfortable on long drives.
One of the standout features of the Outback is its cargo space. With 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and a total of 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, the Outback offers plenty of room for gear and luggage. This makes it a great choice for camping trips, road trips, and outdoor adventures.
👍 Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials
- Ample cargo space for gear and luggage
👎 Cons:
- Some drivers may prefer a more luxurious interior
- The infotainment system can be difficult to use
Safety Features
Subaru has long been known for its commitment to safety, and the Outback is no exception. The Outback comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
In addition, the Outback has earned high marks in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings make it a great choice for families who prioritize safety when choosing a vehicle.
👍 Pros:
- Comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features
- Earned high marks in crash tests conducted by NHTSA and IIHS
👎 Cons:
- Some drivers may prefer additional safety features, such as blind spot monitoring or rear cross traffic alert.
Reliability and Resale Value
Subaru vehicles have a reputation for reliability, and the Outback is no exception. According to J.D. Power, the Outback is one of the most reliable vehicles in its class. This means that you can expect the Outback to require minimal maintenance and repairs over the years.
In addition, the Outback has a strong resale value. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Outback has one of the highest resale values in its class. This means that when it’s time to sell or trade in your Outback, you can expect to get a good price for it.
👍 Pros:
- Has a strong reputation for reliability
- Has a strong resale value
👎 Cons:
- Some drivers may prefer a vehicle with a longer warranty period
FAQ
What is the price of a Subaru Outback?
The price of a Subaru Outback starts at around $27,000 for the base model and can go up to over $40,000 for a fully loaded model.
Does the Subaru Outback have good gas mileage?
Yes, the Subaru Outback has good gas mileage for a crossover SUV. The base engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, while the available turbocharged engine gets 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Is the Subaru Outback good for off-roading?
Yes, the Subaru Outback is good for off-roading thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system and high ground clearance. It’s not a hardcore off-roader like a Jeep Wrangler, but it can handle dirt roads and light off-roading with ease.
What is the warranty on a Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Conclusion
Overall, the Subaru Outback is a great choice for drivers who want a versatile and capable vehicle. Its standard all-wheel drive system, ample cargo space, and advanced safety features make it a strong contender in its class. While the base engine can feel underpowered, the available turbocharged engine provides plenty of pep. With its reputation for reliability and resale value, the Outback is a smart investment for anyone in the market for a crossover SUV.
