Alton Brobst Key Takeaways:
- Subaru Outbacks are considered to have high ground clearance, which makes them suitable for off-road adventures and rough terrains.
- The high clearance feature of Subaru Outbacks also makes it easier to navigate through floods, snow, and rocky terrains.
- However, high clearance vehicles like the Subaru Outback also have their drawbacks, such as lower fuel efficiency, and a higher center of gravity, which could lead to instability when making sharp turns.
If you’re planning on purchasing a Subaru Outback, one of the questions you might be asking is whether it’s considered a high clearance vehicle. This is an essential question to answer, especially if you’re planning on taking your Outback on rough terrains, dirt roads, or snowy mountains.
In this article, we will explore the question of whether Subaru Outbacks are high clearance vehicles. We will also look at the pros and cons of high clearance vehicles and how they affect the Outback driving experience.
What is a High Clearance Vehicle?
Before we dive into the specifics of the Subaru Outback’s ground clearance, let’s first define what a high clearance vehicle is. Simply put, high clearance vehicles are vehicles that have a high distance between the ground and their undercarriage.
High clearance vehicles are designed to navigate through rough terrains and obstacles without getting stuck or damaging the vehicle’s undercarriage. They are also suitable for areas with flooding or heavy snowfall, as they can drive through water and snow without getting stuck or damaged.
Examples of high clearance vehicles include SUVs, pickup trucks, and some crossovers. These vehicles have a higher ground clearance than sedans and other low clearance vehicles, making them more suitable for off-road adventures and harsh terrains.
Subaru Outback: Is it a High Clearance Vehicle?
Now that we know what high clearance vehicles are let’s explore whether the Subaru Outback fits this criterion. The Subaru Outback is known for its versatility, reliability, and off-road capabilities. One of the reasons why the Outback is popular among adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts is because of its high ground clearance.
The Subaru Outback has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which is higher than most sedans and crossovers. With this ground clearance, the Outback can easily navigate through rough terrains, rocky roads, and floods without getting stuck or damaging the undercarriage.
The high clearance of the Subaru Outback also gives the driver a better view of the road, as they can see over obstacles such as rocks, bumps, and potholes. This feature enhances the driver’s visibility, making it easier to avoid potential hazards and obstacles.
Pros and Cons of High Clearance Vehicles
Now that we know that the Subaru Outback is a high clearance vehicle let’s explore the pros and cons of high clearance vehicles. Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of high clearance vehicles can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a vehicle, especially if you’re planning on taking it off-road.
Pros
Better Off-Road Capabilities
One of the significant advantages of high clearance vehicles is their off-road capabilities. High clearance vehicles like the Subaru Outback can easily navigate through rough terrains, rocky roads, and floods without getting stuck, as we mentioned earlier. Therefore, if you’re planning on taking your vehicle off-road, a high clearance vehicle is ideal.
Better Visibility
High clearance vehicles also provide better visibility to the driver. With a higher ground clearance, the driver can see over obstacles and potential hazards, which enhances their visibility and reduces the chances of accidents.
Improved Towing Capabilities
High clearance vehicles have more towing capabilities than low clearance vehicles. This is because they have a stronger foundation and a higher center of gravity, which can handle heavier loads.
Cons
Lower Fuel Efficiency
One of the major drawbacks of high clearance vehicles is their lower fuel efficiency. High clearance vehicles have larger tires and a more massive body, which requires more fuel to operate. This means that high clearance vehicles like the Subaru Outback consume more fuel than low clearance vehicles.
Higher Center of Gravity
High clearance vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which could lead to instability when making sharp turns. This instability is more pronounced in SUVs and pickup trucks than crossovers like the Subaru Outback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Subaru Outback suitable for off-road adventures?
Yes. With a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, the Subaru Outback is suitable for off-road adventures and rough terrains.
Can the Subaru Outback navigate through floods and snow?
Yes. The high clearance of the Subaru Outback makes it easier to navigate through floods and snow without getting stuck or damaging the undercarriage.
Does the Subaru Outback have a higher fuel consumption than low clearance vehicles?
Yes. High clearance vehicles like the Subaru Outback have a lower fuel efficiency compared to low clearance vehicles.
Is the Subaru Outback a stable vehicle?
Yes. The Subaru Outback is a stable vehicle, but it could be unstable when making sharp turns due to its high center of gravity.
Conclusion
In summary, the Subaru Outback is a high clearance vehicle suitable for off-road adventures and rough terrains. Its high ground clearance makes it easier to navigate through floods and snow without getting stuck or damaging the undercarriage. However, high clearance vehicles like the Outback have their drawbacks, such as lower fuel efficiency and a higher center of gravity, which could lead to instability when making sharp turns.
If you’re planning on purchasing a Subaru Outback, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of high clearance vehicles. This will help you make an informed decision and enhance your driving experience.
