Sacramento, California – What Subaru called “the world’s first sport-utility wagon” when it introduced the Outback 15 years ago has morphed into a no-doubt-about-it crossover sport-utility vehicle.
That’s not a bad thing. It’s just different.
Personally, I liked the ride and the utility, but I was spoiled: My tester was the top-of-the-line 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited, the most expensive of six trim levels, starting at $30,995. Can’t say that I objected to the extra power and standard goodies.
Car enthusiast friends couldn’t believe that I was driving an Outback, but this fourth-generation Outback is less wagon, more utility. It might look more like a typical smallish SUV, but the pleasant bottom line is that the vehicle is now roomier and more functional.
The look is aerodynamic, or at least as air-smooth as a crossover can be. It doesn’t stand out too much in a crowd, except among folks who remember the Outback when it had more wagon DNA.
As for me, I liked the juice, provided by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The power plant is rated at 256 horsepower, but the all-wheel-drive oomph felt much stronger than that on the highways, where the Outback handled with agility and impressive responsiveness. Four-wheel disc brakes stopped with authority.
Subaru’s highly-touted AWD used to be a strong selling point just standing alone. In the tester, there was a bonus.
Outback 3.6R models get a variable torque distribution system, which can strategically send more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling. This system manages affairs perpetually, so it’s hard to put a wheel wrong in this Outback. And why would you?
I put it through some paces on a mild off-road course, and I could almost hear the vehicle screaming at me, “Puh-leeze, is that all you’ve got?!”
Even on the off-road runs, the Outback’s suspension swallowed up most of the bumps and dips. Subaru always has taken pride in these characteristics. In the Outback, they’ve been raised to high art.
Five real-size adults can travel comfortably in the Outback. Passenger volume is a healthy 105 cubic feet. Even with a full crew of five, cargo capacity is a generous 34.3 cubic feet. Fold all the seats for maximum cargo-carrying capacity, and you’re looking at 71.3 cubic feet. Nice.
Fuel mileage is an OK 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
A generous list of comfort, convenience and safety features completes the package. Indeed, my ride felt downright luxurious, more in the $40,000 neighborhood instead of around $35,000 with a few extras added on, including a power moonroof.
Want the wagon? Well, there are others out there.
The Outback is no longer a wagon. But in this case, change is good.
That’s not a bad thing. It’s just different.
Personally, I liked the ride and the utility, but I was spoiled: My tester was the top-of-the-line 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited, the most expensive of six trim levels, starting at $30,995. Can’t say that I objected to the extra power and standard goodies.
Car enthusiast friends couldn’t believe that I was driving an Outback, but this fourth-generation Outback is less wagon, more utility. It might look more like a typical smallish SUV, but the pleasant bottom line is that the vehicle is now roomier and more functional.
The look is aerodynamic, or at least as air-smooth as a crossover can be. It doesn’t stand out too much in a crowd, except among folks who remember the Outback when it had more wagon DNA.
As for me, I liked the juice, provided by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The power plant is rated at 256 horsepower, but the all-wheel-drive oomph felt much stronger than that on the highways, where the Outback handled with agility and impressive responsiveness. Four-wheel disc brakes stopped with authority.
Subaru’s highly-touted AWD used to be a strong selling point just standing alone. In the tester, there was a bonus.
Outback 3.6R models get a variable torque distribution system, which can strategically send more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling. This system manages affairs perpetually, so it’s hard to put a wheel wrong in this Outback. And why would you?
I put it through some paces on a mild off-road course, and I could almost hear the vehicle screaming at me, “Puh-leeze, is that all you’ve got?!”
Even on the off-road runs, the Outback’s suspension swallowed up most of the bumps and dips. Subaru always has taken pride in these characteristics. In the Outback, they’ve been raised to high art.
Five real-size adults can travel comfortably in the Outback. Passenger volume is a healthy 105 cubic feet. Even with a full crew of five, cargo capacity is a generous 34.3 cubic feet. Fold all the seats for maximum cargo-carrying capacity, and you’re looking at 71.3 cubic feet. Nice.
Fuel mileage is an OK 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
A generous list of comfort, convenience and safety features completes the package. Indeed, my ride felt downright luxurious, more in the $40,000 neighborhood instead of around $35,000 with a few extras added on, including a power moonroof.
Want the wagon? Well, there are others out there.
The Outback is no longer a wagon. But in this case, change is good.
You drive a 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited? That’s cool! Of course, your car enthusiast friends would be totally amazed by your ride. After all, you were driving the latest and most expensive Subaru Outback back then. I hope the car is still as efficient as it was in terms of performance and whatnot. Drive safe!
ReplyDeleteDiana Hayes @ Baldwin Subaru