Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback
Subaru
aka	Subaru Legacy Outback (Japan)
Production	1994–present
Class	Mid-size crossover
Body Style	5-door station wagon
Length	4,860 mm (191.3 in)
Width	1,855 mm (73.0 in)
Height	1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Wheelbase	2,745 mm (108.1 in)
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The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different vehicles: a crossover station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback (Japanese: スバル・レガシィアウトバック, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi Autobakku) in some markets), and an Impreza-derived hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).

Most versions of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

See Autopedia's comprehensive Subaru Outback Review.

Recent Changes

• The 2009 New York Auto Show played host to the unveiling of the third-generation Subaru Outback. The new car was designed under Osamu Namba. [1]

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• The Outback was completely redesigned for the 2005 model year, and it remains largely unchanged for 2007. The base 3.0 R and 3.0 R VDC Limited trims have been removed from the lineup, but the L.L. Bean Edition and all 2.5 trims remain, with a slight horsepower upgrade in the 4-cyl. engine from 168hp to 175hp and a slight downgrade in the 6-cyl. from 250hp to 245hp.

• for 2008, Subaru launched the limited edition Subaru Legacy Outback Urban Selection, which, essentially, is a Legacy with a limited edition red hue, silver side mirrors and roof rails, along with leather and Alcantara-trimmed seats.

Styles and Major Options

The 2007 Subaru Outback comes in three body styles and several trims speficic to each body style. The three styles are the sedan, wagon, and sport wagon, which is a shorter version of the wagon. While the Outback Sport wagon is only available in trim, the wagon comes in 2.5, 2.5i, 2.5 XT Limited, and 3.0 R L.L. Bean versions. In addition, the sedan is available in two trims, the 2.5i Limited and the 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition. Features and options will differ according to trim level, and the only differences between the sedan and wagon versions, in terms of trim, are the dimensions associated with each respective body style. Some of the features available include:

Outback Sport

• 16" silver alloy wheels
• Sport front seats
• Metal-look dashboard inserts
• Roof rack
• Cargo concealed storage

2.5i Basic Wagon

• 16" silver styled steel wheels
• Premium cloth interior
• Cargo tie-downs
• AM/FM/CD/Satellite-ready stereo

2.5i Wagon

• 17" silver alloy wheels
• Driver/front passenger heated seats
• Premium cloth interior
• Roof rack
• Roll-up cargo cover

2.5 XT Limited

• Stability Control
• 17" silver alloy wheels
• Power heated sports seats
• Leather interior
• Express open/close sunroof

3.0 R L.L. Bean edition

• 17" silver alloy wheels
• 8-way power heated front seats
• Leather interior
• Express open/close sunroof
• Automatic air conditioning
• AM/FM/6CD in-dash changer with MP3 capability
• MOMO steering wheel

Pricing

Today's actual prices for the Subaru Outback can be found at CarsDirect.

Outback Trims
2.5i Limited Sedan	3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition Sedan	2.5i Basic Wagon	2.5i Wagon	2.5i Limited Wagon	2.5 XT Limited Wagon	3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition Wagon	Outback Sport Wagon
MSRP
$26,395	$30,295	$21,995	$23,595	$27,395	$30,995	$31,495	$19,195
Invoice
$24,712	$28,258	$20,720	$22,188	$25,620	$28,795	$29,350	$price

Gas Mileage

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
4-cyl. Sedan auto	6-cyl. Sedan auto	4-cyl. Wagon manual	4-cyl. Wagon auto	4-cyl. Wagon Limited manual	4-cyl. Wagon Limited auto	6-cyl. Wagon auto
MPG
22/28	19/26	23/28	22/28	21/27	20/26	19/26

Reliability

The latest generation of the Outback was only introduced in 2005, so long-term reliability data is not yet available. However, the 2003 and 2004 models, which belong to the previous generation, received an overall Green rating in every category from Automotive Information Systems.

• RECALL ALERT: Subaru Issues Safety Recall for 2010 Legacy and Outback Models

• RECALL ALERT: Another Safety Recall for 809 2010/2011 Subaru Legacy and Outback manufactured between April 28 through June 23, 2010 due to an improperly drilled an oil lubrication hole

Safety

The Outback has received excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA, based on its various tests. While the sedan body style received 5-Star ratings across the board, the Outback wagon earned 5-Star ratings in all crash tests and a 4-Star rating for rollover. Some of the standard safety features on the Outback include:

• 4-wheel anti-lock brakes
• Driver/passenger front-impact airbags
• Driver/passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags
• 1st/2nd row overhead side curtain airbags
• Occupancy sensors
• Side impact bars
• Front and rear anti-roll bars

Photos

Colors

Colors will vary by trim and body style, and a full list is available at CarsDirect.com. Some of the possible combinations are:

Exterior

• Brilliant Silver Metallic
• Champagne Gold Opal
• Newport Blue Pearl
• Satin White Pearl
• Willow Green Opal/Moss Green Metallic

Interior

• Charcoal Gray
• Dark Charcoal
• Taupe
• Warm Ivory

Main Competitors

• Mazda Mazda6
• Volkswagen Passat
• Honda Accord
• Toyota Camry
• Buick Lucerne
• Dodge Charger
• Nissan Maxima
• Nissan Stagea
• Nissan Skyline

Hybrid Models

No hybrid model for now but maybe in the next few year.

Unique Attributes

X-mode is one of the best in the world.

Resale Values

According to Kelley Blue Book, "competitive vehicles such as the Volvo XC70 and the Volkswagen Passat 4Motion cost more than the Outback yet don't retain the same strong resale value. The Dodge Magnum SXT with all-wheel drive is priced similarly to the Outback 3.0 R, but it, too, lags behind the Outback's high resale values."

Criticisms

• "Doesn't offer a lot of sex appeal" - New Car Test Drive
• "Still not powerful enough." - USA Today
• "If you need an off-road vehicle that can also tow heavy loads and seat seven, the Outback is no match for a truck-based, V8-powered SUV." - Kelley Blue Book
• "Rear-seat passengers will find knee and toe space to be a bit tight." - Edmunds.com
• "Some audio switches remain undersized and tough to use while driving." - Consumer Guide
• "Brakes feel mushy." - AutoWeek
• "Not-so great for a sports sedan; frumpy looks." - motioncars.com

Sixth generation (BT; 2020)

The revised Outback was premiered at the New York International Auto Show on April 17, 2019, and went on sale at United States dealerships starting in Q3 of 2019 for the 2020 model year alongside the Legacy sedan. Changes and features mirror those made to the Legacy, and the raised suspension of the Outback provides a minimum ground clearance of 8.7 in (220 mm). In North America, the engine options, like the Legacy, are the 2.5 liter FB25D flat four that produces 182 hp (185 PS; 136 kW) at 5,800 rpm and the turbocharged 2.4 liter FA24F flat four found on XT models that produces 260 hp (194 kW; 264 PS) at 5,600 rpm.

The sixth-generation Outback was marketed outside of North America starting in 2021. The Outback was released in Australia in February 2021, exclusively powered by the naturally-aspirated FB25D engine. On March 23, 2021, TC Subaru Thailand officially introduced the all-new Subaru Outback SUV, imported from Japan. Power comes from Subaru's 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated FB25D 'boxer' engine that produces 188 PS and 245 Nm. The engine is mated to a CVT with 8-speed sequential shift (Subaru calls it Lineartronic) that sends power to all 4 wheels via Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Outback was released in Japan in October 2021 as the Legacy Outback, powered exclusively by the gasoline direct-injection turbo CB18 engine.

Outback Wilderness

The Subaru Outback Wilderness, launched for 2022 for the North American market, is a more off-road focused version of the standard Outback, it is also the first vehicle to be launched under Subaru's new "Wilderness" brand. The suspension is raised to 9.5 inches (240 mm), 0.8 in (20 mm) more than the standard Outback's 8.7 inches (220 mm) of ground clearance. All terrain tires are also added to the Outback Wilderness which are wrapped around black 17 inch wheels. There is also more extensive plastic body cladding as well as integrated tow hooks. The roof rack on the Outback Wilderness is also changed, and is rated for up to 700 pounds (320 kg). The Wilderness also has a higher final drive ratio of 4.44:1, compared to the 4.11:1 in the standard Outback, the only engine option for the Wilderness is the turbocharged 2.4L FA24F 4-cylinder boxer engine. Interior changes include orange stitching and accents as well as water resistant "StarTex" seats, also found on the Onyx edition outback.

Fifth generation (BS; 2014)

The fifth-generation Outback appeared in 2014 for the 2015 year model with the sixth generation Legacy, still badged the Legacy Outback for Japan. The sixth-generation Legacy was previewed as a concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2013; the Legacy sedan was premiered at Chicago in February 2014, with the Outback following at New York in April. An unrelated Legacy-based "sports tourer" wagon, the Subaru Levorg, was shown in 2013 and first sold in 2014. Elsewhere, the Outback became a free-standing model line of its own, independent of the Legacy, thus bringing greater product differentiation between the two.

Subaru billed the exterior styling evolution as being shaped by the concept of 'more Outback', claiming to combine the strengths of passenger cars and sport-utility vehicles and capitalizing on the brand recognition gained from selling the Outback since 1995. EyeSight was offered for the first time in the European market on the new Outback. Chassis stiffness was improved for the fifth-generation Outback.

From 2018, some world markets also offered Subaru Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) that allow a driver to leave their high beam switched on at all times, and in combination with EyeSight, adjust a series of shutters that cover portions of the high beam light projection to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers whilst maintaining visibility of the rest of the road, or to "draw a box" of low beam around a lead vehicle that adjusts left and right working with SRH in line with that vehicle's movement. Other additions include front and side cameras along with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and the ability to change the colour of the combination meter illuminated rings to one of eleven different colours.

The fifth-generation Subaru Outback is now classified as a 'crossover', with the body and wheelbase set larger than previous models. Other technical changes such as the larger 256 hp (191 kW) 3.6L EZ36 engine have pushed it into this classification. The Outback received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, an ASV+ rating from JNCAP, and five stars from NHTSA.

The fifth-generation Outback retained the same 2.5-liter FB25 and 3.6-liter EZ36 engines from the 2013 refresh; the FB25 was slightly revised to improve mid-range torque. In China, the uplevel engine was a turbocharged 2.0-liter FA20F instead of the EZ36. In the United States, the Outback was only offered with a single transmission choice, Subaru's continuously variable transmission branded Lineartronic. In Canada, a manual transmission was available with the 2.5-litre Base and Touring models until 2017.

Fourth generation (BR/BM; 2009)

Based on the fifth generation Legacy, the fourth generation Subaru Outback was introduced in April 2009 at the New York Auto Show, the fifteenth anniversary of the first Outback's introduction at the same event. The Outback was introduced in Japan May 20, 2009. The "Legacy" prefix has been dropped internationally. Air Bags are offered for the driver and front passenger, side bolster airbags for front seats on the outer edge, side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers and a knee bolster air bag for the driver.

The ground clearance increases to 8.7 in (220 mm), and is the ninth Subaru vehicle to feature continuously variable transmission (CVT). The double-sized moonroof is no longer being offered, and has been reduced to a conventional size that doesn't extend over the rear seats. The turbocharged engine is also no longer offered on all international versions of the Outback. An engine coolant temperature gauge is no longer offered, replaced by a fuel economy gauge instead. When the engine temperature is below normal, an indicator light shines blue and when the engine is overheating, the light turns red. Using the key to unlock the drivers' door after locking the vehicle with the remote will set off the security system; the vehicle must be unlocked with the remote, a tradition going back to the first generation when remote keyless access was introduced.

The side windows are no longer frameless, ending a Subaru tradition started with the first generation Leone in the early 1970s. The "D" pillar on the wagon is no longer covered in glass, also ending a design tradition established with the first generation and borrowed from the Subaru XT. The front and rear bumper covers are no longer painted a contrasting color, but the plastic side body cladding continues. The external "Limited" badge has been retired on North American vehicles, and if the vehicle has the 3.6 L six-cylinder engine, the rear of the vehicle has a "3.6R" badge applied internationally. Black housing for headlights is not offered on the Outback worldwide. The Outback with 2.0 L diesel engine can be distinguished by its hood scoop and "Boxer Diesel" emblem on the rear. January 21, 2010, the Outback was introduced for sale in South Korea.

Subaru introduced improvements to the chassis that they call Dynamic Chassis Control Concept, which uses high-tensile steel in critical areas to achieve high strength with lighter weight. The front-end structure introduces Cradle Mount that isolates the suspension and engine from the passenger compartment for a smoother and quieter ride using rubber mounts. New for this generation is a double wishbone rear suspension, with all suspension links and the rear differential isolated from the rear subframe with large rubber mounts to minimize noise and vibration intruding into the passenger compartment. Subaru has also added safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution to the list of standard features.

In North America, the fourth generation Outback won Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year Award for 2010, and Ward's Automotive Group's 2010 Interior of the Year awards in the popular-priced car category under $29,999.

North American models

Trim level designations have been modified based on the engine installed; the Subaru EJ engine 2.5 L naturally aspirated engine are labeled 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, and 2.5i Limited, with the Subaru EZ 6-cylinder engine identified as 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited. As with previous generations, leather interior is only available in 2 colors (Warm Ivory or Off-Black) on Limited trim packages on specific exterior colors, and a glass moonroof is optional only on the Limited; cloth interiors are offered in the specified colors on lower trim level packages. A 440 W, 9-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, using Dolby Pro Logic II technology and DTS Digital Sound, with Bluetooth and iPod capability is optional on the Limited trim packages. An 8 in (203 mm) voice activated GPS touch screen navigation system is optional only on the Limited. A separate Bluetooth wireless package with voice recognition, called Blueconnect, is available on lower trim levels and is not offered internationally. A Harman/Kardon-sourced stereo with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and SRS Circle Surround sound is the standard sound system provided, with four speakers on all trim levels. A dual zone digital climate control system with 6-speed fan is standard and only available on the Limited; the base and Premium model have a 4-speed fan. Base and Premium trim levels have silver metallic trim on the interior door panels and dashboard; the Limited trim package has woodgrain accents.

All trim levels are fitted with a retractable roof installed luggage rack, where the crossmembers are permanently attached but can be swung into the luggage carrier support structure when not in use, currently available only on North American models. Also, the North American Outback has lower side body claddings, which are not applied to international models (although the cladding may come on international models as a dealer-installed option). The interior retractable rear cargo cover has a separate storage compartment in the spare tire storage area so that the cargo cover can be removed for large items but stored inside the vehicle and out of the way. The rear seatbacks can be partially reclined for comfort.

• The 2010 model year had eight exterior colors: Azurite Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Cypress Green Pearl, Graphite Gray Metallic, Harvest Gold Metallic, Satin White Pearl, Sky Blue Metallic, Steel Silver Metallic.
• The 2011 model year had nine exterior colors: Azurite Blue Pearl, Caramel Bronze Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Cypress Green Pearl, Graphite Gray Metallic, Ruby Red Pearl, Satin White Pearl, Sky Blue Metallic, Steel Silver Metallic. The exterior color Harvest Gold Metallic was removed for the 2011 model year. The exterior colors Caramel Bronze Pearl and Ruby Red Pearl were added for the 2011 model year.
• The 2012 model year had nine exterior colors: Caramel Bronze Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Cypress Green Pearl, Deep Indigo Pearl, Graphite Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Ruby Red Pearl, Satin White Pearl, Sky Blue Metallic. The exterior colors Azurite Blue Pearl and Steel Silver Metallic were removed for the 2012 model year. The exterior colors Deep Indigo Pearl and Ice Silver Metallic were added for the 2012 model year.
• The 2013 model year had ten exterior colors: Brilliant Brown Pearl (available for a limited time, in a Special Appearance Package only), Caramel Bronze Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Cypress Green Pearl, Deep Indigo Pearl, Graphite Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Satin White Pearl, Twilight Blue Metallic, and Venetian Red Pearl. The exterior colors Ruby Red Pearl and Sky Blue Metallic were removed for the 2013 model year. The exterior colors Twilight Blue Metallic and Venetian Red Pearl were added for the 2013 model year.

All models are now available with painted exterior door handles, with black exterior side mirrors on the base level 2.5i, and painted mirrors on Premium and Limited. The Limited can be identified externally by simulated aluminium surround for the front foglights and matching trim piece on the bottom edges of the side door sill protector, front, and rear bumpers; the Premium and base model remain black. The grille appearance is unique on North American models so as to provide a visual similarity to the larger facelifted Tribeca and the third generation Forester. The 2.5i uses the flat-4 engine with 6-speed manual transmission or the optional Lineartronic Continuously variable transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters that allows the driver to select 6 "virtual gears" in manual mode. The 3.6R uses the flat-6 engine (from the Subaru Tribeca) exclusively with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The conventional automatic transmission is only available with the flat-6 engine, and the 6-speed manual transmission is not available on the 2.5i Limited. The PZEV Outback 2.5i, identified by a badge attached to the rear of the vehicle, continues to be sold in all 50 states, unlike other manufacturers who only sell PZEV certified vehicles in states that have adopted California emission standards. All other models have been certified LEV2 or ULEV.

In the States, in 2010 and 2011 Erika Davies is the voice of the Subaru Outback commercial featuring the song "I Love You, I Do".

For the 2013 model year, Subaru refreshed the Outback, and it debuted at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

Japanese models

The Japanese-specification Outback is available with either the 2.5 L flat-4 or the 3.6 L flat-6 engine. The EJ20 engine is no longer used in the Legacy or the Legacy Outback. The trim levels are 2.5i, 2.5i L package and 3.6R and 3.6R SI-Cruise. SI-Cruise is an autonomous cruise control system that can reduce or resume a preset speed or bring the vehicle to a complete stop if the system detects a slower vehicle is being followed, without driver intervention. Air vents are installed for rear passengers at the back of the center front armrest compartment. The front hood (bonnet) and front bumper covers are not interchangeable with the North American version due to slight changes in the sheet metal. Turn signal repeaters are still integrated into the side exterior mirrors on all Japanese-spec models. Woodgrain accents are standard on the "L" package and the SI-Cruise vehicle, silver accents on lower trim levels.

SI-Drive, or Subaru Intelligent-Drive, (Japanese: SI-Drive) is standard equipment on all trim versions. It is a feature that enables three distinctly different modes of vehicle performance characteristics (identified as "Sport", "Sport Sharp", and "Intelligent") by regulating the engine control unit (ECU), the automatic transmission control unit (TCU, if equipped), and by fine-tuning the electronically controlled throttle. The SI-Drive control knob is installed on the center console between the heated front seat control switches. The "Intelligent" mode makes throttle response more gradual, and decreases maximum engine power by 10 percent. The "Sport" mode allows the engine to run at higher speeds and increases fuel efficiency by 5 percent in comparison to Subaru engines without the feature. The "Sport # (Sharp)" mode makes throttle response more abrupt and enables the automatic transmission to maintain higher RPMs within a given gear's range, and minimizes the electric power steering wheel effort. When the engine is started, the default setting is the "Sport" selection.

Japanese buyers can choose two different premium level entertainment systems; they can select the previously described Harman/Kardon GPS-stereo with six speakers, or a McIntosh sourced GPS/stereo with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, a separate powered amplifier and 10 speakers. Both units are Gracenote, G-BOOK and VICS enabled, with both systems available with an internal 600 MHz 40GB HDD coupled with a digital TV tuner that can be watched when the transmission is in park and the parking brake applied. Both stereos are compatible with CD, CD-R/RW, DVD and DVD R/RW as well as MP3 and WMA music formats. A Harman/Kardon sourced stereo with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and SRS Circle Surround sound is the entry level sound system offered with six speakers and is standard equipment. The McIntosh stereo facia is offered in the trademark black with a clear plastic overlay and the center dashboard trim piece retains the brushed aluminum appearance but the color is black, with the climate controls offered in a matching black appearance, instead of the standard silver. Oddly, the Japanese version has a retractable cover for the console installed cupholders, whereas the North American version has exposed cupholders without a retractable cover. The dual-zone climate control system is standard on all trim levels.

The GPS navigation system can be displayed in a split-screen format showing both two- and three dimensions with graphic landmarks instead of a flat screen without geographical images. HID headlights are standard on all models except the base 2.5i, as well as automatic rain sensing windshield wipers and headlight washers. A smart key is available as an option coupled with two position memory seat that memorizes driver's seat positions and adjustments, exterior mirror adjustment, and climate control settings. The settings can be customized based on the smart key module being used to unlock and start the car. The Outback can be fitted with twin white LED lights installed on the interior hatch vertically surrounding the rear window, with a separate light switch for additional illumination when the rear hatch is open.

On the first anniversary of the introduction of the fourth generation, "EyeSight" was once again offered on the Japanese-spec Outback. EyeSight consists of 2 cameras with one on each side of the interior rear-view mirror, that use human-like stereoscopic vision to judge distances and generally keep tabs on the driver. The system can help maintain a safe distance on the highway, a lane departure warning system, a wake up call when traffic lights change, and even keeps an eye out for pedestrians. SI-Cruise has been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid.

European models

The European engine choices are the flat-4 EE20 2.0 L turbodiesel, the EJ25 2.5 L or the EZ36 3.6 L flat-6, with SI-Drive available only on the six-cylinder. Trim level packages are the 2.0D Comfort, Trend and Active, the 2.5i Comfort and Trend, or the 3.6R Exclusive. The interior colors of Warm Ivory or Off Black are offered, but the Warm Ivory interior is only available in leather. Wood accents are only available on the Exclusive trim package. The dual-zone climate control system is standard on all trim levels. The turbodiesel is available with the Warm Ivory interior with the Harman/Kardon sound system with six speakers and the satellite navigation, but the only transmission offered is the six-speed manual transmission. Cruise control, heated seats, automatic windshield wipers, HID headlights with headlight washers, heated exterior mirrors, glass moonroof and 17" wheels are standard equipment. The smart key is available only on the Exclusive or Comfort trim packages, coupled with the satellite navigation system and memory seats. The front hood (bonnet) and front bumper covers use the Japanese configuration, with turnsignal repeaters on the exterior mirrors, and standard equipment front and rear foglights. The turbodiesel and the 2.5i engines are Euro5 compliant.

2013 brings a facelift of the model with minor updates on the exterior and interior. Steering and handling is improved, and CVT is offered with the diesel engine. A new multimedia navigation unit is offered.

United Kingdom models

The Outback is available to United Kingdom buyers with a choice of the flat-4 Subaru EE turbodiesel with a 6-speed manual transmission, the 2.5 L flat-4 with the CVT transmission, or the 3.6 L flat-6 engine with SI-Drive and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The trim level packages are the 2.0D SE and 2.0D SE NavPlus diesel, the 2.5i SE and the 2.5i SE NavPlus and the 3.6R. The interior is offered in black only, with leather on all trim levels. The interior trim strips on the doors and dashboard are silver on all models except the 3.6R, which has woodgrain trim. The front bumper and bonnet use the Japanese configuration, to include self-levelling HID headlights and headlight washers. The UK and Europe are offered an exterior paint selection, called Camellia Red Pearl that is not available in Japan or North America. For vehicle security, a Thatcham Category 1 perimeter alarm and immobiliser, along with a rolling code ECU engine immobiliser are standard equipment. The dual-zone climate control system is standard on all trim levels. The 2.5i and the turbodiesel engines are Euro5 compliant.

The smart key is available on NavPlus and 3.6R models only. 17" alloy wheels are standard on all models, as well as rain sensing automatic wipers, two position memory seat, heated exterior mirrors, glass moonroof, heated front seats, fog lights, and tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The Harman/Kardon stereo with 6 speakers and the rear-view backup camera is installed only on vehicles with the voice recognition NavPlus system. The standard stereo system uses an in-dash 6-disc CD auto-changer and automatic speed-sensing volume adjustment that is MP3 player compatible.

South African models

The Outback is offered with black interior; specifications are similar to European "Comfort" trim package. Outback 2.5i Premium is available with the choice of Lineartronic CVT or six-speed manual transmission, including leather trim, memory function for the driver's seat, electric sunroof, dual zone climate control and rear air vents. Satellite navigation is not offered along with the premium Harman/Kardon sound system.

Recently, the 2.0 diesel (6-speed manual only) and 3.6R models have been introduced.

Australian models

The Outback sold in Australia resembles the vehicle sold in Europe, with some features only available in Japan. The trim level packages are the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Premium SatNav, the 3.6R, 3.6R Premium SatNav and the diesel 2.0D, 2.0D Premium, 2.0D Premium SatNav. The engines offered are the EJ25, EZ36 and the EE20 turbodiesel. Australians can choose either the Lineartronic CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission on the EJ25, but transmission choices on the EZ36 are limited to the 5-speed automatic, and the EE20 turbodiesel is available with the 6-speed manual transmission exclusively. The Off Black interior color is standard across the range, however the Warm Ivory is available on the 3.6R, with leather interior offered on vehicles identified as "Premium". Cloth is offered on the 2.5i, 3.6R and the 2.0D. SI-Drive is only available on the 3.6R, following the international trend. The front bumper and hood (bonnet) use the Japanese configuration. The Australian EJ25 and EE20 engines are Euro4 compliant.

The dual-zone climate control system is standard on all trim levels. Sound systems offered include the McIntosh stereo with 10 speakers, a separate powered amplifier and satellite navigation provided by "WhereIs", a service provided by Telstra Corporation Ltd, or the Harman/Kardon stereo with the satellite navigation and 6 speakers, or the unit offered in North America and Europe with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 6 speakers. The McIntosh unit sold in Australia has function buttons written in English and is different from the Japanese unit, due to Japanese characters being used on some of the functions. The Australian McIntosh or Harman/Kardon GPS-stereo packages are not Gracenote, G-BOOK and VICS enabled, and do not have the internal 600 MHz 40GB HDD coupled with a digital TV tuner. The center dashboard trim is color matched based on the stereo installed; if it has either one of the Harman/Kardon units, the trim color is silver brushed aluminum, and if the McIntosh is installed the trim color is black brushed aluminum. The climate controls are also colored either silver or black as well. Silver trim is installed on the doors and dashboard, with woodgrain available only on the 3.6R. Cruise control, heated seats, automatic windshield wipers, HID headlights with headlight washers, heated exterior mirrors, and 17" wheels are standard equipment. The smart key is available only on the 3.6R, and the glass moonroof is only offered on Premium trim packages.

Second Generation (2004-2009)

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2005 Subaru Outback Wagon

In 2003, with the debut of the fourth-generation Legacy at the 60th Frankfurt Auto Show, the Outback name is now being used worldwide with the launch of the second-generation Outback wagon. Models equipped with a 3.0 L H6 were introduced at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show.

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First Generation/Origins (1999-2003)

Subaru of America executives created the Outback because the SUV craze had at that point reached a fevered pitch with customers demanding SUVs and shunning Subaru's station wagons (even when equipped with all-wheel drive) based on image concerns, leaving dealers clamoring for a SUV-like product to sell.

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2000 Subaru Outback SUS

The Outback turned out to be a success, handily outselling its Legacy progenitor. Clever ads featured Australian "Crocodile Dundee" star Paul Hogan using the Outback in adventurous situations where it was portrayed besting its competitors, notably the Ford Explorer.

An Outback Sport, based on the Subaru Impreza five-door hatchback was introduced in 1998.

The Outback SUS (for "Sport Utility Sedan") was launched with a limited production test run sold in New England in 1999 and based on its success, was rolled out nationwide the following year.

In 2000, Outback became its own model and added a sedan, as well as an available horizontal six-cylinder engine.

In the highest trim level (VDC, for Vehicle Dynamics Control), a 200 W McIntosh stereo system was standard from 2001 to 2003. These were the only vehicles ever factory-equipped with McIntosh stereo equipment.

2019 Subaru Outback Rumors

The Outback is Subaru's top of the line model, so it's imperative that the automaker stays up with the latest. A slate of modifications for the 2019 Subaru Outback model year, appearing at the New York Auto Show, keeps the Outback pleasant and new.

Subaru hasn't yet declared how much the 2019 Subaru Outback will cost, yet said models should begin landing in dealerships around August. The 2018 Subaru Outback ran $25,520 to begin and could venture into the upper-$30,000 with the optional 6-cylinder engine and more inside conveniences.

Subaru's endeavors to direct the Outback more upscale and sumptuous have prodded new rivalry. The Audi Allroad, Volvo V90 Cross Country, and Buick Regal TourX now go up against the Subaru.

The EPA hasn't yet declared last appraisals for the Subaru Outback, however they ought to a great extent take after the 2017's evaluations, which were 25 mpg city, 32 roadway, 28 joined for the 2.5-liter level 4, and 20/27/22 mpg for the level 6.

All models of the 2019 Subaru Outback have a standard rearview camera and all yet the base offer propelled safety features that should enable the car to qualify as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Subaru's suite of cutting edge safety features, which it calls EyeSight, utilizes front aligned cameras set behind the windshield to help control or stop the car in an emergency.

At the point when furnished with EyeSight, the Subaru Outback features forward crash cautioning with automatic emergency braking at speeds up to 30 mph, dynamic lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind side screens, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high pillars. New for 2019 are available adaptive headlights that assistance guide lights around corners and rear automatic emergency braking.

Worldwide

Other companies followed suit with similar raised four wheel drive station wagons as stop-gaps before their own SUVs were launched, or if they did not envisage introducing one. These included the Audi A6 Allroad, Volvo XC70, Alfa Romeo 156 CrossWagon and the Holden Adventra.

The Outback was available in Japan from 1995 as the Subaru Legacy Grandwagon.

Design quirks and oddities

The phrase "The World's First Sport Utility Wagon" may be trademarked, but it is not entirely accurate. In 1979, American Motors launched the AMC Concord-based AMC Eagle, which was similar, but had suffered poor sales and was discontinued in 1988.

Awards

• 2009 Motor Trend Sport/utility of The Year

External links

• Subaru Outback Homepage
• Subaru Outback Owner Community / Subaruoutback.org Visit to see pictures and research on the forum
• 2019 Subaru Outback
• LegacyGT.com A discussion website for the Subaru Legacy as well as the Outback
• The UNofficial Legacy Outback Homepage
• New York: 2010 Subaru Outback has its muklucks on
• 2010 Subaru Outback Surprises New York Crowds
• 2010 Subaru Outback: 30 High-Res Photos and all the official Details

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Subaru Outback, which includes these contributors.