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overview|exterior & interior|driving performance|pricing & specs
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Summary
The Subaru Outback is roomy and comfortable and can go almost anywhere. It's not the least expensive vehicle in its category, but it offers premium drivetrain technology, lots of safety features, and composed handling and all-weather capability.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondents Tom Lankard and G.R. Whale contributed to this report.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Outback ($21,995); 2.5i ($23,595); 2.5i L.L. Bean edition ($26,295); 2.5i Limited ($27,395); 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean ($28,995); 2.5 XT Limited ($30,995); 3.0R L.L. Bean ($32,495) |
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Engines:
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2.5-liter dohc H4 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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two-stage frontal airbags; front seat-mounted side-impact airbags; side curtain airbags; active front-seat head restraints; head restraints for all rear seating positions (adjustable for outboard positions); anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution; child safety seat anchors; collision-activated retracting brake pedal assembly |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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none |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Lafayette, Indiana |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited Nav ($34,195) |
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Standard Equipment:
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dual-zone automatic climate control; cruise control; power door locks, outside mirrors and windows; 8-way driver and 4-way passenger (with manual lumbar) power seats; six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with in-dash, 6-disc changer; digital clock and trip computer; leather-trimmed upholstery, shift knob and brake handle; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio/cruise/SI-DRIVE controls; remote keyless entry with engine immobilizer; dual-panel power moonroof; heated front seats, exterior mirrors and windshield washer nozzles; halogen foglamps; auto-dimming mirror/compass; carpeted floor mats; rear seat armrest; removable cargo tray; two-way retractable cargo area cover; two accessory power outlets |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Convenience group 2 ($268); all-weather mats ($55); XM radio ($456) |
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Destination Charge:
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645 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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35619 |
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Layout:
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all-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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243 @ 6000 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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241 @ 3600 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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18/24 |
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Wheelbase:
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105.1 |
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Length/width/height:
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189.0/69.7/61.6 |
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Track, f/r:
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58.9/58.7 |
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Turning circle:
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35.4 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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38.7/51.0/44.1 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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37.1/52.6/33.9 |
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Cargo volume:
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65.4 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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2700 |
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Suspension, f:
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independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
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Suspension, r:
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independent, multi-link, coil springs, stabilize bar |
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Ground clearance:
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8.7 |
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Curb weight:
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3605 |
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Tires:
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225/55VR17 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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vented disc/disc with ABS and EBD |
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Fuel capacity:
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16.9 |
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| 2008 Subaru Outback consumer reviews: | | | | overall rating |  | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | We are a two car family and use the Outback for around town as well as much freeway driving. The car performs beautifully in all conditions. Good feeling of security and reliability. The car is a basic 4 and we got 28 mpg on regular gas. This is our fifth Subaru and so far it is the best. | | posted by Hridesh Kr. on Feb 11 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | This is my wife's car, I have been very impressed. Excellent handling, especially in the awful winter we've had in WI. Exterior and interior are very well done. Fit and finish is very good. The wagon utility is unquestionable. I think the car is very good value with the AWD and what you get in terms of extras with the LL Bean addition. Nav system is very good, the stereo is actually quite impressive. | | posted by AudStump on Mar 22 2008 | | |
| overall rating |  | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | My third Outback and by far the best. Wanted a fun mid-life car, needed a practical car for the fam and the mountains. Subaru hits the mark with the XT turbo! Far more fun to drive than my H6 2002 LL Bean! It drives very tight and solid, very smooth and quiet, turbo kicks in nicely and pulls you along beautifully. I love wagons and the XT is the best combination of any brand/model. Great car for my wants and needs! | | posted by Jack on Apr 22 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | This is my first new car, and first Subaru. I personally think the Outback is a beautiful car. It's also plenty peppy with its V6. I like the nav system, but wish it was integrated into the other components of the car, particularly the stereo. It would also be nice to have Bluetooth. The fit and finish are excellent, and the materials appear to be of high quality. | | posted by Dimitri on Jun 02 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | This is our first Subaru and we're very favorably impressed. The car is quiet and handles very well both on the road and in the field when we're taking feed to the run-in sheds. Fuel mileage is great for a full time all wheel drive vehicle. Safety and reliability were key factors in selecting a Subaru. These cars are legendary in both areas and their strong, cult like customer loyalty reflects it. | | posted by Owen Clunje on Aug 30 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | I absolutely love my Outback. I wanted a station wagon but few auto makers have them. It basically came down to a Subaru Outback or a Mercedes station wagon. I opted for the Subaru, which seemed far more practical and easier to maintain. | | posted by Imran on Oct 29 2008 | | |
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