There was a new Legacy sedan just a few months ago which pretty much meant the Legacy based Outback was going to be the next vehicle to get a redo.
The redesign is a cautious one. The old model was doing well and Subaru did not want to stick to the same formula. The new model is sleeker though. There isn't so much plastic cladding and the styling on the front end is a lot cleaner. The wheelbase is a little higher and the vehicle is slightly longer too. Both of those items are positive!
Output
The engines remain unchanged from the previous year. You can choose between a 2.5 L, 4 cylinder, 175 hp, 174 lb-ft CVT engine or a 3.6 L, 6 cylinders, 256 hp CVT engine. Fuel economy is at 25 mpg and 20 mpg for the city and 33 mpg and 27 mpg for the highway respectively. The first engine can do 0-60 in 9 seconds while the latter can do it in under 7.
If you do not pay close attention and don't press down on the accelerator, you may just think the CVT is any regular old automatic. Even though it certainly isn't a WRX, it isn't as sluggish as one would have imagined it to be.
4 wheel drive
All Outbacks come with permanent 4WD. It would not be an Outback if it did not. What it lacks though is a high enough seat position. It is higher than most other cars, but it doesn't tower over you like a crossover or a SUV. The benefit of this though is it drives just like a regular car and you do not need to climb into it.
Features
Electric power assist as well as a quick steering ratio were introduced to the Outback this year. The steering works just as well as the BRZ. Body roll is checked and there is a surprising sportiness with the Outback despite its size. Even on dirt roads, it can absorb a lot of impacts and bumps without shudders or jolts. The new structure of the vehicle is supposed to be stiffer by 59% as far as torsion is concerned and 35% as far as bending is concerned.
Safety
It comes with front, front side, front seat, and curtain airbags. This is the first of its kind for Subaru. The knee airbags are no longer mounted in the dashboard and are replaced by seat cushion airbags.
Then there is also the blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic warnings and a collision warning system known as the EyeSight. This vehicle will slow down or automatically stop in order avoid a crash coming your way.
So the Outback certainly wasn't in need of a redesign. It definitely wasn't the prettiest but everyone was more interested in it for its strength and not it’s styling anyway. The newest model looks a look better, is quieter and far more solid. The interior is gorgeous and very stylish. It is the perfect carlike alternative for anyone who does not want to go for a small crossover SUV.
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