The Outback wagon has long been a popular all-wheel-drive alternative to a small SUV, especially for those living in more northern climes. It's a very practical package, with great visibility, a roomy back seat and a spacious cargo hold. Fuel economy is a class-leading 24 mpg overall. The four-cylinder version has long been impressive, but the Outback isn't exactly a pleasure to drive. Acceleration is slow, handling lacks agility, and the car falls short on overall refinement.
An extensive 2013 update included a redesigned four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission, a revised suspension and the addition of a suite of safety features called EyeSight. EyeSight generally works well and brings a level of electronic driver safety aids commonly found only on much more expensive cars.
Not all of the changes were improvements, however. Firmer suspension tuning reduced body lean and helped tidy up the sloppy emergency handling we criticized when this generation of the Outback was launched in 2010. These revisions spoiled the car's previously plush ride though. The modest handling changes also failed to make the car more agile. Some SUVs are more enjoyable to drive than this jacked-up wagon.
Despite a modest bump in horsepower from the redesigned engine, acceleration often feels lethargic and the coarse engine noise accentuated by the unrefined CVT transmission becomes obtrusive at times. Additionally, opting for the navigation system adds some badly designed controls.
Most Outback buyers got the 2.5i Premium trim level, which included popular features like alloy wheels, a power driver's seat, heated front seats and the CVT. A manual transmission was available with the base 2.5i and 2.5i Premium trim levels.
Limited models add standard leather seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. The 3.6R's six-cylinder engine is considerably more refined and enjoyable to drive than the four-cylinder/CVT combination, but it is more expensive and gets about three mpg less overall. We found its optional leather seats slightly more supportive than the cloth seats.
While Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced electronic safety features didn't come cheaply, requiring buyers to also get the optional moonroof, we do recommend finding a car with this equipment, as it can significantly reduce the odds of a crash. Subaru made opting for EyeSight easier for 2014, expanding its availability down to the Premium trim line. Previously, 2013 models required you to buy a loaded Limited model with the optional navigation system to get EyeSight.