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.