We were fortunate enough to drive a top of the line Outback 3.0 R VDC wagon that retails for $33,495, but that shouldn't scare off the just-out-of-college or middle income folks who want AWD and versatility.
Subaru has seven options to get into their Outback "crossover" wagon that start at $18,995, ensuring that just about anyone can get into the next new thing that's been around for quite a while.
When we first walked up to our Outback, it was a little confusing. Here was a vehicle known for its outdoors-friendly demeanor, yet it was sharp looking with Garnet Red Pearl finish, black leather seating and sporty interior. And the athletic impression was further strengthened with the 250-hp engine and 17-inch tires.
Why the confusion? Because it offered too much in seemingly different categories? Here's an analogy -- remember the high school star athlete who was also valedictorian and impossibly attractive to boot? That kind of person usually has an aura of being unapproachable. More often than not, though, when you take the chance to get to know them they turn out to be mighty cool, too!
That was my take on the Outback. After I spent a couple days getting to know it.
One of the things you notice that's not much talked about, is the ground clearance of nearly nine inches. Of course, that's built into the Outback for presumed off-road jaunts, but it's a design feature that makes getting into and out of the vehicle a little easier than traditional cars. And not as onerous as hauling yourself up into an outsized SUV.
Driving the Outback with a 250-hp engine and 17-inch tires gives a feeling of both sportiness and stability. The turning ratio is tight, allowing you to take turns on the nimble but again, with the rubber, you never feel like you've gone too far.
The 3.0 comes with an automatic transmission with a manual shiftgate that transfers more control to the driver, particularly when wanting to push the revs a little higher or using the engine to slow the car down.
Interior controls are easy to understand, with a new instrument panel with electro luminescent LED display. Besides the eight-way power driver's seat, the dual-zone climate control allows both front row passengers to choose their own comfort level and the heated seats are a welcome touch in cold weather. [Like central air conditioning in Texas, they're definitely not a luxury when you need them!]
The Outback 3.0 also has an upgraded sound system -- 120-watt AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers. In the rear compartment the thick rubber tray/mat is the pefect accessory for sporty types who manage to bring evidence of their outdoor adventures with them, whether it be in terms of muddy gear, plants from the nursery center, or shaggy dogs that went for a run in the rain.
Oh, and we almost forgot about the super-sized sunroof [see below]. Unfortunately, we didn't take a measurement, but it's got to be twice as wide as the average roof window, and gave that much more open-air driving enjoyment on a crisp day.
The Outback 3.0 gets 19 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway with its 250-hp engine, other Outback models equipped with the 168-hp plant average between 22 and 30 mpg.
In terms of safety, Subaru has more to offer than AWD, which in itself helps make cars more stable on the road. The Outback is so well-stocked with safety features it earned a total of four five-star ratings from the government in front and side-impact crash test ratings.
Standard safety equipment on the Outback includes electronic stability control, four-wheel drive antilock brakes, front and side impact airbags, side curtain airbags for the second row and front and rear adjustable head rests.
So in terms of safety, Subaru has pulled off another feat -- whether or not the public is aware of it yet, they make cars that deserve the reputation [and loyalty] of that other wagon maker that made its name on being driven by safety!
Conclusion: For all those folks looking for the all-wheel drive feature and/or a vehicle that combines performance and versatility, the Outback should earn a high entry shopping list. Subaru's been right here, waiting for you all along.