2009 Subaru Outback Review

The 2009 Subaru Outback is an all wheel drive SUV-flavored wagon with a horizontally opposed engine. Outbacks share their basic design with Subaru's midsize Legacy sedan, but have a slightly raised suspension. Outbacks are known for their rugged design along with car-like size, ride, and handling. They are more expensive when compared with front-wheel-drive competitors, but appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability and numerous available safety features is a big plus.  The Outback competes with the Volkswagen Passat wagon, Volvo V50 and Toyota Venza.  For 2009 an electronic stability system is now standard. All trims but the base Outback 2.5i have an upscale Harman Kardon stereo.  The trims were reshuffled for 2009 and now include the Outback 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition and Limited, and 3.0 R. Limited trims have the option of six-cylinder or turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Last year's base, Premium and L.L.Bean editions are gone.  The major downsides of the Outback are its poor ride comfort on rough surfaces; the interior is not as luxurious as some competitors, inconvenient window controls, and obstructed rear visibility.   The benefits of the 2009 Subaru Outback are its standard AWD, its excellent automatic-transmission operation, its high ground clearance, and the vehicles long list of safety features.  The Outback gets an EPA Fuel Economy of 17-20 mpg through the city and 24-27 mpg on the highway.  The starting MSRP for 2009 is $22,295 - $32,095. 

Outback Power

All 2.5i models have a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. XT Limiteds have a 243-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder. The 3.0 R has a 245-hp 6-cylinder. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on 4-cylinder models. An automatic is standard on 2.5i Limited and 3.0 R, optional otherwise. 

Driving the Outback

Turbocharged and 6-cylinder engines are powerful and refined. The Outback is not the quietest car, a fair amount of road and wind noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds.  All Outbacks have linear, predictable steering. Some body lean is noticed, but they handle better than virtually  SUV. Brakes feel strong on all.   Subaru recommends premium-grade gas for the 6-cylinder and requires it for the turbo four. The 2.5i uses regular. Non-turbocharged 4-cylinder models have enough power for most driving, but lack reserve strength for passing and merging.  The manual transmission is known to have imprecise, overly long shift action. Six-cylinder models muster less midrange muscle than turbos and can also suffer delayed around-town throttle response. The 3.0 R is the speediest, taking 7.9 seconds to go 0-60 mph.

Outback Design

At 189.0 inches long, the Outback sits nearly a foot longer than the V50 but it's roughly even with the Venza, Passat wagon and XC70. Its width, at 69.7 inches, matches the V50 but trails its competitors by several inches.  The Outback has nothing but a rugged design, somehow it looks like it can handle anything. It features monotone bumpers with gray lower cladding on uplevel trims and has an available panoramic moonroof.  There are standard roof rails and optional fog lights (standard on 2.5i Special Edition and up). 

Inside the 2009 Outback

The Outback gets a basic and functional cabin which can carry five occupants.  There are standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks which fold almost flat. In the back there is a low liftover height into the cargo area, but no opening glass. Available cargo cover and an under-floor storage bin are additional conveniences.  Headroom is good all around, but leg and foot space is small, even with the front seats raised. The seats are a bit low, the gauges are brightly lit, but they're not easy to read in bright sunlight. The navigation system is separate from audio and climate controls, though the screen is small and difficult to read at a glance.  The Outback gives a decent 33.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats up.  

Lineup and Options

Outbacks come in 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5 XT Limited, and 3.0 R Limited trims. Limited replaces the previous L.L. Bean. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. All have a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback. A navigation system and remote engine start are available on certain models when equipped with the automatic transmission.

Summary

The Outback is a bit pricier than its rivals, and does not get the best gas mileage due to full time all wheel drive.  Yet somehow the 2009 Subaru Outback has found a solid spot in the market, maybe for its rugged design, maybe for the reputation and uniqueness of Subaru vehicles.  For any family looking for a SUV like vehicle with a car like drive and smaller body style, the Subaru Outback is a perfect choice. For more research, read a Motor Trend Subaru Outback review