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2012 Subaru Outback Philadelphia

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The 2012 Subaru Outback's Premium trim level gets a new standard sound system with an iPod interface and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming capability. A new nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is now part of the Premium model's options list.  The Outback is a unibody, all-wheel-drive crossover vehicle and its suspension, transmission and all-wheel-drive system are geared for control, comfort and stability on gravel roads and in inclement weather.  All Subarus are all-wheel drive, aiming for sure handling and traction in marginal conditions.  The engines feature horizontally opposed pistons, the so-called boxer layout that Porsche also uses. This results in strong torque for accelerating up hills while helping maintain a low center of gravity for improved handling.  Two engines are available, balancing efficiency and performance.  The 2.5-liter four-cylinder with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) produces 170-horsepowern and 170 lbs. ft of torque.  For maximum performance, a 256-hp and 247 lb ft. of torque 3.6-liter six-cylinder is available, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Driving Impressions of the '12 Outback

It's the suspension that allows the Outback to travel unpaved roads comfortably at higher speeds with excellent control. It cushions the Outback on cracked roadway surfaces, highway bumps, and on dirt and gravel roads.  The suspension also does a good job in corners thanks partly to stabilizer bars front and rear. It invites spirited driving and rewards playful cornering with sure-footed grip and a nice, steady set in every corner. The suspension tolerates a certain amount of driver error with grace. Enter a corner too fast, or come up on an unforeseen pothole too quickly and there is minimal impact, shudder or rebound. Should a tire drop into a pothole or eroded washout, the tire on the opposite side stays flat and in full contact with the surface.  The brakes are nicely balanced, with good pedal feel, so a driver falls into rhythm as the Outback squats into corners and rockets outward.

Interior Features of the '12 Outback

 Past Subaru interiors might have been considered quirky, but the current Outback incorporates mainstream design and content characteristics. The dash and cockpit are built around a sporty, four-dial instrument panel and a contemporary upswept center stack. The instrument panel includes a multi-information display that indicates outside temperature, fuelconsumption, time, and warning functions for seatbelts and passenger air bags. The transmission gear readout is digital. The steering wheel, a three-spoke design, has four large buttons to control the audio system and cruise control. When equipped with an automatic transmission, paddle shifters are located behind the wheel. Taken as a whole, the interior is clean and contemporary, without being excessively ornate.  Safety features include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, quick brake assist, traction control, VDC electronic stability control, all-wheel drive, LATCH child safety locks, rear-door child locks.

Exterior Features of the '12 Outback

Long, hawk-eye headlamps are mounted higher than the upright grille, leading to an alert, bold look. Functional side cladding and rocker panels remind this Subaru is intended to be completely at home on gravel roads. (And, indeed, it is.) At the rear, compound tail lamps blend into a broad rear hatch with a large rear window, integrating the design and helping to define the high beltline that keeps the Outback from being visually top-heavy.  A roof rack is standard. The rack's crossbars are stowed in the roof rails for reduced wind noise, and can be swung into position when needed. The rack is designed so that the existing line of Subaru roof-rack accessories will still fit.  Outback 3.6R models are visually identified by 17-inch wheels and larger, 225/60R17 tires, although four-cylinder Outbacks can be upgraded with the same wheel/tire combination by selecting Limited or Premium trim.

Model Lineup

The 2012 Subaru Outback is available with a choice of two engines, three transmissions, with Base, Limited or Premium trim levels. Outback 2.5i models come with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission or CVT. Outback 3.6R comes with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment includes cloth upholstery, manual air conditioning with air filter, six-way manually adjustable driver seat, four-way manually adjustable passenger seat, 100-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with four speakers and auxiliary jack, remote keyless entry, power locks, power windows, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, two power outlets, anti-theft alarm, 16-inch steel wheels, 215/60R16 tires.

Premium trim for the Outback 2.5i with manual transmission or CVT or 3.6R upgrades with a 10-way power driver seat, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/60R17 tires and other features.

Limited trim for the Outback 2.5i with CVT and the 3.6R includes leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, 440-watt harman/kardon AM/FM/XM/6CD/MP3 audio with nine speakers, Bluetooth, heated mirrors, heated seats, power passenger seat.

Options include an All-Weather Package adding heated mirrors, seats and de-icing equipment along with other packages that combine features.

Conclusions

The Subaru Outback is a thoughtful, well-balanced all-wheel-drive SUV that has unique character. It expands the utility side of the design envelope, modernizes the package, and adds performance. It remains faithful to the character attributes Subaru has always offered, something current owners will appreciate.  Click here to learn more about the 2012 Subaru Outback.