Review & Specs: 2015 Subaru Outback

Now the lines are increasingly blurring between station wagons and crossover SUV’s. If you give the station wagon some ground clearance and all wheel drive, guess what you get. The 2015 outback is one of a handful that combines the station wagon practicality with the ruggedness of an SUV. The top half is basically a legacy with a backpack, while the bottom is more rough and ready with over-sized fog lights. It also packs a higher ride height for the average wagon. The Outback exhaust is tucked beneath the rear bumper.

Under the hood, the power train is a 2.5 liter boxer four engine good for 175 hp.All wheel drive is standard for all trims and the transmission is a CVT. For the power hungry, though there is a 3.6 R limited. It is a flat six and capable of 256 horsepower. According to performance testing, the Outback went from 0 to 60 within 9.6 seconds which is not that fast, but respectable for the wagon. The Outback also comes standard with hill start assist and hill descent control. Thanks to the revised CVT, the active grille shutters that reduce drag and wind drag, and electric assist power steering, the fuel economy gets a boost. Fuel economy is at 8.3 liters per 100 kilometers for the 2.5 L trim but it jumps to almost 9 liters per 100 Km with the 3.6 L trim.

Subaru seems to have addressed complaints about the interior of the previous Outback, concerning the hard plastic trim and some of the quirky controls.For the present year, there is an all new interior boasting notable improvements in both the material quality and ergonomics. It is also highlighted by the company’s latest infotainment system, illustrated via a 7 inch touch-screen. The tech has ease of use and retains the physical buttons for volume and tuning.

The center console includes a large storage bin with power outlets along with a parking brake and a button to engage the X mode behind the shift lever. The heated seats are also located out of the way near the climate controls. The premium test model for the outback was fitted with high quality cloth seat covers. Overall this is quite a comfortable car with a lot of head, leg and shoulder room not to mention material quality and tech.