Subaru Outback

SPECIFICATIONS

1. With AWD standard, two engine options are available, a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder with 173 hp and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder with 256 hp. 2. Fuel economy for the 4-cylinder equipped with a CVT transmission now rises to 24/30 mpg (city/hwy) and 26 mpg combined. 3. New for 2013 is Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and an auto-brake feature. 4. Starting at $23,495 for the base 2.5i, 3.6R models range from $28,295 to $32,095.

PREVIEW

Refreshed for 2013, the Subaru Outback remains an incredibly functional vehicle, though is moving back towards its car origins with softer edges, a slight up-tick in fuel economy and improved driving dynamics. Plus it gains some impressive new safety technology.

INTERIOR

With some subtle changes inside the cabin, the 2013 Outback continues to have all the familiarity of stepping into a classic cottage.

The Outback 2.5i model is set up with base, Premium and Limited grades. Standard features include steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat (with a great recline feature) and a Hill Holder System, to name a few. The standard audio system in the 2.5i models has also been upgraded to include new tech like iPod control capability and a USB port.

The Premium grade sees added components such as a 10-way power driver’s seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. Also available to the Premium trim are three custom packages: All-Weather, Power Moonroof and an advanced tech package with a Harman/Kardon audio system. Separating the Outback 3.6R model from its 2.5i counterpart is that it is only available base or Limited trim.

On the next level, the Limited grade encompasses perforated leather, dual zone climate control with rear A/C outlets and a 3.5-inch display screen in the instrument cluster. The Limited grade also has exclusive additions like touchscreen/voice-activated navigation, backup camera display and satellite radio, among some of the solid features.

UNDER THE HOOD

Equipped with two Boxer engine options, the Outback offers convenient packaging and efficient power output. With a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, the Outback 2.5i is a modest package with a mild bump in output, while those looking for more can opt for the Outback 3.6R. It’s engine rating remains the same, with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder continuing to make 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.

Moving from the straight-forward engine options, the transmission and drivetrain become more confusion. Base 4-cylinders come with either a 6-speed manual or optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic, while 3.6 models are available only with a 5-speed manual.

Known for equipping its models with all-wheel drive (AWD), the Outback gets a different grip system based on the transmission you choose. In the 2.5i models using a 6-speed manual, power is distributed 50/50 from front to rear, sending more power to the grip wheels when one set slips. Models mated with a CVT use what is called an Active Torque Split AWD where a clutch regulates power distribution based on driving conditions and wheel slip. And finally, 3.6R models gain a Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD system that is rear biased (45:55) to deliver better handling.

Fuel economy for six-cylinder is a middling 18/25 mpg (city/highway), while manual transmission equipped 4-cylinder models climb to 21/28. The real fuel economy champ, however, is the CVT 4-cylinder, which gains a few extra miles per gallon for 2013, rising from 22/29 to 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined.