Yes…if an Outback is on your radar, you're got a lot of decisions to make,Subaru squeezes 9 different trim levels between its roughly $30,000 entry-level Outback and its $44,000+ top-end Touring XT. As you'd imagine, as the price increases, the alloys grow from 17" to 20", the interior morphs from cloth to multi-adjustable heated and ventilated Nappa leather, audio goes premium with more speakers, the sky opens up with a sunroof…and a turbo jumps your power from 182 to 260 HP.
V103
A couple things don't change, tho'. Subaru is known for making computer-controlled AWD standard across the line…except for their limited-edition RWD BRZ sportscar. If one wheel slips, the power goes to the other three. If two wheels slip, the power goes to the other two…etc.
Plus even base models give you "steering responsive" LED headlamps that slightly tilt into your turns…bringing you better visibility. Plus you'll get roof rails. Not just "roof rails", but truly genius user-friendly roof rails. They have self-contained foldaway crossbars…there for you when you need 'em, and streamlined back when you don't…eliminating the need for heavy and expensive aftermarket crossbars….and the wind noise that comes from those aftermarket crossbars.
V103
And then there's Subaru's standard driver safety "eyesight" technology featuring lane-keeping, emergency throttle and braking systems and driver's attention alerts…again, just part of every Outback…even their 30K version.
V103
We lucked out and got the full-luxe Touring XL trim, tho'…complete with the Nappa leather and all the other extras mentioned above. In short, our Outback XT had just about everything that you'd have expected in a luxury German sedan a few years ago. And as a result, this Subaru Outback delivered one of the most comfortable rides that I've experienced in years.
V103
And it's comfortable not just for the driver, but for all five passengers…especially with the reclining rears and stretch-out legroom. Load it up with five passengers and you should still have ample luggage room in the back with 27.5 cu ft of storage.
Now…if you plan on using Subaru's AWD for a little more than occasional off-roading, a couple of those 9 choices that I mentioned above include "Wilderness" versions…with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, washable vinyl interiors, a skid plate, increased climb and descent angles, all-terrain tires, a revised transmission with a serious rock-climbing low gear plus settings for not just snow and mud, but deep snow and mud.
V103
In short, Subaru offers capability in their Outback to match your taste and budget.
If you are OK with cloth seats and reaching under your seat to adjust your driving position, you've got a genuine bargain with a 30K+ base model.
And if you'd rather enjoy the smell of Nappa leather and the rest of the XL's premium touches, you'll have a very capable luxury vehicle for less than 45 thousand. Budget allowing, I'll go with the XT version thank you very much.
Want a second opinion? Consumer Reports thinks pretty highly of Subaru, too.
