The Subaru name here in New England speaks volume when referring to great winter vehicles. Subaru has catered to their all-wheel vehicles making sure they not only meet but exceed consumer expectations. I mean who doesn’t love an AWD with impressive performance and handling? More specifically the Subaru Outback has been offered in the lineup for a number of decades proving its reliability as well as usability. There is always talk about the “Legendary Boxer Engine.” Why is it so legendary? Why is it so great? I am happy you asked. The Subaru Boxer is legendary because of the piston stroke and the way it travels providing a number of benefits. The pistons move on a horizontal plane while firing off in different directions canceling out vibration and allowing for a quiter, smoother running engine that its competitor. Due to the build of the engine, it naturally has a low center of gravity and with that the Outback is planted to the road beneath it. A lower center of gravity also allows for better handling, increased safety, and overall better driving experience. The Subaru Outback has evolved greatly over the years but still maintains that recognizable look. Let’s take a look at a few Outback generations throughout the years and see where it stands today.
Let’s take it back to 2002 and see what the Outback had to offer nearly 20 years ago. Back in 2002 you had the choice of two engine options, a 2.5L 4-cylinder, and a newly added 3.0L 6-cylinder. The 2.5L produces 165 hp capable of 22city/27highway miles per gallon. The 3.0L produces 212 hp capable of 20city/27highway miles per gallon. The base model came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission for those who want a heightened driving experience but could easily upgrade to a 4-speed automatic w/ OD for effortless shifting. Traction control was offered along with other options like heated seats, mirrors, and even wipers.
Jumping to 2006, the Outback gained a few advances for the new year. A 2.5L and 3.0L were also offered in 2006 with a bit more power than previous years. The 2.5L produces 175 hp capable of reaching 19city/25highway miles per gallon and the 3.0L produces 250 hp capable of 19city/25highway miles per gallon. The 2006 model receives a number of updated safety features uncluding dual stage front airbags, full coverage side curtain airbags, and anti lock brakes with brake-force distribution comes standard. Heated seats and mirrors will add comfort to the drive and available 17-inch rims will make you look good while doing it.
Here we are now in 2020 with great advances to the Subaru Outback. A turbo engine option for the Outback hasn’t been offered in the Outback for a number of years but is making a comeback in the XT model. The XT will boast a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged Boxer engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque making it one of the most powerful engines ever offered in this adventurous machine back back a CVT transmission for smooth acceleration. The powerful newly introduced engine has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds overpowering the previous numbers by 800 pounds. The Outback wouldn’t be itself without adventurous performance including awd with torque vectoring capability, hill-descent control, X-Mode for offroad, and an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Technology has greatly stepped up from previous years with options like EyeSight driver assist features, 11.6-inch touchscreen integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.