2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited
Subaru used to be a bit player in the US car market, with sales generally restricted to New Englanders, Left Coast kayakers and Rocky Mountain residents. But starting about eight years ago, Subaru began mainlining Americana, and the results can be seen in consecutive sales records year upon year, with the company now outselling brands that used to be considered much more relevant. The latest Outback is perhaps the best expression of this focus, and is certainly one of the nicest crossovers available in its price range.
This new Subaru is certainly better looking than its blocky, bug-eyed predecessor, combining sophistication in form and detail with the wedgy, more aero look of the 2005-09 Outback. One of its coolest details is the integration of its adjustable roof rails and crossbars. It is about the same size as the last gen model, but more space efficient inside.
That cockpit is a big step forward, with higher quality materials throughout and a much more elegant looking infotainment system interface. Sadly, it still wont run any Apple device’s music without crashing, but this issue isn’t restricted to just Subaru. In other respects the system is fast and intuitive to use. The Subaru’s seating is a bit over-plump for some tastes, but there is certainly more room for people and their stuff. The 2015 car includes some nice features that were missing from its predecessor, including HID headlamps and a power lift gate. Still MIA is a heated steering wheel. The second generation of the EyeSight crash-prevention safety system is much better too, with fewer false alarms.
This Outback is more dynamically akin to the 2005-09 models, which is a good thing. Steering accuracy is decent and brake feel well calibrated. The highlight is the Subaru’s ride, which is absolutely superb; it smothers most of the rough roads we all drive daily better than most any SUV or crossover—even better than many luxury vehicles. Some measure of handling alacrity has been lost but the Subaru is still more than adequate for how people (aside from automotive journalists) really drive. This is a commendable rethink of the ride/handling compromise; hopefully other manufacturers will follow suit.
One area where one can hope they don’t copy Subaru is in the use of s continuously variable transmission. CVTs are spreading like a disease, afflicting all kinds of otherwise excellent vehicles, including this one. Moaning and groaning their way through their “gears,” they obliterate throttle response, making the 3.6R feel slower in acceleration and doing nothing for real world fuel economy. The artificial, EPA testing regimen rewards their use—the Outback scores 3mpg better in the city and 2mpg on the highway—so many car companies feel compelled to fit these heinous devices to their cars and crossovers. A quick drive in a 2011 Outback 3.6R confirmed that the new one feels much more lethargic from 0-30mph, despite weighing roughly the same and using basically the same, 256hp flat-six engine. Indeed, 0-60 takes about the same 7 seconds, yet the older car sounded better and had a wonderful rush of power through the gears; the new one felt like it was struggling.
Exacerbating this is that the Outback doesn’t block out noise very well, especially mechanical racket and road roar. Despite this—and the CVT—the Outback 3.6R is still one of the top choices if one needs a crossover; its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, loads of space and better dynamics than higher-centered competitors make it very compelling. Obviously Americans agree; Subaru sold over 500,000 cars here last year and increased its market share a half point.
EPA ratings: 20/27mpg; 22mpg combined
Price as tested: $36,040
Here is what Subaru has to say.
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