WASHINGTON — The Subaru Outback is an interesting vehicle. It’s more wagon than most crossovers, but with standard AWD and good ground clearance, it handles well off the beaten path; maybe it should be called an SUW, for “sport utility wagon.”
The 2015 Outback is taller than the normal station wagon, and this redesign looks much more rugged, more like a crossover.
The exterior is cleaner and updated: no more body-cladding attempts to make it look more rugged. It’s just a cleaner design from the start. Subaru also got rid of the boxy rear end; it’s the boldest-looking Outback in memory. My limited-trim Outback also equipped with large 18-inch wheels, another hint that this is more crossover than wagon-like older Outbacks.
The inside also sees big changes. The Outback Limited 3.6 has a starting price of nearly $33,000; at that price, interior upgrades were a must. The heated perforated leather seats are a nice touch, and more comfortable than previous Outbacks; they don’t seem stiff. There is generous use of soft-touch materials in the cabin both in the front and back, and plenty of room for people and cargo. It’s larger inside, yet it’s almost the same size as previous models. The rear seats fold, making for a ton of space for larger items.
My tester stickered at $36,000 and included a few options such as moonroof, keyless access and push-button start. There was also NAV with a 7-inch touch screen for the standard rearview camera on all Outback trim levels. The Limited also has a good-sounding Harmon/Kardon stereo system with 12 speakers, and safety features such as blind-spot detection, lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
Driving the 2015 Subaru Outback was a bit of a surprise for me. I was expecting a station wagon from 15 years ago, and it’s nothing like that. With a 3.6L six-cylinder engine, there is some pep in this Outback. The Outback handles well for a crossover or SUW, with no wandering or big leaning in corners. The ride is compliant, and most bumps that would make other cars shudder are non-issues.
The transmission is a CVT unit, which does a good job of hiding what it is — fake gear changes. It is better than most CVT units and it’s the only transmission offered on the Outback now. The CVT should help on fuel economy, too: I managed 21.2 mpg of regular fuel over 150 miles of mostly city and stop-and-go traffic. The car advertises 20/27 mpg city/highway.
The 2015 Subaru Outback is a step forward, with big improvements inside and out. With a price that can be much less than a crossover and offer the same or an even more capable package, you might want to take a look at a SUW — it’s not really a wagon anymore.
Editor’s note: Mike Parris a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI , FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.