2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy: Road Test
2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy ▼
- MSRP: $21,295 - $33,495
- Invoice: $19,678 - $30,754
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Our road test for the 2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy help you decide if a 2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
No opportunity to test 168-hp Legacy 2.5i or Outback 2.5i. Turbocharged Legacy 2.5 GT and Outback 2.5 XT provide plentiful power--7.8 sec 0-60 mph--after some annoying turbo lag. Turbo lag can hinder passing response with automatic transmission, but manual-shift feature a help. Some testers find manual transmission to have imprecise, overly long shift action. (Note that short-throw shifter is an option.) Six-cylinder models muster less midrange muscle than turbos, and can also suffer delayed around-town throttle response, though it's more consistent than turbos. Test Outback 3.0 R did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5.2 |
Test GT wagon with automatic transmission averaged 15.5 mpg in mostly city driving. Test GT sedan with manual averaged 20.1 mpg with more highway mileage. Test Outback XT with manual averaged 15.5. Outback 3.0 R averaged 21.6 in test that included both lots of highway driving and gas-eating performance runs. Turbocharged and six-cylinder models require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
No models with 16-inch tires made available for test. Legacy GT rides firmly on its 17-inch tires, with larger road imperfections pounding through into the cabin. More softly tuned Outbacks with 17s iron out bumps better.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
The 2.5i models have linear, predictable steering, but it feels too light. Quicker steering on Legacy 2.5 GT can hinder straightline tracking on highway. GT's handling composed, with little body lean in fast corners. Outback has more body lean, but still handles better than virtually any SUV. Brakes feel strong on all.
QUIETNESS
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Turbocharged and 6-cyl engines subdued, refined. Little tire noise, though some testers complained of body drumming over broken pavement. Wind rush evident only above 70 mph.
CONTROLS
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Gauges clear, easily seen. All controls within arm's reach. Interior materials a mix of budget-grade plastics and richer-feeling fabrics and coverings. Two test examples had loose plastic side panels on front seats.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Plenty of leg room, but head room tight for taller riders. All seats comfortable, though Legacy 2.5 GT's contoured seats offer more lateral support. Interior storage adequate. Unobstructed visibility to all corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Tall passengers may lack head room. Good leg room unless front seats pushed far back. Toe space cramped if front seats aren't raised. Good thigh support for long-trip comfort.
CARGO ROOM
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.5 |
Sedans have wide trunk opening, low liftover. Hinges shrouded, but take up some space. Seats don't fold down, but a pass-through is standard. Wagons have low liftover, but no separate-opening glass; their standard 60/40 split rear seats fold almost flat to provide lots of cargo space. Standard cargo cover and below-floor storage bin are additional wagon conveniences.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Though pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors, Legacys appeal for all-wheel-drive capability and numerous standard safety features; for GTs, add turbocharged performance. Those same qualities apply to the Outback wagons, which offer the flavor of "real" SUVs but with carlike ride, handling, and fuel economy. The Outbacks are our Recommended picks.
Total Score
| Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. sdn, man. | Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. wgn, auto. | Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man. | Outback 3.0 R wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 60 | 62 | 63 | 56.5 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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