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2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy Review
Subaru redesigns its midsize cars for 2005, giving them new styling, additional features, and more power. Exterior dimensions grow fractionally. Both the Legacy and the SUV-flavored Outback come in sedan and wagon form. They share the same platform, but the Outback has a slightly raised suspension. All-wheel drive is again standard, as are horizontally opposed engines. Legacy and Outback 2.5i models have a 168-hp 2.5-liter 4-cyl and come with manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. Legacy 2.5 GT and Outback 2.5 XT models have a new turbocharged version of that engine with 250 hp. They come with manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate and steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons. Topping the line are the Outback 3.0 R sedan and wagon. They have a 3.0-liter 6-cyl engine with 250 hp, up from 212, and come only with the 5-speed automatic. Standard on all Legacys and Outbacks are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. The Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited wagon adds an antiskid system. Available features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, woodgrain interior trim, automatic climate control, and heated windshield wipers.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.
News
Though just redesigned, the Legacy/Outback line will eventually get the new signature Subaru face introduced with the B9 Tribeca SUV. No word on timing, but the frontal motif will involve a roughly triangular center section with flanking "wing" air slots, a graphic reference to Subaru's former aircraft business. Otherwise, this basic design should stand pat for a few years. However, we think Subaru will add a high-performance Legacy at some near-term point, if only to build on the sales-boosting image of its racy, youth-favored Impreza WRX and STi. Subaru has long offered hot Legacys in Japan and Europe, so a U.S. edition would not be difficult.
2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy Road Test
Pros Cons
Steering/handling Engine response (turbos)
All-wheel drive Shift action (manual transmission)
Instruments/controls
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
45
Average Score
56
High Score
71
2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/14/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Legacy 2.5i 4-door sedan $21,295 $19,678 $575
Legacy 2.5i 4-door wagon $22,295 $20,589 $575
Legacy 2.5i Limited 4-door sedan $24,545 $22,607 $575
Legacy 2.5i Limited 4-door wagon $25,745 $23,701 $575
Legacy 2.5 GT 4-door sedan $26,095 $24,018 $575
Legacy 2.5 GT 4-door wagon $27,095 $24,929 $575
Legacy 2.5 GT Limited 4-door sedan $28,595 $26,294 $575
Legacy 2.5 GT Limited 4-door wagon $29,795 $27,386 $575
Outback 2.5i 4-door wagon $24,295 $22,409 $575
Outback 2.5i Limited 4-door wagon $27,095 $24,929 $575
Outback 2.5 XT 4-door wagon $28,095 $25,839 $575
Outback 2.5 XT Limited 4-door wagon $30,795 $28,296 $575
Outback 3.0 R 4-door sedan $31,095 $28,569 $575
Outback 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition 4-door wagon $32,295 $29,662 $575
Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited 4-door wagon $33,495 $30,754 $575
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Subaru of America. Prices may vary in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Legacy 2.5i
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through (sedan), split folding rear seat (wagon), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover (wagon), rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails (wagon), 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Legacy 2.5i Limited adds to Legacy 2.5i:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated power mirrors, single power sunroof (sedan), dual power sunroofs (wagon), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Wiper deicer, fog lights.
Legacy 2.5 GT adds to Legacy 2.5i:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Wiper deicer, fog lights, 215/45ZR17 tires.
Legacy 2.5 GT Limited adds to Legacy 2.5 GT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 4-way power passenger seat, single power sunroof (sedan), dual power sunroofs (wagon).
Outback 2.5i adds to Legacy 2.5i:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, cargo tray, wiper deicer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rack, raised suspension, 225/60HR16 tires.
Outback 2.5i Limited adds to Outback 2.5i:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate controls, dual power sunroofs, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Outback 2.5 XT adds to Outback 2.5i Limited:
Powertrain
2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
4-way power passenger seat, mirror-mounted turn signals.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: leather upholstery, dual power sunroofs.
225/55VR17 tires.
Outback 2.5 XT Limited adds Outback 2.5 XT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, dual power sunroofs.
Outback 3.0 R/3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition adds Outback 2.5 XT Limited:
Powertrain
3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, single power sunroof (sedan), dual power sunroofs (wagon), automatic day/night rearview mirror (L.L. Bean Edition).
Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited adds to Outback 3.0 R/3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition:
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Deletes: limited-slip differential, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, universal garage-door opener.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Outdoor Recreation Group 2
Legacy wagon
$675
$401
Outback wagon
$525
$316
Roof rack w/cargo basket and bike carrier.
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
2.5i, 2.5i Limited
$1,000
$911
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
2.5 GT, 2.5 GT Limited, 2.5 XT, 2.5 XT Limited
$1,200
$1,094
Short-throw shifter
Legacy 2.5 GT, Legacy 2.5 GT Limited, Legacy 2.5i, Legacy 2.5i Limited, Outback 2.5 XT, Outback 2.5 XT Limited, Outback 2.5i, Outback 2.5i Limited
$339
$221
NA w/automatic transmission.
California/Northeast emissions
2.5i, 2.5i Limited
$200
$200
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Legacy 2.5 GT, Legacy 2.5 GT Limited, Legacy 2.5i, Legacy 2.5i Limited, Outback 2.5 XT, Outback 2.5 XT Limited, Outback 2.5i, Outback 2.5i Limited, Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited, Outback 3.0 R/3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition
$183
$119
Includes compass. Std. 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition.
Rubber floormats
Legacy 2.5 GT, Legacy 2.5 GT Limited, Legacy 2.5i, Legacy 2.5i Limited, Outback 2.5 XT, Outback 2.5 XT Limited, Outback 2.5i, Outback 2.5i Limited, Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited, Outback 3.0 R/3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition
$55
$33
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
sedan
$380
$285
Roof rack
Legacy wagon
$150
$85
Fog lights
Legacy 2.5i
$365
$274
Trailer hitch
Outback wagon
$369
$240
2005 Subaru Outback and Legacy Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Subaru Legacy 4-door sedan Subaru Legacy 4-door wagon Subaru Outback 4-door sedan Subaru Outback 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 105.1 105.1 105.1 105.1
Overall Length, in. 186.2 188.7 188.7 188.7
Overall Width, in. 68.1 68.1 69.7 69.7
Overall Height, in. 56.1 58.1 59.1 61.6
Curb Weight, lbs. 3200 3255 3545 3310
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 11.4 66.2 11.4 66.2
Standard Payload, lbs. -- -- -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 16.9 16.9 16.9 16.9
Seating Capacity 5 5 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.5 40.5 37.5 38.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 44.1 44.1 44.1 44.1
Rear Head Room, in. 36.5 39.1 36.5 37.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.9 33.9 33.9 33.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc H4 Turbocharged dohc H4 dohc H6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.5 /150 2.5 /150 3.0 /183
Horsepower @ rpm. 168 @ 5600 250 @ 6000 250 @ 6600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 166 @ 4000 250 @ 3600 219 @ 4200
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 23/28 17/19 --/--
4-speed automatic 22/28 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic --/-- 19/24 19/25
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Subaru Legacy 4-door sedan Subaru Legacy 4-door wagon Subaru Outback 4-door sedan Subaru Outback 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver NA NA 5 5
Front Impact, Passenger NA NA 5 5
Side Impact, Driver NA NA 5 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger NA NA 5 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2005 Subaru Outback
Trim Level:  Outback 2.5 XT Limited
Arrival Date:  08/30/2004
Engine:  Turbocharged dohc H4
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $30,695
Price as Tested:  $32,470
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  7202
Mileage at End of Test:  7391
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  12.226 gals.
 

Major Options:  5-speed Automatic Transmission

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  15.46 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Rick Cotta The LL Bean edition with its 6-cyl engine and standard automatic costs about the same as this turbo XT with optional automatic. I think I'd like the 'Bean better as this turbo/auto combo wasn't happy in city traffic. But either way, you're in the $32,000 range that would buy some pretty impressive competitors.

Tom Appel Though $32K seems like a lot, this Subie is more stealthy Euro alternative than mainsteam midsize competitor. Subaru resale is decent, and this car exudes sporty confidence and quality. I would either skip the turbo or opt for the manual transmission, though. The turbo/auto setup is useless for daily urban work.

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