2005-2008 Subaru Outback and Legacy: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Subaru redesigned its midsize cars for 2005 with fresh styling, slightly larger dimensions, additional features, and more power. As before, the Legacy and SUV-flavored Outback offered sedans and wagons on a shared platform. Legacy again targeted mainstream passenger-car buyers, while Outback kept its focus as a car-based SUV substitute with an elevated suspension and "off-road" styling elements. All-wheel drive remained standard across the board. So did engines with horizontally opposed cylinders. Legacy and Outback 2.5i models used a 168-hp 4-cyl with manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. A new 250-hp turbocharged version of that engine powered Legacy 2.5 GT/GT Limited and Outback 2.5 XT models, which offered manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic. Again topping the line were the Outback 3.0 R sedan, L.L. Bean Edition wagon, and VDC Limited wagon. They came only with the 5-speed automatic and a 3.0-liter 6-cyl engine uprated to 212 hp to 250. Both automatic transmissions included a manual-shift feature. All these Subarus came with antilock brakes, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. An antiskid system was standard on the Outback 3.0 R VDC wagon, but was otherwise unavailable. Optional features, depending on model, included leather upholstery, heated front seats, woodgrain interior trim, automatic climate control, and heated windshield wipers.