Acceleration

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
6	6	6	5.6

No opportunity to test 175-hp Outback 2.5i. Turbocharged Outback 2.5 XT Limited provides 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 is 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. Test Outback 3.0 R did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph.

Fuel Economy

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
4	4	5	5.2

Test Outback XT with manual averaged 15.5. Outback 3.0 R averaged 21.6 in test that included plenty of highway driving and gas-eating performance runs. Turbocharged and 6-cyl models require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
7	7	7	6.1

Both the Legacy and Outback have a taught ride, but the more softly tuned Outbacks with 17-in wheels iron out bumps better.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
5	6	6	6.1

On twisting roads and in turns Outbacks are composed and have modest body lean. The raised suspension softer springs of the Outback keep overall handling levels below a Legacy or Honda Accord. Still, Outback handles better than virtually any SUV. Brakes feel strong on all.

Quietness

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
7	7	7	6.2

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

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
7	7	7	6.8

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. No opportunity to evaluate with navigation system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
6	6	6	6.6

Plenty of leg room, but head room tight for taller riders. All seats comfortable. Interior storage adequate. Unobstructed visibility to all corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
5	5	5	5

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

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
2	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 under-floor storage bin are additional wagon conveniences.

Value within Class

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
6	7	7	6.1

Though pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors, Outback appeals for its all-wheel-drive capability and numerous standard safety features. In addition, Outback offers the flavor of "real" SUVs with carlike ride, handling, and fuel economy. The Outbacks are our Recommended picks.

Total Score

Outback 2.5i sdn, man.	Outback 2.5 XT Ltd. wgn, man.	Outback 3.0 R wgn	Class Average
55	62	63	58.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70