2006 Subaru Outback Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

An available navigation system highlights the '06 changes for Subaru's highbuilt wagon. The SUV-flavored Outback shares chassis and engines with the Legacy and comes in sedan and wagon body styles. Compared to Legacy, Outback has a slightly raised suspension. Each model has all-wheel drive and a horizontally opposed engine. Outback 2.5i models have a 175-hp 4-cyl. Outback 2.5 XT models have a turbocharged 250-hp 4-cyl. Outback 3.0 R models have a 250-hp 6-cyl. The Rs come only with automatic transmission. Other models offer manual or automatic. The automatics have manual-shift capability. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags are standard. An antiskid system is exclusive to the Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited. The new navigation system is standard in the 3.0 R VDC Limited and is available on other models.

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 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.

News

Though recently redesigned, the Legacy/Outback line will eventually get the signature Subaru face introduced with the B9 Tribeca SUV and now the Impreza passenger cars. Apart from that and the usual features shuffling, these cars should mark time for the next couple of years.

2006 Subaru Outback Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Engine response (turbos)

All-wheel drive	Shift action (manual transmission)

Instruments/controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

2006 Subaru Outback Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 02/06/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5i 4-door wagon	$24,795	$23,187	$625

2.5i Limited 4-door sedan	$27,395	$25,512	$625

2.5 XT 4-door wagon	$28,595	$26,641	$625

3.0 R 4-door sedan	$28,995	$26,996	$625

3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition 4-door sedan	$31,295	$29,058	$625

3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition 4-door wagon	$32,495	$30,150	$625

3.0 R VDC Limited 4-door wagon	$35,695	$33,066	$625

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

2.5i

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, center locking differential, rear limited-slip differential.

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, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated 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 w/deicer, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rack, 255/55VR17 tires, alloy wheels.

2.5i Limited adds to 2.5i:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate controls, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

2.5 XT adds to 2.5i:

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, mirror-mounted turn signals.

3.0 R adds 2.5 XT:

Powertrain

3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Tire-pressure monitor.

3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition adds to 3.0 R:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, 4-way power passenger seat, trunk pass-through (sedan), single power sunroof (sedan), dual power sunroofs (wagon), automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: split folding rear seat (sedan), cargo cover (sedan), intermittent rear wiper/washer (sedan), roof rack (sedan).

3.0 R VDC Limited adds to 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition:

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Deletes: limited-slip differential, automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Navigation system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, universal garage-door opener.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Limited Edition
2.5i wagon	$2,800	$2,518
Leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Limited Pkg.
2.5 XT	$2,400	$2,144
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 4-way power driver seat, dual sunroofs.

Performance Group 1
2.5i, 2.5 XT	$650	$422
Short-throw shifter, metal pedals, leather-wrapped shift knob. NA w/automatic transmission.

Popular Equipment Group 1
3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition	$198	$129
Universal garage-door opener, security system shock sensor.

Popular Equipment Group 1 w/universal garage-door opener
2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5 XT, 3.0 R	$381	$248


Outdoor Recreation Group 2
wagon	$525	$316
sedan	$460	$267
Roof rack w/bin basket and bike carrier.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
2.5i	$1,000	$912
Std. 2.5i Limited.

5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
2.5 XT	$1,200	$1,094


Short-throw shifter
2.5 XT, 2.5i	$374	$243
NA w/automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.5i Limited, 2.5 XT, 3.0 R, 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition	$2,000	$1,823
Requires automatic transmission.

Automatic day/night rearview mirror
2.5 XT, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 3.0 R, 3.0 R VDC Limited	$183	$119
Includes compass. Std. 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition.

Automatic day/night rearview mirror w/universal garage-door opener
2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5 XT, 3.0 R	$260	$169
3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition	$77	$50


Rubber floormats
2.5 XT, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 3.0 R, 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition, 3.0 R VDC Limited	$55	$33


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
sedan	$389	$292


Trailer hitch
wagon	$353	$229

2006 Subaru Outback Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Subaru Outback 4-door sedan	Subaru Outback 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	105.1	105.1

Overall Length, in.	186.2	188.7

Overall Width, in.	69.7	69.7

Overall Height, in.	59.1	61.6

Curb Weight, lbs.	3320	3320

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.4	66.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.9	16.9

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.6	40.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	44.1	44.1

Rear Head Room, in.	36.5	39.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	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.	175 @ 5600	250 @ 6000	250 @ 6600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	169 @ 4000	250 @ 3600	219 @ 4200

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/29	20/29	--/--

4-speed automatic	23/30	--/--	--/--

5-speed automatic	--/--	19/25	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 Outback 4-door sedan	Subaru Outback 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5

Rollover Resistance	4	4

Side Impact, Driver	5	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	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

< 2006 Subaru Outback Photos

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