2007 Subaru Outback Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

These SUV-flavored sedans and wagons have all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed engines. Outbacks share their basic design with Subaru's midsize Legacy, but have a slightly raised suspension. Outbacks come in 2.5i, 2.5 XT, and 3.0 R L.L. Bean trim. The 2.5i models have a 175-hp 4-cyl engine. XTs have a 243-hp turbocharged 4-cyl and the 3.0 R has a 245-hp 6-cyl. Manual transmission is standard on 4-cyl models. Automatic transmission is standard on 3.0 Rs, optional on other Outbacks. ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags are standard. An antiskid system is standard on XT and 3.0 R, unavailable otherwise. All have a 60/40 split folding reart seatback. Remote engine start is newly available for automatic-transmission versions.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.

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.

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2007 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

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean wgn	Class Average
6	6	6	5.9

No opportunity to test 175-hp model. Turbocharged 243-hp 4-cyl models provide good power--7.8 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. But throttle response dulled by annoying turbo lag. Some find manual transmission to have imprecise, overly long shift action. Note that short-throw shifter is optional. Six-cyl models muster less midrange muscle than turbos and can also suffer delayed around-town throttle response. Test 3.0 R L.L. Bean did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph.

Fuel Economy

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean wgn	Class Average
4	4	5	5.1

Test XT with manual transmission averaged 15.5 mpg in mostly city driving. XT with automatic averaged 18.3 mpg in city/highway driving. Outback 3.0 R averaged 21.6 in mostly highway driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Turbocharged and 6-cyl models require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean wgn	Class Average
7	7	7	6.1

Outback rides more firmly than a traditional family sedan, but ride is always controled and never harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean wgn	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

All Outbacks have linear, predictable steering. Some body lean noticed, but they handle better than virtually any SUV. Brakes feel strong on all.

Quietness

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean 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

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean wgn	Class Average
7	6	7	6.7

Gauges clear, easily seen. All controls within arm's reach. Navigation system easy to use, operates independently of audio and climate controls. 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)

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean wgn	Class Average
6	6	6	6.8

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean wgn	Class Average
5	5	5	5.1

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

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean wgn	Class Average
7	7	7	4.8

Sedans have wide trunk opening, low liftover. Hinges shrouded, but take up some space. Standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold almost flat. Wagons have low liftover but no opening glass. Standard cargo cover and under-floor storage bin are additional wagon conveniences.

Value within Class

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean wgn	Class Average
5	5	5	6.3

Outbacks offer the flavor of SUVs but with carlike size, ride, and handling. They're pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors, but appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability and numerous standard safety features.

Total Score

2.5 XT, man.	2.5 XT w/nav. sys., auto.	3.0 R L.L. Bean wgn	Class Average
60	59	61	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69

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2007 Subaru Outback Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 11/14/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5i Basic 4-door wagon, manual	$21,995	$20,720	$625

2.5i Basic 4-door wagon, automatic	$22,995	$21,632	$625

2.5i Base 4-door wagon, manual	$23,595	$22,188	$625

2.5i Base 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,595	$23,100	$625

2.5i Limited 4-door sedan, automatic	$26,395	$24,712	$625

2.5i Limited 4-door wagon, automatic	$27,395	$25,620	$625

2.5 XT Limited 4-door wagon, manual	$30,995	$28,795	$625

2.5 XT Limited 4-door wagon, automatic	$32,195	$29,889	$625

2.5 XT Limited 4-door wagon w/navigation, automatic	$34,195	$31,172	$625

3.0 R L.L. Bean 4-door sedan, automatic	$30,295	$28,258	$625

3.0 R L.L. Bean 4-door wagon, automatic	$31,495	$29,350	$625

3.0 R L.L. Bean 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic	$32,295	$30,081	$625

3.0 R L.L. Bean 4-door wagon w/navigation, automatic	$33,495	$31,172	$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 Basic

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, center locking 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, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 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-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, 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, fog lights, roof rails (wagon), 225/60VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

2.5i Base adds to 2.5i Basic:

Powertrain

Rear limited-slip differential.

Safety

Tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, wiper deicer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

225/55VR17 tires.

2.5i Limited adds to 2.5i Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, single power sunroof (sedan), dual power sunroofs (wagon), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.

2.5 XT Limited adds to 2.5i Limited:

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, 4-way power passenger seat, mirror-mounted turn signals.

3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition adds 2.5 XT Limited:

Powertrain

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Performance Group 1
2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition,	$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
2.5 XT Limited, 2.5i Base, 2.5i Basic, 2.5i Limited	$381	$248
NA 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition.

Outdoor Recreation Group
wagon	$525	$316
Roof-mounted cargo bin basket and bike carrier.

Powertrain
California/Northeast emissions
2.5 XT Limited, 2.5i Base, 2.5i Basic, 2.5i Limited, 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition	$200	$200
Required in Calif., Mass., Maine, Vt., N.Y.

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

Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
2.5 XT Limited, 2.5i Base, 2.5i Basic, 2.5i 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 Special Edition 2.5i Limited 2.5 XT Limited	$260	$169
3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition	$77	$50


Satellite radio
2.5 XT Limited, 2.5i Base, 2.5i Basic, 2.5i Limited, 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition	$445	$334


Remote engine start
automatic	$442	$288


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


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
wagon	$179	$111


Roof cargo bin
wagon	$335	$208


Trailer hitch
wagon	$353	$229

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2007 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	243 @ 6000	245 @ 6600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	169 @ 4000	241 @ 3600	215 @ 4200

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/29	20/26	--/--

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

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

< 2007 Subaru Outback Photos

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Also in the 2007 Subaru Outback Review:

Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback Road Test

Subaru Outback Prices & Equipment

Subaru Outback Specs & Safety

Subaru Outback Photos

Subaru Outback Full Review