Acceleration

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
5	6	6	6	5.6

Non-turbocharged 4-cylinder models have enough power for most driving, but lack reserve muscle for passing and merging. Turbocharged 243-hp 4-cylinder models provide good power--7.8 seconds 0-60 mph in our tests. Throttle response is dulled by annoying turbo lag. Some find the manual transmission to have imprecise, overly long shift action. Note that a short-throw shifter is optional. Six-cylinder models muster less midrange muscle than turbos and can also suffer delayed around-town throttle response. A 3.0 R L.L. Bean did 7.9 seconds 0-60 mph in our test.

Fuel Economy

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a 2.5i L.L. Bean averaged 23.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. An XT Limited with manual transmission averaged just 15.5 mpg in mostly city driving. An XT with automatic averaged 18.3 mpg in city/highway driving, 23.5 with more highway use. Outback 3.0 R averaged 21.6 in mostly highway driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Subaru recommends premium-grade gas for the 6-cylinder and requires it for the turbo four. The 2.5i uses regular.

Ride Quality

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6

Outback rides more firmly than a traditional family sedan, but it's always controlled and never harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6

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

Quietness

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6

Turbocharged and 6-cylinder engines are subdued and refined. Some testers complain of body drumming over broken pavement. A fair amount of road and wind noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds.

Controls

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.3

The revised gauges are brightly lit, but they're not easy to read in bright sunlight. The navigation system is separate from audio and climate controls, though the screen is small and difficult to read at a glance.

Details

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.5

Assembly quality has been good on models tested. With revamped interior, materials are class appropriate, though nothing special given Subaru's near-premium pricing.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.7

Plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders. All seats are comfortable. Visibility is unobstructed to all corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.1

Headroom is quite good. Foot space is cramped, even with the front seats raised. The cushion is mounted on the low side, forcing passengers to ride in an uncomfortable knees-up position.

Cargo Room

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
8	8	8	8	4

Standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold almost flat. These wagons have low liftover but no opening glass. Available cargo cover and an under-floor storage bin are additional conveniences. Interior small-item storage lacking, disappointing for an "active lifestyle" vehicle.

Value within Class

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
5	4	5	4	6.2

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 available safety features.

Total Score

2.5i L.L. Bean	2.5 XT Limited, manual	2.5 XT Limited, automatic	3.0 R L.L. Bean	Class Average
65	65	66	65	63

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74