2008 Subaru Outback Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Subaru Outback gets freshened exterior and interior styling. These SUV-flavored wagons have all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed engines. Note that the sedan body style has been discontinued. Outbacks share their basic design with Subaru's midsize Legacy, but have a slightly raised suspension. Outbacks come in base, 2.5i, 2.5i L.L. Bean, 2.5 XT Limited, and 3.0 R L.L. Bean trims. All base and 2.5i models have a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. XT Limiteds have a 243-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, and the 3.0 R has a 245-hp 6-cylinder. Manual transmission is standard on 4-cylinder models. Automatic transmission is standard on 3.0 Rs, optional on other Outbacks. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. All have a 60/40 split folding rear seatback. All '08 Outback models have a revised instrument panel, and a telescopic function is added to the standard tilt steering column.

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 Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.

News

These cars should mark time for the next couple of years.

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2008 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

2.5i 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

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2008 Subaru Outback Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/29/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door wagon, manual	$21,995	$20,720	$645

Base 4-door wagon, automatic	$22,995	$21,632	$645

2.5i 4-door wagon, manual	$23,595	$22,188	$645

2.5i 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,595	$23,100	$645

2.5i L.L. Bean Edition 4-door wagon, automatic	$26,295	$24,659	$645

2.5 XT Limited 4-door wagon, manual	$30,995	$28,795	$645

2.5 XT Limited 4-door wagon, automatic	$32,195	$29,889	$645

3.0 R L.L. Bean 4-door wagon, automatic	$31,495	$29,350	$645

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

Base

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, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, roof rails, 225/60VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

2.5i adds to Base:

Powertrain

Rear limited-slip differential.

Comfort and Convenience Features

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

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack, fog lights, 225/55VR17 tires.

2.5i L.L. Bean Edition adds to 2.5i:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, navigation system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.

2.5 XT Limited adds to 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition:

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, mirror-mounted turn signals, dual power sunroofs.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: navigation system.

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

Powertrain

3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.

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
Limited Pkg.
2.5i L.L. Bean Edition	$2,700	$2,426
Leather upholstery, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual power sunroofs.

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, 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition, Base	$381	$248
NA 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition.

Popular Equipment Group 2
Base	$416	$270
Fog lights, mudguards.

Powertrain
California/Northeast emissions
Base, 2.5i, 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition	$200	$200
Required in Calif., Mass., Maine, Vt., N.Y., Pa.

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

Safety
Antiskid system
2.5i, 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition	$300	$275
Includes traction control. Requires automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
XT Limited, 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition	$2,000	$1,721


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

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


Satellite radio
2.5 XT Limited, 2.5i, 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition, 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition, Base	$456	$342


Remote engine start
automatic	$442	$288


Cargo cover
Base	$165	$108


Cargo tray
Base	$75	$46


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


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack
Base	$190	$111


Fog lights
Base	$250	$162


Mud guards
Base	$166	$108


Trailer hitch
wagon	$353	$229

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2008 Subaru Outback Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Subaru Outback 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	105.1

Overall Length, in.	188.7

Overall Width, in.	69.7

Overall Height, in.	61.6

Curb Weight, lbs.	3320

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	66.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.9

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	44.1

Rear Head Room, in.	39.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	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.	170 @ 6000	243 @ 6000	245 @ 6600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	170 @ 4400	241 @ 3600	215 @ 4200

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	19/26	18/24	--/--

4-speed automatic	20/26	--/--	--/--

5-speed automatic	--/--	18/24	17/24

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 wagon

4WD Rollover	4

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	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

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2008 Subaru Outback
Trim Level: 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition
Arrival Date: 08/23/2007
Engine: sohc H4
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $27,695
Price as Tested: $30,700
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 1826
Mileage at End of Test: 2710
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 37.666 gals.

Major Options: LL Bean Edition Package, Popular Equipment: Auto Dimming Mirror/Security System, XM Radio Kit

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.47 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
John Biel It's unfortunate that the 6-cylinder engine is available only in the highest trim level, which ramps up the cost. However, as expensive as the Outback can be relative to competitors, it has been an impressive and pleasing car since its debut, and remains a must-see for shoppers in the segment thanks to its utility and capability.

Rick Cotta A fully optioned L.L. Bean can approach $35,000, but aside from a meager amount of interior storage space, it's difficult to fault. The Subaru name may lack the panache to play in that price class, but the car doesn't.

Tom Appel Value is a funny thing. Is this well-appointed Outback a bargain premium car, or a pricey mainstream sedan? Depends who you ask. I'm taken by the rich leather, warm interior tones, general sense of solidity, and standard all-wheel drive. Others may argue that this is just a Subaru, and it costs a cool $5000 more than a comparably equipped Honda Accord (AWD withstanding). The truth is, Subies get away with near-premium pricing because their fan club is ultra loyal. And if you accept Outback as a premium rig, then you just saved yourself some cash. Note that Outback resale value is better than that of the Lexus ES350. Premium, indeed.

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Also in the 2008 Subaru Outback Review:

Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback Road Test

Subaru Outback Prices & Equipment

Subaru Outback Specs & Safety

Subaru Outback Photos

Subaru Outback Full Review

Subaru Outback New Car Quote