Overview:
This week my ride is the 2015 Subaru Outback midsize crossover that they say rides on an all new platform with extensive quietening revisions including an acoustic windshield and liquid filled engine mounts. The interior space has been increased even though the footprint is essentially the same.
I felt good in this car for many reasons. It looks good, if performs well, it is comfortable and it doesn’t cost much money to operate.
Opinion:
When it comes to American industry and particularly the auto industry we can surely say Yes We Can. It is, of course, not in reference to Obama’s charge to the presidency. This is the REAL world where Yes we Can means something tangible. And Yes “WE DID THAT” applies to founding, settling and spreading out to tame the wilds of North America. It was done as a result of American Ingenuity at work to build things without the interference of a government who has the audacity to imply Government Did That. American Entrepreneurs built the economies of the free world and don’t you forget it. If the government did have anything to do with successful people it was that they stayed the hell out of the way. Apparently those in government today have indeed forgotten WHO made this country great. Yes we can was not just a slogan back then, it was a way of living.
General Information: It is assembled in // n/a. Classification is Midsize. Cars from Subaru: BRZ, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca, WRX, XV Crosstrek.
Handling & Performance:
All Subaru’s are always AWD on all models and that gives Subaru cars that comfort and confidence you want in a car. It allows you to get the best performance in all road conditions that are not available on most cars that don’t come standard with AWD. I took this Outback for a ride through the San Gabriel Mountains of California which is a favorite test area for me. I call it the Crest Test since it is the route over Angeles Crest Highway between La Canada past the turn off to Mount Wilson and down into the high desert just to the west of Palmdale. It really did perform wonderfully and the more I drive these Subaru’s the more I like them. AWD hugs the road in all of the hundreds of turns on that road and it is simply a more comfortable ride when the vehicle is sure footed like a cat.
Styling:
Rather typical for SUV’s and Crossover’s, which is a good thing. I’m conservative by nature and don’t like radical departures from the norm. I prefer a nice looking automobile, not one that is hurting for attention and get it with outrageous designs. You know, kind of like those kids that walk around with their pants down below their but cracks.
Inside it is well appointed with a luxurious and attractive soft fabric interior – nice job Subaru.
Fit and Finish:
Consistently good assembly can be counted on.
Cost:
It is competitive in class but does so with standard AWD on all models which gives added value to the package price.
Conveniences and comfort:
“Loaded” as they say and I particularly appreciate the “Lane Departure” feature to go along with the “Adaptive Cruise Control” and blind spot warning signal. I know these will soon be on all cars and should be standard equipment on all cars.
Good News:
A long time performer company with a stellar reputation, great fuel economy, nicely stylish, comfortable, outstanding handling and roadability.
Bad News:
Nothing noted.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 174 horsepower (Boxer) H-4 cylinder engine, symetrical all wheel drive CVT auto tranmission, 8 airbags including new front seat-cushion airbags for safety in frontal collisions, 17” alloy wheels, 10-way power driver seat, split dual zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, windshield wiper deicer, leather wrapped steering wheel, air filtration, fog lights, 7” touch screen display with multi-touch control swipe, scrolling gesture control, voice activated controls, serius XM, SMS text messaging, iTunes tagging and dual USB ports, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, vehicle lane departure warning, new color stereo cameras and steering responsive fog lights, power rear gat e with memory height function, new infotainment includes standard screen display and high resolution backup camera standard on all trims.
Options: you can add moonroof, navigation, blindspot detection and rear cross traffic alert for $3,390.
Gas Stats:
$3.67/ Gal avg. September 30, 2014
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
25 City and 33 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $26,995