The Subaru Outback is an odd looking thing, like a misshaped cross between a wagon and an SUV. But just like the mule, it's hardy and powerful, dependable in most situations you might consider throwing it against.
Updates have been frequent, but as the model age, a replacement is expected to debut as soon as next month's Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the very car Subaru will show then, looking a bit more like a normal crossover SUV than a wagon. This is good, and so is the fact that Japanese engineers are eying a very serious rival, the Audi Q5.
Most of the engineering will go into the chassis of the Outback, where Subaru hopes to add more rigidity and strength. The engines will be carryovers from the Legacy, which means a base 2.5-liter and a six-cylinder 3.6-liter unit, both boxers, in America.
US-spec models should put down 175 hp and 174 lb-ft for the 2.5-liter and 256 hp and 247 lb-ft for the sixer. All-wheel drive will come as standard, this being a Subaru and all.
Over in Europe, the Onew Outback will come a little later, probably right after Paris in October. There, a 2-liter boxer diesel will also be available, mated to a Lineartronic CVT.
Remember the Viziv II concept from Geneva? Turns out there's a good reason they made a second version of an old car. It actually previews the Outback in many ways, as you can see from the glowing daytime running lights in the lower bumper. However, Subarus are for practical people, so don't expect a crazy design.
Most of the engineering will go into the chassis of the Outback, where Subaru hopes to add more rigidity and strength. The engines will be carryovers from the Legacy, which means a base 2.5-liter and a six-cylinder 3.6-liter unit, both boxers, in America.
US-spec models should put down 175 hp and 174 lb-ft for the 2.5-liter and 256 hp and 247 lb-ft for the sixer. All-wheel drive will come as standard, this being a Subaru and all.
Over in Europe, the Onew Outback will come a little later, probably right after Paris in October. There, a 2-liter boxer diesel will also be available, mated to a Lineartronic CVT.
Remember the Viziv II concept from Geneva? Turns out there's a good reason they made a second version of an old car. It actually previews the Outback in many ways, as you can see from the glowing daytime running lights in the lower bumper. However, Subarus are for practical people, so don't expect a crazy design.