2008 Subaru Outback Wagon

Exploring the Outback

With rugged styling, ample ground clearance, and all-wheel drive, the Subaru Outback Wagon is a reasonable alternative to an upscale SUV.

The Subaru Outback wagon is a car-like alternative to a bigger and less pavement-worthy SUV.

The Outback Wagon is basically a Subaru Legacy Wagon dressed up with SUV-like body cladding, and more ground clearance than ordinary Legacy versions.

It’s available in five separate trim levels: the affordable basic Outback model; the better-equipped 2.5i Wagon; the 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition Wagon, with extras like leather upholstery; the sportier 2.5XT Limited Wagon; and the fully equipped (though costly) 3.0R L.L. Bean Edition Wagon.

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The 2.5i trim levels have a peppy, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed “boxer” four-cylinder engine (this configuration, also used by Porsche, features cylinders that are positioned opposite one another, rather than in line or in a V-shaped design). The 2.5XT Limited Wagon packs a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter powerplant. The 3.0R L.L. Bean Edition Wagon features a smoother, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. The turbocharged engine and the six-cylinder both generate about 40 percent more horsepower than the standard four-cylinder.

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A five-speed manual transmission comes standard with Subaru Outback Wagon versions equipped with the naturally aspirated (that is, non-turbo) four-cylinder engine. A four-speed automatic gearbox that features Sportshift manual control is optional. The Subaru Outback 2.5XT Limited Wagon offers an optional five-speed automatic that also allows manual gear selection. The automatic is the only transmission offered with the 3.0R L.L. Bean Edition Wagon.

The Subaru Outback 2.5XT Limited Wagon includes the automaker’s innovative SI-Drive system. Not to be confused with BMW’s iDrive media-control interface, SI-Drive is closer in execution to BMW’s MDrive system that’s included with the M5 and M6 models. The Subaru Outback Wagon’s SI-Drive allows a driver to maximize engine performance and efficiency according to three selectable modes.

An “Intelligent” setting reduces engine torque and maximum power while engaging a more-relaxed throttle response to help boost fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. “Sport” mode affords quicker throttle response and added power, while the “Sport Sharp” setting delivers more of the engine’s power sooner for the quickest and most-responsive acceleration possible. When the Subaru Outback 2.5XT Limited Wagon is fitted with an automatic gearbox, the system also modifies the transmission’s shift points.

• Subaru Outback Wagon Vehicle Summary

A sophisticated, full-time “Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive” system is standard across the Subaru Outback Wagon line, with different systems included depending on the powertrain. For example, the setup with the four-cylinder manual transmission normally splits power on a 50/50 front-to-rear basis, while the system in the 3.0-liter model normally sends 55 percent of the power to the rear wheels for slightly sportier handling characteristics. In all Subaru Outback all-wheel-drive systems, power is automatically split between the front and rear axles as needed to maintain traction and control.

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The Subaru Outback 2.5XT Limited Wagon and the 3.0R L.L. Bean Edition Wagon include the automaker’s version of stability control, called Vehicle Dynamics Control. Paired with electronic traction control, the system works to minimize wheel slippage over a wide range of driving conditions and situations.

The Subaru Outback Wagon’s interior is well designed and offers reasonable room and comfort no matter which model you choose.

An extensive list of options and dealer accessories is offered for the Subaru Outback Wagons, many of which are outdoor-oriented.