2015 Subaru Outback Stays Family-Friendly
Fifteen years ago, this very nervous father loaded his newborn son into the car seat of a Subaru Outback outside of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. The car model was no coincidence. I’d chosen it after considering all the options in my search for the best family safety-wagon money could buy a frugal New Englander.
Fast forward a decade-and-a-half. This week, I tested the all-new 2015 Subaru Outback Premium 2.5i. After 10 minutes with the car, I realized the respectable qualities Subaru’s Outback had back in the last century are astutely magnified in this modern version.
Subaru always has distinguished itself as a safety standout in the affordable family-hauler division. The Outback can be equipped with the most advanced safety features available; notably, the optional Subaru EyeSight driver assist safety suite that includes forward collision prevention and lane departure warning. The Outback is solid, it aces all the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s crash tests, and it earns the top prize in their safety ratings—the IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, my Outback Premium, which sells for $30,340, did not have the optional EyeSight system, which was a bit of a disappointment given the heavy safety marketing Subaru is doing.
How does this sport utility vehicle pretending to be a station wagon drive? It handles perfectly well. The ride is firm, but not harsh. In corners, there is no sensation of tippiness, and the steering is light and direct. This car’s 4-cylinder engine only makes 175 horsepower, but somehow it manages to feel very snappy around town. There is no drama merging onto the highway. In comparison to family sedans, the Outback holds its own.
When the Outback switched to a constantly variable transmission (CVT) to help with fuel efficiency, I remember thinking that would be the end of any fun in this model. How wrong I was. This gearless transmission gives the sensation of shifting and feels just fine. The EPA-estimated fuel efficiency is now very good at 28 mpg combined and 33 mpg highway on regular unleaded. These numbers match the 2015 Honda CR-V, which has set the bar for fuel economy in the family 4-cylinder crossover market. In my combined suburban and highway driving, I achieved 29 mpg.
What makes the Outback a better family vehicle than a sedan or coupe is that the wagon layout allows for dramatically more usable storage room. The vehicle is also raised up a bit. Added height is good for seeing over the tops of snowbanks and for a variety of other safety reasons. Speaking of snow, bring it on. The added ride height and standard AWD make these Subies a blast when the white stuff piles up. Get some winter tires, and you have the ultimate winter car.
What started as a station wagon is now a long, slightly lower version of a sport ute. The tailgate opens to a huge maw of a storage area that will swallow your baby jogger, fishing rods, and lots of other gear when it’s time to head to your vacation spot. This is a three-hockey-bag vehicle. I will also tell you from experience that its flat-floored, hip-high cargo area is the perfect spot to use as a changing table. What you cannot stash inside your Outback will fit in a pod or cargo bag on the roof, which comes prepped with rails. That roof is also ideal for a Christmas tree. The many ways this tall wagon proves itself the most practical design are never ending.
The Outback’s optional navigation and infotainment system has a simple-to-use touch screen with class-leading clarity. The Outback has audio volume and tuner buttons, and the HVAC system can be controlled on its own, so you don’t have to search through menus to do common tasks. The full Pandora App integration was a real treat.
The greenhouse of the Outback is very airy. There are no blind spots. The seating is comfortable, and five can easily ride in comfort. The height advantage of the Outback compared to a sedan proves helpful when putting children into car seats. I liked the cloth seat materials. Coupled with the front seat heaters, they feel cozy when it’s cold.
My wish list to improve the Outback line would begin with adding EyeSight to every Subaru Outback. Why make safety optional in a car built for families? Go all-in Subaru. I would also suggest a full-size spare tire. These are vacation cars. Nobody wants to deal with a temporary spare’s limitations when they are on the ride home from Bar Harbor on Labor Day. Maybe also add “Smeared Chocolate Chip Cookie’’ as an interior color.
The Subaru Outback started as a crude economy wagon with a lift kit. It has matured into one of the best family vehicles on the market. Because is it so safe and offers such great value, the Subaru Outback is a very hard vehicle for family-vehicle shopper to ignore. Especially if you are planning to take home your first bundle of joy.
2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium
THE BASICS
Price, as tested (with $850 destination): $30,340. Fuel Economy: 28 mpg combined, 33 highway. Drivetrain: 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine, CVT transmission, AWD. Body: 4-door crossover/wagon.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 175 hp. Torque: 174 lb.-ft.. Length 189.6 in. Wheelbase 108.1 in. Height: 66.1 in. Width: 72.4 in. Curb weight: 3,593 lbs. Ground clearance: 8.7 in.
THE GOOD
A very safe, very practical family crossover with great fuel economy.
THE BAD
Some safety is optional.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Subaru offers family buyers a great alternative to bloated and boxy SUVs. Its layout is nearly ideal, its safety offers families peace of mind, and it is easy on the wallet.
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