The essential crossover: 2017 Subaru Outback
The fifth generation Subaru Outback, the World’s First Sport-Utility Wagon®, continues as a segment leader after more than 20 years. Offering consumers raised ground clearance, the roomy Outback is available in 2.5i, Premium and Limited trim levels. New for 2017 is Outback Touring, available in both 2.5i and 3.6R models, becoming top trim line and features a comprehensive upgrade over the Limited trim.
Touring trim levels debut featuring a dark gray grille insert and 18-in. wheels with dark gray accents and machined finish. Low-profile roof rails in a silver finish along with lower cladding and Outback badging in chrome accentuate the unique styling of this model. Brilliant Brown Pearl is added to the exterior options while all Touring interiors feature a new Java Brown leather-trimmed upholstery, door panels and armrests with contrasting ivory stitching. Refinements including a unique woodgrain interior finish and piano- black switch panels accents complete the signature look. A heated steering wheel is also standard on Touring.
Also new for 2017, Limited and Touring add Reverse Automatic Braking, which detects object when operating in reverse and automatically triggers an alert and brakes the vehicle to avoid a collision and High Beam Assist as standard equipment.
Base power for the Outback is generated by a 2.5L four-cylinder Boxer engine. Torque is communicated to the wheels through a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission with manual mode and paddle shifters. A robust 3.6L six-cylinder Boxer engine is also an available option for Limited and Touring trim levels. The six-cylinder is teamed to a high-torque Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission with manual mode and paddle shifters. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on all models.
Inside the passenger cabin, the Outback 2.5i models feature STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia with today’s most in-demand user technologies, including: 6.2-inch single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control, iTunes® Tagging, a USB port and auxiliary input jack. Premium adds the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer), dual zone automatic climate control system, 10-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle, electroluminescent instrument panel with LCD color display, auto up/down front windows, illuminated overhead console and front door pull handles and body-color side mirrors. Premium also offers an optional Power Rear gate with height memory.
Both Premium and Limited have a standard STARLINK 7.0” Multimedia Plus system with a high-resolution seven-inch. LCD screen featuring multi-touch gesture controls, Bluetooth hands-free SMS text messaging and dual USB ports.
Subaru’s available EyeSight system partners multiple safety technologies to act as a ‘second set of eyes’ for the driver. The system includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning as well as Lane Keep Assist.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 108.1; overall length: 189.6; width: 72.4; height: 66.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder – 175 hp at 5800 rpm and 174 lbs-ft of torque at 4000 rpm; 3.6L six-cylinder – 256 hp at 6000 rpm and 247 lbs-ft of torque at 4400 rpm
Transmission: Lineartronic CVT automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.0L four-cylinder – 25 city/32 hwy.; 3.6L six-cylinder – 20 city/27 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 73.3 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 2700 pounds
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side impact airbags, dual front/rear head curtain airbags will rollover sensor, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, brake override, electronic brake-force distribution, electronic hill holder, X-mode, hill descent control, hill start assist, active torque vectoring, Bluetooth hands free phone system, remote keyless entry system, and engine immobilizer. 2.5i Premium adds fog lights. 2.5i Limited blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, and lane change assist. 2.5i Touring adds EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (including high beam assist headlights, steering responsive fog lights and reverse automatic braking). 3.6R Limited adds high intensity discharge (HID) low-beam headlights.
Optional safety features include STARLINK Connected Services, navigation system, push-button engine start, and HomeLink garage door opener.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Subaru Outback crossover starts from $26,520 for the 2.5i upto $39,070 for the 3.6R Touring. Destination charges add $875.