Why Choose the Subaru Outback?

It became clear about 30 years ago that the public desire for SUVs would be ongoing, and manufacturers around the world scrambled to develop their own. Most were developing all-new models with tall roofs and shortened bodies but with platforms from their compact or midsize sedans.  Subaru looked at their Legacy Wagon, which already had all-wheel drive and had been a favorite by mountain and snow-bound drivers and outdoor enthusiasts for years, and thought, “Let’s start with that”.

It started as some added cladding, a roof rack, and the name Outback.  But over the decades and across six design generations, the Outback consistently added more capability, sophistication, and performance.  Along the way, it became Subaru’s best-selling model in the U.S. At Subaru of Rochester, we have seen it become a favorite of both the brand’s fiercely loyal fans and those new to Subaru alike. It is a model that simply works beautifully for how crossover owners use their vehicles. 

At Home Off the Road 

Subaru would probably prefer the term “off-pavement”.  As part of the “Subaru Loves the Earth” portion of the Subaru Love Promise, the brand doesn’t encourage people to flatten nature and create their own new dual tracks.  Existing non-paved roads and trails, on the other hand, are the Outback’s playground.

The capability starts with the standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.  It gets its name from the longitudinal engine layout with the transmission and driveshafts behind it.  The system is essentially symmetrical as viewed from above in contrast to most crossovers which have transverse-mounted engines with the transmission on one side.  Subaru’s unusual and compact Boxer configuration enables this without lengthening the hood. Subaru started making all-wheel drive (AWD) cars over 50 years ago, decades before most competitors did the same.  That experience can be seen in the Outback, where the system is enhanced by: 

• ActiveTorque Vectoring – Helps distribute power from one side to the other as is needed
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) – Mitigates on-road lateral traction loss through power distribution and individual wheel braking.
• X-MODE  – Sets power distribution based on specific terrains and conditions.
• Hill Descent Control – Helps you maintain starting speed by managing the throttle and braking while traveling down a steep hill.

Also to be considered is the Outback’s standard 8.7-inch ground clearance, which is higher than most competing crossovers.  The off-road-focused Wilderness model raises this to 9.5 inches and adds a beefed-up suspension, skid plates, and an enhanced X-MODE with specific Snow and Mud modes.

Leaving Ruggedness to the Outdoors

Despite its ground clearance, the Outback retains a convenient low step-in height for both front and rear passenger entry. Once inside, the ruggedness disappears, with the driver and passengers welcomed by a comfortable and spacious interior.  When compared to the best-selling compact crossover, the Toyota RAV4, the Outback has more room in almost every interior measurement. 

The driver enjoys clear sight lines all around.  The base model features two stacked 7-inch touchscreens, but all others have a large vertical 11.6 touchscreen.  Physical controls are retained where they make sense. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is standard and wireless with the big screen, while wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot are available. Upper grades can fill the cabin with spectacular sound from the 12-speaker, 576-watt Harman/Kardon audio system. It features Harman’s Clari-Fi™ Technology which restores and corrects audio fidelity from compressed digital sources, resulting in musical reproduction that sounds clearer, crisper, and more dynamic.

When it comes to carrying cargo, the Outback’s 75.6 cubic feet of space beats most compact crossovers. A long wide cargo floor allows you to lay things out beside one another rather than stack them high. 

Taking Care of Drivers and Passengers

All Outbacks come standard with Subaru’s acclaimed EyeSight suite of safety and Driver assistance features including: 

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keep Assist
• Pre-Collision Braking
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management

In addition, the Outback has an overall 5-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It has also received the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) highest safety designation of Top Safety Pick Plus.  

Comfortable, capable, and safe, the Outback makes a great crossover on many levels.  But it is best experienced rather than read about, so if you are considering a crossover in your future, visit Subaru of Rochester and take an Outback for a test drive. We also offer competitive leasing and financing options to make your Subaru more affordable.