Her + His Car Reviews
2015 Subaru Outback Limited
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate, women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| $36,040 | $36,040 |
| Performance | |
| The tried and true only gets better. Really! Ranked #1 in its class by many, the all new 2015 Outback with its 6 cylinder engine and 256 horsepower has plenty o' power off road, on road, down hill and uphill. The CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) helps to reduce engine noise. What helps distinguish this model from others is that fact that it is an all wheel drive, unlike most wagons in its class. We loved the responsiveness of the handling and the way the 17" alloy wheels hugged the roads. Comfortable. Classic. Workhorse. |
3.6 liter, 256 horsepower, six cylinder Boxer engine, with Lineartronic Continuously Variable transmission with six speed manual mode and steering wheel paddle control switches. Both the engine and the transmission were smooth as silk, and you never get the impression that the Outback is heavy or sluggish. It moves with authority. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 20 city and 27 highway miles | 20/27, 22 combined |
| The Car | |
| Once, a true-to-the-core outdoor-enthusiast "niche" auto brand, Subaru with its strong and steady growth has become mainstream and in demand. All due to good business by putting out a terrific product. To that end, the 2015 Outback Lmtd. feels more like a luxury vehicle. You want for little while driving this baby. The design and engineering teams have done a flawless job with finishes, materials an layout of them all that matches the interior of this model up against many better known luxury brands. The exterior "feels Subaru." To that end, this re-designed model has the spaciousness of a Jeep Cherokee or a Toyota Highlander, while the leg room or cargo room is ample. The heated leather seats are comfy galore. The seats in the back also adjust back, and the 60/40 split allow for maximum cargo room. Powerlift gate is also quite useful. Almost 9" of ground clearance with this vehicle... no scrapping or hitting things underneath; yet, not so high off the ground that. In fact, like a wagon, its easier to get into than most SUV's. Oh, and we love that this car made for Americans of all kinds, is made in mid-America. Indiana, precisely. |
One sign of a true luxury car is refinement and details galore---and the 2015 Outback is finished off to the 'enth degree. For instance Subaru finished off and carpeted the space between the seats and the console, as well as installing the seats in such a way that it is almost impossible to drop things and watch them disappear into between the seats oblivion. Another nice touch there are no loud, jarring buzzers or bells to jangle the nerves about putting on seatbelts or turning off lights if you haven't chosen to use the automatic headlights off feature. |
| Safety | |
| There's a lot going on here above and beyond the AWD, and multitudes of airbags. The camera-based Subaru EyeSight features offers pre-collision braking - which can bring the car to a stop if travelling less than 30 miles an hour. The standard Active Torque Vectoring system is innovative - when brake is applied to the front wheels it actually impacts and improves the cornering ability of the vehicle... we like that. Blind spot monitoring, Lane Departure Warning. Push button start. | With such features as standard hill descent control and hill ascent control, all types of bags and belts, the Outback is safety-ready. |
| Technology | |
| The 7" touch screen infotainment system was not just easy to use, it was fun. Swipe the screen or pinch it, we liked how it responded and was intuitive to use. Additionally, a kick 12 speaker Harman Kardon branded audio system with Sirius Satellite radio for all of your listening needs and pleasure. Bluetooth for hands-free tele use; Rearview camera. Mega-Moonroof. HD Radio, CD player, ipod/USB audio interface. | The base Outback 2.5i comes with 17-inch steel wheels, roof rack rails with fold-out crossbars, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 6.2-inch touchscreen interface, a rearview camera and a four-speaker sound system with smartphone integration, HD radio, a CD player and an iPod/USB audio interface. You also can get some the features offered on the Limited installed on one of the lower level trims. Some of the upper trims' features are available on the lower trims as options. Some of them include a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system, keyless entry and ignition and Subaru's EyeSight driver assist system (includes the blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning system and a collision-warning and -mitigation system with brake intervention). |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| Upscale all the way around in the re-designed Outback. From trims, the leathers, to faux woods - it screams almost luxury. As we said earlier, we believe it's a flawlessly designed vehicle. And, a long running reliable one. What a great combination. The exterior is more streamlined than in years past; less clunky. Very attractive overall look and design language. | Subaru's Outback has been around since forever it seems, and it is still the rugged, off-road station wagon it always has been. It is a solidly built wagon, that is as quiet as can be, handles gracefully and capably. But don't think this car is utilitarian. It actually feels a great deal like a luxury car, and driving it provides a very soothing experience. |
| Warranty | |
| 3 year/36,000-mile new car limited warranty/ 5year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. | Three years/36,000 miles. |
