Along with updating its Outback for 2008, Subaru has simplified the lineup. There is no longer an Outback sedan — all Outback models are wagons, and all Legacy models are sedans.
There are seven different trim levels of the Outback, which is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most popular vehicles. If the different transmission choices and two option choices — vehicle dynamics control (VDC) and navigation system — are included, the list totals 15 different versions, each with its own base price. One advantage of such a long model list is that buyers don’t have to pore over a long list of options — they’re built in as standard equipment according to trim level.
Including a $645 destination and delivery charge, prices range from $22,640 for the base Outback with five-speed manual transmission to $34,140 for the full-boat Outback 3.0R L.L. Bean model with VDC and navigation system.
Standard equipment on the base model includes air conditioning, cruise control, front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, Sirius or XM satellite radio pre-wiring, six-speaker audio system with CD player and MP3/WMA playback, remote keyless entry with integrated ignition key, roof rails, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and power windows, mirrors and door locks.
Among the many standard features added as one climbs up the trim-level ladder are power and heated front seats, halogen fog lights, heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control, premium sound system, power moonroof, and leather-trimmed upholstery.
There are three engines: a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder; a turbocharged version of that engine, generating 243 horsepower; and a 245-horsepower, 3.0-liter six-cylinder.
The base, 2.5i and 2.5XT Limited models are available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The others come only with an automatic. All Outback models are all-wheel drive.
For 2008, Outback’s exterior has been updated with a redesigned front end and bumper fascias, as well as new headlights and taillights. Rear suspension is re-engineered to boost ride comfort, and the interior is freshened with a redesigned instrument panel and revised seat fabrics.
My tester was a 3.0R L.L. Bean model with VDC and navigation. Its only options were a $214 package adding a rear cargo net and center armrest extension, and $456 for XM satellite radio. Standard equipment on this model is copious, including Subaru’s Si-Drive system that lets the driver select from three different modes of performance characteristics, a panoramic dual moonroof, Sportshift automatic transmission, and so many comfort and convenience features it’s easy to forget you’re driving something designed to handle rugged roads.
Outback’s passenger cabin, which seats five, is constructed with precision, using upscale materials. Road noise is minimal, comfort is well above average, and room is plentiful, at least for front-row passengers.
Controls are well-placed and easy to use. My only complaint is that the lowest fan setting on the climate control system is too forceful, and the dashboard air vent to the right of the steering wheel can’t be closed or completely turned away — so the driver always has air blowing on herself, which she doesn’t like. The only alternative is to set the fan only to the feet or windshield directions.
The EPA rating of my tester, based on the new 2008 standards, is 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.
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