2005 Subaru Outback Review

Specifications

The Best Crossover Vehicle Ever Created?

Wheres the snow? Thats what I wanted to know when I picked up the all-new 2005 Subaru Outback for a test drive. Checking the forecast, it looked like a road trip inland was in order, but I didnt have the time nor the inclination to drive north in search of the white fluffy stuff despite my desire to test Subarus all-weather wagon in its natural element.

Which was too bad as Im always up for a big road trip, and with the keys to the Outback in my hands I had at my disposal a vehicle that seems to be built with road trips in mind.

Even more so now, as the 2005 Outback is more powerful and more luxurious than any that has come before. Of course, more horses and more creature comforts often equate to more money, and my top-of-the-line Outback 3.0R VDC topped out at $36,010. Just so I dont spook off any potential Outback buyers who might not qualify for the $35K plus loan needed when taxes are factored in, the base 2.5i model starts at a much more reasonable $18,995.

Still, considering the bulky and pricey SUVs that the Outback competes against, even at its topmost sticker price its not too far off base, especially given the fact that the Subaru slays all comers, be they all-wheel-drive station wagons or 4X4 gas-guzzling SUVs when it comes to combined performance and fuel economy.

Simply put, the all-new Outback is arguably one of the best city-to-country vehicles on the market. It is sure-footed enough to take the twists and turns of winding country backroads, and powerful enough to pass that rental minivan full of snap-happy tourists. Despite its performance attributes its also comfortable enough to spend hours inside when the traffic snarls into bumper-to-bumper deadlock.

For 2005, the Outback is available in three trim levels (2.5, 2.5XT and 3.0) designated by their respective engine capacities and turbocharger in the case of the XT. My testers 3.0-liter boxer six-cylinder powerplant produced an impressive 250 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque, up from the 2004 models output of 212. While not as racy as the XTs 250 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, which also doles out 250 lb-ft of torque, the 3.0-liter is said to be much more refined and smoother from gear to gear. The base car gets a 168 horsepower boxer four, with 166 lb-ft of torque, which is quite strong when compared to whats available from rival wagon manufacturers.

My test unit also came equipped with Subarus optional Sportshift gearbox, a five-speed automatic that can also convert to a clutchless manual. Base cars and the XT get a 5-speed manual while normally aspirated 4-cylinders can be optioned out with a 4-speed automatic as well. In manual mode, the 5-speed automatics shifting was seamless and I found downshifting to be solid and sure. Whats more, a nice feature is an audible “beep” that sounds when you try to shift down but are going too fast for the lower gear.

As mentioned, creature comforts abound in the new Outback. My test vehicle was loaded with all the goodies, including a massive glass power moonroof, woodgrain and leather throughout and a killer CD player. As with all Subarus, the Outbacks controls and gauges are well laid-out and easy to use.

Perhaps the greatest attribute of the Outback is Subarus incomparable symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive system. Land Rover makes a big deal about inventing four-wheel drive, but Subaru has perfected all-wheel drive over the past three decades.

My sole complaint about the new Outback is the tight quarters in the backseats, particularly in when it comes to legroom. With a six-footer comfortably in the drivers seat, the rear drivers side position is a tight squeeze for a six-foot friend. Ideally, the rear seats could be mounted on a rail so that they could slide back into the cargo area, similarly to how Subarus kissing-cousin Chevrolet does it with its new Malibu Maxx. Who knows, maybe Subaru is saving that feature for the next Outback redesign.

In the end, if its not already obvious, Im impressed with the revised Outback. Its upshifts are functionality, performance and the brands superb all-wheel drive system, while its only downshift is cramped rear legroom. Fully-loaded it might be pricey, but compared to a Volvo XC70 or Audi allroad, two models that more or less copied Subarus crossover after it became such a raging success, it is a veritable steal. Factor in the high expected reliability, excellent fuel economy, especially in 2.5-liter 4-cylinder trim, and stellar build quality, plus a 5-star crash test rating, and the Outback becomes an even better value. You know, the one that started them all off, at least in modern times, might just be the best crossover vehicle ever created.