2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited TestDriveNow.com VIDEO REVIEW

2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited VIDEO REVIEW

There isn’t an automaker on the planet that understands its customer base better than Subaru. Their almost single-minded focus on exploring the outdoors with your dog and your AWD Subaru is a story we all know well. And another thing; they introduce change with a methodical, evolutionary approach. This is the all-new 2015 Outback.

Much like Porsche, Subaru isn’t the type to make radical changes from one generation to the next. And why should they? Sales records are broken with regularity – 6 successive years and counting – leading to a lot of happy Subaru salespeople. And no vehicle in Subaru’s 7-model lineup speaks to the brand’s ethos more clearly than the Outback.

Seemingly always searching for a unifying design language, the new front fascia on this Outback is promising. No one buys a Subaru because it looks cool, but making their cars even slightly less dorky is a welcome advancement. It’s a little bigger all around leading to some more wiggle room for those in the rear and affording a bit more cargo space. It’s still available with 4- or 6-cylinder power and my tester comes equipped with the bigger 3.6-liter engine, available in a single trim known as the 3.6R Limited. There is no more 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic; each Outback runs with the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and before you sigh in disappointment, trust me it’s fantastic; by far as transparent in its operation as any I’ve ever tested. Plus, it delivers better fuel economy, rated now at 20mpg city/27mpg highway – a 10% gain in combined driving. The Boxer engine still churns out a healthy 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, producing a spirited responsiveness throughout the engine’s range despite a 150 pound weight gain.

From the driver’s seat the Outback demonstrates a new silky smoothness to its operation; noticeably quieter with a much more forgiving suspension. And the CVT is so good I’d bet 90% of you would never guess it was even here. And the flat 6 is totally legit, producing excellent power fitting the cars more luxurious feel.

Extensive revisions to the front struts and double-wishbone setup in the rear make for very tangible improvements in how the Outback handles any road. There’s a premium driving experience baked in now, also aided by Active Torque Vectoring for more bite in the corners. The all-wheel drive system also gets the added benefit of the X-Mode button optimizing the entire powertrain for any real off-roading. And as I’ve experienced firsthand over the years, Subaru’s balanced Symmetrical 4-wheel traction system combined with the generous ground clearance truly separates itself from the pack.

The more refined and higher quality interior is certainly a welcome sight, making this the first Subaru that finally seems to get it. Well engineered electronics come through a touchscreen interface that’s bright, high res and full of features. Starlink pairs your smartphone to the car opening up connectivity for music and info while MirrorLink can be used to better interact with non-Apple devices. And the optional stereo camera-based EyeSight driver-assist system invites Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. The new Rear Vehicle Detection System bundles Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. It all works seamlessly, unobtrusively and looks great. It’s a little cheesy that you only get HID headlights for the low beams and in place of using an adaptive system that aims the lights in turns, the Outback turns on one fog light at a time to additionally light the way. My biggest complaints from the cabin are the non-height adjustable passenger seat and the lack of front-seat comfort in general – a touch of Volvo would do wonders here.

Heated seats in the rear with a theater-style raised vantage point makes for happy passengers and the cargo area is wide and deep with new remote levers to help make it even larger. Beefy roof rails with adjustable width and integrated cross bars can carry up to an additional 150 pounds of gear.

This 2015 Outback 3.6R Limited with the optional Moonroof Package + Keyless Start, Navigation and EyeSight stickers for $36,835 and comes in this sharp Lapis Blue paint. It’s Subaru’s 2^nd best-seller next to the Forester but in my mind it’s the epitome of what an off-road capable wagon should be.

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