The term “crossover” had yet to be coined when the Subaru Outback came on the scene, but it was ahead of its time and remains the very definition of the crossover utility vehicle. Straddling the midsize wagon and crossover SUV segments, the 2009 Subaru Outback offers more off-road chops than other wagons and better handling than other SUVs.
The 2009 Subaru Outback is the latest of the legendary Subaru sport utility wagons, vehicles that demonstrated you could have all-wheel drive capability in a family-friendly wagon. A product of continuous improvement by Subaru, Outback received a makeover for the 2008 model year. Those changes are carried forward with new front and rear bumpers, new headlights and taillights. There is also a new instrument panel and seat fabrics. Standard now is the telescoping steering wheel and an ignition key with built-in remote.
For 2009, Subaru has made electronic stability control standard across the board and reorganized the Outback trim selection. Outback models are now designated in ascending order – 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5i Limited, 2.5XT Limited and 3.0R Limited. The 2.5 XT Limited features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The new 2.5i Special Edition model that gets a number of extras including heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, wiper deicing, heated side mirrors, foglights, an eight-way power driver's seat and a new premium 440-watt harman/kardon audio system.
The 2009 Subaru Outback competes and compares favorably. At 189.0 inches long, the Outback sits nearly a foot longer than the Volvo V50, and it's roughly even with the VW Passat Wagon and Volvo XC70. Its width at 69.7 inches matches that of the V50. The five-seat Outback offers 33.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats up, a figure that rivals the XC70 and easily beats the V50. The Outback is a bargain, especially when you consider its standard all-wheel drive. At a starting MSRP of $22,295 for the Outback 2.5i, Subaru is priced thousands less than comparable Volvos.
The 2.5-liter engine for the 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, and 2.5i Limited is rated at 170 hp and 170 lb/ft of torque and has EPA ratings of 20 mpg city/26 highway with the manual. The 2.5XT is set up as a performance model with a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine rated at 243 hp and 241 lb/ft of torque mated to a five-speed stick (five-speed sport-shift automatic available). The top-of-the-line 3.0R Limited uses the normally aspirated 3.0-liter six-cylinder Subaru “boxer” engine with 245 hp and 215 lb/ft of torque.
The combination of 2.5 turbo four, sport-shift transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles and Subaru's Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system is a hot setup. The SI-Drive knob on the center console allows the driver to choose among three acceleration programs: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. Each mode changes the way the accelerator pedal relates to the engine's throttle and also varies the transmission's behavior. In the default setting, the accelerator pedal responds like those in most cars.
All Limited models include Subaru's all-wheel drive system. This feature sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling, and it automatically adjusts that power to compensate for changing driving and road conditions.
Safety features include standard front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and electronic stability and traction control systems. The 2009 Subaru Outback is a Top Safety Pick as judged by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Outback's five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the organization's top rating.
According to Joe Wiesenfelder, reviewer for Cars.com, “The Outback shines in terms of ride comfort. It's surprisingly tame and confident at 70 mph and higher, and it definitely feels like a car rather than an SUV. Its wagon style doesn't harm the Outback's off-road capability, though. It includes all-wheel drive that requires no intervention from the driver. Whether it's snow and ice, gravel or dirt roads, the Outback is unfazed. I've driven it on modest off-road trails (legit ones, not just off-pavement), and it can handle more than the vast majority of buyers would put in its way. If the Outback were a person, it would be your outdoorsy friend who always seems to be tan and fit, dressed for action and on his way to climb or ride something, or otherwise involve himself with exertion and dust.”
As a midsize wagon, the Outback has plenty of room for five and comfortable seats that make everyone happy, even on long trips. Always known for utility, the Outback’s rear seats fold flat for 65.4 cubic feet of cargo room. Even with the seats up, there is a 33.5 cubic-foot cargo area behind the rear seat. Subaru includes a heavy-duty vinyl bed cover in back. Under that are storage bins, a nice touch.
Reviewers rate the 2009 Outback highly. Edmunds.com says, "Materials quality is excellent," and "the dash and door tops have an upscale grain and feel soft to the touch." The Detroit News says the "sophisticated cabin looks like it belongs in a more expensive vehicle." Reviewers are impressed with the interior features on the Subaru Outback. Even the base model comes equipped with power windows and door locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry, an MP3-compatible CD stereo and air conditioning. The Outback's straightforward dash layout also earns good reviews. The Washington Post reviewer concluded that the 2009 Outback is "loaded with standard equipment at a price substantially lower than those of comparably equipped SUVs."
The Subaru Outback is for families who want SUV-like capabilities without any SUV drawbacks. To fully appreciate the qualities of the 2009 Subaru Outback, you must see and drive it. Give us a call and we’ll arrange a personal presentation and test drive.
