Overview

What Changed for 2008:

• Revised front and rear styling


• Redesigned instrument panel


• New interior fabrics


• New telescoping steering column


• Base (2.5-liter) engine now PZEV compliant


• Revised 5-speed automatic for 2.5 turbo and 3.0 R models


• Rear suspension revised for improved ride comfort


• Tire-pressure-monitoring system now standard


• Outback sedan discontinued

Overview
The Subaru Outback made its debut in 1995. The original version featured two-tone paint and SUV-like styling cues but was mechanically similar to the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Subaru Legacy wagon on which it was based. In 1996 the Outback sprouted a beefier suspension with taller ground clearance and upgraded tires. For the 2008 model year, the Outback features revised styling inside and out. Also, the Outback sedan has been discontinued; for 2008, all Outbacks are wagons.

Model Lineup
The Outback lineup consists of seven models: Outback base, Outback 2.5i, Outback 2.5i L. L. Bean Edition, Outback 2.5i Limited, Outback 2.5i Limited L. L. Bean Edition, Outback 2.5 XT, and Outback 3.0 R L. L. Bean Edition. All models come with power windows, mirrors, and locks; air conditioning; CD/MP3 player; remote keyless entry; cruise control; and roof rails. Outback 2.5i models add alloy wheels; heated front seats; power-adjustable driver's seat; roof rack crossbars; fog lamps; limited-slip rear differential; and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Outback 2.5i Limited also gets a 6-disc CD changer; automatic transmission; dual-pane moonroof; dual-zone climate control; and leather upholstery.

The Outback 2.5i L. L. Bean Edition comes with all of the 2.5i's equipment plus 6-disc CD changer; automatic transmission; dual-zone climate control; touch-screen navigation; and optional Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). The Outback L. L. Bean Limited adds a power passenger seat and leather interior. Outback 2.5 XT and 3.0 R L. L. Bean Edition models get an auto-dimming rearview mirror; body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals; and VDC; a navigation system is optional.

Powertrain
Outback base and 2.5i models are powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine with an output of 170 hp at 6000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. Outback base and 2.5i models can be had with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission; the Outback Limited and L. L. Bean editions are automatic-only. EPA fuel economy estimates are 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the manual transmission, 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the automatic. The Outback XT gets a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine that puts out 243 hp at 6000 rpm and 241 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. Transmission choices are 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic; EPA fuel economy estimates are 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for both. The Outback 3.0 R comes with a 3.0-liter horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine rated at 245 hp at 6600 rpm and 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm backed by a 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway. All Outback models feature Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system.

Safety
The 2008 Subaru Outback received perfect 5-star ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal and side-impact crash tests for both front and rear occupants. The Outback received a 4-star rollover rating. Standard safety equipment includes front, front-seat side and two-row side curtain air bags and anti-lock brakes. An electronic stability control system, which Subaru calls Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), is optional on 4-cylinder L. L. Bean models and standard on Outback 3.0 R and XT models.

Technology
The 2008 Subaru Outback features 8.4 inches of ground clearance-a figure that bests many bigger SUVs, the maker claims. Subaru employs three versions of its AWD system for the Outback. Models with a manual transmission use a viscous-coupeing center differential that splits power 50/50 front-to-rear under normal circumstances, varying it as slippage occurs. Non-turbo 4-cylinder automatic transmission models get an electronically controlled center continuously variable transfer clutch to shift power front-to-rear, while Outback XT Limited and 3.0 R models employ the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system, which uses a planetary center differential and an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch. The VTD system is designed to send slightly more power to the rear wheels under normal conditions for a sportier feel.

Outback XT and 3.0 R models get Subaru's SI-DRIVE system, which has three modes (Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp) that alter power output, response of the electronic throttle and, for automatic models, the shift characteristics.