Overview

What's New for 2013:

• Front-end styling
• More fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine
• Revised suspension tuning for smoother ride
• Crash avoidance system

Exterior Features
The 2013 Subaru Outback is a 5-passenger station wagon with a heavy-duty suspension and 8.7 inches of ground clearance to enable a fair degree of off-road clearance. Available in 2.5i and 3.6R models and base, Premium and Limited trim levels, the 2013 Outback benefits from an exterior makeover. The base 2.5i rides on 16-inch wheels, while all other versions have 17-inch aluminum wheels and front fog lights.

Interior Features
The base Outback 2.5i includes power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with music streaming capability, and both a USB port and an iPod connection. The Premium and Limited trim levels add a 10-way power driver's seat. The Limited trim also gets heated front seats, leather upholstery and an upgraded audio system.

With the rear seats in use, the Outback provides 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded, the capacity expands to 71.3 cubic feet.

Optional Features
Among the options offered for the 2013 Subaru Outback are a navigation system, power moonroof, Harman/Kardon premium audio system, and a new-for-2013 collision avoidance system.

Under the Hood
A new 173-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine makes its debut in the 2013 Outback 2.5i. In the 2.5i base and Premium trims, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available as an option. The CVT is standard on the 2.5i Limited.

Outback 3.6R models are equipped with a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine generating 256 horsepower. A 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode is standard on the 3.6R model.

Like all 2013 Subarus except the new BRZ, every Outback is also equipped with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Subaru Outback are:

• Outback 2.5i with manual transmission: 21/24/28 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• Outback 2.5i with CVT: 24/27/32 mpg
• Outback 3.6R with automatic transmission: 18/20/25 mpg

Safety
The 2013 Outback is equipped with 6 air bags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control, and stability control. A reversing camera is optional.

For 2013, the Subaru Outback is equipped with a new brake override system to prevent unintended acceleration when both pedals are pressed. Also new this year is an optional EyeSight collision avoidance system that scans the road and automatically brakes if necessary.

As this overview is written, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed crash tests on the 2013 Outback.