A sleek looking utility player
The Subaru Outback is the rugged station wagon version of the Subaru Legacy. They used to have a Legacy Outback and Legacy Wagon. Now to simplify things, they keep the wagon separate from the sedan. Ever since the mid 90’s, the Legacy wagon (now just Outback) has represented Subaru’s larger, more sophisticated offering.
A few years back, Subaru adopted a longer, wider yet sleeker body design that represents the best looking most comprehensive of Subaru’s current designs. Not only does the Subaru Outback look great, every version is a good drive. With over 8 ½ inches of ground clearance and a rugged undercarriage, the Subaru Outback is ready for hard trails, easy commuting, all weather driving and spirited back road adventures.
Not only is the Subaru Outback made to look like it can handle just about anything – it truly can.
Over the past few years, I have had the good fortune to test-drive every model of Subaru Outback and in and around the Rocky Mountains. In that time, I have deliberately driven through some of the most inhospitable roads and trails while coping with extremely abusive weather conditions. The Subaru Outback has never backed down. In fact, on more than a few occasions, I was able to surpass various SUVs that were stuck in snow, mud and water that the Subaru Outback powered through.
I credit the Subaru Outback’s symmetrical AWD system that sends power from the engine to each wheel, providing greater driving performance and enhanced traction to keep you safe on any road condition. There is an excellent Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system which constantly monitors vehicle stability. VDC (which is standard) minds imminent failure of control, and applies individual brakes. It can reduce engine power to help the driver stay in control. VDC also incorporates an all-wheel, all-speed traction control system which, when sensing a loss of traction, applies braking force and reduces engine torque to the slipping Traction Control System (TCS) wheels as necessary to continue vehicle movement.