2009 Subaru Outback Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Subaru Outback review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Outback, and includes Subaru Outback safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Subaru makes few changes to the Outback lineup for 2009. The Outback Sport was redesigned last year, and continues unchanged except for the addition of chrome door handles. The larger Outback models are no longer offered with Base or L.L. Bean trim, a new 2.5i Special Edition model slots in underneath the 2.5i Limited, and every Outback is equipped with a standard stability and traction control system. Subaru is also offering a new 440-watt Harmon Kardon audio system on the 2009 Outback; it is standard on all but the base model.

There’s a big difference between the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Outback Sport. The Outback Sport is based on the Subaru Impreza hatchback, while the Outback is based on the Subaru Legacy platform. They are two distinctly different vehicles that share a name.

Now that we’ve clarified this situation, we can talk about standard features. The main element that makes the Outback Sport different from the Impreza hatchback is its heavy-duty raised suspension for extra ground clearance and improved off-road capability. The Outback Sport also comes with fog lights, a two-tone paint treatment, and 17-inch alloy wheels to ensure it stands apart from regular Imprezas. Inside, the car is equipped with cloth seats, floor mats, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, a tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a CD changer, and an auxiliary audio input jack. The driver’s seat is height adjustable, the front seats are heated, the power mirrors are heated, the wipers include a de-icer element, and there’s an outside temperature indicator so that you know how freezing cold it is outside. A navigation system is optional on the Outback Sport.

OK, let’s change over to the bigger Outback model. The most important thing you need to know about the 2009 Outback is that every version is equipped with a stability and traction control system this year. Furthermore, in addition to the standard equipment found on the Outback Sport, the Outback 2.5i includes a trip computer, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, roof rails, auto-off headlights, and other minor upgrades. However, Outback Sport features including heated side mirrors, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a CD changer, a cargo cover, fog lights, and a wiper de-icer are dropped from the Outback 2.5i. The Outback’s wheels are also smaller than those on the Outback Sport.

The Outback 2.5i Special Edition, new for 2009, is worth upgrading to. It adds the new 440-watt Harmon Kardon audio system, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, wiper de-icers, and a cargo area cover and protective tray. Bigger alloy wheels are included, along with a limited slip rear differential, a roof rack, splash guards, and fog lights.

The 2.5i model is also available in Limited trim. The 2.5i Limited gets a standard automatic transmission, leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a dual-panel power moonroof, and dark tinted rear glass. A navigation system is optional on the 2.5i Limited.

If more power and performance is desirable, you can upgrade to the Outback 2.5 XT Limited, which features a turbocharged, 243-horsepower version of the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Thanks to turbocharging and tons of torque, the 2.5 XT is the equivalent of a Rocky Mountain sports car, which might be why it’s also equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) technology, which has Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp powertrain software calibrations. In addition to the 2.5i Limited features, the 2.5 XT Limited gets outside mirrors with embedded turn signal indicators. Navigation is optional on this model.

If a luxury-oriented Outback is what you seek, check out the 3.0 R Limited model. Equipped with a 245-horsepower, six-cylinder engine, and a standard automatic transmission, the 3.0 R Limited has slightly different trim and décor as well as a genuine wood and leather steering wheel. And yes, navigation is optional.

If an Outback wears a Sport or 2.5i badge, it is equipped with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. A horizontally opposed engine, also known as a “boxer” engine or a “flat” engine because of its unique piston arrangement, offers a lower center of gravity and better handling. The engine can be connected to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard. Notably, this engine is rated as a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) in certain states.

This year, the EPA rates both the Outback Sport and Outback 2.5i identically when it comes to fuel economy. With a manual, the ratings are 20-mpg city/27-mpg highway and with the automatic expect to get 20-mpg city/26-mpg highway.

Buy the Outback 2.5 XT Limited, and you get a turbocharged version of this 2.5-liter four-cylinder making an impressive 243 horsepower and 241 lb-ft of torque, the latter peaking at a low 3,600 rpm. The 2.5 XT requires premium fuel and gets worse fuel economy, returning 18-mpg city/24-mpg highway regardless of transmission choice.

The 3.0-liter, six-cylinder “boxer” engine installed in the Outback 3.0 R is thirstier, but not more powerful. It generates 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque, and slurps premium at the rate of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

If for no other reason, buy a Subaru Outback because it is safe. Crash-test ratings for both models are impressive, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names each car a Top Safety Pick for 2009*.

Credit for this crashworthiness goes to Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame design, which is structural engineering to deflect impact energy away from the car’s passengers in a collision. Clearly, it works. The Outback also has six standard airbags, antilock brakes (with brake assist on Outback Sport), stability and traction control, and active front head restraints.

Reliability ratings are inconsistent. Consumer Reports is bullish on the Outback and Outback Sport’s prospects, giving each car reliability predictions of better than average*. J.D. Power and Associates, on the other hand, predicts no better than average levels of dependability over time*.

* Data derived from Subaru Impreza upon which the Outback Sport is based.

You can’t go wrong with a 2009 Subaru Outback. Though each model may be a bit tight on cabin room, these are clearly designed for people who need to battle lousy weather on a regular basis. Safe, dependable, fun to drive, and relatively fuel efficient, the Subaru Outback Sport and Subaru Outback are vehicles that Vehix recommends.

By Christian Wardlaw