Why Choose the Subaru Outback

It was 30 years ago when it became clear, that the public’s desire for SUVs would be ongoing, and manufacturers the world over were working on developing their own.  Most were developing all-new models with tall roofs and shortened bodies but with platforms from their compact or midsize sedans.  Subaru looked at their Legacy Wagon, which already had all-wheel drive and has been a favorite by mountain dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts for years, and thought, “Let’s start with that”.

For almost 30 years and across six generations, what started as some added cladding and a roof rack with the name Subaru Outback has gained in capability, sophistication, and performance. And, along the way, Outback has become Subaru’s best-selling model in the U.S. and here at Twin Falls Subaru. It has been a favorite of both the brand’s fiercely loyal fans and those new to Subaru alike.  It is a model that simply works beautifully for how crossover owners use their vehicles. 

Off-Road Credentials

Subaru would probably use the term “off-pavement”.  As part of the Subaru Loves the Earth portion of the Subaru Love Promise, the brand doesn’t really want to encourage people flattening nature to forge their own dual-tracks.  But existing non-paved roads and trails?  Have at it.   

It starts with the standard Subaru Symmetrical  All-Wheel Drive, named as such because with its longitudinal engine layout with the transmission behind, and the driveshafts to the front axles, the system is essentially symmetrical as viewed from above.  In this manner, it breaks with most crossovers which have transverse-mounted engines with the transmission on one side.  Subaru was an expert at all-wheel drive (AWD) long before most manufacturers developed their first AWD system.  On the current Outback, the system is enhanced by: 

• ActiveTorque Vectoring – Helps distribute power from one side to the other as is needed
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) – Mitigates on-road lateral traction loss through power distribution and individual wheel braking.
• X-MODE  – Sets power distribution based on specific terrains and conditions.
• Hill Descent Control – Helps you maintain starting speed by managing the throttle and braking while traveling down a steep hill.

Also to be considered is the Outback’s standard 8.7-inch ground clearance, which is about one to one and a half inches higher than most competing crossovers.  The off-road-focused Wilderness model raises this to 9.5 inches and adds a beefed-up suspension, skid plates, and an enhanced X-MODE with Snow and Mud modes.

Easy to Live With

Despite the higher ground clearance, the Outback retains a comfortably low step-in height for both front and rear passenger entry. Once inside, the driver and passengers are welcomed by a comfortable car-like (for an obvious reason) interior.  When compared to the best-selling compact crossover, the Toyota RAV4, the Outback has more room in almost every interior measurement. 

The driver sits comfortably behind the steering wheel with clear site lines all around.  The base model features two stacked 7-inch touchscreens, but all others have a large vertical 11.6 touchscreen.  Physical controls are retained where they make sense. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is standard, and with the big screen, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are available. Upper grades can treat all in the cabin to a spectacular 12-speaker, 576-watt Harman/Kardon audio system. Harman’s Clari-Fi™ Technology restores and corrects audio fidelity from compressed digital sources, resulting in musical reproduction that sounds clearer, crisper, and more dynamic.

As for carrying cargo, the Outback’s 75.6 cubic feet of space beats most compact crossovers. Because it is easier to lay things out beside one another than stack them, this is where the Outback’s relatively long wagon proportions give it an advantage over typical taller, shorter crossover proportions.

Easy to Keep Living With

All Outbacks come standard with Subaru’s acclaimed EyeSight suite of safety and Driver assistance features including: 

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keep Assist
• Pre-Collision Braking
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management

In addition, the Outback has an overall 5-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It has also received the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) highest safety designation of Top Safety Pick Plus.  

The Outback simply makes great sense as a crossover on so many levels.  But it is best experienced rather than read about, so if you are considering a crossover in your future, visit Twin Falls Subaru today and take an Outback for a test drive. We offer competitive financing and lease rates to make the purchase of your next Subaru more affordable. Come and talk to us for more information.