2009 Subaru Outback unveiled in New York
April 10, 2009 by David Twomey
Subaru has revealed the US spec version of its all-new Outback at the New York Motor Show, a vehicle that is expected to be released in Australia late this year.
President and CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru’s parent , Mr Mori said that since its launch in 1994 the Outback has earned a solid reputation as a unique crossover vehicle that blends the refined comfort, handling and convenience of a passenger car with the rugged off-road capability and versatility of an SUV.
He told the reveal press conference that distinguished by crisp new styling, the fourth-generation Outback features a roomier cabin and an expanded luggage/cargo compartment.
“With the introduction of an all new chassis and the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission), the new Outback delivers enhanced performance, comfort and environmental considerations.
“From its reputation for reliability and driveability to higher fuel efficiency by Subaru’s advanced technologies, the Outback offers its occupants new levels of on- and off-road peace of mind,” Mr Mori said.
Subaru says the the new Outback has a greater road presence. Subaru engineers now offer occupants the roomiest cabin and cargo area and a more comfortable ride, and enhancements to conveniences that have characterized all of the Outback’s generations.
• The new Outback is 50 mm wider and 105 mm higher than the previous model, and with ground clearance increased to 220 mm and a wider track, the vehicle projects a greater road presence. Front and rear overhang dimensions have been shortened by 90 mm and overall length by 20mm, but wheelbase has been increased by 70mm, which allows for greater rear seat legroom.
• Access to the rear cargo area is facilitated by a wide aperture rear hatch. Maximum cargo capacity has been increased and now provides easy accommodation of four large suitcases.
For the US market improved Boxer engines that provide outstanding fuel economy power the new Outback.
Two engine types are available in the US market. Outback 2.5i, with a 2.5-litre engine that produces 127kW at 5600rpm and 231Nm at 4000rpm through a six-speed manual or a Lineartronic™ CVT.
The second model is Outback 3.6R, with a 3.6-litre engine producing 191kW at 6000rpm and 335Nm at 4400rpm, through a five-speed automatic.
Australian market details will be released later in the year.
Print it: 
What has happened to Subaru’s design team.
I mean first it’s the tribeca, impreza and forester. Now we have this ugly thing coming. Sorry Subaru but if you want to keep supporters and people to buy your cars then your designes have to get better. You can’t live on reputation and the STi forever.
I actually think this looks much better than the liberty.. more balanced. its attractive but NOT stunning haha
MMMM no change to the gearbox in the 3.6r , the same hesitant so called sports 5 speed box , plus lousy economy , wheres the dgs type tyranny on the 6
Main reason i ditched mine 14.3 l city cycle and at best 9.5 country .
Looks are a little odd around rear bumper otherwise usual subaru chuncky outdoor ruggedness which is okay .
another subi bites the dust…
look at how big those seats are in the last seat…can telll its for fat americans
The swept back headlights are so last year.
Is it 50mm wider for the sake of those silly wheel arches?
The new Subaru designs have grown on me a little bit.
I mean the Impreza doesnt seem as bad as it did when it was released.
I thinmk there is a lot of shock factor in the subbie designs that are bringing about the WTF attitude
Thats cause your getting old………..hahaha Nothing like a bit of fishing over Easter he he he…*she waits for a bite*
Ive got a mate thats off to the New York Show next Tuesday Andrew you want him to pick up a brochure for you ;)
Hes off to look at the Camaro for himself ………
I think the new SL had sex with a Tribeca, but the Tribeca had an abortion.
This is that abortion.
See, if one were to read the article, they would be ‘ooh’ing and ‘ahh’ing.
But then they see what it looks like.
Yes CA, I said abortion. No need to moderate my comments.
This is not exactly a pioneering design. More like a mish-mash of everything we’ve seen before. C’mon Subaru, this is 2009, not 1996.
Hmm quite nice IMO, better than the Liberty sedan. Interior looks nice, though get rid of the faux-wood.
OK, why do the Japanese keep ruining their cars? The current Legacy/Liberty/Outback looks great but the front of this thing is horrible! it looks weird and more dated than the current one. Subarus keep looking horrible. I’m sick of it. They’re meant to be good cars and design has a lot to do with whether a car is good or not.
The problem is that they are not chunky enough. Chunky is a good look on modern cars as long as it doesn’t make them look fat but the new Forester looks like it was designed ten years ago, I struggle to call the Impreza design at all and this is just a backward step.
And the original Tribeca. My god. That was without a doubt the ugliest SUV ever to be built. It was even uglier than the SsangYong Actyon and that says a lot.
The only cars in Subaru’s range that I think looks half decent is the updated Tribeca and the Legacy/Liberty/Outback. Looks like were about to lose one.
i actually like the design of the new legacy, looks more mature elegant, though i can’t stand the new head lights, why so swept back?
I think we can safely say that Toyota’s involvment hasn’t been all that good in subaru ever since they brought it.
I mean check out that interior, that dash is a typical Toyota design.
I can scan the original 1992 brochure for them.
They have obviously forgotton a lot.
No fake wood grain then.
this outback looks fine compared to the last one, but it’s defintely evolution not revolution. as for the fat american seats, well it is the american model of the car – and; newsflash – a lot of americans are overweight. it will sell well based on subaru’s engineering reputation, but a dsg would be nice! people bag the forester and new tribeca, i see them on the road and they both look fine (especially the forester which is the class leader). however the tribeca’s interior is out there on it’s own. impreza had a shaky start, but if you don’t like the hatch then you should also pay out on the current gen mazda 3 cause it pretty much looks the same. i do look at the current gen liberty and think the GT models do look a bit too bland, hopefully these flared arches in the aus spec can bring some much needed athleticism. looks like subaru is choosing a ‘class’ design theme (like the honda accord) over some of the ’style’ themes (mazda 6, ford mondeo). will have to see the aus spec in the metal.
i agree with u there driver,from the side the 3 does look similar and people love the 3 so why wouldnt ppl love the impreza hatch. final judgement will have to be left till i see the new outback/liberty in the flesh.
Subaru must have hired a person from Ssangyong
Next stop on the Subaru Express….. SNOOZEVILLE!
What the hell is going on? Every new model Subaru is bringing out is either ugly or boring.
Next stop toyotadom.
rugged off-road capability: I don’t think so. It is a soft roader. Take it off road in rugged conditions at your peril.
I think Toyota misunderstood what Subaru’s market differentiation strategy was. Cars that look functional, purposeful. They appeared to look the way they did purely as a result of engineering necessity. The trademark WRX bolt-on scoop for example. The original bolt-on Outback cladding being another.
Therein was the appeal of these products. The designs conveyed an impression of serious engineering underneath.
But it seems under toyota’s ownership, that edge is being lost. They are going….mainstream. Yuk!
Thank goodness it’s pretty ugly. I own a 2005 3.0L premium Outback and I have a love/hate relationship regarding its looks. I was worried I might be tempted to upgrade to the 09 model, for no other reason than vanity.
Nothing to worry about, then.
But it might be a different story when I see it on the road?