Subaru Outback Diesel Review & Road Test

Pros: Gutsy turbo-diesel engine; excellent fuel economy; rear seat legroom; high-beam lamps

Cons: No automatic option; notchy gearshift feel; slightly heavy clutch; some wind noise

By Matt Brogan | February 04th, 2010

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Price: $28,160 to $33,880

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	3.5
Comfort & Interior	4
Quality & Design	4
Value & Features	4
Safety	5
Green	3.5

Easily managing 1,100kms from a single tank, this is the Outback you’ve been waiting for.

Model Tested:

2010 Subaru Outback Diesel Premium Sat-Nav; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel; six-speed manual; wagon – $47,392*

CarAdvice Rating:

Words by Matt Brogan Photos by Brendan Nish

If the idea of a family wagon with enough room for the kids, the dog and all your gear has long been on the wish list, but soaring fuel prices have held you back, then this is the Outback you’ve been waiting for.

As Subaru’s first foray in to the diesel market, in Australia at least, the new Outback’s Boxer Diesel engine has clearly been worth the wait.

Proving just how far oil burning technology has come, the gutsy 2.0-litre unit offers quiet, smooth power delivery and gutsy pulling power that, coupled with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, is just as kind on the driver as it is on your wallet.

Spending a week with the Subaru Outback Diesel, I was quick to head for the winding country back roads of Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley to see just how well the 2.0-litre common rail turbo-diesel would deal with real world driving conditions.

The stop-start traffic heading out of the city didn’t seem to phase the new Boxer Diesel with more than enough pep seeing it keep with – or even ahead of – traffic. The turbo comes on strong from just over 1,800rpm, and when driven correctly, presents little in the way of lag.

Gear changes are a little on the notchy side, and some might find the clutch a little tightly sprung, but if you can live with this – and with no automatic option you’ll have to – then you’ll find the well matched six-speed gearbox does the engine a lot of justice, and keeps the revs down nice and low when cruising at highway speeds – perfect for screwing down that all-important fuel economy.

Once out in the hills the new Outback Diesel is quick to prove just how strong and capable it is. Torque is seamless, always ready, and impressively strong. Most hills are conquered without even considering a gear change, and when it comes to overtaking, the Outback Diesel is confident and effortless.

Cornering sees Outback Diesel make the most of it’s AWD grip and although there’s a little tyre howl at higher speeds, the big wagon remains stable, tenacious, and almost sporty in its dynamics – not bad considering its 213mm ride height.

The ride is comfortable, relaxed and cabin noise surprisingly quiet with next-to-no engine noise and just a hint of wind noise noticeable from the larger wing mirrors.

But perhaps the best indicator of the Outback Diesel’s achievements are to be found in the fuel economy gains achieved from this impressive engine. Without even trying to save fuel I managed an impressive 1,100 kilometres from the 65-litre fuel tank this week (or 5.90L/100km). It’s a considerable effort from a car weighing in at over 1,500 kilograms and running all wheel-drive, and given how strong the performance credentials are, you’ll not be left wanting in any department – even inside.

The spacious cabin is quiet and well equipped, especially on the Premium variant on test this week. The leather-clad seating is comfortable, though not altogether supportive, and is electrically adjustable (with two memory positions) in all the usual directions. An impressive feature list sees Outback Diesel Premium fitted with satellite navigation, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, six CD tuner, power windows and mirrors as well as dusk sensing headlamps and remote central locking.

For those wanting to use the Outback Diesel in its environmental namesake, powerful and brilliantly clear high beam vision will come as a welcome feature.

Ample storage abounds throughout with a decent centre console bin, large glovebox and deep door pockets all on hand to swallow your odds and ends. Rear seat legroom is also a strong point with enough room to comfortably seat two, maybe even three adults.

Up back the Outback Diesel offers 490-litres of cargo space (seats up, to window height) that can be expanded to a cavernous 1,690-litres all told. The rear seat also offering 60:40 split for added versatility. Should you need to haul a little extra, the Outback Diesel also has a 1,700 kilogram braked towing capacity – a weight I’d imagine would be no drama for this impressive engine.

Safety comes compliments of the usual electronic helpers including ABS braking with electronic brake-force distribution, ESC and Traction Control. A full compliment of airbags are also included as standard, while the electronic park brake features a hill-start function, an especially handy, clutch-friendly addition when carrying a lot of weight.

All seating positions feature three-point inertia reel seatbelts with the front pews gaining pyrotechnic pretensioners and anti-whiplash headrests. The Subaru Outback Diesel holds a maximum possible five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Sure, the looks aren’t for everyone, but without offending our photographer, I hasten to add that this is one car that really does look a lot better in the third dimension.

If you’re up for a full-size wagon with light-hatch fuel economy then look no further. The Outback Diesel is a great drive, an impressive package, and starting from $40,490*, great value.

Pricing:

Subaru Outback Diesel: $40,490*
Subaru Outback Diesel Premium: $43,990*
Subaru Outback Diesel Premium Sat-Nav: $46,490* (As Tested)

*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:

How does it Drive:

How does it Look:

How does it Go:

Owner reviews of the SUBARU OUTBACK Add a New Review

2013 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5i PREMIUM
By Jeffrey Brown

Nankano

Ouch, its more than the X1 BMW, i know which i and near everybody else would chose.

Still, 1100km out of a std. size tank is great.

Bout the only positive of a DIEsel is the range you get.

No auto is a deal breaker
- bob
  
  How do you know the pricing for the new X1? There’s no info available, but given the pricing of the 1 series hatch, I’d say buckleys of getting one for under $40k
  - Nankano
    
    Prices for the X1 where published on this and other auto website last week.
    
    Kicking off at LOW $40′s, out/deliver in April, you can order from 1st.Feb.
    
    Gota NOT tick the option boxes though or you will be raped, seems fairly well spec. anyway.
    
    Did i mention its got B M W badge on it?
    
    Will sell like hotcakes, the $40k SUV’s will no be under serious fire, wait for Benz fightback, needed ASAP
    
    Lets see, subaru or BMW badge, oh gee can i phone a friend or ask the audiance!
    - ohreally
      
      Nankano.. you wouldnt happen to be a BMW car dealer by any chance?
      
      If your product is good you wont need to advertise here
    - Rob
      
      Well actually many people would prefer the Subaru. We don’t need to pay big $ just for the badge of a BMW. I’m sure it is a nice car but why pay all that extra money just because it is a BMW. Lots of good comments made already …
    - freddy
      
      Gee BMW or Subaru
      BMW reliability is poor,resale is poor and service costs are high.
      Idiot
  - TonyB
    
    Bob, read article on this website from about a week ago. X1 pricing starting at $43,500. Even so, to compare the Outback with the X1 is – in my mind – a little silly. Agree the lack of an auto will hinder its appeal. As will the lack of a full size spare (my favourite gripe)
    - NeilM
      
      Err – no. The 2WD version of the X1 is in the low $40k, but if you want the all-wheel-drive then the cheapest is $52,700* (X1 xDrive20d, manual). The X1 is also way way smaller in size (and usefulness). Some people buy cars for practicality rather than the badge. If i wanted a BMW badge i’d just buy a key-ring.
Allison Crawford

I like the interior, not so much the outside, the front is nice. Still a nice car for the family
- gmac
  
  I’ve just sold my MY07 Outback this doesn’t compare! The last shape had soft plastics and didn’t look as awkward. As much as I wanted another Subaru I just can’t bring myself to love it. After test driving the GT then sitting in my Outback it felt like my interior was the new one. I can’t wait for my GTI to arrive next week, sorry Subaru it doesn’t matter how well you make your cars if they are ugly they lose their appeal!
  - Devil666
    
    I echo your sentiments. Last one was minimalist, stylish and even beautiful. This is just angular for no seeming reason, you loose the frameless doors and the rear pillar is no longer ‘floating’. Interior looks hideously Toyota… not a good thing.
    
    Diesel looks good on paper and I imagine smoother than the I4 competition, but the Audi 2.0TDi still has the edge in specs. Not really a fair comparison, but I’d spend a bit extra and take a Q5.
    
    Also, this is a fullsize wagon? Is that supposed to be like a Mondeo is a full size wagon or what? Because at under 1800 litres of storage, it isn’t.
JEKYL & HYDE

centre dash looks a bit 80′s.I’ll take the auto…what no auto…
Hung Low

I think the new ugly Subaru designs is best executed in this Outback. The Liberty sedan is still hideous!
In its price range, it will sell well considering it is in higher spec Rav 4 and CRV territory, the availability of a diesel and more loading space will win it brownie points.
MisterTwo

I find it really funny when lack of Auto is a problem. Why don’t Australians just learn to drive properly, might have a lot less accidents? I drive an Auto as a daily driver and a manual at the weekend and I am hankering to change my daily driver for a manual car. Driving a manual makes you much more aware of engine speed v road speed, right gear for cornering etc. Driving an auto is mind numbingly boring and dumbs down driving skills.
- Mad Max
  
  Are you serious???? Try driving a manual car on the M1 (or any other freeway in Melbourne or Sydney) from 6.30am to 9.00am or 4.00pm to 6.00pm on any given weekday in a manual and you soon loose the will to keep living. You drive a manual on the weekend like me (my toy is a 69 Camaro with a worked 350 and Muncie) and love driving it. But driving a manual in traffic like in Melbourne at peak hour nooooooooo way!
  - MisterTwo
    
    I have driven the M25 around London and the M6 north of Birmingham in the UK (Busiest motorway in Europe) and not had an issue – not anything which made me rush out to buy an Auto anyway. I do occasionally drive the weekender in Melbourne and never wished I was in the auto. Having a good clutch and gearchange does help a lot though I must admit.
- D
  
  I completely agree with MisterTwo. I have this exact model on order and can’t wait to change gears. I have owned both autos and manuals and find manuals a much better drive. I live in the middle of Melbourne and changing gears does not bother me at all. The car does look a lot better in the flesh and having tested a Mazda6, CRV, Mondeo and lots of others the Outback wins easily. The actual fuel economy is rated at 6.4 (combined) not 5.6 (city), so returning 5.9 excellent.
  - http://www.caradvice.com.au OSU811
    
    agreed, anyone who can not drive a manual in traffic doesnt deserve a licence!
    it you always drive a manual then you dont even notice it being hard work,
    it just becomes second nature and normal, plus you always have and feel in total control of the car, as ive said before to many people these days are just lazy in not driving manuals!!!
    - Mad Max
      
      Oh well we are all different. I drive the manual on weekends and love it. But driving in stop start traffic in a manual, Yuck. And 95% of Australians agree. Also now the cost of replacing clutches in modern cars is so expensive. In some Korean and Japanesse cars the clutch thrust bearing support casting on the manual gearbox input shaft is cast into the gearbox housing. Once its worn, its a throwaway job. We have had some here at work and have had to advice the owners that they need a new gearbox housing. A clutch replacement cost $1’600? Crazy. We have tried to machine them and shrink fit a new bearing carrier but its just too hard. We have not seen any VW ones yet but have been told its a similar situation.
    - farthernorth
      
      I think manual trany helps keep a driver more focused on the task at hand and i have a car with 560000kilometres on it and still runs great. the old car is 2000 golf tdi just replaced with a 2010 golf wagon tdi with dsgbox cant wait to put another half million on it but the dsg is a really good tranny considering there is no clutch and its a little peppy car so its pretty fun 2 drive considerin its a commuter car. I wish we got the diesel subaru it north america they would sell a boat load of them cuz the only diesel 4×4 vw toureg, q7, ML, GL, bmw x5 and only 6cyl turbo diesels
  - TonyG
    
    I can get 5.4l/100k from my outback thats on a trip form Newcastle to Bathurst ovr the Blue Mountains through Katoomba
- Steven
  
  I’m 6’5″, I don’t want a manual.
  - Jerry
    
    what’s height got to do with it ?
    - Devil666
      
      bio-mechanics. its a lot more work for a much longer leg. if you were tall, you’d know.
      - jojo
        
        Also the relationship between reaching the gearshift, clutch, steering wheel whilst having the seat in the full rearward position.
      - leith
        
        I’m 6’5″ and i dont have any trouble reaching the clutch and gear stick etc.
- freddy
  
  +1
  MT outback for 10years a great drive.
  Just test drove the diesel …. great
- OUTBACK LOVER
  
  LEARN TO DRIVE PROPERLY? everything you just said is utter rubbish! how about better control as two hands can be used on the wheel at all times. bad drivers can drive auto’s or manuals, and you are a spanker
- Skip
  
  You know that with so many Subarus being built in the USA now (Tribeca is only built in the USA: not sure about Outback)it might surprise some to know that the diesel subarus are not sold in the USA because Subaru have not yet developed the auto that will couple to the diesel engine (it will come)…. and of course in the USA almst nobody can drive a ‘stick shift’.
  
  Also, not sure this diesel is a good peak hour stop/start engine. It needs some speed and distance to burn clean. If considering only for suburban use, I would ask around a little more before being won over by the fuel figures.
Classic

Looks a great car from an interior and mechanical perspective, but the exterior styling still makes me hesitate to seriously consider buying one.

But hey, the other one I was consdiering was the CX7 diesel, but Mazda don’t offer the Diesel Sports model with a sunroof – but this does. Go figure.
- ZoomZoom
  
  This is a lot more expensive though…
Callous Aussie

Subaru have done nothing to bring down the age of its drivers with this car .I drive past the yard here most days and it isn’t growing on me one bit. Given that their drivers are typically 45+ I don’t see the appeal of the manual.
- Alex
  
  I am 27 and when I was 25 I went in to Subaru at Mt Gravatt (when it was there) to buy a new Outback 3.0R with my wife, I left with a new Forester XT Turbo…
  
  Why? The Forester had the manual option with the 169kw motor, the 3.0R was auto only with the 180kw motor.
  
  That and the $10K price difference…
  
  Now though, I am thinking of upgrading and the new XT is nice, but I have a child on the way and I am thinking Outback diesel is looking pretty attractive.
  
  The proof will be if it can tow my camper trailer down the beach as well as the Forester XT can. I’m thinking it will… just.
  - http://www.caradvice.com.au OSU811
    
    there is a dealer at Mt Gravatt, ZUPPS subaru Mt gravatt, next to holden and mitsubishi on Logan road!!, its been there for at least 3-4 years now!!.
  - Callous Aussie
    
    I should probably clarify that both of our vehicles are manuals. However the manual gearbox is slowly becoming an endangered species. Autos these days are superb and there is little reason to buy a manual other than a “very slight” saving in fuel.
    
    Next time you drive past a new Subaru liberty (this model) check the age of the driver. I’ll take money that most will be over 40 and I can see this vehicle having a future as a van tower for retired couples for two reasons. a) it is very economical and b) in its diesel form it has become a desirable vehicle to tow with whislt offering superior comfort to the Patrol/ Landcruiser type vehicles they currently purchase through lack of real choice.
    
    The one STOPPER will be that manual gearbox. Retirees would flock to this car with a six speed auto in it. Meantime an auto 4×4 is a better option for towing that van.
    
    I used to own an outback and most drivers were older than I was.
    - Mad Max
      
      Could not agree more with everything you say. Many of the good auto/DSG boxes use the same and some times less fuel than manuals anyway.
    - Skip
      
      Yes, but buy a manual and save $1.5k off the purchase price.
Martin

Why do Subaru have to use such busy grilles, I think a simple black grille with the badge in the centre would improve the look of the car somewhat, from the front at least. Too busy.
- Jerry
  
  This is spot on. Subaru get panned a lot for their looks these days. I think the basic designs are ok, only to be let down by too much chrome and busy grilles, etc (giving them a very American friendly appearance) Look at the wrx and the wrx STi. The STi looks a lot better due to the flared guards, bigger alloys, less chrome, and sportier grille.
  
  My local Subaru dealer has a top of the range Liberty GT premium with factory bodykit and sports mesh grille – and the thing looks awesome. My point is, although the looks are not perfect – they are further let down by silly chrome bits and ugly grilles.
  - Martin
    
    Yep, you are exactly right. I saw a new WRX Impreza the other day with the black mesh grille, and it looked quite good.
Jeremy

The new boxer diesel sounds impressive, and the Outback looks like the pick of the new, rather homely, Liberty range.
Pity it looses the frameless windows which while noisy, were pretty cool to look at.
Likewise it appears from the pics that the manual now misses out on the dual range gearbox.
- Alex
  
  Just in case you can’t put 2 and 2 together, the dual range box is only made available to the engines without much torque. Hence why the NA 4cyl motors are the only motors that require it, the auto NA 4 cyls use the torque multiplying effect the torque converter to compensate.
  
  The turbo and 6cyl models make ALOT more torque and don’t need the dual range.
  
  The dual range is only 1.2:1 reduction, hence a slight torque improvement, its not a ‘low’ range working gear like a larger 4WD would have which would reduce the gearing by half at least. Some Range Rovers and hiluxes have a 2.5:1 reduction which is HUGE!
  
  Subaru’s don’t need it. esp the diesel.
David Jones

Still can’t get past the looks, and parts of the inside seem a backwards step from the previous model, think lack of auto/dsg will hurt it in its target market, i.e the over 40′s… Fuel economy seems pretty impressive some other reviews have said that the engine lacks torque and is not as refined as some of the Euro diesels. Red actually seems to improve the looks over some other colours.
David Jones

no rear park sensors std, seems criminal at this price, and you can only get the reverse camera with sat nav? no auto wipers either?
- CarlMc
  
  After reading a lot of reviews,I get the impression that some drivers are incapable of turning on the windscreen wipers with their hands.
  
  And last week watching an american show,I noticed in back-ground that the owner presses a button on keyring and the boot lid closes automatically, the way things are going for LAZY ppl,they will invent a drivers seat that you won’t have to stop at toilets, just crap in the luxury of your own car.
  
  What wonderful inventions of past
  Turn key…….up pops aerial
  bad light……auto lights on
  bit of rain………auto wipers on
  bit of mud on headlights…..auto wipers on glass
  plus washers
  
  Can’t wait for voice activated blowing horn or
  a slave in every boot who would clean car overnight whilst you are sleeping.
homer

who hit all subarus with a F#$%^G UGLY stick
the most shocking terrible shape on cars EVER
- Skip
  
  Hey Homer, did you ever see the Leyland P76?
Nick K

I want to love it, it makes sense but I can’t bring myself to buy the new model, it’s like taking medicine Why?
1. Ugly and awkward styling inside and out (looks like it was designed for the Nth America)
2. Where have the soft touch plastics gone from the interior? It’s all hard plastic now… WTF?
3. Where is the CVT auto? In an auto market like Australia this omission is a joke.
4. Sheet metal on this car is like tin foil, dents far too easily.
5. Why the 6th monthly service interval? Plus the servicing requirements look at home in a car from the 1980s… leg warmers anyone?

Now, if Subaru can address the issues above I’d really want one thanks. Meanwhile when my Liberty comes off lease next year I wan’t be going back for seconds.
- Kris
  
  1. Agree
  2. Agree
  3. Subaru are working on it. Don’t forget this was primarily designed for the Europeans who prefer manual.
  4. All the Japanese cars are like this – high strength, light weight steel
  5. Again, seems to be the common trait among all Japanese cars. It’s not a bad idea to service a diesel car every 6 months anyway.
HyundaiSmoke

I think Toyota is purposely trying to destroy Subaru. Since They alligned their quality and reliabiliy went from 5th in JD Power to 25th in JD Power. However, many Subbie owners are hardcore diehards who wont let even major reliability troubles hold them back. Toyotahow realizes this, that’s why they have been hit with the ugly stick.

The Imprezza Hatch is controversial I know, however Im in the I love with the stylng camp. Its a Buttaface. Shes sexy all over but her face
Neo Utopia

Getting used to the external styling, still though it is no where nearly as nice as the Mazda6, Volkswagen Passat or Peugeot 407 Touring! Internal styling is yet to be done properly. Finally more Japanese brands are seriously thinking about frugal family AWD transport. Agreed, it definitely should have an auto option, manuals are for sporty cars, not good for people who have sore knees and ankles in the winter time.
- Callous Aussie
  
  The last outback/ liberty in black with Chrome was a very good looking car. What a major step backwards. They should tell toyota to sod off. Since they got involved Subaru have suffered in the styling dpartment. But then you only have to look at toyotas recent offerings to see why.
filippo

Those wheel arches really look ridiculous.
David Jones

anyoen driven a new impreza base model auto lately, they feel cheap tinny and nasty, I’d rather an i30.
M_Mazda

A Mazda 6 diesel is a much better looking option. If you really need 4WD, then get a real 4WD.
- Callous
  
  Despite my distaste for the styling ,this vehicle would no doubt be superb on wet and/or icy roads. This is where Subarus excel. I too like the Mazda 6 but it simply cannot match this car for grip.
  - Jerry
    
    This is why Subaru have so many ‘fanboys’. Once you experience the handling and the stability of a subaru AWD – you can never go back to FWD. So while the Mazda 6 might be one of the sexiest wagons available – I personally could not buy one, knowing there is an AWD alternative out there – albeit an ugly one! And no you don’t need a ‘real 4WD’, because I am not talking about going off road. The Suabru AWD is a lifesaver on normal aussie roads, especially in the wet.
    - CarlMc
      
      I am at a loss when grown men equate sexy with a car.
      Fellows, blokes,mateeeeeeesss, its a lump of metal to transverse from A to B.
      Whats with this sexiest wagons available, do you screw it while driving?
      Sexy to me,is a woman dressing provocatively,just showing enough flesh to imagine whats on the other side,a stripper before a show, kylie minogue in hot pants
      
      how on earth you blokes out there can call a slab of metal sexy is beyond me,and whats with the ugly jibes, again,its a piece of coloured metal that for all practical purposes drives on roads-albeit-an ugly one.
      
      What has ugliness or sexiness got to do with reviewing a vehicle that is built for a specific purpose?
      Are you so shallow, low esteemed to be an owner of a vehicle that serves your purpose.
      I drove a 6WD International tractor towing a 105mm howitzer,it was a petrol driven heap of crap, but it served a purpose, it was my battle-wagon,and only let u down on very hot days when the petrol evaporated in the fuel lines which arched over the engine.
      
      Very unusual to keep a jerry-can of water inside of cab to cool fuel lines.
- Countrygirl
  
  Spoken like a city person. Us country folks have good use for the AWD Subaru, trust me. A Mazda 6 would see me bogged when it rains (which it does a fair bit around here), whereas Outback will get me out of trouble every time. And what about that rugged steep beach track? No problem the Subaru says and keeps going. We don’t want a full 4WD, just a more capable family wagon with genuine AWD and at this point the Subie Outback is the winner. Test drove the diesel and it’s a very nice drive indeed. We also looked at the CX7 diesel and it can’t compete in any other regard than slightly more attractive styling. It’s more cramped, has less cargo capacity and the part time 4WD system is disappointing.
  - Jerry
    
    One of the most amazing things about the CX-7 is the lack of cargo space. From the outside the car is MASSIVE. You look inside and the boot space is not much bigger than most hatchbacks!!! Its not as if it has heaps of legroom either. So what did the Mazda engineers do with all the space – coz from the outside its a Behemoth!!
    
    Non AWD owners don’t understand the benefits of Subaru’s AWD system. Until you’ve owned one you can’t understand – that’s why I will never by FWD ever again – even if Subaru’s offerings are ugly.
    - MazMagic
      
      The Mazda6, athough a FWD, is one of the best handling cars you can get. Unfortunately, Subaru IMO, the steering is too light, hence limits the AWD potential. If this was corrected to have some weight (which the 6 has), Subaru would definately have something to crow about. But with Toyota a shareholder, I don’t think this will happen. Plus the Outback is not ‘sporty’ like the 6, CX7 or even the BMW X1 etc. Subaru really need a sports variant (like Outback WRX etc etc….)
      
      Also, it should be noted that the DSC/TSC system on the Mazda6 does get you ot of trouble quite easily. It happened to me once when it was pooring rain when I skided and got out of the sticky situation quite easily.
      
      The Outback is a good car, don’t get me wrong, but not as good as Subaru’s of past.
      - Jerry
        
        Subaru have a sporty offroader – Forester Turbo 169kw 350Nm of torque. Same engine as WRX. But I agree, Subaru’s of today aren’t as good as the old ones. But I will also say having driven a 6 and a 3 – that Mazda’s aren’t as good as theyre made out to be. The way the media lavish praise on all the mazda offerings is out of sync with reality. They’re good but not THAT GOOD.
blitzkrieg

When is the facelifted model due Subaru? The earlier the better, how about next week.
Robin Graves

The boxer diesel is a dud, the looks are a dud, the interior is a dud. The new Hyundai ix-35 due out next week will make mincemeat of this horror show on wheels. 135kW/392nM and better economy, makes the Subaru’s 110kW/350nM look a little weak. And it comes with a good 6spd auto.
- jojo
  
  Strong sales of the Outback range would disagree with you. Although it could be worse if it were a Skoda Octavia Scout which is a total abortion job, with it’s dated side profiles/rear end and no street cred down under.
  - Robin Graves
    
    Once again, just because the sheep follow their heart instead of their head, doesnt make a good car. Popularity is not proportional to quality.
    - Snatch
      
      Toyota is proof enough of that.
- freddy
  
  good luck with ur hyundai!!
  I’ll help you when you break down hahaha
Adrian Wright

I drove the IX35 on Saturday, and bought a Subaru Outback on monday
The IX 35 is awfull, it has terrible blind spots, and drives like a tin can.
I was hanging out to test drive it before i made a decision, and with the IX35 priced @ 38k its not a cheap car anymore.
I think the Subaru is great, and driving it it has plenty of power and handles heaps better then the hyundai did.
Phee

If Subaru hadn’t designed the new Liberty and Outback with high arches on the headlights it would look a lot better. What is with this sudden desire to make a car look American?
Catweasel

I have just selected an Outback diesel with the Premium package and Sat nav as my new company vehicle. Out of all the SUV’s/Softroaders I drove this was the only one that had a quality interior build in this price range and a good highway performance. The manualtransmission was smooth in comparison to the Mazda and the cabin was well layed out. The CX7 Diesel Sport was horrible, to a point that I almost stopped on the freeway and left it there. engine and road noise from the tyres was appalling. The Mitsubishi Outlander was light in the front end steering and had a sloppy build quality on the interior hardware. The VW Tiguan was a nice ride but like so many other European builds, everything was an extra. The Captiva and Territory were rubbish and the Korean contenders were too pokey for a 6 foot plus tall driver.
Able

The Skoda Octavia Scout is a better option! It’s a new version of the old Outback, that you can still buy new. The car doesn’t look absolutely awful (despite what Jojo says, but no-one looks at/takes in to her constant negativity), it’s interior plastics are firmly (or not…) soft! It’s also not the size of a whale, meaning it drives very well and it isn’t sluggish off the line!

The servicing is twice as often, the pricing is lower and quality even better. It’s just better! Oh and did I mention that you don’t have to look at the Outback everyday if you own a Scout? That would be my main reason for buying one…
- Hookey
  
  Able, did you actually buy the Skoda over the Outback or are you just a fanboy getting all hot and sweaty over another eurotrash release in your latest Motor or Wheels mag? Probably don’t even have a licence, and if you did, it’d be an auto one, as you find manuals too hard compared to your limited X-Box driving experience. Well I actually drove both and chose the Subaru (ie, actually bought one…, mostly for the room, drivetrain and quality but also because the Subi while no beauty doesn’t look so dated as the Skoda, which is an old design, and actually reminds me of an early 90s Daihatsu.
Boney Maroney

I tested a lot of diesel wagons and despite the looks, settled on the Outback.I suspect the look is hurting the sales as I cut a sensational deal with the local Subbie guy that not even the Sydney dealers would better. I have never been real successful with smashing subbie dealers to a pulp with a deal, and usually find them not willing to budge on price, so this was a surprise.

Anyway I find the diesel engine smooth, and revs comfortably to 3500 which is when the kws peak, torque is short and sweat, but is a nice shove from about 1600rpm, maxing at 1800-2400/2500. Dash is a lot smaller depth wise than other wagons, so the hard plastics are not a worry. Want to see chintzy, sit in the Mazda 6 wagon – deep dash, hardish platics and acres of them. Engine was a bit more free reving in the Mazda though it has more power but i couldnt really tell the diff in the outback.

IX35, just as ugly as the subbie, rubbish ride, even on the MY11, thought that Hyundai had this sorted for MY11. IX35, mazda 6 diesel Wagon didnt seem as solid feeling on the road either. Happy with the Outback despite it’s ugly nose!
- Evo
  
  Actually I don’t find the Subaru ugly at all, I find it quite classical and stylish. That is, in five years time it will still look good not like some of the plastic cars that seem to go for “pop” looks that look dated so quickly, as in “oh yes that a 70′s 80′s 90′s look” etc .
  As for ride, I tested many and the Subaru eats them all for comfort and ride. I have the MY11 Turbo D2.0 and just love it
Evo

Well I’ve been driving the Outback Turbo Diesel now for just over two months, and I just love this car. I love the look, the feel and the sound. If I have one criticism its the length of the gearing. From 3rd gear up its terrific, first gear for me could be taller as with second, but the slick smooth gear changing is really nice. I recently returned from Europe and everyone there drives Manual Diesel cars, I don’t mind it in traffic, it actually helps me concentrate and out on the country roads, its just fantastic
Golden Grove

I have now had the Outback 2.5i for a year. Some insights into the car – I can live with the nose, and side-on the car looks fine. The interior is a very comfortable and roomy space., with all the toys you need. My 2 teenagers and a dog fit confortably in the back. The seats are big, the view is good and the electronic brake and hill holder are excellent (although having to turn it on again after every restart is something Subaru should fix). I have driven Sydney-Rockhampton return without missing a beat, and it responds brilliantly to a bit of shove. My major gripe is with the CVT. Too often it seems to selcect the wrong ratio – very high revs going down a hill at average speed. I have learnt to use the paddle shifters to go up 2-3 gears when this happens, and it happens most days. Take off can also be quite unresponsive. If you only drove it around the ‘burbs you wouldn’t realise how much grunt is has when flattened.
My last 2 cars were a Futura and then an Aurion – so I miss the 6 cylinders, but the cabin (lounge room on wheels)of the Outback is better than either.
http://caradvice.com.au Nicole

Looked at the Tribeca Subaru, unless you are a below knee amputee there is no leg space for the back passengers. May as well have a two door converible. The ix35 is very comfortable both in the front and back. Heaps more features than the Tribeca and clearly Subaru makes a good profit margin.
Hookey

I have owned the MY11 Diesel Outback Premium for about a month now, and chose this over both a Mazda6 Diesel (too cramped back seat, Mazda CX7 Diesel (big outside, smallish inside)as well as the Skoda Scout diesel (too small inside), after having owned various Mazdas and Toyotas over the last two decades. I agree with some of the criticism over gearing, electric park brake, etc, but you get used to these after a while. Looks, while not a pretty car, not fugly either (for ‘plain’, see under Skoda)- looks purposeful, much better in the metal than pics. First fill was 7.6, second 6.8, now averages around 6.2 l/100kms normal suburban commuting, so the economy is fantastic for basically a large family car. I am 188cms (6′ 2″) so I find the cabin easily accomodating and roomy, even with 3 lanky teenagers to fill the back seat. I am also one of these old-school weirdos who actually prefers a manual (tried a DSG – yuk!) every day. The 2.0L Diesel donk pulls like a train from 1500-3500RPM, will sit on 110 in 6th all day relaxed as ever. Also, love the AWD in the wet in the hills where home is. My first Subi – they just did not have the right one at the right time in the past, but I hope won’t be the last.
Garrett

Just picked up my MY12 diesel this morning, and have managed 100km on the first day. Very happy. As a bonus it seems the MY12′s come with standard reversing camera and full size spare. Certainly they weren’t on the original agreement, and I haven’t paid extra for them. So pretty happy with that. Looking forward to getting on the highway and screwing the economy down.