Subaru Outback Holds Its Own Against Midsize SUVs
Cars.com rates Outback among the best in road test comparison
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback crossover a legitimate alternative for midsize SUV shoppers? That’s what Cars.com set out to determine when it compared the Outback to the five competitors in its 2016 Midsize SUV Challenge. Cars.com tested the 2017 Outback 3.6R Limited according to the same evaluations as the Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kia Sorento and Jeep Grand Cherokee, looking at everything from comfort and cargo capacity to crash-test ratings and fuel economy. Unsurprisingly, the Subaru Outback scored among the highest of any vehicle in the test.
Easy-to-use multimedia system
Among the features that impressed the judges most was the 7-inch STARLINKTM MULTI-MEDIA with Navigation. They commented on the ease of reorienting the map with a spinning motion pinch. One judge commented that it was the only map interface in the group that mimics a smartphone.
Off-road capability
The judges cited the Outback’s superb all-wheel-drive system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance as having “more legitimate off-road credentials” than the other competitors. That’s the beauty of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-wheel Drive, designed for maximum balance, stability, and traction.
Power when you need it
The judges were also impressed with the Outback’s available 3.6-liter V6. “Love the snappy throttle response of the flat-six engine," one judge commented. “Now there’s a CVT I can live with.”
Important safety features
Subaru’s EyeSight® driver assist technology, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and a forward collision warning system with automatic braking, received the highest marks, prompting one judge to conclude, “Subaru does safety right.”
Unbeaten fuel economy
The 6-cylinder Outback racked up 26.4 mpg in the Cars.com drivers’ real-world testing, which tied for the group’s best fuel economy. And with its hefty 18.5-gallon fuel tank, the Outback goes a long way between fuel stops.
Great overall value
The 2017 Outback 3.6R Limited starts at $34,995.* The well-equipped version tested by Cars.com had the lowest price of all the vehicles tested by over $3,000, with the Outback priced over $7000 less than the highest price contender. “It’s difficult not to be impressed by the value quotient,” one judge commented while another said, “Shoppers looking for a midsize SUV should take a serious look.”
We couldn’t agree more. Take the 2017 Outback for a test drive of your own at Herb Gordon Subaru today.
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
Image Credit: Subaru