- 2010
2009 Subaru Outback
- Used Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Subaru Outback is a competent alternative to an SUV, thanks to its well-liked all-wheel drive system. It doesn't match the fuel economy of more conventional wagons, however.
The Subaru Outback is for buyers who want SUV-like capabilities, without any SUV drawbacks. As Road and Track puts it, "The Outback combines the virtues of a small SUV with carlike ride and handling." In fact, many seem to view SUVs as the Outback's primary competition. It's the Outback's SUV appeal that makes it a standout wagon. However, that SUV appeal takes a toll on the Outback. The same ruggedness that make it an SUV alternative also make it thirstier than other wagons. Though the Outback boasts a very nice interior, its price tag is creeping considerably higher than other wagons. If you're looking for something besides and SUV, the Outback is a good choice. But if you're looking for a wagon first, SUV imitator second, consider other wagons, like the Volkswagen Passat.
The Outback is available in the base model, 2.5i, 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean, 2.5 XT Limited or 3.0 R L.L. Bean.
- "With rugged styling cues, a higher ride height and all-wheel drive, the Subaru Outback Wagon is a reasonable alternative to an upscale SUV." -- Forbes
- "Straddling the midsize wagon and crossover SUV segments, the 2009 Subaru Outback offers more off-road chops than other wagons and better handling than crossover SUVs." -- Edmunds
- "For 98 percent of America's drivers, there's nothing it won't do better than a herd of traditional SUVs." -- Automobile Magazine
- "There are trendier cars and sportier cars and even more practical cars, but when it comes to blending all three, Subaru deserves whatever attention it gets." -- U.S. News
Outback Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)
Car and Driver says the Subaru Outback "isn't exactly svelte, but it isn't too bad for a fully equipped all-wheel-drive wagon, and it certainly performs and feels like a lighter car." Reviewers feel that the Outback's performance is a mixed bag. Read More
Outback Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
Rugged looks help set the Outback apart from ho-hum wagons. Forbes writes, "Even without a kayak or set of skis fastened on top, Outback wagons look like they have a really meaningful destination to get to, somewhere exotic, apt to be loads of fun." Read More
Outback Interior - 7.7 (Good)
The Subaru Outback's interior isn't as roomy as others in the class. Still, the Subaru's interior is good for hauling cargo and transporting passengers in comfort and even in a certain degree of luxury. Forbes reports, "The Subaru Outback wagon's interior is well designed and offers reasonable room and comfort no matter which model you choose." Read More
Outback Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
The Outback performs very well in federal government crash tests and features lots of standard safety equipment -- including an all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration. Read More
Outback Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Subaru Outback reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Subaru offers impressive warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Read More
