Not everyone is ready to jump into an SUV. While there is no denying the added utility and comfort these high-ridinutes deliver, there are those that prefer to keep themselves much more grounded literally opting instead for the more car-like dynamic a wagon affords. Thankfully, the 2013 Subaru Outback manages to straddle both sensibilities. More than that, it does so with an astounding amount of automated tech features that one simply wont encounter until moving well beyond the segments modest price point. But is it the all-purpose, well-rounded ultra-wagon Subaru fanatics make it out to be? We havent tasted the Kool-Aid, but its certainly looking that way.
Not quite all grown up, but getting there
If youre looking for a beefier, more aggressive wagon that sheds, say, the old-school wood-paneling of the 1980s, then youll certainly be pleased with new Outback. Here we have a vehicle that knowingly (and happily) blurs the line between high-riding wagon and crossover SUV. Although its been a few years since the Outback has received a major styling overhaul, the recent design tweaks run concurrent with Subarus vision for the car, which seems to suggest a desire to slowly move the vehicle away from the original wagon roots and into the realm of crossovers.
Like an adolescent yet to fully grow into their frame, the 2013 Subaru Outback occupies an awkward space between two worlds. Its grown up from being low-riding wagon version of the Legacy sedan, but hasnt quite matured into the small SUV segment the Forrester occupies. From a design perspective, this leaves the 2013 Subaru Outback in a rather uncooperative situation when trying to define it. Its not quite an SUV or crossover, though its not a full blown wagon either. For most, the encroachment upon crossover territory and all the added utility will be welcomed, but for longtime fans of previous Outbacks this might serve as a point of contention. We happen to fall somewhere in between.
For 2013, The Subaru Ouback looks meaner and more aggressive demeanor than ever before. Up front, Subaru has widened the grill and swept back the headlamps, while running character lines atop the hood to help lend more visual nuance. Down below were greeted by a wider, somewhat exaggerated front bumper beneath the front ends gaping rectangular maw, while to the side the Outbacks profile highlights the tapered greenhouse, flared out wheel arches, and raked rear-end.
Keepin it simple
It may derive its name from the remote and arid lands of Australia, but there is nothing rugged or desolate about the 2013 Subaru Outbacks interior. From the drivers seat, the Outback is fairly straightforward. The perforated leather-trimmed seats and subtle, yet appropriately employed wood trim found in our 3.6R Limited review model, offer a great feeling of luxury and indulgence, while the three-spoke steering wheel felt comfortable to the touch sporting a three-tiered button cluster on the left and two-tiered cluster on the right. Behind that sits the vivid illuminated instrument gauges that sandwich the excellent EyeSight driver assist systems dedicated 3.5-inch LCD display (much more on that in a minute).
In the middle we find the center console which houses the optional navigation system, and just below that sits the cabins dual climate controls. Generally, its not too difficult to navigate and the buttons detailing each function are fairly large and easy to get to. There are some minor gripes though, like the tiny volume dial, and much-smaller-than-they-need-to-be temperature and fan adjustment buttons, but they remain just that minor gripes.
Overall, we really enjoyed the 2013 Subaru Outbacks interior and it happens to be much less polarizing than anything else about the car. You might not like the look on the outside, you might disagree with its more overt SUV styling, but the 2013 Outback is comfortable. Of course, a good chunk of that stems from the sheer amount of space youre afforded. Again, Outback purists may have lamented its growth spurt, but the move to a larger, more crossover-like design translates to a much roomier interior up front and in the rear.
Without question the Outback has and will always be geared to those that lead an active lifestyle, which is exactly why potential buyers will be pleased with the sheer volume on hand. Loading up your daily baggage shouldnt be a problem with 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold those backseats down and that number swells to 71.3 cubic feet. And if that isnt enough, the Outbacks roof rails with folding crossbars should make hauling everything from bikes, skis, and kayaks a breeze.
Brawn and brains
Adding to the already impressive and spacious interior is the wide array of tech features the 2013 Subaru Outback is packing. Standard across the Outback lineup are both AUX and USB outputs for Smartphone or MP3 player connectivity. Up the ladder, and indeed in our 3.6R model trim, the Outback employs an upgraded nine-speaker, 440 watt Harman/Kardon audio system. Premium trims also include XM Satellite radio and a four month free subscription. Other comfort/tech features include a 10-way adjustable power drivers seat, four-way adjustable passenger, and tilt/telescoping steering wheel with mounted audio/interface controls.
For users looking to get the most out of their digital music, the Outback offers Bluetooth audio streaming. Pairing your device is a snap, as is streaming content through various apps like Pandora and Spotify. While wirelessly streaming was a breeze, the Outbacks interface oddly refused to recognize both apps when physically plugged in, meaning if we wanted to stream music from our phone we couldnt have it charging at the same time, which is a fairly large oversight for tech users. The alternative is to simply use an iPod or other type of MP3, but in our opinion that severely limits the Bluetooths functionality.
Thankfully, making calls and uploading contacts list required no compromises at all, as was using the Outbacks hands-free voice calling system. The voice activation also integrates into the option navigation system and comes with a seven-inch LCD display and backup camera. We liked Subarus display a lot, actually, especially during the day when natural light never seemed to cause severe screen washout. And considering voice recognition systems can be as fun to deal with as overbearing in-laws , we were happy to find that requesting directions was fairly simple, requiring only a minimal amount of fuss before we became well-adjusted to the specific command structure.
Technically speaking (see what we did there?), the fun doesnt stop at smartphones and nav systems. Perhaps more importantly, the 2013 Outback packs a punch in regards to its safety tech. In fact, Subarus recent partnership with Toyota has yielded more than just the FRS and BRZ. The new EyeSight driver assist system, which will also make its debut (albeit in fancier form) in Lexus upcoming flagship sedan, the 2013 Lexus LS, features heavily in the 2013 Outback 3.6R Limited.
As we mentioned before, this new safety system integrates with a number of things, like a 3.5-inch display located in the center gauge cluster, as well as windshield-mounted cameras. While driving, EyeAssist will alert you of a number of potential dangers, like oncoming obstacles (applying pre-collision breaking measures if need be), unintentional lane departure (If you havent activated your turn signal), and unwarranted car sway. For those that continue to text and drive, or become distracted when stopped at a light, EyeAssist will alert you if the car in front of you has begun to move and you remain stationary for too long. The best part: its all seamless, never becomes overbearing, and designed to simply keep you alert and engaged when human error simply gets the best of you.
More power means more petrol
Several powertrains exist for the various Outback models, like a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder good for 173 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Our top end Outback 3.6R version upped the ante, however, and came equipped with a 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder capable of producing 256 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options remain pretty straightforward with the 2.5-liter varieties offering either a six-speed speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the 3.6R is offered in a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
For the Outbacks 2.5-liter boxer four, fuel economy remains vigilant with an EPA-rated 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined when mated to the CVT. Models featuring the six-speed manual suffer a little and return 21/28/24 across the board, which is actually pretty decent given the Outbacks four-cylinders and all-wheel-drive composition.
Ultimately thought, its up to drivers to choose whether they want power over fuel economy. If youre considering doing some light off-roading we see the 3.6 making sense, but if your plans are simply to make use of the Outbacks added ride height and utility, sticking with the smaller CVT seems to be the way to go. To add some segment context, a 2013 Volvo XC70 T6 with all-wheel-drive and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder making 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque returns an EPA-estimated 17/23/20, while the new Audi Allroad with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 211 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque, and nets 20/27/23 when coupled to an eight-speed automatic and Audis quattro all-wheel-drive.
Signature sure-footed Subaru
In the past, complaints have been levied at the Outback for providing a pillowy, roll-tastic ride that left a lot to be desired. For 2013, Subaru has addressed this issue with a retuned suspension that is stiffer and delivers a much more compliant ride. Cabin roll still seems to be an issue though, and one thats been left unresolved for the new model year, but we definitely felt the Subaru sported some respectable and nimble car-like handling given its 8.7-inch ground clearance. That being said, one of the things we loved about the 2013 Outback was its added utility and the fact that it rides higher than your average wagon, yet doesnt exactly approach dramatic heights seen in SUVs or even CUVs for that matter, making it perfect for light to moderate off-road jaunts when the need arises.
Finish Line
Simply put, there is a lot to like about the 2013 Subaru Outback. Its added space and utility is a huge draw for those looking to lug the family around or frequent the great outdoors. It might not carry the offroad ability of a dedicated SUV, but for trips up and down the mountain, and even off the beaten path, the Outback will more than suffice. Whats more, with Subarus signature AWD system standard in all models (base prices starts at $24,000, while our fully optioned review model came in at $37,000) drivers can rest assured the Outback will be able to tackle the roads regardless of whether theyre paved or of a more rugged variety. And with automated safety features that seem more at home in a luxury vehicle as well as a strong list of tech features, the 2013 Subaru Outback allows you the convenience of the civilized world even when youre surrounded by natures more humble embrace.
Highs
- Powertrain delivers just the right amount of zest
- Subarus excellent AWD system keeps the car firmly planted to the road
- Well-appointed interior, especially in higher trim levels
- Excellent and robust list of advanced tech features
Lows
- Handling still feels a tad too sloppy
- Not the most handsome car on the road
- Some odd tech quirks and design layout choices
- Average fuel economy
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2013 Subaru Outback Review
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2013 Subaru Outback Review
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