2012 Subaru Outback Preview

Balance is the key to victory in the Subaru Outback won the 2010 Motor Trend Sport / Utility of the Year award in 2010. And for 2011 and 2012, very little has changed.

Outback shines like a crossover SUV with versatility, but without any of the SUV sanctions. Subaru was able to a large and well suited interior combines with exceptional ground clearance, comfortable on the road, tough off-road capability, healthy performance and fuel economy in a big package.

Under the hood, which she manages with just four-and six-cylinder options, largely due to the relatively light 3700-pound curb weight. This also makes the big Outback driving, despite his height. On the way, it's smooth and quiet, and provides all-weather and off-road confidence that is unparalleled in its segment.

Inside, the Outback ergonomically suited to satisfying control and comfort, and there are many safety features, in 2011, Subaru had a IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Body: Crossover SUV

Engines: 2.5-liter flat-4, 3.6-liter flat-6

Transmissions: six-speed manual, five-speed automatic, continuously variable automatic transmission

Models: 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 3.6 R, 3.6 R Limited, 3.6 R Premium

It is "stay the course" for the 2012 Outback, the most popular model Subarus. After a redesign for 2010, the only changes for the new model are audio enhancements, and Bluetooth buttons on the wheel of the premium models.

Subaru is generally not considered a "premium" manufacturer, but the Outback, the Legacy with which it is based, is Subaru's premium offerings. It looks like a big car, but for some, the Outback is an attractive long car with handsome grille, flared fenders and sporty wagon design.

Inside, the Outback has all the usual bells and whistles of an entry-level luxury car, such as available leather and heated seats, an infotainment and navigation audio system and six airbags as standard. It also has a large payload.

The Outback 2.5i, Limited and Premium all share the same 170 horsepower 2.5-liter flat-4 engine while the 3.6 R Limited and premium area of ​​the new 256 horsepower 3.6-liter flat-6 engine . Subaru's Symmetrical All come with the automaker's All-Wheel-Drive, assistance in the performance and safety in all weather conditions, but the Outback of the suspension and brakes are more urban than sporty.

The Outback is available and optional safety features include electronic brake force distribution, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, traction control and AWD.

2.5i: 21-22 mpg highway mpg city/27-29

2.5i Limited: 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway

2.5i Premium: 19-22 mpg highway mpg city/27-29

3.6 R: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

3.6 R Limited: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

3.6 R Premium: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

2.5i Wagon

Sticker Price: $24,295

2.5i Limited Wagon

Sticker Price: $28,695

2.5i Premium Wagon

Sticker Price: $25,795

3.6R Limited Wagon

Sticker Price: $31,695

3.6R Premium Wagon

Sticker Price: $29,495

3.6R Wagon

Sticker Price: $28,295