2011 Subaru Outback Best and High Performance

The History and Legacy Subaru Outback was formally introduced to the North American market at the 1994 New York Auto Show, and was known in Japan starting August 1995 as the Legacy Grand Wagon, and in Australia as the Liberty Outback, a trim package with normal ground clearance but an "SUV look" with two-tone paint and fog lights. For MY 1994, the Legacy wagon was available as the Alpine Sport and Sun Sport, which were Value Option Packages included on the "L" trim level wagon, and graphics denoting the option package installed. Subaru Outback is original concept originated with Subaru of America, which was suffering from slumping sales in the mid-1990s partly due to a lack of an entry in the then-burgeoning sport utility vehicle market. Lacking the finances to design an all-new sport utility vehicle, Subaru decided to add body cladding and a suspension lift to their Legacy wagon. Christened the Legacy Outback, after the rugged areas of Australia, Australian actor Paul Hogan was the spokesman in the North American market, playing off the Australian name of the vehicle and portraying the vehicle as a capable and more efficient alternative to larger, truck-based SUVs.

2011 Subaru Outback

The 2011 Subaru Outback is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 6 trims, ranging from the 2.5i continues to offer value and versatility. Unlike previous generations, the latest Outback diverges further from its wagon roots and embraces the crossover trend. Fitting somewhere between a wagon and an SUV, the Subaru Outback can be cross-shopped with many vehicles. Its most direct competitors are the Toyota Venza and Honda Accord Crosstour. These vehicles fill the same niche as the Outback, boasting wagon-like design, taller seating and capabilities for light off-road or foul-weather adventures.

2011 Subaru Outback

The 2011 Subaru Outback drives like a cara tough car. With its standard all-wheel drive system, the Outback can handle poor weather conditions without breaking a sweat. Reviewers enjoy the optional CVT transmission that is available on trims with 170-horsepower 2.5-liter engine has more than enough power for everyday driving, but those looking for a little more get-up may prefer opting for the 256 horsepower in the 3.6-liter flat-6. The EPA gives 2.5-liter models ratings of 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway when paired with the CVT (automatic transmission) and 19 city/27 highway with the manual transmission. The flat-6 only comes with a five-speed automatic transmission and is rated at 18 city/25 highway.

2011 Subaru Outback

The 2011 Subaru Outback is a five-passenger wagon available in six trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5 Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R, 3.6 Premium and 3.6R Limited. Equipment for the 3.6R models generally mirrors that of the respective 2.5i models.The subaru outback base 2.5i comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, adjustable roof rails and cross bars, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat and a four-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The 2.5i Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, rear privacy glass, eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Optional on the Premium is an All-Weather package that adds heated side mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated front seats. The optional Harman Kardon stereo includes nine speakers, a six-CD changer and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity.

The Outback All model reviewers find the Subaru Outback to be a nice-looking vehicle. The Outback comes standard with adjustable roof rails to make carrying extra cargo a breeze. The exterior 2011 Subaru Outback makes blurring the lines between wagon and SUV seem easy. Broad wheel arches, substantial-looking roof racks and tasteful lower body cladding complement its wagon-like window line and proportions. The new 2011 Subaru Outback are manual-folding exterior mirrors.

The interior of the 2011 Subaru Outback carries over almost unchanged. Reviewers have generally enjoyed the interior design and versatility of the Outback the cabin gets minor comfort and convenience items for 2011. Bundled with the Power Moonroof Package on Premium and Limited models, Subaru now offers a Rear Vision Camera on the Outback. Included with this is an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink garage door integration and a compass. Most reviewers are impressed with the interior of the Subaru Outback. It has a streamlined design and plenty of standard features. The base model comes with power windows and door locks, cruise control and an auxiliary audio input jack. Leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat, heated seats, a moonroof and dual-zone climate control are available depending on the model you select.

The All Model 2011 Subaru Outback Prices MSRP $23,195 - $31,495

2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R                      $28,195

2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium       $29,195

2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited         $31,495

2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i                      $23,195

2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium       $24,495

2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited        $28,4950