2007 Subaru Outback 4dr SUV Touring Pkg AWD

Vehicle Overview The Subaru Outback is a quasi-sport utility vehicle offshoot of the company's Legacy line. Known as sport utility wagons, these Outback variants feature SUV-like styling cues and higher ground clearance. New to Subaru's Outback lineup for 2007 is the Outback 2.5i Basic wagon, a model that slots below the automaker's 2.5i wagon and 2.5i Limited sedan. Like the Legacy, Outback sedans and wagons were enlarged a bit for 2005. A turbocharged engine became available for the first time. Trim levels include the 2.5i Basic wagon, 2.5i wagon and 2.5i Limited sedan, all of which are powered by a 175-horsepower four-cylinder. The 2.5 XT Limited wagon comes with a 243-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, while the 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition wagon and sedan have a 245-hp six-cylinder. Ground clearance is 8.4 or 8.7 inches, depending on the model. Subaru offers three combinations of transmission and all-wheel-drive systems. Subaru also offers a smaller Outback Sport, which is based on the company's Impreza and is listed with Impreza models in the Cars.com Research section. Exterior Current Outbacks look sleeker than the previous models, but most 2005 changes involved technical modifications. Using aluminum on the hood and tailgate (on wagon models) helped reduce weight by as much as 180 pounds. The 2.5 XT has a functional hood scoop and a dual exhaust system. A dual-pane moonroof is available on the Outback wagon. The 2.5i Basic wagon comes with 16-inch steel wheels all other Outbacks have 17-inch alloy wheels. Interior Each Outback model seats five occupants. Wagons feature a 60/40-split, folding rear seatback. Standard equipment in the 2.5i Basic wagon includes power windows and door locks with keyless entry, a CD audio system and air conditioning. The 2.5i adds an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats, while a Limited package includes leather upholstery. Move up the trim levels, and the interior can be decked out with power front seats, steering wheel audio controls, a navigation system and other options. Under the Hood All Subaru engines have a horizontally opposed cylinder configuration. In 3.0 R models, a 3.0-liter six-cylinder produces 245 hp and 215 pounds-feet of torque. A turbocharged four-cylinder in the 2.5 XT Limited wagon yields 243 hp and 241 pounds-feet of torque. Regular 2.5i wagons get a normally aspirated 175-hp four-cylinder. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard in all but the 3.0 R, which has a standard five-speed automatic that allows for manual shifting. This transmission is optional for the 2.5 XT. A four-speed automatic is optional for the 2.5i. Safety Side-impact and side curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints and all-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are standard. An electronic stability system is available. Driving Impressions Outback sedans and wagons are easy to drive and have advantages over the Legacy when driving on imperfect roads. These cars are satisfying alternatives to an SUV. Performance in the turbocharged Outback 2.5 XT mimics an equivalent Legacy. At higher altitudes, an Outback exhibited considerable turbo lag when passing. Acceleration from a standstill is reasonably quick, though tromping the gas pedal under certain conditions at higher speeds may momentarily produce no response. The six-cylinder 3.0 R, also tested at higher altitude, lacked response at higher speeds. The six-cylinder engine is more refined than the turbocharged four-cylinder. Outbacks ride smoothly on good surfaces. The ride can roughen as the pavement becomes harsh.