Whats New For 2014
New Cars Reviews - The 2014 subaru outback gets minor changes to firmly its trim levels and equipment. Notably, 2. 5i premium models currently have commonplace heated seats, whereas the bottom 3. 6r trim level has also been discontinued.
Introduction
For several years, shoppers wanting a wagon with a few outdoor capability have turned to firmly the subaru outback. Since its introduction nearly 20 years ago, it has also been the nice suv various. Outbacks won't hesitate for the cargo area and dexterity within the whole dirt, however theyve forever been held in equal regard for the wonderful manners on paved roads. The 2014 subaru outback is a lot of larger in comparison to the original outback and competes directly with midsize crossovers aimed at families. Though it may not hold the very same appeal regarding the granola crowd as its smaller predecessors did, this subaru continues to be a robust selection for anyone who craves a trifle journey.
Since each subaru outback comes commonplace with all-wheel drive and boasts a generous 8. 7 inches of ground clearance, its perhaps one of the most capable crossovers off-road. You wont be able to employ caravan of jeeps the rubicon trail, however dirt trails, snowy mountain passes or muddy country roads wont stop this subaru wagon.
Equally vital, the outback has a formidable 71 cubic feet of maximum cargo capability specifically for your own personal camping and outdoor sports gear. And after you decide on the four-cylinder engine, this crossover wagon is good at hitting 30 mpg upon the highway. If youre wanting to tow alittle trailer, the out there six-cylinder engine enables the outback to firmly pull up to firmly 3, 000 pounds. Too commonplace may be a roof rack with built-in cross rails that conveniently fold from the method when youre not using them.
There arent too several choices if youre attempting to find a midsize wagon or crossover with a few off-road capability. The toyota venza may be a bit additional carlike behind the wheel and also has less cabin noise and nicer interior materials, however it wont go all the places the outback will. Upon the higher finish, the audi allroad and volvo xc70 share the outbacks rugged aesthetic ( and a number of its capability ), however they cost considerably additional. Another possibility may be a true suv just like the 2014 jeep grand cherokee, that offers all the more off-highway capability, though it, too, tends to firmly cost additional. In fact, you'll too examine mainstream crossovers just like the honda cr-v and mazda cx-5, that supply similar interior space however arent extremely hardy sufficient to go too so much off of the beaten path. Ultimately, the 2014 subaru outback may be a pretty unique vehicle and if you have got an adventurous spirit, we recommend it highly.
Body Designs, Trim Levels, And Options
The 2014 subaru outback may be a five-passenger wagon offered in four trim levels : 2. 5i, 2. 5i premium, 2. 5i restricted and three. 6r restricted. The numbers refer to firmly engine displacement.
The bottom 2. 5i is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels ; roof rack rails with fold-out crossbars ; full power accessories ; cruise management ; air-conditioning ; a height-adjustable driver seat ; a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel ; 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seats ; bluetooth phone and audio connectivity ; while a four-speaker sound system with the use of a cd player, an ipod/usb audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack. An possibility package means that you can upgrade the bottom outback ( cvt models just ) with 17-inch alloy wheels and foglights.
The 2. 5i premium model has all the bottom cars equipment, at the side of 17-inch wheels, foglights, rear privacy glass, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, an eight-way power driver seat ( with power lumbar ), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a cargo cover while a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
If your 2. 5i premium delivers the continuously variable transmission ( cvt ), you'll decide on the ability moonroof package, that adds a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror while a rearview camera. Out there as half associated with an upgraded power moonroof package is subarus eyesight driver assist system, that includes adaptive cruise management, a lane departure warning system while a collision warning/mitigation system with brake intervention. Too out there may be a package that combines the moonroof with the use of a navigation system that features a 7. 0-inch touchscreen show, smartphone app integration while a rearview camera.
Stepping up to firmly the 2. 5i restricted adds dual-zone automatic climate management, leather upholstery, wood trim, a four-way power passenger seat, an upgraded gauge cluster while a nine-speaker harman kardon sound system with hd radio. Choices regarding the restricted are similar to firmly the 2. 5i premium, however currently the eyesight system often is purchased in combination when using the navigation system. Additionally, theres a special appearance package that bundles the moonroof, eyesight and nav system with unique exterior styling details, keyless ignition/entry, driver seat memory functions and perforated leather upholstery.
The 3. 6r restricted is equipped with a six-cylinder engine, however otherwise its commonplace and optional equipment is identical to that particular on your 2. 5i restricted.
Powertrains And Performance
The all-wheel-drive subaru outback is offered with 2 completely different engines. The 2. 5i models use a 2. 5-liter horizontally opposed ( boxer ) four-cylinder that produces 173 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. It comes paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or perhaps a cvt. The cvt provides the functionality associated with an automatic transmission.
Epa fuel economy estimates regarding the four-cylinder when using the cvt are 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. Models when using the six-speed manual come 22/29/24. Each results are pretty smart for the all-wheel-drive four-cylinder crossover.
The 2014 outback 3. 6r restricted is equipped with a 3. 6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine smart for 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic with shift paddles is the major transmission offered. In edmunds performance testing, the 3. 6r accelerated from zero to firmly 60 mph in 7. 3 seconds, a robust time to produce a six-cylinder-powered crossover or wagon. In spite of this, epa fuel economy is below average at 17/25/20.
Safety
Each 2014 subaru outback comes customary with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability and traction management, front seat facet airbags and facet curtain airbags that cover each rows.
A rearview camera is accessible beginning on cvt-equipped premium and restricted models. Subarus optional eyesight system includes adaptive cruise management, pre-collision braking and lane departure warning functionality ( it'll additionally warn you if youre swaying among your lane throughout highway travel ). The eyesight system uses 2 cameras mounted within the higher side of the windshield, that subaru says reduces the potential for harm compared to actually typical radar systems mounted within the front bumper. Eyesight will additionally detect pedestrians and is proficient at braking the outback in the event the driver takes no evasive action.
In government crash tests, the subaru outback earned a five-star overall rating, in conjunction with five-star ratings because of its performance in front- and side-impact crash protection. Within the insurance institute for highway safetys testing, the outback received the very best prime safety pick+ accolade once earning a very good rating ( the very best potential ) within the moderate-overlap front-offset crash take a look at, too clearly as the side-impact and roof strength tests. It additionally earned an acceptable rating ( second highest ) within the new small-overlap frontal-offset crash take a look at.
Interior Style And Special Features
With its redesign a couple of years ago, the subaru outback traded its traditionally smaller footprint for additional family-friendly dimensions. That additional area is immediately evident once you get within, where even rear seat passengers currently enjoy wonderful headroom and legroom. The rear seatbacks additionally recline for bigger comfort.
Behind those rear seats youll notice 34. 3 cubic feet of cargo area. Folding them down yields 71. 3 cubic feet, that's on par when using the venza and cr-v. For something that doesnt fit within, the outback features built-in roof rack cross rails that swing inward when required to actually attach bikes, snowboards and kayaks. Loading up recreational gear is additionally created easier by your outbacks reasonable overall height, as its shorter than most alternative crossover suvs.
Practical as it's, the 2014 subaru outbacks cabin has a whole lot of laborious plastic, that's tolerable on base models other then feels alittle too down-market once you go to the restricted trim level. Most buyers can see it worth the leap to actually the 2. 5i premium trim level, as the bottom 2. 5i models customary four-speaker stereo sounds tinny and flat. The touchscreen interface in navigation-equipped outbacks often is frustrating sometimes, clearly as the menus are sophisticated and of course the on-screen buttons aren't perpetually responsive to actually bit.
Driving Impressions
The outbacks last growth spurt opened up lots of interior area, other then it lost the previous generations quick handling by doing so. By the alternative hand, the current outback has a really forgiving ride that helps it be a pure for road trips. Subaru says it stiffened the wagons structure and retuned the suspension to actually cut back body roll to enhance handling for 2013. We've nonetheless to actually take a look at an outback that incorporates these changes, other then once we do, well update this review.
Meanwhile, the 2014 subaru outbacks customary all-wheel drive and 8. 7 inches of ground clearance create it a pure for light-weight off-roading. In fact, the subaru isn't meant to actually resolve rock-crawling jeeps, other then ferrying kayaks and mountain bikes to actually campsites and trailheads could be a cinch.
The 2. 5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers adequate performance and respectable fuel economy with either the six-speed manual and even the cvt. Its a very good alternative if your primary concern is fuel economy. But if you are willing to have a home in the mountains or frequently haul full loads of passengers or cargo within your outback, youll be higher served by your six-cylinder.