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2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium Road Test | Edmunds.com
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2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium Road Test | Edmunds.com
Edmunds tests the redesigned 2015 Subaru Outback. A new, more rigid body, completely reworked interior and a refined transmission make this tough wagon a winner.
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Driving in the SNOW is this car's strength, dirt is just a bonus.
Subaru is magical with suspension tuning. My 2007 Forester soaked up Chicago pot holes and frost heaves like they weren't even there. But the 2.5's output is just pathetic. Subaru needs to either find another 25 hp and some decent torque or (preferrably) they need to dispense with this engine and install a smaller displacement turbo engine. I suppose a possible alternative would be to offer the Forester turbo/WRX engine as a mid-level upgrade between the NA 2.5 and the V6.
i've driven both this and Volvo XC70, and i'd take the Volvo any day of the week: more powerful available engine, more comfort, no CVT engine.
Considering the Volvo XC70 starts just $1,400 less (for FWD) than a fully loaded 3.6R Limited, cost comes into the equation. The 3.6 has less power, but it's also a little easier at the pump with better fuel economy, which will be a factor for many (on regular gas vs. premium). The Volvo you're mentioning also starts at $4,000 more than the loaded 3.6R Limited.
As for the AWD systems, I haven't experienced any new Volvos, but my '01 Outback VDC was definitely much more capable than my '04 Volvo XC90 when it came to snow. I'm not saying the Volvo wasn't good, but the Subaru was much better. On top of that, the Subaru system is much more reliable over the long haul, and much cheaper to fix if something does go wrong (after the warranty runs out).
Overall, when you factor in the value equation with durability, I'll take a Subaru.
This is partially why people get confused about the Outback. Car people know it's a wagon version of the Legacy, but...
Your gallery of the 2015 is titled, "2015 Subaru Outback SUV".
Your Road test says, "...unlike crossover SUVs, the Outback drives exactly like what it is: a station wagon."
So which is it?
If your Forester was an automatic, it could also have something to do with the 4AT they used to use. While the CVT isn't exciting, it makes good use of the 2.5's power band more effectively.
Why wasn't the Toyota Venza listed as a competitor? It seems to be a better competitor than the RAV4, CRV, or any other compact SUV.
The Toyota Venza would be a viable competitor if it got better hwy mpg than 26, whereas the Subaru Outback gets 33 hwy.
Also, the price of the 2014 base AWD Venza LE is around $27,000, vs the base 2015 Subaru Outback is $25000, plus you are getting AWD as standard on the Outback.
Towing Cap of Venza is 1000lbs vs Outbacks's 2700.
Venza Trunk: 70.2 cu.ft. vs Outback's 73.3cu.ft.
Max Ground Clearance: Venza: 8.1 inches vs Outback 8.7.
Fuel Capacity: Venza 17.7gal vs Outback 18.5gal.
The comparison has been made and the Venza has been weighed and found wanting.
The Venza has TERRIBLE rear visibility-- it feels like you are sitting in a dark cave. The Volvo XC70 and Subaru Outback offer some of the best available visibility (with the Xc70 being better than the Outback).
New to this, and never posted anything on a forum, so I hope I'm doing this correctly, and on the correct forum topic.
I was going to purchase a 2015 Outback, but I noticed a problem that will keep me from buying, unless Subaru addresses the problem. Looking for others who have noticed the problem, and are willing to contact Subaru.
There is a problem with glare on one of the dashboard displays. My friend in Utah bought a new 2015 Outback the first week they arrived. He said he absolutely loves it. I drove one, and decided that I would also be purchasing one soon. Then, after owning it a couple weeks my friend called me back to let me know that he had noticed a major design flaw. Above the ac/heater controls is a thin display read out. The material produces severe glare with whatever light is entering the vehicle, making it extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible to see the display. The display is not recessed or hooded, so it's not protected at all from the light. The brighter it is out, the worse it is. And if it's bright out, you need sunglasses. This makes it worse because the sunglasses make the readout even dimmer. The display is not bright enough to cut through the glare, and the display brightness cannot be increased. As you move the car to different angles, the problem improves and worsens, depending on the angle that light is entering the car. The problem is worse on sunny days, and is worse early in the day, and late in the day, when the sun shines more directly into the car. I love this car in every other way, and really want one, but I'm not going to spend a lot of money on a car that has such a big problem. You need to be able to see your displays at all times. Not just when it's night time, or when you're at just the right angle.
This could be fixed by recessing and/or hooding the display (like it was on previous generation). Also, the display material needs to be made of an anti-glare material. And finally, they need to increase the intensity of the display itself.
The dealership said that they have already had other complaints about this problem. They said that if it's not a safety issue, it's harder to get it fixed, but said that if enough people contact Subaru about it, then they just might fix it, especially if it's being discussed on forums, which may turn people away from buying. So, if you own a 2015 Outback, or are looking to purchase one, PLEASE contact Subaru, and let them know that we want this problem addressed. I REALLY want a new Outback, so I'm hoping that Subaru will fix the problem. Please help to spread this around (this forum, and other online forums). Thanks everybody.
Regarding the post about the display above the ac/heater controls that is at times washed out - What information is shown on this display? Is it info. about the HVAC system or something else? Thanks
Time, HVAC, Outside Temperature
I currently own a 2010 Outback which has a similar HVAC display. It's approx. 6"x1" and is located low on the center stack. I've owned a 2000 & 2004 Forester & recall a similar HVAC display and location. Under certain lighting conditions, these displays do wash out. And they are more difficult to see with sunglasses on. Now everyone has to judge how much of a problem this is. For me, it's just an annoyance, certainly not a deal breaker. I agree with Subaru that this is not a safety issue. I'd suggest you check with your friend in about 2 months to see whether he has learned to live with this.
I've been satisfied with my 3 Subaru's, although I'd like to see them throw a turbocharger in the 4 cylinder, as all of them have been slow to accelerate from a dead stop. But when it comes time to replace my Outback, possibly next year, the current Outback will be at the top of my list. Good luck to you.
This year they dropped the available stick, so it's off my list. Luckily the XV Crosstrek still has one available.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
You COULD do it, but you will most definitely be in the slow lane.
Remember to take it out of overdrive if this is an automatic, BTW...
How comfortable is the driver's seat on long hauls? Is the cockpit roomy enough for someone 6'3 ?
Also looking a the 2015 Venza V6 XLE with AWD . I have an Avalon with the v6 and that motor is a beast.
2013 - 2015 Outback has FB25.
@grindher - Outback 3.6R (H6) would be a fairer comparison to Venza V6.