2009 Subaru Outback 3.0R

While the phrase station wagon may conjure up fond memories of genuine simulated wood paneling and the unique rear facing kid seats associated with the full-size family of American station wagons of yore, we should not forget that it was Subaru that brought all-wheel drive and station wagons together in the mid-Seventies with a plucky and tough compact wagon that became an instant automotive hit in areas where ice and snow coat the roads every winter.

Set the time machine forward to 2009, and the little wagon known globally as the Leone and simply Subaru in America has matured into a world-class machine still wildly popular with those who keep snow shovels near the driveway and a bag of road salt under the porch. The Subaru Outback has also gained new fans in all climates since its introduction in 1995 by bringing the previously disparate realms of any- and off-road capability of an SUV together with the comfortable ride of a passenger car while adding the sporting ability of Subaru's famous full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive.


Five versions of the Outback are available for the 2009 model year. Starting with the base model naturally aspirated Outback 2.5i with five-speed manual transmission right up to the Outback 3.0R Limited Sport Utility Wagon that served as our test vehicle. Standing at top of the Subaru Sport Utility Wagon hill with a six-cylinder 245 horsepower version of the Subaru horizontally opposed cylinder boxer engine, our test Outback also brought along an uprated level of modern appointments that adds a touch of luxury to sporting utility.

Tough Wagon, Smooth Ride

The rugged exterior styling of the Outback could visually slot the vehicle into the nebulous world of crossovers at first glance, but this utility wagon hauls a great deal of genuinely rugged engineering under the skin. The stance of the Outback is the result of a heavy-duty four-wheel independent suspension with over eight inches of ground clearance. Even with this SUV-matching clearance, the Outback does not require a step up to get into, but still offers up a commanding higher than the average car seating position.


The any and off road ability of the Outback does not come at the cost of a comfortable ride. Around town the Outback delivers an almost docile road feel and good manners expected of a modern passenger vehicle. The exterior design of the Outback is a case of form may in fact be following function. With plenty of room for occupants of all ages and gear of all kinds, the Outback is ready for anything from a trip down to the local nursery for some potted plants, or a jaunt up into the distant snow-covered mountains with a roof rack full of skis.

Powertrains-a-Plenty

Subaru offers an array of powertrain choices for the Outback inclined to suit any budget and adventure requirements. While all versions feature the proven combination of the horizontally opposed cylinder boxer engine and symmetrical all wheel drive, each Outback is engineered to get the most out of its configuration. For engines the Outback offers up a naturally aspirated or turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine or a silky smooth 3.0-liter six-cylinder version that hits with the power and improved balance of two more fists. The atmospheric breathing 2.5L four-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower. Stepping up the lineup the turbocharged and intercooled 2.5L four-cylinder cranks out 243 horsepower while the six-cylinder 3.0L smoothly supplies 245 ponies.