For 2013, Subaru of America has raised the bar even further giving the Outback revised front styling, a new more efficient and powerful engine, a new second generation Lineartronic CVT transmission and a leading edge driver assist system called EyeSight that provides the driver pre-collision braking that is capable of detecting and reacting to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic threats plus lane departure and sway warning along with adaptive cruise control.
We just completed a week with a brand new Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive in Venetian Red Pearl with a base MSRP of $29,095 and the Moonroof + Navigation + Eyesight System package for $3,940. With delivery, our 2013 Subaru Outback price was $33,830.
At first glance, we thought this Outback 2.5i Limited was very well equipped. After reviewing the vehicle and its standard plus optional equipment included, we were very much surprised at the value Subaru has included in the price.
After driving this new Outback for around 300 miles around Central Texas, we understand readily the loyalty of Subaru Outback owners through the years and why sales for the Outback were up 39% over 2011 in September with the roll out of the 2013 model with the new EyeSight system.
This very capable 5-passenger crossover utility (CUV) wagon was equipped with the 2.5 liter DOHC 4-cylinder Boxer engine delivering 173 horsepower with 174 lb.-ft. of torque. It was equipped with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with a 6-speed manual mode that included steering wheel paddle shifters. The EPA rating for this 4-cylinder is 24/30 mpg city/highway.
The 3.6R Limited model (MSRP $32,095) is equipped with a DOHC 6-cylinder Boxer engine that delivers 256 horsepower delivering 256 horsepower with 247 lb.-ft. of torque. This version is equipped with a standard 5-speed electronic control automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The bigger 6-cylinder EPA rating is 18/25 mpg city/highway.
From our test drive, the performance of the Outback 2.5i Limited exceeded our expectations even with the smaller power plant. Mated to the CVT transmission, this Outback Limited got us easily everywhere we wanted and needed to go without hesitation and for less money at the pump.
This Subaru Outback is smart-sized compared to other 2-row crossover vehicles, featuring a mid-size interior in an easy-to-maneuver and off-road-capable wagon. The Outback provides the crisp car-like handling with the versatility of an SUV. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance is higher than for many large SUVs and crossovers while maintaining a low step-in height.
Seating is wide and comfortable with more than adequate cockpit space and lots of leg room between the front and second row seating even with the front seats all the way back. Total passenger volume of 105.4 cu. ft. and maximum cargo capacity of 71.3 cu. ft. (with the standard 60/40 split rear seat backs folded) was easily comparable to that of larger, heavier vehicles. The Outback also features a rear cargo area that is deeper and wider than in many SUVs.
The new more comfortable seats were perforated leather trimmed in our Outback and coupled with a new light matte wood grain trim, gave it a sophisticated appearance.
The Outback Limited new Special Appearance Package option provides a new Keyless Access & Start system along with a two-position memory system for the already-standard 10-way power driver’s seat. With the Keyless Access & Start system, the driver, while carrying the remote control in a pocket or purse, can unlock the car by touching the door handle button. The rear gate also has an unlock touch sensor.
Also in the Limited, a new electro-luminescent instrument cluster integrates the 3.5-in. color screen for the multi-information display, which also shows EyeSight functions. Rear A/C outlets have also been added as standard to Limited models, to make the standard 60/40 split-reclining rear seats an even more hospitable place to be.
The standard audio system in the Outback 2.5i models is upgraded for 2013 to include Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming, iPod® control capability and a USB port. The system continues with an AM/FM stereo, single disc CD player, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), 3.5mm aux. input jack and 4 speakers.
Our top-level Outback Limited model included the optional new navigation system with premium audio. In addition to all of the features in the harman/kardon Premium Audio Package including a 440-watt high-performance audio amplifier and nine harman/kardon premium speakers with subwoofer. This option includes: touch-screen GPS navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD display; voice activated controls and navigation; XM NavTraffic; Rear Vision Camera, and an SD card slot for convenient navigation map updates.
On the roof, our 2013 Subaru Outback included the new adjustable standard factory-installed foldable roof crossbars roof rack design that allows the rear crossbar to be moved rearward to carry longer items. The distance between the front and rear bars can now be increased from the standard 29.9 inches up to 39.7 inches. This enhancement, made as a direct result of Outback owner feedback, allows greater ease in carrying longer items like kayaks and other outdoor gear on the already easy-to-use roof rack system.
Despite being very off road and cross country capable, this Subaru Outback rides very comfortably and quietly due to numerous enhancements to the suspension system and sound deadening efforts for 2013. The 2.5i Limited rides on 17 inch alloy wheels adding to the stability of the vehicle.
We were very pleasantly surprised to find the New EyeSight Driver-Assist System included in the delivered price for this Outback 2.5i Limited.
The EyeSight driver-assist system, integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. The Subaru EyeSight system uses a stereo camera design developed by Subaru to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems. The system processes stereo images to identify the vehicles traveling in front, as well as obstacles, traffic lanes and other items.
Below relative speeds of approximately 19 mph, EyeSight is capable of detecting pedestrians or objects in the vehicle’s path and can activate in order to mitigate or even avoid the collision. Under certain circumstances, Eyesight is able to bring the car to a complete stop.
At relative speeds above approximately 19 mph, EyeSight can apply the brakes when an object is detected, and will attempt to brake if the driver takes no evasive action, or does not brake appropriately, to help mitigate collision damage.
The Lane Departure and Sway Warning feature can detect if the car begins to wander outside the intended lane without a turn signal being used, or if the car begins to sway within the travel lane.
Intended for freeway use, Eyesight’s Adaptive Cruise Control system can maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, braking and/or accelerating the car as needed to maintain the driver-selected target speed and traveling distance. Adaptive Cruise Control is operational from 1-87 mph and can fully brake the vehicle to a stop if the system “locks on” to a vehicle ahead. As an added convenience, Adaptive Cruise Control assists the driver in heavy “stop and go” freeway traffic by maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
In heavy traffic conditions, EyeSight will also alert the driver when the vehicle ahead has moved if he or she doesn't react within several seconds. The technology can also help reduce collision damage by cutting the throttle when it senses an obstacle in front, but the accelerator pedal continues to be pushed.
Courtesy of Examiner
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