What Changed for 2008:

• Revised front and rear styling


• Redesigned instrument panel


• New interior fabrics


• New telescoping steering column


• Base (2.5-liter) engine now PZEV compliant


• Revised 5-speed automatic for 2.5 turbo and 3.0 R models


• Rear suspension revised for improved ride comfort


• Tire-pressure-monitoring system now standard


• Outback sedan discontinued

Overview
The Subaru Outback made its debut in 1995. The original version featured two-tone paint and SUV-like styling cues but was mechanically similar to the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Subaru Legacy wagon on which it was based. In 1996 the Outback sprouted a beefier suspension with taller ground clearance and upgraded tires. For the 2008 model year, the Outback features revised styling inside and out. Also, the Outback sedan has been discontinued; for 2008, all Outbacks are wagons.

Model Lineup
The Outback lineup consists of seven models: Outback base, Outback 2.5i, Outback 2.5i L. L. Bean Edition, Outback 2.5i Limited, Outback 2.5i Limited L. L. Bean Edition, Outback 2.5 XT, and Outback 3.0 R L. L. Bean Edition. All models come with power windows, mirrors, and locks; air conditioning; CD/MP3 player; remote keyless entry; cruise control; and roof rails. Outback 2.5i models add alloy wheels; heated front seats; power-adjustable driver's seat; roof rack crossbars; fog lamps; limited-slip rear differential; and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Outback 2.5i Limited also gets a 6-disc CD changer; automatic transmission; dual-pane moonroof; dual-zone climate control; and leather upholstery.

The Outback 2.5i L. L. Bean Edition comes with all of the 2.5i's equipment plus 6-disc CD changer; automatic transmission; dual-zone climate control; touch-screen navigation; and optional Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). The Outback L. L. Bean Limited adds a power passenger seat and leather interior. Outback 2.5 XT and 3.0 R L. L. Bean Edition models get an auto-dimming rearview mirror; body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals; and VDC; a navigation system is optional.

Powertrain
Outback base and 2.5i models are powered by a 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine with an output of 170 hp at 6000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. Outback base and 2.5i models can be had with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission; the Outback Limited and L. L. Bean editions are automatic-only. EPA fuel economy estimates are 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the manual transmission, 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the automatic. The Outback XT gets a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine that puts out 243 hp at 6000 rpm and 241 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. Transmission choices are 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic; EPA fuel economy estimates are 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for both. The Outback 3.0 R comes with a 3.0-liter horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine rated at 245 hp at 6600 rpm and 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm backed by a 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway. All Outback models feature Subaru's Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system.

Safety
The 2008 Subaru Outback received perfect 5-star ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) frontal and side-impact crash tests for both front and rear occupants. The Outback received a 4-star rollover rating. Standard safety equipment includes front, front-seat side and two-row side curtain air bags and anti-lock brakes. An electronic stability control system, which Subaru calls Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), is optional on 4-cylinder L. L. Bean models and standard on Outback 3.0 R and XT models.

Technology
The 2008 Subaru Outback features 8.4 inches of ground clearance—a figure that bests many bigger SUVs, the maker claims. Subaru employs three versions of its AWD system for the Outback. Models with a manual transmission use a viscous-coupling center differential that splits power 50/50 front-to-rear under normal circumstances, varying it as slippage occurs. Non-turbo 4-cylinder automatic transmission models get an electronically controlled center continuously variable transfer clutch to shift power front-to-rear, while Outback XT Limited and 3.0 R models employ the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system, which uses a planetary center differential and an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch. The VTD system is designed to send slightly more power to the rear wheels under normal conditions for a sportier feel.

Outback XT and 3.0 R models get Subaru's SI-DRIVE system, which has three modes (Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp) that alter power output, response of the electronic throttle and, for automatic models, the shift characteristics.