2013 Subaru Outback Preview

Introduction

One of the original crossover SUVs, the Subaru Outback is a 5-passenger station wagon with standard all-wheel drive, raised ground clearance, and SUV styling cues.

Exterior Features

For 2013, Subaru restyles the Outback crossover SUV, giving it new headlights, an updated grille, redesigned front bumper, and new fog lights. The roof rack is upgraded with an adjustable rear crossbar that now accommodates longer items, and the Outback is equipped with a touch-sensitive tailgate release. The 2013 Outback continues with 2.5i and 3.6R model designations, each equipped with 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

Interior Features

Subaru will sell the 2013 Outback in Base, Premium (2.5i only) and Limited trim levels. New seat fabric, matte-finish wood trim, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with audio streaming, and both a USB port and an iPod connection are standard. The Outback Limited gets new air conditioning vents for the back seat and electroluminescent gauges with a 3.5-inch color display screen.

Optional Features

The 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i is available in Premium trim, which adds a 10-way power driver's seat and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The Limited trim level is available for both Outback models, and includes perforated leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a Harman/Kardon audio system with satellite radio. The 2.5i Premium is available with a power sunroof, rearview camera, and a HomeLink universal remote. Limited models can be equipped with a navigation system and a rearview camera, as well as a Keyless Access & Start system.

Under the Hood

A new double-overhead cam, 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine making 173 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque is standard on the 2013 Outback 2.5i. Subaru says this engine offers more torque at lower rpm than before.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard with 2.5i base and Premium models, while a new, second-generation Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard on the 2.5i Limited model. The CVT features six pre-set ratios and paddle shifters to provide drivers with greater control, and is optional on base and Premium versions of the Outback 2.5i.

The Subaru Outback 3.6R pairs a standard 256-horsepower, 3.6-liter, Boxer 6-cylinder engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Every 2013 Subaru Outback is equipped with all-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy
For 2013 Outback 2.5i models, Subaru is projecting that the new 4-cylinder engine will produce EPA fuel-economy ratings of 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg in combined driving. Final estimates for the 2013 Outback models have not been set as this preview is published.

Safety

A new Brake Override system is standard on the 2013 Outback, and it prevents the ability to accelerate when the brake pedal and gas pedal are pressed simultaneously, Subaru says. A rearview camera is available on Premium and Limited models, and the updated 2013 Outback is offered with new optional EyeSight technology. Available on Limited models, EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure warning, and pedestrian detection systems.

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