OUTBACK AT THE SUBARU RANCH
Subaru’s Outback is a car for all reasons

Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz The new Subaru Outback SUV is the largest and roomiest of Subaru sport utilities. This year, it’s upgraded with better ride and handling plus more safety and an infotainment system that bring it to the forefront of car technology. Updates include SUBARU STARLINK safety and security features with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Lane Keep Assist; retuned suspension dampers providing a smoother ride keeping the new Outback ahead of the competition. We tested the Outback with the proven 3.6 liter Boxer V6 with plenty of cruising and off-road power. The engine produces 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a high-torque Lineartronic CVT with manual mode and paddle shifters for a sportier ride. The combination of Subaru’s excellent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and standard Active Torque Vectoring gives the Outback a more confident grip in all weather conditions. Standard X-MODE, Hill Descent Control, and Hill Start Assist augment the Symmetrical AWD system to assist in navigating rough roads, slippery surfaces and steep inclines. It makes driving off-road fun and easy.

Further augmenting the Outback’s new STARLINK safety and security features is several other refinements. They include a new auto on/off mode that operates the windshield wipers with the headlights. Subaru also retuned the electric power-assist, rack-and-pinion steering for a more linear and natural feel. The exclusive Stablex suspension dampers have been further tuned to reduce vibration over rough roads, especially those with washboard texture concrete surfaces. The STARLINK system includes a seven-inch LCD screen with multi-touch gesture controls, AM/FM HD radio, Bluetooth, dual USB ports, navigation, and Sirius XM radio with travel link and traffic link. The premium trim tested includes a standard STARLINK Safety and Security system. The Subaru STARLINK features SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health report, and diagnostic alerts. The package also includes stolen vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm, remote lock/unlock, remote horn/lights and remote vehicle locator.

Subaru’s renowned safety engineering uses the brand’s proven Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure, which shows excellence in all crash tests. The EyeSight system which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane departure/sway warning adds blind spot detection/rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist. All models come with a standard rearview camera. The new-generation Outback is the roomiest and most versatile ever, yet easy to drive. It offers 35.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 73.3 cubic feet with the standard split fold-down rear seatbacks folded. After seven days behind the wheel of the new Outback, I can say that it is one of the best real world sport utility vehicles offered. It best combines styling, power, performance, comfort, and safety with the latest in connectivity.

© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz For more information about Subaru products, go to subaru.com. SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6 Premium Price: Starting at $27,395.00, includes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and standard Active Torque Vectoring, standard X-MODE, Hill Descent Control, and Hill Start Assist augment the Symmetrical AWD system to assist in navigating rough roads, slippery surfaces and steep inclines. EPA fuel economy rating: EPA mileage: 20mpg/city, 27mpg/highway Engine: 3.6 liter Boxer V6 Horsepower: 256 Torque: 247 pound-feet

Transmission: Lineartronic CVT with manual mode and paddle shifters Steering: Electric power assisted rack & pinion Drive configuration: Front engine, all-wheel drive Dimensions Length: 189.6 inches Width: 72.4 inches Height: 66.5 inches Curb weight: 3,596 pounds for Premium