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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2014 Subaru Outback

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Overview

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2014 Subaru Outback Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.8

The 2014 Subaru Outback is somewhat like a wagon and perhaps more like an SUV. To practical buyers it offers the spacious interior and versatility of a more-or-less traditional midsize SUV, with driving attributes and fuel efficiency more in line with a wagon. But perhaps its strongest virtue is the all-weather capability delivered by its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. If Subarus are known for anything, it's their well-deserved reputation for dealing with just about any weather condition Mother Nature can toss their way. Other vehicles might offer most of what the Outback delivers, and may be more engaging to drive or present more stylish faces, but the Subaru's all-around proficiency on good days and bad gives it a unique spot among its competition.

You'll Like This Car If...

Need a lot of interior room? Reasonable fuel economy? Rugged durability? All-weather capability? Good results on crash tests? And all that at an affordable price? The 2014 Outback should be high on your list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Just because it's an SUV doesn't mean the Outback can deal with a trailer over 3,000 pounds or more than five occupants; if those are your requirements you need something bigger, a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. And if you don't need all-wheel drive, there are less-expensive, although smaller, choices.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.8
Driving Dynamics

6.4
Comfort & Convenience

6.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.9
Value

6.8
Safety

N/A

Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2014 Subaru Outback Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2014

In 2013, the Outback received significant updates, and for 2014 the changes are minimal. The 2.5i Premium models now include, as standard, the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated side mirrors and windshield de-icer) and the display audio system (4.3-inch screen, six speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio).

Driving the Outback

2014 Subaru Outback Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions If fuel economy takes precedent over quick acceleration, the 2013 Subaru Outback's 2.5-liter four with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is your best bet. The 173-horsepower engine has to work...

a bit but, once up to speed, the CVT finds and holds the engine's peak torque, providing a good balance of response and efficiency. The CVT does take some getting used to, as there are no discernible gearshifts, as with a traditional automatic. The standard steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, however, allow the driver to simulate manual gearshifts, for quicker passing and merging. With an estimated 30 mpg highway and an 18-gallon fuel tank, the Outback can cruise well over 500 miles before refueling. On the road, the Outback demonstrates an impressive sedan-like feel, in part because the low center of gravity of its powertrain more than offsets its tall bodywork. Steering is precise and predictable, and only some slight wind noise intrudes on the reasonably quiet ride.

Favorite Features

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (CVT)
Subaru's take on the popular, fuel-saving transmission-without-gears features a paddle-shifted manual mode that mimics the shift points of a manual transmission without needing a clutch pedal. Best of all, the Outback CVT's estimated 24 city/30 highway mpg is better than with the 6-speed manual.

SYMMETRICAL ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Perhaps Subaru's biggest claim to fame is its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which continually sends power to all four wheels for optimum traction. If you live where the weather can turn foul and the roads slick, this could be reason enough to consider the Outback.

2014 Subaru Outback Details

2014 Subaru Outback Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The roomy, versatile Outback cabin is stylishly functional and remarkably roomy. Of particular note is the rear seat – we were able to fit three 6-foot adults in the rear seat, everybody was comfortable and none had knees touching the backs of the front seats. Equally comfortable are the wide front seats, which clearly are configured for adults, a reclining rear seat further improves comfort, while the upscale Limited and Premium trims offer power driver's-side lumbar support and leather seating. A dash-mounted electronic parking brake frees up console space for water bottles and latte cups. Automatic-transmission models also feature steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Exterior

The Subaru Outback is admittedly not the most stylish thing on the road, but it is clean and purposeful. The high roofline promises (and delivers) ample interior space, the generous ride height (with 8.7 inches of ground clearance) announces its off-road and bad-weather capabilities, while the sturdy black roof rails provide secure mounting when carrying extra stuff on the roof (and the roof-rail crossbars stow away when not in use, to reduce aerodynamic drag and wind noise). Up front, the headlights, front bumper and prominent grille give a sleek appearance that blends well with the overall rugged character.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

For 2014, the Outback is offered in four trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited. Base 2.5i models feature all-wheel drive, a 6-speed manual transmission, 16-inch steel wheels, roof rails and a 4-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and a USB port. The Premium trim adds alloy wheels, fog lights, a 10-way power driver's seat, the All-Weather Package and the display audio system, while Limited versions include leather seating, dual-zone climate control and a 440-watt harman/kardon sound system. Safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control, and Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance system (includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-departure warning).

Optional Equipment

Most options for the Outback are dependent upon trim level. The CVT automatic transmission is the lone option on the base 2.5i, with Premium and Limited models offering a Power Moonroof Package with a power moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror and rear backup camera. Limited models offer voice-activated navigation, the EyeSight safety system and a Special Appearance Package with metallic gray exterior adornments, wood-grain-style interior trim and keyless access with push-button start. The standard sound system has been upgraded for 2014, but audiophiles may want to choose the optional 9-speaker harman/kardon setup.

Under the Hood

The Outback is available with a choice of two "boxer" engines. "Boxer" means the cylinders are horizontal and opposed to each other, so the pistons go back forth somewhat like a boxer's fists, and the engine is low and flat, which reduces the height of the center of gravity – which in turn aids handling. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder delivers 173 horsepower, not best-in-class but enough muscle for satisfactory performance. Matching this engine with the CVT automatic will produce the best fuel economy, but the 6-speed manual offers sportier performance. The most refined choice for the Outback is the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder and its conventional 5-speed automatic, whose strong acceleration and passing power come at the expense of fuel efficiency: An estimated 18/25 mpg city/highway (versus the 4-cylinder CVT's 24/30).

2.5-liter boxer-4
173 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
174 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg (manual), 24/30 mpg (automatic)

3.6-liter boxer-6
256 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
247 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg

Pricing Notes

For 2014 Subaru is holding the Outback pricing to 2013 levels for most models. The Outback starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just over $24,000 for the 2.5i and tops out north of $36,000 for a loaded 3.6R Limited. Pricing is on par with the majority of compact SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, and undercuts the Toyota Venza by roughly $3,000. Everyone wants a great deal on a new car, and KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price can help by revealing what buyers in your area are actually paying for the 2014 Outback. The Outback is expected to retain higher-than-average residual values over a 5-year period, besting the Ford Escape and the Nissan Rogue, but falling just shy of the Venza, CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox.

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2014 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 139 Ratings for the 2010 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

8.8/10

Passenger seating is terrible and no compass.

By laney (NH) on Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"The passenger sits at least 2 inches below the driver...thus, riding you always feel as if you are in a hole. The passenger seat does not adjust height, only back and forth. Very uncomfortable for long trips, and visibility. Also, no compass attached to mirror. A 3 door garage opener is attached, and valuable if you have 3 garage doors. Despite repeated attempts to change the mirror, for one with compass, it cannot be done. The seat also cannot be upgraded."

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Great car!

By Chris (TX) on Saturday, July 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Great car! Bought Certified Pre Owned with 4,000 miles. I love the fact that Subaru puts a 7 year 84,000 mile warranty on their CPO vehicles!"

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Great car, My wife and I both love it.

By RUSTY (WV) on Monday, July 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Good Value and great Auto"

Cons: "Needs better Looking set of Mag wheels"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"WE keep two cars, and my wife and I really like this wagon.Not only is it a good looking car but drives and rides very well. It just needs a better looking set of Mag wheels on it. WE trade every year and plan on a new 2014 Outback if the deal is right. Was bought in 11-13 and have only 4000 miles on it"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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All good except A/C

By 2013subaru (NM) on Thursday, July 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,300

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 1/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"I live in the desert. To save gas there is an A/C compressor shut-off upon acceleration. When it's 100 degrees - it's awful! The A/C isn't great anyway. I like everything else about the car, but wouldn't by another for this reason."

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Quiet ride, comfortable.

By Juskilmeow (CA) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great price for what you get, easy to drive"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Got a great deal using the Costco buyers program. Eye site system not perfect but works great in stop,go fwy traffic. 440 watt stereo is great and works and sounds better than the Cadillac ATS or Chevy volt. Phone plugged in or using Bluetooth works great, but the hands free system is clunky. but works great once you learn the proper phrasing. The GPS is weak, my Garmin unit is better, but having GPS in dash is cool. Gas mileage a little better than theToyota Fj I traded in, better if I drive it easy. I was able to get 19.8 city. usually get 17.5 city. The Subaru is quiter than many cars or SUVs I have driven and has no blind spots. It sits high enough so you are above the blinding wash of road spray when it rains. The all wheel drive is fantastic on slick roads, I can nail it from a stop and while everyone else is trying to get traction I am gone."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Excelent car, very reliable

By Dean (IL) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort for all, fun to drive, versatile"

Cons: "none, no regrets"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Delivers everything I require, never falls short. Have driven cross country, around town, and on light off-road trails. Very comfortable and versatile!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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