2005 Subaru Outback Review

Subaru calls its redesigned 2005 Outback station wagon a "crossover'' vehicle that combines car and sport-utility-vehicle attributes, but let's let it get away with that because other automakers are playing the same name game.

Subaru is among car producers that feel a crossover vehicle has more cachet than a station wagon, although nobody is throwing rocks at prestigious Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz wagons.

Subaru said the Outback wagon is designed and equipped to compete with the "growing range of crossover models in the market, including those from luxury brands.''

The new, third-generation Outback has more comfort and luxury features and makes the first Subarus sold here in the early 1970s seem like Ford Model Ts.

The upscale $30,795 Outback 2.5 XT Limited wagon I tested isn't cheap, but its standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate controls, power/heated front seats, leather upholstery, dual power glass sunroofs, AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.

An automatic transmission costs $1,200. A reinforced five-speed manual transmission is standard.

Safety features of the solidly built wagon include front side air bags and front-rear side curtain air bags. Standard anti-lock brakes have electronic brake force distribution for surer panic stops.

The 2005 Outback features a bolder design, with a pronounced wedge body shape. It has such things as more prominent wheel arches, "glass-look'' rear roof pillars and trim tailgate spoiler. Body color exterior mirrors have integrated turn signals.

The 2.5 Outback XT Limited wagon also has an almost-mandatory high-performance item: a hood scoop. It feeds air to the intercooler of the wagon's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for better power-boosting turbocharger performance.

The smooth four-cylinder engine has a compact Porsche-style horizontally opposed piston design and shares technology with the race-winning Subaru Impreza WRX STi engine. It generates 250 horsepower -- or the same amount provided by the larger (3-liter) non-turbo six-cylinder engine in the Outback 3.0 version of the wagon.

My test 2.5 XT Limited scooted to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds with the automatic transmission. The wagon would have been even quicker with the five-speed manual gearbox.

The 2.5 XT isn't especially light at about 3,500 pounds, so fuel economy is only an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway.

The automatic transmission occasionally is slow to downshift, but a driver can avoid that fault with the transmission's manual shift feature, which can be activated by the shift lever or steering wheel shift buttons.

There's nothing the transmission can do about the 2.5 XT Limited's four-cylinder's turbocharger lag, which causes the wagon to hesitate a bit after the accelerator pedal is floored for passing or merging.

There's no lag problem with the six-cylinder engine, which is in the top-dog Outback 3.0 wagon, which tops out at $33,495 and has an anti-skid system. But the six-cylinder has less torque and mid-range punch than the turbocharged engine.

The 2005 Outback wagon is slightly larger. It's about two inches longer and has a wheelbase (distance between axles) increased from 104.3 inches to 105.1 inches.

There's also a wider track, lower center of gravity and up to a 180-pound weight reduction for improved safety, handling, fuel economy and performance.

Ground clearance has been increased to 8.4 inches to allow better off-road capabilities, which are enhanced by a slightly raised suspension and Subaru's seasoned all-wheel-drive systems. Outback wagons are loved in ski areas.

The power rack-and-pinion power steering is slightly heavy but has been redesigned for quicker response, greater precision and improved feel. A revised all-independent suspension contributes to a supple ride and better handling and stability. Large 17-inch wheels and wide 55-series tires put lots of rubber on the road for good handling and braking.

Doors open wide to the 2.5 XT Limited wagon's quiet interior, which has easily read electroluminescent instrumentation and upscale materials. Controls are within arm's reach, and those for the climate system are commendably large. Features such as conveniently placed cupholders and a covered dashtop storage area help make the wagon easy to live with.

A large windshield contributes to an airy-feeling interior, and front seats provide good support. Four tall adults fit, although there isn't a surplus of room in back, where seats provide good thigh support.

The hatch has no separate-opening glass, but the cargo area is big and the split rear seatbacks fold almost flat for additional cargo space.

The Outback 2.5 XT Limited has spirited acceleration and carlike ride and handling -- besides the added traction of all-wheel drive and attributes of small sport-utility vehicles. It makes lots of sense no matter if you call it a wagon or a crossover vehicle.

2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 XT LIMITED WAGON

PRICE
$30,795

LIKES
Significantly redesigned. Fast. Stable. Roomy. All-wheel drive.

DISLIKES
Turbocharger lag. So-so fuel economy. Slow automatic transmission downshifts.