PLUSES: All season all wheel drive. Styling, roomy cabin, ample cargo hold.
MINUSES: Still some trouble seeing what's coming alongside when backing out of a parking space. Could use a little more cabin storage space to hide and secure things.
A year after its 2010 model year redesign, the Subaru Outback makes a few upgrades, adds a few new features, and incorporates a bit of electronic wizardry to please techno geeks by converting the vehicle into a WiFi hot spot for those who worship computers.
Last year Outback add a few extra inches in length, width, and height to provide added room and comfort for legs, arms and heads in the cabin, as well as a new
256 h.p., 3.6 liter in-line six and continuously variable or CVT transmission for a little added punch.
For 2011, Outback now includes manual folding mirrors as standard on all models, teams satellite radio with the optional audio package, and adds rear vision camera with the power moonroof package.
While making changes, Outback keeps the basic DNA intact, with all wheel drive and stability/traction control standard along with hill holder assist to keep the vehicle in place when idling on hills without rolling.
The 2011 Outback offers 2.5 liter, 170 h.p. four cylinder models teamed with a new 6-speed manual or CVT automatic and 3.6 liter, 256 h.p. six cylinder engines teamed with a 5-speed automatic. There are base, Premium and Limited models with either the four or six cylinder engines.
We tested the 3.6R Limited that's loaded with all the power, climate, leather trim, and safety goodies, that also added power moonroof and a voice activated navi system in a $2,995 package.
Outback's long standing strengths all remain---all weather motoring with all wheel drive that also provides above average handling; great cabin room for people and excellent cargo space for their possessions; above average fuel economy, and respectable pricing for a fully loaded machine.
The new gimmick is that a mobile internet system is now available so that your Outback not only gets you from here to there safely and comfortably, but allows for stops so you can sit in the cabin and visit the internet and access your email in the Starbucks or McDonald's parking lot without having to go inside and find an empty table.
The option runs $499.99, though, of course, if you haven't done so already you also must purchase a computer, too. At the current price of a cup of coffee at one of today's boutique shops, converting your car into a WiFi hot spot without having to slip inside and hand over $10 for a cup latte frappe will pay for the option in just a couple months, if not weeks.
Since cars are becoming machines where you can plug in your favorite tunes, it's only logical that they also become the location where you can plug in your computer so you never have to be without access to the internet just because you've left home.
Someday in the future, cars may also become modes of transportation, too.
2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Wheelbase: 107.9 inches
Length: 188.2 inches
Engine: 3.6 liter, 256 h.p., six cylinder.
Transmission: 5-speed automatic.
Mileage: 18 m.p.g. city/25 m.p.g. highway.
Base price: $31,495.
Price as equipped: Add $2,995 for power moonroof/navigation system package, and
$725 freight.