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There are sport-utility vehicles, and there are sport-utility wagons. Subaru
calls its Outback the first example of the latter genre. In truth, it's a Legacy
station wagon with a raised platform and extra features.
But it's still more of a car than a truck.
In addition to 7.3 inches of ground clearance, Outback has the same
function-oriented interior as a Legacy wagon. The rear seat splits 60/40. In the
cargo area you'll find a sub-floor storage box and a 12-volt power plug. The low
liftover height of the hatch is handy for sit-down ski boot sessions.
A 155-horse four-banger is the bigger of two engines offered. It is packaged
with automatic only, unfortunately, while the smaller engine still offers a
stick. I found the permanently engaged 4WD system superbly smooth, with none of
the grinding and binding you might expect with, well, a truck. The bigger engine
seems almost too torquey at the low end. The car leaps from stoplights like a
jackrabbit, and turns a lot of heads in the process.
Standard stuff includes four-channel ABS, dual bags, and air conditioning. A
$400 cold-weather package adds heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, and
an engine block heater. Starting at $21,995, the Outback is an O.K. value. But
its little brother, the Legacy wagon, is a better deal at $16,495 with 4WD.
Subaru is one of few remaining suppliers of 4WD passenger cars. And if you want
a sport-utility wagon, it is the only game in town.
1996 Subaru Legacy Outback
Engines: 2.2 liter 135-hp four-cylinder; 2.5-liter 155-hp four cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed stick, 4-speed auto
Drive System: permanently engaged 4WD
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Observed MPG: 19.3 city, 27 highway
Base price: $21,995
Copyright © 1996 Snow Country Magazine. All rights reserved.
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