Quick With the Six
The Outback's base engine — a 170-horsepower four-cylinder — delivers leisurely acceleration, in large part because of a continuously variable automatic transmission that's in no hurry to respond to your right foot. (A six-speed manual is standard, but we haven't tested it.) Loaded with passengers, the four-cylinder drivetrain requires patience reaching highway speeds, and it strains to keep up under hard acceleration.
That's not the case with the optional 256-hp six-cylinder. It's a muscular drivetrain, in part because it trades the CVT for a responsive five-speed automatic that's not afraid to hold lower gears or kick down on the highway. Even loaded with cargo, our test car had the sort of torque to pull strongly around town, though getting up to highway speeds didn't leave much extra power on tap.
With the six-cylinder, towing capacity tops out at 3,000 pounds. That's 500 pounds less than many competitors, but the four-cylinder Outback has a 2,700-pound rating — none too shabby for a four-banger.
The combined EPA gas mileage estimates range from 20 mpg with the six-cylinder and automatic to 24 mpg with the four-cylinder and automatic. Both figures are competitive.
See also:
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in
another country:
- Confirm the availability of the correct
fuel. Refer to “Fuel requirements”.
- Comply with all regulations and requirements
of each coun ...
Display selection
Press the “TEXT” button while receiving the satellite radio to change the display
as follows:
...
Drugs and driving
WARNING
There are some drugs (over the counter and prescription) that can delay your
reaction time and impair your perception, judgment and attentiveness. If you drive
after taking them, it may i ...