Ride & Handling

The Outback shines in terms of ride comfort. It's surprisingly tame and confident at 70 mph and higher, and it definitely feels like a car rather than an SUV. Its wagon style doesn't harm the Outback's offroad capability, though. It includes all-wheel drive that requires no intervention from the driver. Whether it's snow and ice, gravel or dirt roads, the Outback is unfazed. I've driven it on modest offroad trails (legit ones, not just off-pavement), and it can handle more than the vast majority of buyers would put in its way. If the Outback were a person, it would be your outdoorsy friend who always seems to be tan and fit, dressed for action and on his way to climb or ride something, or otherwise involve himself with exertion and dust. Odds are this friend is named Todd or Chad.

    See also:

    SRS airbag system monitors
    A diagnostic system continually monitors the readiness of the SRS airbag system (including front seatbelt pretensioners) while the vehicle is being driven. The SRS airbag system warning light wi ...

    Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle load capacities
    The sum of four tires’ maximum load ratings must exceed the maximum loaded vehicle weight (“GVWR”). In addition, sum of the maximum load ratings of two front tires and of two rear tires must excee ...

    Outback 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition & 2.5i Limited
    For the best mileage, the 2.5i manual is your best bet, rated at 20/27 mpg city/highway. Along with 1 mpg better highway mileage, the five-speed stick will help you get better acceleration out of ...