2013 Subaru Outback vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.8 out of 10

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Apr 4, 2013

The 2013 Subaru Outback probably demonstrates why the U.S.

market has virtually no wagons left.

It's somewhere between a wagon and an SUV, but the mix attracts close to 100,000 buyers a year.

With standard all-wheel drive and car-like handling, it has few direct competitors--and many buyers never consider any other car.

Every other crossover has less room inside, worse gas mileage, and inferior handling.

Outback buyers can often afford the Volvo XC60 crossover or XC70 all-wheel drive wagon, but the slightly plainer Subaru will save them $10,000 or much more.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is thirstier, with no four and an optional V-8, and the most fuel-efficient Ford Explorer with the EcoBoost four is slow--and not available with all-wheel drive.

The Toyota Venza, based on a car platform, offers an appealing high seating position, but it's smaller inside and all-wheel drive isn't standard.

Plus, how many competitors were designed specifically to handle a pair of medium dog carriers side by side in the load bay?

2013 Subaru Outback Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Ford Explorer Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Toyota Venza Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Volvo XC70 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Volvo XC60 Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.8 The 2013 Subaru Outback is practical above all: it's capable in all kinds of conditions, and has great interior space and standard all-wheel drive.	8.8 The Ford Explorer trades some trail-riding and towing for on-road driving lessons, and comes out fluent.	8.4 The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee blurs the SUV-crossover line expertly; better transmissions are at the top of the wish list.	7.4 The Toyota Venza gets substantial improvements in entertainment and connectivity for 2013; otherwise it remains a comfortable, practical, and somewhat stylish pick for those who don't need a rugged SUV.	8.2 The 2013 Volvo XC70 hits a family sweet spot as a vehicle that packs the accommodations of a station wagon and advanced safety-tech features into the chunkier, tougher image and ability of a utility vehicle.	8.6 The 2013 Volvo XC60 carries on the tradition of Volvo wagons--even their top-of-the-class safety--only in a modern, fashion-conscious crossover.
MSRP From
$23,495	$29,100	$27,695	$27,850	$33,600	$34,350
Gas Mileage
18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas Flat 4	Gas V6	Gas/Ethanol V6	Gas I4	Gas I6	Gas I6
EPA Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD	Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
4dr Wagon H4 Man 2.5i	FWD 4dr Base	RWD 4dr Laredo	4dr Wagon I4 FWD LE (Natl)	FWD 4dr Wagon 3.2L	FWD 4dr 3.2L
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	7	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	4	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Wagon	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility	Wagon	Wagon	Wagon
Transmission
Manual	Automatic w/manual shift	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift