2008 Subaru Legacy Outback Features Review

August 19, 2008

FEATURES | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

all Outbacks come fairly well-equipped
Cars.com

Spring for the 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean...you get all of the above features
Edmunds

lavishly appointed L.L. Bean edition includes heated leather upholstery
Cars.com

The 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback is fairly stingy with luxury and entertainment features.

Cars.com reports that all 2008 Subaru Outbacks "come fairly well-equipped with power windows and door locks, a CD stereo and remote keyless entry"--but little more, which is a disappointment, considering the base 2008 Subaru Outback sticker price. Edmunds has slightly better news here: "Standard equipment on the base trim includes 16-inch steel wheels, roof rails, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a satellite radio-ready audio system with CD player and an MP3 player jack, keyless entry, an outside temperature display, and full power accessories."

Cars.com says that the "lavishly appointed L.L. Bean edition [2008 Subaru Legacy Outback] includes heated leather upholstery, power front seats and a navigation system." On a trim-by-trim basis, Edmunds reports, "The 2.5i adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, roof-rail crossbars, heated exterior mirrors, deicing wipers, a power driver seat and front-seat heaters," while the Subaru 2008 2.5 L.L. Bean "is a little more upscale and features dual-zone automatic climate control, an in-dash CD changer, a navigation system and specialized floor mats." The reviewer here adds, "spring for the 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean, and, as you'd guess, you get all of the above features as standard."

The L.L. Bean Outbacks can be lavishly outfitted—but can also top $35,000. And still, these vehicles are without Bluetooth, standard satellite radio, or iPod connectivity, features that are becoming commonplace in vehicles costing far less.

Conclusion

The 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback is improving in luxury feel, but features have been slower to join the party.

FEATURES | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:all Outbacks come fairly well-equippedCars.comSpring for the 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean...you get all of the above featuresEdmundslavishly appointed L.L. Bean edition includes heated leather upholsteryCars.com The 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback is fairly stingy with luxury and entertainment features. Cars.com reports that all 2008 Subaru Outbacks "come fairly well-equipped with power windows and door locks, a CD stereo and remote keyless entry"--but little more, which is a disappointment, considering the base 2008 Subaru Outback sticker price. Edmunds has slightly better news here: "Standard equipment on the base trim includes 16-inch steel wheels, roof rails, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a satellite radio-ready audio system with CD player and an MP3 player jack, keyless entry, an outside temperature display, and full power accessories." Cars.com says that the "lavishly appointed L.L. Bean edition [2008 Subaru Legacy Outback] includes heated leather upholstery, power front seats and a navigation system." On a trim-by-trim basis, Edmunds reports, "The 2.5i adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, roof-rail crossbars, heated exterior mirrors, deicing wipers, a power driver seat and front-seat heaters," while the Subaru 2008 2.5 L.L. Bean "is a little more upscale and features dual-zone automatic climate control, an in-dash CD changer, a navigation system and specialized floor mats." The reviewer here adds, "spring for the 2.5i Limited L.L. Bean, and, as you'd guess, you get all of the above features as standard." The L.L. Bean Outbacks can be lavishly outfitted—but can also top $35,000. And still, these vehicles are without Bluetooth, standard satellite radio, or iPod connectivity, features that are becoming commonplace in vehicles costing far less. ConclusionThe 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback is improving in luxury feel, but features have been slower to join the party.  2008 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "Outback now embraces its midsize wagon body" Kelley Blue Book: "wedge-shaped profile...bolder stance" The Auto Channel: "faux wood and silvery trim give a slightly upscale ambiance" The 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback has a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Although a number of the more upscale compact SUVs might be a substitute for the 2008 Subaru Outback, all of the rugged wagon alternatives are somewhat pricier. The Volvo XC70 costs just a few thousand more than a fully loaded Outback, yet it has a much more refined, distinctive interior that also feels a bit roomier. The Volvo also excels in safety and safety features. The Audi Avant wagon model is another possibility that's about the same size as the Outback, though it comes only in V-6 form and is priced at close to $50,000. And the Passat wagon is a spacious and safe alternative; its 2.0T engine is both more fuel-efficient and more powerful than the Outback's standard engine. But in order to get the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system on the Passat, you need to pay many thousands more, for a sticker price of almost $40,000.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback near you

See the Subaru Legacy Outback in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2000

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy