2008 Subaru Legacy Outback Safety Review

August 19, 2008

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, all impact tests; four stars, rollover resistance
NHTSA

Good," all crash-test ratings
IIHS

anti-whiplash front head restraints are standard
Edmunds

The 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback is one of the safest vehicles in its class.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grants the Outback a five-star rating for front and rear seat front and side protection, and four stars for rollover protection. The more stringent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Outback its highest rating of "good" on all tests.

Cars.com reports that "standard equipment includes four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows"; however, "an electronic stability system is optional" for the 2008 Subaru Outback. Edmunds adds that "anti-whiplash front head restraints are standard on every 2008 Subaru Outback," while "stability control is available on all trims except the base and 2.5i 2008 Subaru Outback."

Kelley Blue Book reports that "Outback's seating position provides a more 'commanding' view than ordinary wagons," and ConsumerGuide says "visibility is unobstructed to all corners."

Conclusion

The 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback is a leader in safety.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, all impact tests; four stars, rollover resistanceNHTSAGood," all crash-test ratingsIIHSanti-whiplash front head restraints are standardEdmunds The 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback is one of the safest vehicles in its class. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grants the Outback a five-star rating for front and rear seat front and side protection, and four stars for rollover protection. The more stringent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Outback its highest rating of "good" on all tests. Cars.com reports that "standard equipment includes four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows"; however, "an electronic stability system is optional" for the 2008 Subaru Outback. Edmunds adds that "anti-whiplash front head restraints are standard on every 2008 Subaru Outback," while "stability control is available on all trims except the base and 2.5i 2008 Subaru Outback." Kelley Blue Book reports that "Outback's seating position provides a more 'commanding' view than ordinary wagons," and ConsumerGuide says "visibility is unobstructed to all corners." ConclusionThe 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback is a leader in safety.  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