2011 Chevrolet Volt Pedestrian Alert System Will...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Subaru Outback Quality Review

July 13, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

ride comfort leads the list of benefits
Kelley Blue Book

interior small-item storage [is] lacking, disappointing for an 'active lifestyle' vehicle
ConsumerGuide

five-seat cabin feels intimate
Cars.com

interior is well designed
ForbesAutos

Experts at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Subaru Legacy Outback lags behind some competitors in terms of overall luxury, but it's no slouch.

ConsumerGuide reports "plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders," and [rear] foot space is cramped, even with the front seats raised." Edmunds says 2009 Subaru Outback "seat comfort is generally good, though adults may find the backseat tight on legroom and shoulder room compared to roomier wagons and crossovers." Cars.com contends that "as midsize cars go, the Outback's five-seat cabin feels intimate...total passenger volume ranges from 93 to 98 cubic feet, depending on whether you have a moonroof." According to ForbesAutos, "two adults will find the Outback Wagon adequately roomy up front, with up to three of all but the tallest riders accommodated in the rear."

Edmunds reports that "with the rear seats up there is 33.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity...flip them down and 66 cubic feet are available." Storage space appears to be a disappointment in this 2009 Subaru; ConsumerGuide says "these wagons have low liftover but no opening glass," and "interior small-item storage [is] lacking, disappointing for an 'active lifestyle' vehicle."

According to Car and Driver, the 2009 Subaru Legacy Outback "interior is of fairly high quality compared with that of similarly priced cars, especially on the less expensive models." ConsumerGuide's verdict: "Assembly quality has been good on models tested. With revamped interior, materials are class appropriate, though nothing special given Subaru's near-premium pricing." Cars.com says "heated seat controls have a rickety feel, and the doors lack window frames, so they don't shut with as much heft as I've come to expect in a midsize car."

ConsumerGuide also notes that while "turbocharged and 6-cylinder engines are subdued and refined...some testers complain of body drumming over broken pavement," and "a fair amount of road and wind noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds."

Conclusion

The 2009 Subaru Outback is fairly well appointed and well built, but it doesn't have the luxurious feel of some competitors.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:ride comfort leads the list of benefitsKelley Blue Bookinterior small-item storage [is] lacking, disappointing for an 'active lifestyle' vehicleConsumerGuidefive-seat cabin feels intimateCars.cominterior is well designedForbesAutos Experts at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Subaru Legacy Outback lags behind some competitors in terms of overall luxury, but it's no slouch. ConsumerGuide reports "plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders," and [rear] foot space is cramped, even with the front seats raised." Edmunds says 2009 Subaru Outback "seat comfort is generally good, though adults may find the backseat tight on legroom and shoulder room compared to roomier wagons and crossovers." Cars.com contends that "as midsize cars go, the Outback's five-seat cabin feels intimate...total passenger volume ranges from 93 to 98 cubic feet, depending on whether you have a moonroof." According to ForbesAutos, "two adults will find the Outback Wagon adequately roomy up front, with up to three of all but the tallest riders accommodated in the rear." Edmunds reports that "with the rear seats up there is 33.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity...flip them down and 66 cubic feet are available." Storage space appears to be a disappointment in this 2009 Subaru; ConsumerGuide says "these wagons have low liftover but no opening glass," and "interior small-item storage [is] lacking, disappointing for an 'active lifestyle' vehicle." According to Car and Driver, the 2009 Subaru Legacy Outback "interior is of fairly high quality compared with that of similarly priced cars, especially on the less expensive models." ConsumerGuide's verdict: "Assembly quality has been good on models tested. With revamped interior, materials are class appropriate, though nothing special given Subaru's near-premium pricing." Cars.com says "heated seat controls have a rickety feel, and the doors lack window frames, so they don't shut with as much heft as I've come to expect in a midsize car." ConsumerGuide also notes that while "turbocharged and 6-cylinder engines are subdued and refined...some testers complain of body drumming over broken pavement," and "a fair amount of road and wind noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds." ConclusionThe 2009 Subaru Outback is fairly well appointed and well built, but it doesn't have the luxurious feel of some competitors. 2009 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "dropped the awkward SUV styling cues of yesteryear" Kelley Blue Book: "wedge-shaped profile...bolder stance" Cars.com: "new bumper and a restyled grille" Most agree that the 2009 Subaru Legacy Outback is a good-looking ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Subaru Outback, you might also consider the Volvo XC70, Audi A6 Avant, or Volkswagen Passat Wagon. Although a number of the more upscale compact SUVs might be a substitute for the 2009 Subaru Outback, all of the rugged wagon alternatives are somewhat pricier. 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 the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is no longer available; the VR6 engine option is gone, too. 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, with all-wheel drive, and is priced well over $50,000.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Subaru Outback from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Subaru Outback

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Subaru Outback

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Subaru Outback near you

See the Subaru Outback in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2005 | 2001

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Raj #1, Posted: 8/26/2009

    very disappointing release....as usual Subaru again merely dress up a piece of old tech (yet reliable machine) ....no innovation as evident by lack of modern accessories such as bluetooth/ipod connectivity/etc...I am very surprise reviewers continue to rate their car so highly.

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