Honda Accord Or Nissan Altima: Which One Does V-6 Better?
A decade ago, both the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima were offered in base four-cylinder versions... Read More
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PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
The steering provides some feel, but gives the sensation that there is more than average friction in the mechanism
Winding Road
Loaded with passengers, the four-cylinder drivetrain requires patience reaching highway speeds, and it strains to keep up under hard acceleration.
Cars.com
The brakes are strong, though they can feel grabby at times
AutoWeek
Agile, tossable and racy are not in its dictionary but predictable, smooth and comfortable do well in describing the Outback's on-road behavior.
MSN Autos
This is one of the best CVTs around; it keeps the engine at its power peak without much audible drone
Popular Mechanics
The CVT is one of the better ones to live with—both relatively quick to wind up to access the engine's powerband and somehow, not as obtrusive at full-tilt acceleration as most other four-cylinder/CVT combinations. On a full-throttle launch, the engine kicks up to about 5500 rpm and stays there until you reach the desired speed. Level highway cruising is generally placid at engine speeds below 2000 rpm, while the Lineartronic CVT includes paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel that simulate six fixed ratios, holding the engine in the chosen 'gear.'
The optional engine is a 3.6-liter flat six that makes 256 horsepower. It's mated to a conventional five-speed automatic transmission. The six—in addition to feeling considerably faster and more responsive—is smooth, quiet, and offers rather torquey, un-Subaru-like hustle off the line. It won't win you any drag races, but while the four is adequate, the six is actually fun.
Subaru's horizontally opposed, or 'boxer', engines keep the Outback's center of gravity low, despite its tall profile and high ground clearance. It handles better than virtually any competitor, always driving like a car rather than a truck. On-road steering feel isn't spectacular, however.
If you really want to experience the Outback Subaru in its element, take it off road—rather to a gravel road or dirt trail—and this wagon's generous ground clearance makes more sense. It has a very stiff structure, and electronic control systems work so well with the all-wheel drive system (and again the lighter weight) that that the Outback is able to take on some slippery slopes that might give traditional trucks trouble.
Conclusion
The 2011 Subaru Outback will satisfy most families with adequate acceleration and capable handling—as well as surprising toughness beyond where the pavement ends.
