
If the 2012 Subaru Outback is a niche vehicle, it's a large niche, as sales have risen steadily since the latest model was launched.
Many Outback buyers never consider any other car, and there are few direct competitors.
Few wagons remain on the U.S.
market, let alone all-wheel drive wagons, and every other crossover has worse handling, less room, and/or lower gas mileage.
The car-based Toyota Venza has less room inside, though its high seating position is appealing and its fuel-saving four can be ordered with all-wheel drive.
Volvo's XC60 crossover and XC70 all-wheel-drive wagon offer a dose of Swedish style and safety, but at prices at least $10,000 higher and generally much more than that.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer, both new last year, may be the Outback's highest-volume and least esoteric competitors.
The Ford is massive inside and out, though it offers a fuel-sipping four-cylinder EcoBoost engine--but not with all-wheel drive--while the Jeep has less room inside and a range of much thirstier engines.
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Quick Specs | |||||
Like any all-around athlete, the 2012 Subaru Outback blends capable performance and rewarding handling, surprising interior volume and great versatility, with versatility and enough high-end options to keep most buyers quite happy. |
It's a rifle shot at the heart of the crossover market: the 2012 Ford Explorer gives any SUV loyalist a reason to leap off their very high horse. |
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee only gets better this year with the addition of the SRT8's thundering HEMI V-8. |
The 2012 Toyota Venza isn't pulse-raising, but its smooth styling and calming, practical, comfortable interior provide just what some families or empty-nesters want. |
The 2012 Volvo XC70 crossover offers safety and wagon-based practicality; it's a useful alternative to taller, blockier crossovers and sport-utility vehicles. |
The 2012 Volvo XC60 is an attractive, well-designed family luxury vehicle, with a class-leading roster of innovative safety and tech features. |
MSRP From | |||||
$23,295 | $28,280 | $27,195 | $27,425 | $32,950 | $33,300 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
18 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 17 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 | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle |
Style Name | |||||
4-Door Wagon H4 Manual 2.5i | FWD 4-Door Base | RWD 4-Door Laredo | 4-Door Wagon I4 FWD LE (GS) | FWD 4-Door Wagon 3.2L PZEV | AWD 4-Door 3.2L |
Drivetrain | |||||
All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All 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 Vehicle | 4 Door Wagon | 5 Door Wagon | 5 Door Wagon |
Transmission | |||||
Manual | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/manual shift |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2012 Subaru Outback vs. 2012 Ford Explorer | 2012 Subaru Outback vs. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2012 Subaru Outback vs. 2012 Toyota Venza | 2012 Subaru Outback vs. 2012 Volvo XC70 | 2012 Subaru Outback vs. 2012 Volvo XC60 |