For The Subaru Outback comes with four-wheel drive and a long list of standard kit. The cabin is very roomy.
Against The Outback costs more to buy and run than some rivals and it's an unremarkable car to look at, sit in, or drive.
The Subaru Outback is roomy, well equipped and has four-wheel drive as standard, but it's far too dated and pricey to recommend.
The Subaru Outback sits in a pretty small niche of cars that straddle the gap between estates and 4x4s. It's exceptionally well equipped, but it's not cheap to buy or run and it doesn't have the premium image or interior quality to match key German rivals.
The diesel version makes most sense – it's a stronger performer and has much lower running costs than the 2.5i petrol, which comes with a CVT automatic gearbox as standard.
Running costs are on the high side but, like every Subaru, the Outback comes with Subaru’s ‘Everything Taken Care of’ (ETCo) package as standard, which includes free minor bodywork and alloy wheel repairs, a monthly wash, and winter wheel and tyre storage. The warranty is a bog-standard three-year/60,000-mile affair, however. Subaru has a good reputation for reliability and owners generally have only good things to say about the service they receive.
I bought a used 2009 2.0D SE Navplus model just over a month ago. It is relaxing and comfortable to drive, with good alround visibility, and tall…