Right off the bat, I want to offset any perception of sarcasm from me regarding these refreshed vehicles.
I have owned Subarus and I know that they represent some of the best made vehicles for snow – and I live in the deep stuff. I like these cars for what’s inside and Subaru would have to screw-up major for me to change my perception. Still, they still lack what I would call, exterior beauty.
The 2013 Subaru Outback and Legacy are set to make their debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show.
Normally, automakers with cars that are about to debut give us more than one photo. Try as we might, the one you see is the only one we get.
That’s okay because I believe this is the only angle that shows the major exterior changes of the 2013 Subaru Outback. The schnozzle is slightly more aggressive and a tad bit smoother. It’s a step in the right direction for styling.
Here are five things you need to know about the 2013 Subaru Outback:
- The new power comes from a 2.5 liter ‘Boxer’ engine that makes 173 horsepower and 174 lbs-feet of torque. That’s a gain of 3hp and 4lb-ft of torque. That’s not earth shattering but it is a step in the right direction. Subaru is aiming at 30 mpg highway, which would be pretty damn good for an AWD vehicle and is an improvement over the last 2.5-liter boxer.
- Subaru is providing a 6-speed manual transmission standard or, an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the 2.5-liter models. The 256 horsepower, 3.6R 6-cylinder remains the same as does its 5-speed automatic transmission.
- Kiss the turbo goodbye. Subaru has announced no plans for a replacement either. If you want a turbo Subaru, you will have to go WRX – for now. Rumor has it that there will be a BRZ turbo in the next year or so. That would be a friggin’ awesome step in the right direction!
- A new safety augmentation system will be available. Available EyeSight™ is a driver-assist system that has a pre-collision braking system, pedestrian detection system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning. I think it slaps you if you speed too… or maybe not. No word on prices for the safety addition.
- Its kissing cousin, the 2013 Subaru Legacy is projected to get slightly better mileage and, quite frankly, looks better with the refreshed nose. Otherwise, it’s a very similar vehicle with slightly less weight and slightly more attitude. Prices for the 2013 Subaru Outback and Legacy will remain about the same. That's a thrifty step in the right direction.
So, what do you think folks? As a repeating theme in this story – everything seems like a step in the right direction. Subaru is not known for taking risks, but things have changed. I mean, they built the BRZ! This is a vehicle that was designed from the getgo as a rear-drive only vehicle with no provisions for AWD. That’s a hell of a risk. I was hoping they would adopt that same, intrepid idealism with new body panels – but that’s where their hypocrisy ends.
Shame – that would have been a real big step in the ( – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ) fill in the blank.
Here’s Roman and I comparing an (older) Outback to a Mitsubishi Outlander!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt6bz9_g8Sc>A
Automotive media, racing, vehicle evaluation, wrecking yards, and car sales are just a part of Nathan Adlen’s vehicular past. He writes out of high octane passion! To read more reviews by Nathan Adlen or just to enjoy more of excellent writing please visit him on at his examiner.com page HERE. Follow on twitter @TFLcar or watch latest car review videos on YouTube.
