2015 Subaru Outback Review (2016 MY)

The Subaru Outback was launched in 1994 and was then, essentially, extra ride height and plastic cladding added to a Liberty wagon. Now in its fifth generation, the 2015 Subaru Outback is a standalone model (there is no Liberty wagon anymore) and it promises to be the best version yet.

New for 2015 is a revised front grille, headlamps, wheels and even the placement of wheels. The car looks much smarter overall than the previous model.

The black plastic cladding, a trademark of the Outback, boosts the off-road appeal and helps when standing on the side steps to deploy the integrated roof cross-bars.

Sitting 65mm higher than the equivalent Liberty sedan, the Outback can handle mild off-road surfaces, but the extra height also makes it easier to get in and out of.

The interior has received a big refresh too. There is improvement to many materials and in the Premium grade cars, there are no options – everything is included.

There is lots of room, even for taller drivers, and the electrically adjustable seats are comfortable on long trips (although they could use a bit of extra bolstering).

Navigation, audio streaming, climate control, heated front seats are all included – as is Subaru’s excellent driver assist technology, Eyesight.

The Eyesight system offers adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision braking that can even detect the red brake lights of a car in front.

In the back, there is still lots of room for tall adults, and the 60/40 split seats also offer a recline function.

The boot is big and includes remote seat-folding handles, a full size spare and space for the cargo blind under the floor. All in – a very practical package.

On the road, the Outback’s 2.5-litre petrol engine and CVT transmission combine well to provide smooth and predictable driving performance. Neither is a stand out as far as driver engagement is concerned, but for easy touring and adequate response, the Outback works well.

The ride is reasonably firm, but not uncomfortable or crashy. You can feel bumps and imperfections in the road but the ride is again sure footed and predictable – helped too by a 50/50 front-to-rear split permanent AWD system.

Fuel economy is claimed to be 7.3L/100km combined – our real-world example was a bit higher (approx. 9.8L/100km) but that was mostly and urban cycle.

As a package, the Outback is a great car – but then there’s the price…

The 2015 Subaru Outback range starts at around $35,000 and our test car, a fully optioned 2.5-litre petrol Premium is just over $40,000. That’s a fantastic amount of value for a smart, practical and livable car that holds true to its ‘outdoorsy’ nature.

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CONNECT WITH US

[jacobreed]

I just bought a 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited. All the bells and whistles except the 3.6R motor. Disappointing thing is you Aussies get more features than we do in America, such as the cool headlight washer thing on the front bumper, better center shift console arrangement with leather shift boot, s drive mode options on the steering wheel, different color arrangements for the gauge cluster, a diesel engine option and much more. We don't get any of those features and still the new Outback is the #1 seller here in the States. You guys are lucky to have better options and features. Heck, we don't even get the Holden, Falcon or the fast cool ute trucks with the LS V8 engine. Cheers and hello from Seattle Washington USA.

[filop]

I just Love My Subaru outback 3.6r limited 2015 .The CVT is Fantastic .This is my 5 th Subaru ....;-)

[kodiw]

THOSE STRUTS ARE ON UPSIDE DOWN! #TRIGGERED

[RandiRN]

The Legacy is referred to as the Liberty down under?

[cormacsage]

Perfect vehicle for Australian rugged outback

[arlofs]

In some American cities, this and the Subie Forester is all you see on the roads.

[Stanleytone-]

I really like the Outback but here in the UK we only have the 2.5 petrol option, 173 BHP. Is that really enough ? That is the only sticking point for me...

[Drivecomau]

The new Subaru Outback Review 2015 (2016 MY)

[aussie]

Is it any good at towing a 4 meter boat 🚤?

[irishpride]

I have 2016 Limited and I don't have that manual button or leather on the shifter. Why is that? The lights around the speedometer don't light up to an orange color either.

[wildan]

its a good price with all people need in one package ..

[PaddyMcQueen]

I just love this car, simple, cool... the only one I will buy other than this is the Volvo XC70.

[galipcatak]

But my grandparents bought a 2015 diesel luxury but when he heard that 2016 model diesel will come with eye shite I-stop and Lane departer he was shocked that they said it is not compatible in the 2.0 D but I searched on the Internet and it said it can come in the 2.0 D but Subaru should add a 7 seater for a great family

[ZigZag]

This Subaru Outback could be just the one for my family...

[charleschowck]

what colour is the car? Is it platinum grey or tungsten metallic?

[Mububban]

How does the 2.5L petrol go with a boot full of gear and 2 kids in the back?

[aaronraines]

Can u get any closer the the steering wheel bro...u seem uncomfortable there
My old granny use to stretch her arms out while driving we felt alot safer with her

[scottfirman]

OMG steering wheel is on the wrong side! Good mail hauler for the US.

[kyfisher]

Great car but the interior looks like it's a 2005 car compared to other companies

[gibbethoskins]

looks like some one slipped with the hair clippers