U.S. News & World Report, a nationally recognized publisher of consumer advice and information, evaluated 211 vehicles and named winners in 18 categories. Each of the award winners have the best combination of space for both passengers and cargo, positive reviews from professional car critics, safety ratings and available tech features.
The fifth-generation Subaru Outback, the iconic midsize crossover, continues as a segment leader after more than 20 years. Equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, raised ground clearance, X-Mode, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist, the roomy Outback is a master of outdoors-oriented activities and everyday family hauling.
For 2017, Subaru introduced a new flagship model with Outback Touring. The legendary crossover stands out with an exclusive, eye-catching Brilliant Brown exterior color. Additional defining features include a Touring-specific dark gray grille and 18-in wheels with dark gray accents and a machined finish. Low-profile roof rails in a silver finish along with lower cladding and Outback badging in chrome accentuates the unique styling and utility of this model.
Outback comes standard with a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine and Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode and paddle shifters. The Outback 2.5i achieves 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway EPA-estimated fuel economy, among the highest for midsize SUVs with all-wheel drive.
The core technology of the Outback is the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that sends power to all wheels simultaneously for maximum traction. And in slippery conditions, it instinctively sends power to the wheels with the best traction, helping the driver stay on the road and on course.
Subaru’s renowned safety engineering excels in all crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2017 Outback, when equipped with optional EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, received the 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK award and when equipped with EyeSight and HID Headlights, received the 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.
Outback offers over 104 cu. ft. of cabin space for passengers. The cargo area behind the rear seats provides 35.5 cu. ft. of storage and can be increased to 73.3 cu. ft. with the standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks folded. The load floor is nearly flat, and rear seatback release levers in the cargo area enhance convenience.
The Outback features SUBARU STARLINK In-vehicle Technology that provides hands-free connectivity and entertainment services. The STARLINK Multimedia system provides today’s most in-demand user technologies, including: single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control, iTunes Tagging, a USB port and auxiliary input jack. Smartphone integration features Aha and Pandora, along with STARLINK cloud applications: iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather. The screen also provides the display for the standard rear vision camera.
2016 marked the eighth consecutive year of sales records for Subaru of America and ninth consecutive year of sales increases with 615,132 vehicles sold. The Outback is a deft blend of confident design, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, spacious interior, award-winning safety technology, and exemplary fuel efficiency. This proven combination helped push the Outback to new sales records.
About U.S News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is a digital news and information company that empowers people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. Focusing on Education, Health, Personal Finance, Real Estate, Travel, Cars, and News & Opinion, www.usnews.com provides consumer advice, rankings, news and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 30 million people visit www.usnews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit media.subaru.com.