| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Nice ride and handling | Fuel economy is not great | Rearview camera added to options |
Powerful engines | Poor base stereo | 3.6R Limited gets standard satellite radio |
Styling looks neat | Modest rear seats |
$28,195
price256 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower247 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
torque5-Speed Shiftable Automatic
transmission3.6L 6cyl AWD 5A
engine-
basic warrantyThe Subaru Outback does not just borrow a name from a vast expanse of wilderness. It has been carefully created by a brand to tackle any sort of challenge that comes with traversing such terrain. It is definitely an interesting choice as well due to the nature of the brand now being established as a worthy automobile manufacturer. The 2011 Subaru Outback is a car that can do many things at once - marrying the strengths of a wagon with an SUV.
We find the 2.5i Limited trim level to be the pick of the lot as it strikes a good balance between value for money as well as the equipment level offered. Unless one wants a more powerful engine, this is the one to go for. It has better features, like a rear-camera display, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, heated side-view mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and it also comes with all the features that are optional on the lower trim levels.
Changes for this model year are minimal and restricted to some features changes. For this year, the Outback price starts at MSRP $23,195 and it competes against the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-7.
There are six trim levels available on the Subaru Outback for the 2011 model year. These are called 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6 R, 3.6 R Premium, and 3.6 R Limited. Prices start at $23,195 for the 2.5i model without options. Standard features on this trim level include 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, adjustable roof rails, full power accessories, cruise control and so on which itself is plenty.
|
Model |
2.5 i |
2.5 i Premium |
2.5 i Limited |
3.6 R |
3.6 R Premium |
3.6 R Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$23,195 (Manual) $24,195 (Automatic) |
$24,495 (Manual) $25,495 (Automatic) |
$28,495 |
$28,195 |
$29,195 |
$31,495 |
|
Features |
16-inch steel wheels with covers |
17-Inch aluminum-alloy wheels |
Leather-trimmed upholstery |
Silver metallic interior trim |
Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel |
Leather-trimmed upholstery |
|
Cloth upholstery |
Fog lights |
Wood Grain-patterned accent interior trim |
6-way manually adjustable driver's seat 4-way manually adjustable front-passenger seat |
10-way power-adjustable driver seat. 4-way manually adjustable front-passenger's seat |
All-Weather Package |
|
|
|
Silver metallic interior trim |
Silver metallic interior trim |
Leather-Wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel |
4-speaker audio system with CS audio enhancement |
|
10-way power-adjustable driver seat 4-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat |
|
|
6-way manually adjustable driver% seat. 4-way manually adjustable front-passenger's seat |
Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel |
10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. 4-way power-adjustable front-passenger's seat |
|
|
Dual-zone automatic climate control system |
|
|
4-speaker audio system with CS audio enhancement |
10-way power-adjustable driver's seat 4-way manually adjustable front-passenger seat |
Dual-zone automatic climate control system |
|
|
Harman Kardon Audio Package |
|
|
Root rails with integrated and retractable crossbars |
4-speaker audio system with CS audio enhancement |
Harman Kardon Audio Package |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-Weather Package |
|
|
|
Which trim should you buy?
We find the 2.5i Limited trim level to be the pick of the lot as it strikes a good balance between value for money as well as the equipment level offered. Unless one wants a more powerful engine, this is the one to go for. It has better features, like a rear-camera display, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, heated side-view mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and it also comes with all the features that are optional on the lower trim levels.
Even though boxer engines have not been exactly known for class-leading fuel efficiency, the case is different this time. The Outback manages to return excellent fuel efficiency that is also class-leading. It manages 22 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 24 MPG combined. As a result of this, and has a fuel tank of 18.5 gallons, it has the highest range among all its peers.
|
Model |
2011 Subaru Outback |
2011 Honda CR-V |
2011 Mazda CX-7 |
2011 Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) (mpg) |
22 |
21 |
20 |
21 |
|
MPG (Highway) (mpg) |
29 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
|
MPG (Combined) (mpg) |
24 |
23 |
23 |
25 |
|
Fuel Capacity (gallon) |
18.5 |
15.3 |
16.4 |
15.3 |
|
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
407/537/444 |
321/413/351 |
328/459/377 |
321/428/383 |
In the case of Sportage, the biggest weakness of the car would be the fuel efficiency. It returns only 21 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 25 MPG combined. The Subaru has the largest fuel tank in the class and since its fuel efficiency numbers are better than its rivals, it manages to outperform every single one of them. The Mazda CX-7 has the worst numbers in terms of fuel efficiency.
The interiors of the Subaru Outback definitely have a lot of space. However, its design fails to show the same kind of panache that its exteriors have. But one thing it has got going for it is the excellent cargo capacity with 34.3 ft.³ of storage. There are some hard plastics but they, fortunately, do not look very bad. However, compared to previous generations one has to say that the plastic quality has dropped.
There is enough room for adults of all sizes and seats five passengers with ease. The cabin is also very well-designed and there are enough storage spaces inside for most stuff and the cargo capacity can be adjusted by folding the seats and making room for more. Overall it is definitely on par with the class standards.
|
Model |
2011 Subaru Outback |
2011 Honda CR-V |
2011 Mazda CX-7 |
2011 Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.8/56.3/43.0 |
40.9/56.9/41.3 |
39.7/58.0/41.7 |
39.3/57.1/41.5 |
|
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.3/56.1/37.8 |
38.6/56.0/38.5 |
39.3/55.8/36.4 |
39.1/55.1/38.2 |
|
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
34.3 |
35.7 |
29.9 |
26.1 |
We find that most cars in this category offer a decent amount of interior space but the Subaru Outback is the most spacious in the front row. All cars offer seating only for five passengers but do so with adequate cargo space. The Honda CR-V has slightly better cargo space while the Kia has the least amount of cargo space in the segment. Some standard features include:
The infotainment features on the Subaru Outback are not excellent unless you go for the optional features. There is an optional navigation system but it is not exactly on par with many of its competitors. The base sound system is not at all interesting and the optional Bose system is highly recommended. Technology-wise, it has a long way to come in this regard. Some features of the infotainment system include:
The Subaru Outback definitely looks the part and carries over design cues from both a wagon as well as an SUV. It not only gives the impression that it is a much larger car, but it also provides a very modern and sophisticated take on the crossover SUV trend. It is not exactly the most dashing design around but the lines are clean and great to look at.
|
Model |
2011 Subaru Outback |
2011 Honda CR-V |
2011 Mazda CX-7 |
2011 Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3495 |
3503 |
3496 |
3596 |
|
Length (in.) |
188.2 |
179.3 |
184.3 |
176.3 |
|
Width (in.) |
71.7 |
71.6 |
73.7 |
73.0 |
|
Height (in.) |
65.7 |
66.1 |
64.8 |
64.4 |
|
Ground Clearance (in.) |
8.7 |
6.7 |
8.1 |
6.4 |
|
Wheelbase (in.) |
107.9 |
103.1 |
108.3 |
105.1 |
We find that the cars in this category are pretty much around the same weight and the Subaru was on the lighter side despite having a standard all-wheel-drive system. It also offers class-leading ground clearance which definitely helps with its offering credentials. The Kia happens to be the heaviest but is not offset by a large amount. Some standout features include:
Subaru has always been a brand that has prioritized safety and that is evident in this car as well. The Subaru Outback has scored a four-star rating in the NHTSA crash tests and this is definitely a reassurance. It also performs very well in the IIHS crash test although it has not been named as a Top Safety Pick. It also has a large number of safety features. Some of the standout safety features include:
The Subaru Outback is an extremely capable vehicle but it has not exactly appealed to a large crowd. However, users of this car have very positive reviews about it and understand how good it is. It promises a very capable car that has an excellent powertrain, great fuel efficiency as well as great interior space and features. It makes for an excellent buy for a family looking for a crossover SUV.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 Subaru Outback Ranked #14 | 8.7 sec | 16.9 sec | 104 mph | |||
2011 Subaru Tribeca Ranked #1 | 6.6 sec | 14.1 sec | 144 mph | |||
2011 Ford Edge Ranked #2 | 6.8 sec | 15.5 sec | 120 mph | |||
2011 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #3 | 7.2 sec | 15.8 sec | 115 mph | |||
2011 Ford Explorer Ranked #4 | 7.3 sec | 15.8 sec | 132 mph | |||
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #4 | 7.3 sec | 15.5 sec | - |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 Subaru Outback Ranked #4 | 22 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | 18.5 gal. | 351.5/499.5 mi. | |||
2011 Nissan Rogue Ranked #1 | 22 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 15.9 gal. | 349.8/445.2 mi. | |||
2011 Jeep Compass Ranked #1 | 23 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | 13.6 gal. | 312.8/394.4 mi. | Jeep USA | ||
2011 Ford Escape Ranked #1 | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 17.5 gal. | 402.5/490 mi. | |||
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Ranked #1 | 23 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 16.6 gal. | 381.8/464.8 mi. | |||
2011 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #2 | 22 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | 15.9 gal. | 349.8/445.2 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 Subaru Outback Ranked #14 | 188.2 in. | 71.7 in. | 65.7 in. | 8.7 in. | 107.9 in. | |||
2011 GMC Acadia Ranked #1 | 200.7 in. | 78.2 in. | 69.9 in. | 7.4 in. | 118.9 in. | |||
2011 Mazda CX-9 Ranked #2 | 200.2 in. | 76.2 in. | 68 in. | 8 in. | 113.2 in. | |||
2011 Ford Explorer Ranked #3 | 197.1 in. | 78.9 in. | 70.4 in. | 7.6 in. | 112.6 in. | |||
2011 Dodge Journey Ranked #4 | 192.4 in. | 72.2 in. | 66.6 in. | 7.3 in. | 113.8 in. | |||
2011 Nissan Pathfinder Ranked #5 | 192.3 in. | 72.8 in. | 72 in. | 8.7 in. | 112.2 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 Subaru Outback Ranked #11 | 34.3 cu.ft. | 105.4 cu.ft. | 71.3 cu.ft. | |||
2011 Acura RDX Ranked #1 | 27.8 cu.ft. | 101.4 cu.ft. | 60.6 cu.ft. | |||
2011 Mazda CX-9 Ranked #2 | 17.2 cu.ft. | 139.4 cu.ft. | 100.7 cu.ft. | |||
2011 Toyota Highlander Ranked #3 | 10.3 cu.ft. | 145.7 cu.ft. | 95.4 cu.ft. | |||
2011 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #4 | 47.2 cu.ft. | 97.3 cu.ft. | 89.7 cu.ft. | |||
2011 Hyundai Veracruz Ranked #5 | 13.4 cu.ft. | 150.6 cu.ft. | 86.8 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 Subaru Outback Ranked #1 | 71.3 cu.ft. | 34.3 cu.ft. | 71.3 cu.ft. | - | |||
2011 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #2 | 89.7 cu.ft. | 47.2 cu.ft. | 89.7 cu.ft. | - | |||
2011 Lexus RX 350 Ranked #3 | 80.3 cu.ft. | 40 cu.ft. | 80.3 cu.ft. | - | |||
2011 Ford Edge Ranked #4 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 32.2 cu.ft. | 68.9 cu.ft. | 82 ft. | |||
2011 GMC Acadia Ranked #5 | 59.5 cu.ft. | 24.1 cu.ft. | 116.9 cu.ft. | - | |||
2011 Honda Pilot Ranked #6 | 30 cu.ft. | 18 cu.ft. | 87 cu.ft. | 77 ft. |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011 Subaru Outback Ranked #8 | 2700 lbs. | 1199 lbs. | 3386 lbs. | |||
2011 Nissan Pathfinder Ranked #1 | 6000 lbs. | 1047 lbs. | 4427 lbs. | |||
2011 GMC Acadia Ranked #2 | 5200 lbs. | 1755 lbs. | 4656 lbs. | |||
2011 Toyota 4Runner Ranked #3 | 5000 lbs. | 1700 lbs. | 4400 lbs. | |||
2011 Ford Explorer Ranked #3 | 5000 lbs. | - | 4557 lbs. | |||
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser Ranked #3 | 5000 lbs. | 1285 lbs. | 4050 lbs. |
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User Overall Rating
Posted On: May 9, 2024
"I have had my outback for several years now. They say when you want a car, you can choose 2 of the following: cheap, fast, reliable. This car is cheap and reliable. I have owned several other cars, as well as an older model outback that I tried intentionally to kill many times and just couldn't. I live in the western US, and like to camp and get off paved roads often. When I was looking for a ca...
