Subaru boxer engines are well known for their performance and high torque development that’s why several company executives can be found saying, “We like producing cars that are different” and in case of the Outback, it is the most successful vehicle in the Subaru line-up till date. The Outback 2015 is comprehensively redesigned without transforming the formula of success since its instigation in mid 90s. It is an unarguably successful crossover in the segment and more than 90% Outback models sold till date are still on the road and looks like it is also made to live long longer.
One area which is not changed yet is the power unit where the Outback is still, ‘all Legacy’. Under the hood it has 2.5 Litre boxer-four and a 3.6-Litre boxer-six engines which remains unchanged and carried over from previous generation. These Subaru engines have nothing wrong with them and they are exceptionally efficient.
These 2.5 litre engine is capable of generating 175hp and 174lb-ft of pulling power while the other one is a muscular 3.6 Litre that manages to develop 256hp of power and 247lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but you can ask for a Lineartronic CVT transmission with 3.6-Litre engine same as the WRX. Both engines are really good and have plenty of power to move the Outback both on and off-road.
The Outback with 2.5 Litre engine is 197 to 220 pounds lighter than the 3.6-Litre engine model and saving weight in any form is good. Weight is the main factor in fuel economy and 2.5 Litre model has an edge and achieves 25mpg in the city and 33mpg on the motorway while its fellow rider has 20/27 city/motorway figures
