FAQs and Specs
Keep away from the optional turbocharged four- and available six-cylinder engines, and the 2006 Subaru Outback represents value, even if it is too small inside to truly replace a traditional SUV.
Is the 2006 Subaru Outback a good value?
If you stick with the Outback 2.5i, or the 2.5XT without the Limited Package, we see value in the Outback. Subarus have a long-standing reputation for durability, and these cars are terrific to drive in foul weather. The new turbocharged engine is just the thing for residents of high-elevation regions of the country. But when prices creep north of $30,000, we start to wonder why anyone would choose this rather small vehicle when larger and equally-equipped models are available. Why choose a 2006 Subaru Outback over its key competitors?
Some people prefer to drive a car instead of a truck, and the Subaru Outback definitely leans toward the car side of the CUV equation. In fact, except for its raised ground clearance, it is a car. The other reason to select a Subaru Outback is that you get more luxury for less money. Compared to an Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series, or Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon, the Outback provides plenty of content at a big discount. Of course, you don’t get the brand prestige of those European models, so if that’s important to you, the Subaru won’t deliver. If the Subaru Outback is so small inside, why doesn’t the company make it bigger?
Subaru did make a bigger Outback – it’s called the B9 Tribeca. The Tribeca is built on the Outback’s platform, and offers plenty more front seat space. The back seat is still a little tight, and the optional third-row seat is an amusing prospect for anyone over 12 years of age, but otherwise you get more in the B9 than in the Outback. But you pay more, too, and then there’s that unflattering visage up front to contend with. SPECIFICATIONS
Test Vehicle: 2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited
Price of Test Vehicle: $28,248 (including $625 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder
Engine Horsepower: 175 at 6,000 rpm
Engine Torque: 169 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Curb Weight, lbs.: 3,375
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 23/28
Observed Fuel Economy: 25.6 mpg
Length: 188.7 inches
Width: 69.7 inches
Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Height: 63.2 inches
Legroom (front/rear): 44.1/33.9 inches
Headroom (front/rear): 38.7/37.1 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Min. Ground Clearance: 8.4 inches
Competitors: Audi A3, Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Magnum, Ford Escape, Ford Freestyle, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Torrent, Saab 9-2X, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forester, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Suzuki XL-7, Toyota Highlander, Toyota RAV4, Volvo V50
Photos courtesy of Christian J. Wardlaw
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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