The Legacy-Outback is built on Subaru’s Global Platform that debuted on the previous-generation Impreza. Mainstream Legacys and Outbacks are powered by the 2.5L flat-four. Those keen on greater power can opt for a 260 horsepower, 2.4L turbo flat-four. Power reaches all wheels via a CVT transmission regardless of engine choice. The dash features an 11.6 inch touchscreen that dominates the dash centre stack. The cars are roomy and comfortable and the cabins are nicely finished. The cars have roomy cabins, with a commanding driving position and big windows to aid outward vision. The trunk on the sedan is commodious, and while the cargo bay on the Outback is long and quite wide, it is shallower below the windows than some other competitors. Subaru’s Eyesight active safety suite is standard on all trims. Adaptive cruise control, long an Eyesight feature, now includes a new lane centring device.

With the Eyesight safety suite, a power driver’s seat, roof rails, L.E.D. headlights and heated front seats, the base model, the Convenience, is nicely equipped but lacks blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors. Moving up to Touring trim includes an auto-dim mirror, an 11.6 inch infotainment screen, wireless iOS-Android cellphone interface and charging, dual-zone heating, Automatic Emergency Steering, a sunroof, alloy wheels, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and a power tailgate, and is excellent value. The Onyx model, with a Harmon-Kardon audio system, alloy pedals and a heated rear rear seat, but is significantly overpriced. The Limited includes navigation, an extendable driver’s seat cushion, two extra directions on the power driver’s seat, a power passenger seat and leather seating, and is excellent value. Opting for the 2.4L-turbo engine upgrade will set owners back $3000. The Wilderness adds enhanced off-road capabilities including three skid plates protecting major components underneath, heated rear seats and the turbo engine but looks overpriced even when the turbo is accounted for.

Predicted reliability is above average up to around 100,000, after which engine durability problems with the mainstream 2.5L four could become a factor. Subaru claims the oil leaks and expensive head gasket failures have been addressed, but only time will tell whether they have been fixed. Servicing is more expensive than customers new to Subaru are expecting.