2013 Subaru Outback Returns With Spacious Design, Improved Fuel Efficiency

Photo by Jeff Wysaski

The 2013 Subaru Outback gets a slight facelift for the new model year. Notable changes include a retooled front end, retuned suspension and a new four-cylinder engine that improves fuel efficiency. Add in the solid off-road capabilities and cavernous interior that have always been available on the Outback, and you've got one of the most enticing wagons on the road. Keep reading to review features, specs and pricing for the new 2013 Subaru Outback.

Styling: 2013 Subaru Outback

Overall, the Outback retains the rugged good looks and utilitarian crossover design that Subaru owners have come to know and love. Exterior updates to the vehicle are subtle, but serve to give the Outback a slightly more aggressive undertone. Changes include a redesigned front grille and headlights. The bumper also receives a mild reshaping.

Inside, the Outback is a winner in the category of passenger comfort. Thanks to the tall roofline and ample proportions, passengers will find plenty of headroom and legroom no matter which seat they find themselves sitting in. Of course, in a pinch all that passenger space can transform into expansive cargo space. With rear seats folded flat, owners gain access to 71.3 cubic feet of storage.

Performance: 2013 Subaru Outback

The biggest change for the new Outback is a new four-cylinder engine. More specifically, this powerplant is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer that manages 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft. of torque. Outfitted with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Outback now delivers 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (26 mpg combined). In comparison, last year's Outback topped out at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway (24 mpg combined).

Four-cylinder models are also available with a six-speed manual. Opting for this transmission drops mileage down to 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway (24 mpg combined).

For more power, a 3.6-liter V6 boxer engine is available that makes 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft. of torque. Gas mileage for this thirstier engine is listed at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway (20 mpg combined).

Safety: 2013 Subaru Outback

Standard safety features include four-wheel antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, all-wheel drive, front-side airbags and side curtain airbags. Newly available options include adaptive cruise control and a collision avoidance system. In crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the new Subaru received a best-possible rating of "Good" in all crash test categories.

Pricing and Features: 2013 Subaru Outback

Initial asking price for the 2013 Outback is listed at $23,495. This base model comes standard with 16-inch wheels, roof rails, cruise control, air conditioning, full power accessories, height-adjustable driver's seat, reclining rear seat, Bluetooth, four-speaker stereo, CD player, auxiliary input and iPod/USB interface.

Stepping up to the next trim ($24,995) adds 17-inch wheels, foglamps, power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear privacy glass, six-speaker stereo and a cargo cover. Available options include sunroof, heated front seats, heated mirrors, windshield de-icer, rearview camera and nine-speaker premium stereo.

The top-of-the-line Limited model adds interior wood trim, leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power passenger's seat and exclusive gauge cluster. Available options include keyless ignition, exterior styling enhancements, driver's seat memory functions, touchscreen navigation and rearview camera.