2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Pros and Cons

There are many models to choose from when purchasing a new vehicle. A Subaru Outback 2.5i is an excellent choice if it’s features suit your lifestyle and the terrain you drive on. This article outlines the pros and cons of owning the base model Subaru Outback and is intended for someone new to the vehicle market or Subarus.

All-Wheel Drive

Pros:

-All Subaru vehicles come equipped with all-wheel drive or AWD. AWD is great for improving maneuverability and increasing road traction during standard driving conditions such as rain, snow or construction gravel.

-Many car manufacturers charge extra for AWD with Subaru it comes standard.

Cons:

-However, when you compare AWD to four-wheel driving (4x4) for off-road situations the 4x4 will generally offer better traction. If you’re looking to do a lot of off-roading you may be better off buying a vehicle with four-wheel drive.

The Boxer Engine

Pros:

-The car accelerates more quickly.

-The engine may last longer than standard engines.

Cons:

-Because of the boxer engine, the Outback tends to be a little bit noisier and jumpier than a car with a standard gasoline engine. If you are sensitive to the movement of your car or you suffer from chronic pain

Safety

The 2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i has nothing but pros on its side. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS has rated the Subaru Outback as a top safety pick in the mid-size car section. The IIHS rates car safety features as: “Good”, “Acceptable”, “Marginal” and “Poor”. The 2011 Subaru Outback rates as “Good” in all tests performed and listed by IIHS. These tests include: “Frontal Offset”, “Side Impact”, “Roof Strength” and “Rear crash protection/head restraint”.

More information regarding IIHS testing of the Subaru Outback can be viewed at:

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=680

Price

The vehicles chosen for price comparison were chosen because they are hatchbacks in the same category of mid-size car on the IIHS website in addition to being top safety picks as well. This is a comparison of base prices and does not consider features such as trim, cargo space or All-wheel drive.

Pros:

-The base manufacturer’s suggested retail price or MSRP for a Subaru Outback ($23,195) is cheaper than a Toyota Venza ($26,275) and an Audi A3 ($27,200).

Cons:

-The base MSRP for a Jetta Sportwagen S ($19,510) is significantly less. In fact the starting MSRP for the upgraded SE model Sportwagen ($23,240) is only slightly more than the base Outback price.