Vehicle: 2005 Subaru Outback 3.0R H6 VDC
Price as tested: CDN$38995

Performance: The Outback’s flagship R model is powered by a horizontally opposed DOHC 24-valver 6 banger. This engine is good for 250hp and 219 lb/ft of torque. Unlike the H6 of the outgoing Outback, the current iteration never felt sluggish off the line. Its finally a powerplant that is responsive enough to compete in the field of V6 crossovers. Typical of horizontally opposed engine configuration, H6 continues to have the distinctive engine note that should sound familiar to current Subaru owners. Other than that, this engine has top-notch refinement and performance to satisfy most people’s needs. Although Subaru has finally addressed the lazy nature of its auto tranny in previous Outback, current car’s 5-speed Sportshift still has some laziness in auto mode while performs admirably in manumaitc mode. As with the powerplant, this tranny is extremely refined. The laziness means its unwilling to upshifts at the right rpm that driver’s right foot demands. You really have to hammer down in order to get it moving.

Handling: Outback has always been a capable crossover and its rightly so. It all begins with a rigid chassis, a solid symmertical AWD system and, with the tester, VDC. VDC stands for Vehicle Dynamic Control which is a system that braking the offending wheel when it detects a slip. It is a high threshold system that doesn’t intervene until absolutely necessary, it allows enough threshold for drivers to enjoy themselves with a slight amount of over and understeers. Although its higher than the sportier Legacy wagon, it still feels sporty among the field of crossovers like Highlander and Pilot. It got plenty of steering feel and great response, as well as controllable understeer when pushed. It is a crossover that can considered itself as a sportswagon when needed. The ride comfort is excellent which absorbs bumps, washboard pavements and expansion joints with ease.

Brakes: With 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS and 4-wheel discs. New Outback finally got the pedal feel that it should get in day 1. The previous spongy, numb brake pedal feel and poor modulation efforts of all previous Outback have gone for good. Its a change for good considered there is also a powerful turbo Outback available in the stable.

Interior: This has to be considered as one of the best interior efforts from Subaru. Unlike the previous car, this one got plenty of soft-touch plastic and classy velour that feel more like an upscale vehicle than a cheap econobox of old. Seats are comfortable with easily found driving position. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. It also features a nice dance back and forth as you start the car. They even think of clever touches like large knobs for stereo and auto climate control. There are plenty of head and legroom for back seat passengers.

In terms of cargo space, its wide and large with low liftover and tons of cubbyholes. It also features a neat bucket underneath the floor. That shows Subaru’s experience in producing wagons for years.

Conclusion: Outback was the savior to Subaru franchise in North America because it offers country ruggedness without sacificing city capabilies. Over the years, it has evolved into a more luxurious package. With the introduction of the newly refined H6, it finally a contender to take on premium crossovers like BMW’s X3 and Lexus’s RX330. It got the Bimmer beats for refinement, quality, value and performance and latter for handling dynamics. In short, a car you shouldn’t overlook when shopping for a crossover.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.0R H6 VDC
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.25/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.25/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5