Tow Test: Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium

Subaru’s Outback has been a regular sight on our roads since the mid-1990s, pitched at buyers who want a more traditional, family-sized station wagon with some rough-road cred courtesy of its all-wheel drive and raised suspension.

Despite being out-sold in more recent times by ‘boxier’, more fashionable seven-seater SUVs like the Toyota Kluger, Ford Territory and Holden Captiva 7, the Outback remains a popular choice, with 4770 sales in 2011.

Based on the five-seat Liberty station wagon, the current generation Outback arrived in 2009 and comes with a choice of three, horizontally opposed four-cylinder 'boxer' engines – a 110kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel, and 123kW/229Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 191kW/350Nm 3.6-litre six-cylinder, petrol engines.

These are matched either to a six-speed manual, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or five-speed auto (only available with top-spec 3.6R).

The Outback line-up kicks off at $37,490 for the 2.5i manual, topping out at $57,490 for the 3.6R Premium automatic reviewed here.

EQUIPMENT

Subaru has significantly boosted the Outback’s equipment list over the last couple of years, adding Bluetooth wireless mobile phone connectivity, sat nav, reversing camera, USB connectivity and a full-size spare wheel across the range.

All Outback variants also feature dual-zone climate control, electric parking brake, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto-on/off headlights, MP3-compatible CD audio system and trip computer.

Helping to justify the $12,500 premium over the 2.5i Premium CVT, the top-spec Outback 3.6R Premium also gets a dual exhaust, rain-sensing wipers, smart key access and start button, electric sunroof, leather trim, and xenon headlights.

Adding to the luxury feel is a 10-speaker McIntosh audio system with sat nav and eight-inch touchscreen, along with eight-way electrically-adjustable front seats with dual memory for the driver’s seat.

Other exclusive 3.6R features include Subaru's Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) system that allows the driver to select from three different engine response characteristics: economy (I), Sport (S) or Sport-plus (S+).

All Outback variants include seven airbags and come with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but the 3.6R Premium ups the safety level a notch by also featuring Subaru’s latest Eyesight system, which incorporates driver alert technology such as pre-crash braking, adaptive cruise control and lane sway/departure warning.

Although we found the system, which uses minute stereo cameras located in a compact unit near the rearview mirror, worked well overall, it was particularly sensitive when straying close to lane markings on multi-lane freeways. If the warning buzzers prove annoying the system can be switched off.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

With its electric sunroof, perforated leather seats, woodgrain decorative trim, and ‘blue’ illumination the Outback’s cabin has an inviting, upmarket ambience.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, the leather-bound steering wheel adjusts to suit your arm length, and the well-insulated cabin shields occupants from most road and engine noise.

Rear passengers are also well taken care of with excellent legroom and rear vents, while the 60/40 splitfold rear seats have two sets of levers for folding flat.

There’s good amount of storage areas throughout the cabin, including a loadspace that takes a handy 490 litres and includes four tie-down hooks and a rubber liner.

Our primary ergonomic complaint was the trip computer information confusingly split between two displays rather than located in one central position. And the middle rear seat with fold-down armrest is, like in many cars, uncomfortable to sit on.

The six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine provides syrupy smooth performance and plenty of urge across the rev range, though with a maximum 191kW at 5600rpm and 350Nm at 4400rpm it needs to be revved to deliver its full potential (with the associated negative effect on fuel economy).

It also works well with the smooth-shifting five-speed automatic, which has a good spread of ratios, allowing it remain under 2000rpm at highway speeds.

The 1600kg Outback also has decent on-road manners. Despite a firm suspension, ride comfort is acceptable although there can be some initial harshness and ‘crashing’ at lower speeds over rough patches.

Corners can also be approached with confidence thanks to well-weighted steering, solid braking and the benefits of all-wheel drive traction.

TOWING

The Outback has a braked towing capacity of 1800kg and towball down weight of 150kg, so hitching up a 984kg (Tare) camper trailer was never going to pose too many problems.

Once up to speed on the freeway the extra load was quickly forgotten, and speed was easily maintained up steeper inclines without the gearbox constantly swapping cogs or engine getting thrashy.

Switched to Manual mode, the steering wheel paddles were useful for choosing the right gear when using engine braking down steep, slow hills.

The 120kg ball weight of the trailer had no discernible effect on the tow vehicle’s rear suspension either, thanks to the Outback’s self-levelling rear suspension.

Subaru claims an official fuel figure of 10.3L/km on average, and on test we achieved 11.2L/km running solo, and 14.3L/100km while towing the one tonne camper.

The small side mirrors were just adequate for safe, rearward vision when towing the low-height trailer but wider towing mirrors will be necessary for anything bigger. The easy-to-read reversing camera also meant I could back right up to the trailer hitch with no fear of damage.

Subaru gives the usual advice of increasing the recommended 15,000km/12 month service intervals, if the vehicle is used regularly for towing. The Outback should also be driven for 1600km before towing, and run higher tire pressures and not exceed 80km/h when pulling a load.

Interestingly, the company also stipulates that the SI-Drive’s Intelligent (I) mode should never be selected when towing on an incline. If nothing else, it's a timely reminder to always read the owner’s manual and be aware of potential issues such as engine and transmission fluid overheating when towing.

CONCLUSION

While the Outback misses out on the third road of seats offered in the latest crop of large SUVs, it does have some tricks up its sleeve including a Territory-beating 213mm road clearance.

In top-spec 3.6R form, its main downfall perhaps is its lofty price, although you do get plenty of kit for the money.

So long as you’re planning to tow not much more than 1500kg, the range-topping Outback is a good option as a mid-range tow vehicle; not to mention a comfortable, relaxed family cruiser.

* Thanks to Page Bros RV in Seaford, Victoria, for loan of the Jayco Hawk camper trailer for this test.

SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R PREMIUM

Engine: 3.6-litre, horizontally-opposed six cylinder petrol
Max. power: 191kW at 5600rpm
Max. torque: 350Nm at 4400rpm
Transmission: five-speed auto
Length: 4790mm
Width: 1820mm
Height: 1615mm
Wheelbase: 2745mm
Ground clearance: 213mm
Kerb mass: 1600kg
Fuel: 65lt
Towing cap. unbraked/braked: 750kg/1800kg
Tow ball mass maximum: 180kg
Fuel economy (claimed): 10.3L/100km
Price: $57,490 (MRRP)
More info: Subaru Australia