Six reasons Subaru can justify 2015 Subaru Outback price bump

The all-new 2015 Subaru Outback gets a price bump. Is the price increase across the model lineup justified?

Subaru of America has announced pricing on the all-new generation 2015 Subaru Outback recreational wagon. The Outback 2.5i starts at $24,895 which is a $1,400 price bump from the previous generation model. How will recreation enthusiasts respond to the increase in price? The new 2015 multi-purpose Outback comes with plenty of upgrades and outdoor enthusiasts should like what they see. What changes to Outback justify the price bump?

New design and roomiest Outback ever

2015 Outback wheelbase has increased by 0.2-in., overall length by 0.6-in. and width by 0.7 in. The changes equate to a roomier passenger cabin, at 108.1 cu. ft. (up from 105.4 cu. ft.). Outback makes gains in shoulder, front and rear hip and elbow room and rear legroom. The Outback’s cargo area has been enlarged to 35.5 cu. ft. behind the rear seats, up from 34.3, while maximum capacity with the standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks folded is now 73.3 cu. ft., up from 71.3. The new-gen wagon’s load floor improves with seats that lay flatter, and new rear seatback release levers in the cargo area enhance convenience.

Fuel-saving Lineartronic CVT now standard on all models

Outback gets higher fuel-efficiency than the outgoing model. All Outbacks come with the new Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), which is instrumental in the Outback’s significantly improved fuel economy. Manufacturer-estimated ratings of 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined are up from 24/30/26 in the outgoing model. These figures place the 2015 Outback 2.5i at the top of the midsize crossover class, bettering front-wheel drive versions of some competitive crossovers.

Quieter more refined ride

The cabin of the new Outback is quieter than the outgoing model due to a new acoustic windshield, liquid-filled engine mounts, thicker panels in key locations (floor, toeboard, rear wheel apron, inner fenders) and expanded use of foam insulation and floor damping material.

Enhanced Eyesight safety system

2015 Outback will come with the new-generation Subaru EyeSight Safety system. It will integrate Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. This advanced safety system uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology that was rated highest in front crash prevention system by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Enhanced Active AWD and new X-Mode

2015 Outback features a refined version of the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD. The system’s electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch controls torque distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage. As the driver accelerates through turns and curves, Active Torque Split AWD optimizes traction and steering response, particularly when the road surface is snowy or slick.

All 2015 Outback models now come equipped as standard with the X-Mode system, which debuted on the new-gen Forester. When engaged by a switch on the console, X-Mode optimizes engine output and CVT ratio position, increases Active All-Wheel Drive engagement and uses enhanced control logic for the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to reduce individual wheel spin.

Revised chassis with new Active Torque Vectoring

The MacPherson front strut suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension has been retuned by Subaru engineers for greater handling agility and a more compliant ride. Outback gets a new quick-ratio electric power-assisted steering delivers outstanding feel and also helps reduce fuel consumption.

All trim lines get a price increase

The 2015 Outback 2.5i Premium has an MSRP of $26,995, just $200 more than the comparable outgoing model. The Outback 2.5i Limited provides an impressive list of standard features and content at a starting price of $29,995, $900 more than 2014 model. The flagship of the line-up, the Outback 3.6R Limited, has a starting MSRP of $32,995. Also a $900 price bump.

The new 2015 multi-purpose Subaru Outback comes with plenty of upgrades that justify a price increase. All trim lines also add more standard amenities, conveniences and new infotainment systems for 2015. Outdoor and sports enthusiasts should like what they see in the new-generation wagon.

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