Subaru drops two significant features on 2015 Subaru Outback to get 33 mpg

The all-new 2015 Subaru Outback wagon has just made it its global debut at the New York International Auto Show and drops two significant features to achieve better fuel mileage. The new 2015 Outback drops the six-manual and five-speed automatic and gets a new CVT transmission and now gets 33 mpg. That’s a 3 mpg gain over the previous generation 2014 model. That takes the new Outback to the top of the AWD crossover range in fuel economy. Why did Subaru drop the 6-speed manual?

Subaru doesn’t need to offer the manual or the five-speed automatic because they have improved their new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) called Lineartronic, so Outback now gets 33 mpg highway with their four cylinder Boxer. Subaru engineers retuned the Lineartronic on the new Outback and even with its Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, the new base wagon gets better mpg than some front-wheel-drive competitors.

For 2015, Outback will still come with two engine choices, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 175 hp and 174 lb. ft of torque will come standard. The 2.5-liter receives numerous enhancements for lighter weight, improved efficiency, quieter operation and gets a 2 hp bump from the 2014 model. Peak torque remains at 174 lb.-ft. but is spread over a broader engine speed range for more responsive performance. The 2015 Outback will also come with the same 3.6-liter six-cylinder Boxer producing 256 hp and 247 lb. ft of torque on the 3.6R Limited model. Both engines take regular 87 octane unleaded fuel.

Subaru drops the fully synchronized six-speed standard gearbox and the five-speed adaptive electronic automatic in favor of the new CVT on the 2015 Outback. It was all done so the new-generation wagon could get improved mileage over the outgoing model. The 2.5-liter four cylinder sees mileage estimates of 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined. The 6-cylinder 3.6R Limited model also sees fuel economy improve, with new estimated ratings of 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 22 combined vs 17/25/20 for the outgoing model.

For 2015, all Outback models will only be available with a Lineartronic CVT automatic. Subaru engineers were able to reduce friction in the CVT that contributes to higher fuel efficiency in the 2015 Outback. Both 2.5i and 3.6R Limited will feature the CVT that includes a six-speed manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters. But the new 3.6R will get a new CVT using a high-torque version that helped the 3.6-liter six-cylinder get a 10 percent increase in fuel mileage. All models are equipped with Incline Start Assist and the electronic Hill Holder System that holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle.

This writer isn’t fond of the CVT transmission, but I recently drove the new 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid with the Lineartronic and was impressed. We took the Subaru Lineartronic CVT in the XV Hybrid up I-70 into the mountains west of Denver and pushed it hard. The shifts were smooth and there were only minor discern-able steps or shifts between the highest and lowest available ratios. Subaru has made impressive improvements in the CVT for sure with the new Lineartronic. The new Outback now features the same new Lineartronic CVT and Outback buyers will be impressed with it.

The all-new 2015 Subaru Outback wagon loses the six-speed manual gear box and five speed automatic, but gains a new CVT in favor of impressive fuel mileage for an all-wheel-drive crossover. Most buyers won’t miss the manual and the CVT automatic is a significant upgrade over the old five-speed adaptive electronic automatic. Come back tomorrow and we’ll look at three other new fuel-saving features on the 2015 Outback.

Watch 2015 Outback-In-depth video from Subaru.