The new Outback is available with two engine options, including a 2.5-liter flat-four and a 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine. The 2.5-liter produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and it can accelerate the Outback from rest to 60 mph in about 8.7 seconds. The 2.5-liter engine is optimized for performance and outputs 260 horsepower. It has a fuel economy of 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The two engines power the all-wheel-drive using a continuously variable transmission.
The new Outback is designed to be a capable off-roader and comes with Subaru's X-MODE® system. This feature adjusts the vehicle's performance parameters for optimum traction in mud, snow and ice. The Outback also has a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which provides better handling on rough terrain around Walla Walla. The SUV can effortlessly handle up to eight inches of water when crossing streams and creeks.
The Snow driving mode in the new Outback helps provide extra traction on slippery roads. This mode increases throttle response, provides better acceleration and braking performance and improves stability. It also has a locking center differential, which distributes power evenly to all four wheels for improved grip on icy roads around Richland.
The Outback SUV is equipped with a double wishbone suspension system. This type of suspension provides better handling and improved ride quality by reducing body roll, improving stability and increasing the tires' grip on the road surface. The double wishbone design improves the vehicle's ability to navigate rough terrain more confidently than traditional MacPherson strut suspensions.