2013 Subaru Outback - New Engine, More Features And Price Reductions

by Brad Leach - 09/01/13

Subaru has rung-in the new year with significant updates for the hot-selling Outback lineup. Pencils have been sharpened too with the entry-level Subaru Outback 2.5i slashed by $500 to $38,490.

However star billing goes to the 2.0 Diesel Premium model which gets new alloy wheels outside and a colour information screen inside but hits the showroom $4,000 cheaper than its predecessor at $42,990.

The standard Subaru Outback 2.0 Diesel gains factory fitted satellite navigation but the price drops by $1,000 to $39,990.

Headlining the technical changes is the new ‘FB’ horizontally-opposed Boxer engine powering 2.5i Subaru Liberty models. The new petrol engine has been developed for improved driveability at low to mid-range engine speeds and combines with a new Lineartronic CVT transmission which is lighter, more compact and quieter.

So power is up to 127kW, torque is up to 235Nm but fuel economy is down slightly to 8.0l/100kms (combined cycle). 

Changes to the all-wheel-drive system deliver more precision in torque distribution for enhanced refinement.

And Outback 2.5i Premium adds Subaru’s clever ‘EyeSight’ driver assistance safety system.

Styling changes are minimal – just the new alloy wheels plus a new front grille and fog-light surrounds. 

The 2013 Subaru Outback range looks like this:

2.5i auto $38,490
2.5i auto option pack $39,990
2.5i Premium auto $42,990
2.0D manual $39,990
2.0D Premium manual $42,990
3.6R Premium auto $57,490

The ‘Option Pack’ for the Subaru Liberty 2.5i adds leather trim, factory-fitted satellite navigation, rear air-conditioning vents, electronic adjustment for the drivers’ seat, electroluminescent gauges and the colour information display – all for just $1500.