Other Direct competitors to the Subaru Outback?

[onza]

GF is thinking of purchasing the Outback so she can haul dog + outdoors crap..

What other competitors are out there are compete directly with the Outback?

Thanks,

 

[NutBucket]

Volvo XC70 and Audi Allroad. Same concept but more luxurious and higher price. In the same price range there isn't any direct competition. The 2015 Outback is suppose to be revealed later this month. I would wait for that.

 

[onza]

Volvo XC70 and Audi Allroad. Same concept but more luxurious and higher price. In the same price range there isn't any direct competition. The 2015 Outback is suppose to be revealed later this month. I would wait for that.

Do you know if the 2015 is a complete redesign or just a minor update?

 

[exar333]

GF is thinking of purchasing the Outback so she can haul dog + outdoors crap..

What other competitors are out there are compete directly with the Outback?

Thanks,

Besides the more luxury-oriented competitors mentioned (Audi/Volvo) the only other alternative I can think of is:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_Eagle

 

[996GT2]

Any specific reason she wants a wagon?

Many small/medium sized crossover SUVs can be considered competitors to the outback.

 

[NutBucket]

Do you know if the 2015 is a complete redesign or just a minor update?

Complete redesign like the Legacy.

 

[onza]

Any specific reason she wants a wagon?

Many small/medium sized crossover SUVs can be considered competitors to the outback.

Not 100% sure, but my understanding is she wants the low profile yet high ground clearance.

She can haul the dog in comfort, 60+ dog that is extremely tall lol.

 

[herm0016]

the outback is trending towards crossover, compare others of similar size. the only awd wagons left are the allroad and xc70 and 3 series xdrive.

a few more wagons: http://autos.jdpower.com/content/buying-guide/o6blpyG/2014-station-wagon-buyer-s-guide.htm

looks like most of them are all wheel drive.

 

[onza]

on the topic of Subaru's

v4 2.0 vs 2.5 =How much of a difference is there? IE - if we were to drive up and down some mtns would it be annoying? or pretty marginal in difference.

 

[unokitty]

GF is thinking of purchasing the Outback so she can haul dog + outdoors crap..

What other competitors are out there are compete directly with the Outback?

Thanks,

At that price point, she may want to look at a Crosstrek or a Forester.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[NutBucket]

Crosstrek is quite a bit smaller and the Forester pretty similar. A lot of Forester vs. Outback has to do with styling IMHO.

 

[Harrod]

on the topic of Subaru's

v4 2.0 vs 2.5 =How much of a difference is there? IE - if we were to drive up and down some mtns would it be annoying? or pretty marginal in difference.

You would probably want to look at the power to weight ratios between both of the vehicles.

On another note, are you talking about getting the cvt or the manual? With a manual it probably wouldn't bother me at all between either of the cars, cvt wise on my own car it gets pretty old. There is nothing quick or snappy about my Outback, I constantly wish I had gotten the manual version, but I needed something my wife could drive in bad weather.

 

[onza]

CVT.

Manual is not an option similar to your wife's situation.

 

[Kelvrick]

How off-road capable does it need to be? How about the Toyota Venza? Or the Honda Accord crosstour (not really wagon, probably won't be as convenient for dogs in the hatch area).

The new forester is pretty nice, too. Has the newer engines that get pretty good gas mileage.

 

[fleshconsumed]

Complete redesign like the Legacy.

I wouldn't call that complete redesign. It's going to be a mid cycle refresh, i.e. it's going to have different styling, the teaser shots show headlights that are very similar to 2015 legacy, but everything else including size, engine and transmission, at least for the 2.5 version, are expected to stay the same.

 

[Knavish]

You can still buy an Acura TSX wagon, but it won't have 4 wheel drive.

Most Subaru Outback people I know are from New England and will accept no substitutes because they are die-hard subaru station wagon loyalists. At the lower levels I think it is a good deal, but the "3.6R Limited" seems a bit steep compared to some compact SUVs.

 

[Kelvrick]

I wouldn't call that complete redesign. It's going to be a mid cycle refresh, i.e. it's going to have different styling, the teaser shots show headlights that are very similar to 2015 legacy, but everything else including size, engine and transmission, at least for the 2.5 version, are expected to stay the same.

Why do you say it is a mic cycle refresh? The current platform is on its 5th year. Unless you're one of those people who say that a complete redesign means new engine, transmission, platform, etc.

Personally, I consider the 07 to 08 legacy a mid-cycle refresh. The 09 to 10 legacy is a redesign, as I expect the 2014 to 2015 to be.

 

[fleshconsumed]

Why do you say it is a mic cycle refresh? The current platform is on its 5th year. Unless you're one of those people who say that a complete redesign means new engine, transmission, platform, etc.

Personally, I consider the 07 to 08 legacy a mid-cycle refresh. The 09 to 10 legacy is a redesign, as I expect the 2014 to 2015 to be.

Subaru seems to operate on about 7-9 year life cycles. The Outback which is based on Legacy also seems to follow 6-12 months behind legacy design wise. To me, a complete redesign means substantially different looks, size, or drivetrain. I don't think either of those is going to happen with Outback 2.5 (there is speculation that 3.6 is going to receive CVT instead of auto). The 09 Legacy was a substantial redesign because the car got a lot bigger and received CVT transmission upgrade. The outback followed the same path in 10 - it got bigger, substantially bigger, and also received CVT. The 15 legacy received a mild facelift - different headlights, front grill, but the size and the drive train remained the same. I expect 2015 Outback to follow legacy again - it will get face lift/mid cycle refresh/whatever you want to call it, but nothing is going to change substantially for the 2.5 model. I expect we'll see an all new design in 2017-2018, however, I firmly believe it's just going to be a mild refresh this year. I guess we'll see in a few days when NY Auto Show starts.

To the OP, I don't think there is anything quite like Outback. A lot of diehard outback fans whined about 4th (and soon to be the 5th) gen outback becoming bloated CUV and moving away from its wagon grassroots. While I acknowledge that Outback has moved into the CUV category, I do like the fact that it managed to retain it's car/wagon like looks. If you want AWD with high ground clearance and car/wagon like looks, there is nothing like outback out there. Every other car either lacks ground clearance - TSX, Jetta Sportswagen, Toyota Venza, Audi Allroad, BMW, or looks like a mini SUV/truck with high roof, high seating position, and bulky design - CRV, RAV4, and to a lesser degree CX-5. If you're willing to drop either one of those three - AWD, or car/wagon looks, or high ground clearance, then there are plenty of competitors, but direct competitors, I don't think there are any.

 

[PricklyPete]

I wouldn't call that complete redesign. It's going to be a mid cycle refresh, i.e. it's going to have different styling, the teaser shots show headlights that are very similar to 2015 legacy, but everything else including size, engine and transmission, at least for the 2.5 version, are expected to stay the same.

They already had a mid cycle refresh. This is definitely a new car.

 

[PricklyPete]

on the topic of Subaru's

v4 2.0 vs 2.5 =How much of a difference is there? IE - if we were to drive up and down some mtns would it be annoying? or pretty marginal in difference.

Just to be clear, Subaru engines are flat 4 designs (also called a boxer 4 or H4) ...not a V4 engine. In the US you can not get the Outback with a 2.0...just an Impreza. There are a ton of people around here who buy Impreza's or Crossteks and go up mtns all the time with the wimpy 2.0L... but it is abysmally slow (regardless of transmission). The 2.5l in the outback isn't much better due to the heft if the outback... But I consider it more bearable. Probably the best engine for the mountains is the 2.0l turbo in the Forester.

 

[fleshconsumed]

They already had a mid cycle refresh. This is definitely a new car.

I guess it depends if you want to call 2015 legacy an all new car or not. I do not consider 2015 legacy to be an all new car. It's got different looks, new headlight, new front grill, but the guts and the size remained the same. To me it's the same car with slightly different looks. I strongly suspect 2015 Outback is going to be the same - new looks but same everything else.

 

[onza]

Few more keypoints, live in MN and we get stupid snowfalls annually, and she got stuck one too many times and she said she wants AWD + ground clearance + Dog hauling capabilities, for around 25-28k.

I own a 06 Acura TL, and a 06 LimitedToyota Highlander.

You can still buy an Acura TSX wagon, but it won't have 4 wheel drive.

Most Subaru Outback people I know are from New England and will accept no substitutes because they are die-hard subaru station wagon loyalists. At the lower levels I think it is a good deal, but the "3.6R Limited" seems a bit steep compared to some compact SUVs.

TSX Wagon = way to low ground clearance so that is off the list.

*SNIP*

To the OP, I don't think there is anything quite like Outback. A lot of diehard outback fans whined about 4th (and soon to be the 5th) gen outback becoming bloated CUV and moving away from its wagon grassroots. While I acknowledge that Outback has moved into the CUV category, I do like the fact that it managed to retain it's car/wagon like looks. If you want AWD with high ground clearance and car/wagon like looks, there is nothing like outback out there. Every other car either lacks ground clearance - TSX, Jetta Sportswagen, Toyota Venza, Audi Allroad, BMW, or looks like a mini SUV/truck with high roof, high seating position, and bulky design - CRV, RAV4, and to a lesser degree CX-5. If you're willing to drop either one of those three - AWD, or car/wagon looks, or high ground clearance, then there are plenty of competitors, but direct competitors, I don't think there are any.

We already have a SUV in the family, we want the 2nd most functional car to fit our needs and that is some type of wagon. Outback or Forester is what I see for as our only option.

Just to be clear, Subaru engines are flat 4 designs (also called a boxer 4 or H4) ...not a V4 engine. In the US you can not get the Outback with a 2.0...just an Impreza. There are a ton of people around here who buy Impreza's or Crossteks and go up mtns all the time with the wimpy 2.0L... but it is abysmally slow (regardless of transmission). The 2.5l in the outback isn't much better due to the heft if the outback... But I consider it more bearable. Probably the best engine for the mountains is the 2.0l turbo in the Forester.

Noted, So either I push for the Turbo (forester), or the 3.6R outback (too expensive imo), otherwise it's going to suck for the mountains.. I still have an suv / Acura TL that we can use as an alternative option.

 

[onza]

http://www.subaru.com/auto-show/new-york-2014.html

I guess we can wait for 4/17.. only two more days and we will see truly what the outback will have.

Redesign or face lift.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Depending on how big the dogs are, the Forester may be a better fit for you. If you compare the two cars, you'll find that the Outback is a little pricier and has slightly more legroom. The Forester has a little more headroom/height, which might be better if the dogs are bigger.

There aren't many wagon competitors unless she decides to go the SUV or Crossover route. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee can be had in 4WD for $27-28k, but it doesn't have as much cargo room in the back.

I'm kind of looking in the same market segment, but keep going back and fourth between Subaru, SUVs, and minivans. (I'm dealing with a growing family and an 11 year old Buick...) I just can't decide if I want to burn money on another car payment just yet...

 

[fleshconsumed]

We already have a SUV in the family, we want the 2nd most functional car to fit our needs and that is some type of wagon. Outback or Forester is what I see for as our only option.

Pretty much the only reason I said there are no direct competitors is because none of them look like a wagon. The wagon looks is one of the primary reasons why I like Outback so much and why it's probably going to be main contender when it's time to give up my current Altima (could be a while though, so lots of things may change). What I want out of my next car is high ground clearance with wagon styling, but more interior space to haul stuff than your typical wagon. Outback is pretty much the only vehicle that fits that criteria for me. Everything else either doesn't have the ground clearance, or looks disproportionatly tall and narrow. I want wagon looks and Outback is the only vehicle that delivers that while having plenty of ground clearance and interior space.

But, once again, if you're willing to drop the wagon looks requirement, then there are plenty of competitors to outback - forester, impreza/crosstek, Murano, CRV, RAV4, and CX-5.

We'll see in two days what the new 2015 Outback is going to look like. I bet the main change is going to be exterior makeover to make it look like 2015 Legacy without any other significant changes.