2007 Subaru Outback

All Subaru models comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a significant all-road, all-weather traction advantage over competitors that offer front-wheel drive as standard and make All-Wheel Drive an extra-cost option. The 6-cylinder Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition becomes the flagship model, inheriting the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability system from the discontinued 3.0 R VDC Limited. The sole turbocharged Outback model for 2007, the 2.5 XT Limited, also gains the VDC stability system. This high-performance model is now LEV 2 emissions certified, due to a new turbocharger and other engine revisions.

All Outback audio systems for 2007 feature MP3/WMA CD playback and an auxiliary audio input jack for iPods and other portable audio devices. The Outback 2.5 i Limited, 2.5 XT Limited and all L.L.Bean Edition models feature upgraded audio system with SRS® WOW technology, and all Outback audio systems offer XM Satellite Radio Capability for 2007.

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been added to all Outback models for 2007 (except the new 2.5 i Basic), and all models with an automatic transmission now come factory pre-wired for a remote engine starter system. A new two-piece flexible flywheel helps make performance smoother in all Outback models equipped with a manual transmission.

The Subaru Outback has earned the highest rating in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The Outback received 5-star ratings in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions. In addition, the Outback earned the highest rating (“Good”) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for front, side and rear crash tests.

Getting Back to Basics

Outback was the World’s First Sport Utility Wagon® when it was introduced for the 1995 model year. melding passenger car and SUV attributes, such as generous ground clearance and a command-seating position. Outback quickly became basic equipment for a generation of outdoors enthusiasts who needed all-road capability and SUV-like versatility but with the comfort, handling and fuel economy of a passenger car. Since then, Subaru has expanded the Outback line, offering a wide range of choices up to powerful, sophisticated high-end models, including sedan versions of the 2.5 i Limited and 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition.

For 2007, the new Outback 2.5 i Basic brings back the original idea of being a smart, economical SUV alternative for customers who put a priority on outdoor enjoyment. Like all Subaru models, the Outback 2.5 i Basic is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which powers all four wheels all the time and automatically transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction. Also contributing to its all-road, all weather capability is the generous 8.4 inches of ground clearance.

A review of the extensive standard equipment list will confirm that the 2007 Outback 2.5 i Basic is anything but basic in comfort. Compared to the standard Outback 2.5 i Wagon, the new Outback 2.5 i Basic substitutes 16-inch styled steel wheels for 17-inch alloy wheels, and, at its lower price point, gives up the power driver’s seat and All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, windshield wiper defroster and limited-slip rear differential). Standard safety features shared with all Outback models include a 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags.

New 2.5 i L.L.Bean Edition Models for 2007

Subaru has offered a 6-cylinder Outback L.L.Bean Edition since the 2001 model year and added a Forester L.L.Bean Edition for 2005. For 2007, this successful co-branding extends to two additional Outback models, both powered by the 175-hp 2.5-liter Boxer engine.

The Outback 2.5 i L.L.Bean Edition comes equipped with a navigation system and an automatic climate control system as standard. In addition to L.L.Bean branding, this model also features the same wheel design as the flagship Outback 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition. The new Outback 2.5 i Limited L.L.Bean Edition builds on that package, adding more amenities from the 3.0 R L.L.Bean Edition, including the distinctive two-tone dark taupe leather-trimmed upholstery with taupe bolsters and L.L.Bean logo embossed seats.

New SI-Drive for Outback 2.5 XT Limited: Three Engines in One 

The Outback 2.5 XT Limited is powered by a 2.5-liter intercooled turbo Boxer engine that produces 243 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 241 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 3,600 rpm. Subaru Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing optimizes power at all engine speeds. A functional hood scoop supplies air to the engine-mounted intercooler. The new SI-Drive system allows the driver to maximize engine performance, control and efficiency by choosing from among three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” – using a rotary dial on the center console.
 
The SI-DRIVE system enables three distinctively different modes of vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control unit (as well as the transmission control unit in automatic transmission models), and by fine-tuning the electronically controlled throttle. With Intelligent mode selected, the system reduces engine torque and maximum power and switches to a more relaxed throttle response curve. Intelligent mode is an ideal choice for smoother response while commuting in traffic, for example, where it can also help boost fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent. In addition, Intelligent mode’s more relaxed responses and lower torque output make it an ideal complement to the low-traction surface driving safety provided by the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System.

In “Sport” mode, performance is similar to the 2006 model, with quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration. In “Sport Sharp” mode, SI-Drive modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver lightning-quick throttle response and more power sooner. Delivering maximum driving enjoyment, this mode is ideal for tackling twisty roads and for merging or overtaking other vehicles on the highway with confidence.

With the optional 5-speed automatic transmission, SI-Drive also changes the transmission’s shift patterns. It will hold each gear longer through the rpm range and downshift more quickly under hard acceleration, depending on the mode selected. The SI-Drive system includes instrument panel displays that allow the driver to monitor performance. The multi-information display located in the tachometer face – in addition to providing trip computer functions – denotes the selected SI-Drive mode and provides an active torque curve display. An ECO gauge helps encourage efficient driving habits. When “Intelligent” mode is selected in the manual transmission model, a shift-up indicator blinks to signal the optimal shift point for maximum fuel efficiency. 

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