2017 Subaru Outback

The 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD 4-door wagon is a well-rounded and versatile vehicle, blending rugged capability with comfort and livability. Meant for drivers who want usable all-weather performance without sacrificing amenities, the Limited trim adds upscale touches to an already practical platform. Powertrain & Performance At the heart of the Outback 2.5i Limited is a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine that produces about 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive is standard. The AWD system, combined with nearly 8.7 inches of ground clearance, gives the Outback capable performance in rain, snow, or mild off-pavement conditions while maintaining a comfortable ride on pavement. Acceleration is adequate for daily driving, though its not especially quickmerging or passing at highway speeds can demand a more deliberate push. Fuel economy is among its stronger suits for what it offers: around 25 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. These numbers make it relatively efficient for an AWD, higher-clearance wagon. Exterior & Dimensions The Outback 2.5i Limited preserves the wagon styling with a rugged flairroof rails, larger alloy wheels, and more premium exterior trim distinguish it from lower trims. Its about 189.6 inches long with a wheelbase near 108.1 inches, and its exterior height is about 66.1 in, giving it an elevated posture compared to sedans and many crossovers. Ground clearance of roughly 8.7 in lets it tackle rougher road surfaces or light trails better than many similarly priced vehicles. Interior, Comfort & Features Inside, the Limited trim brings in leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front (and rear) seats, woodgrain or upscale trim touches, power adjustments (including for the front passenger seat), and creature comforts like a power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and upgraded electronics. Rear seat passengers have good legroom and headroom, and the rear seats can recline somewhat. The comfort level is high for its class. Cargo capacity is excellent: about 35.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This makes the Outback genuinely useful for hauling gear, pets, groceries, luggage, etc. Safety & Technology Safety is a strong suit. The Outback earned top marks from both the IIHS (Top Safety Pick+) and high ratings in NHTSA testing. Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, stability/traction control, multiple airbags, and other fundamental safety features. On Limited trims, additional driver-assist features are available depending on optionsblind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, maybe even Subarus EyeSight suite if packaged. Infotainment is handled via Subarus Starlink system, with touchscreen displays, Bluetooth, USB port(s), and generally intuitive controls. While it may lack some of the newest smartphone integration that post-2017 models started incorporating, its functional and user-friendly. Strengths include its excellent all-weather traction thanks to AWD, generous ground clearance, large cargo capacity, a comfortable ride, and a well-appointed interior in the Limited trim. Its a strong pick if you need versatility without stepping up to a full SUV. On the flip side, some trade-offs: the power from the 2.5L engine, while sufficient for most situations, can feel underwhelming when the car is fully loaded, towing, or trying to merge onto busy highways. The CVT can feel less responsive compared to a traditional automatic under load. Also, the higher cost of ownership for AWD, and some features/options depend heavily on how well the individual vehicle was maintained. Overall, the 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD wagon is a compelling choice for someone who wants a comfortable, capable, safe, and reasonably efficient vehicle that can handle