Used 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited SUV Wagon Review & Ratings

Performance

Between great fuel-economy and impressive off-road capabilities, the 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited SUV Wagon has a lot to offer. Its generous ground clearance of 8.7 inches and standard all-wheel drive allows the vehicle to negotiate through snow and on dirt roads with ease. If you do a lot of uphill driving though, you will want to opt for a six-cylinder trim. Limited gets a boxer 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission offers 173 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. As mentioned, fuel economy is impressive, returning 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. If you drove previous models, then you likely noticed the vast amount of body roll the vehicle was plagued with. Well, for 2013, Outback gets a retuned suspension and stiffened car structure for improved handling and reduced body roll. The steering does still feel a little vague though.

Technology

• Audio - It is almost worth upgrading to the Limited trim just for the audio system. Enjoy crystal clear sound with a nine-speaker Harman Kardon system with 440 watts, subwoofer, amplifier, CD player, SiriusXM satellite radio, USB port, auxiliary jack and Bluetooth audio streaming.
• Navigation - Here is another reason to upgrade! Limited offers an optional voice-activated GPS navigation system that uses a 7-inch high-resolution screen.
• EyeSight - This optional security system monitors the road and traffic to help prevent a collision.
• Keyless Ignition - As part of the special app package, you get this feature that lets you start your vehicle on those cold mornings without walking outside.

Safety

When tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2013 Outback 2.5i Limited was rated “Good” in roof, side and frontal-offset crash tests. Optional for this trim is the EyeSight driver assistance system that optimizes cruise control, monitors traffic movement, alerts drivers if they sway out of their lane and can even slow the vehicle down, if it senses danger. Other safety features include:
• Remote anti-theft alarm
• Rear door safety locks
• Engine immobilizer
• Stability control
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Traction control
• Whiplash protection system in front head restraints
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear vision camera
• Inside trunk release
• LATCH child rear seat system
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Brake assist
• Vehicle dynamics control

Appearance

The exterior styling is sporty, yet not at all overdone, which makes it appealing to a buyer of practically any age. The body is aerodynamic with triangular headlamps, rear privacy glass, roof racks and 17-inch six-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. There are an abundance of accessories you can order to customize the exterior, so whether you need to carry a bike, skis or a kayak, Subaru has you covered.

Comfort

It does not matter where you sit in the Outback 2.5i Limited, you will appreciate plenty of leg and head room to stretch out. The seats may not be as plush as some would prefer, but they are supportive, and the rear one even reclines for maximum comfort. On the downside, the passenger cabin is about as boring as they get. There is a ton of hard plastic used throughout, and leather is standard, which will be disappointing to those that prefer cloth. Gauges are simple to read and controls are easy to access, but there is just nothing that will excite the senses.

Cargo

This vehicle looks a lot more compact than it really is. You will likely be impressed with how much cargo space is actually available. Behind the front seat, Outback competes with CR-V and Edge, offering 71.3 cubic feet. Even behind the rear seat, there is a generous 34.3 cubes.