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Subaru Outback Vs Suv: The Ultimate Showdown For Adventure-seekers

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • If you need a vehicle that can handle a variety of road conditions, and you don’t need a lot of cargo space, the Subaru Outback is a good choice.
  • If you need a vehicle with more space and seating, and you’re willing to sacrifice some fuel economy, an SUV is a good option.
  • A Subaru Outback is a station wagon that is built on the same platform as the Subaru Legacy.

The Subaru Outback and SUVs are two popular choices for drivers who want a vehicle that can handle a variety of road conditions. Both vehicles offer all-wheel drive, and both have a reputation for being reliable and durable. However, there are some key differences between the two types of vehicles that you should consider before making a purchase.

What is a Subaru Outback?

The Subaru Outback is a station wagon that is built on the same platform as the Subaru Legacy. It has a higher ride height than the Legacy, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Outback is available in two trim levels: the base model and the Limited.

What is an SUV?

SUV stands for sport utility vehicle. SUVs are typically larger than station wagons, and they have a higher ground clearance. They are also more likely to have features like four-wheel drive and low-range gearing. SUVs are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, from compact crossovers to full-size SUVs.

Subaru Outback vs. SUV: Key Differences

Here is a table that compares the key differences between the Subaru Outback and SUVs:

Feature Subaru Outback SUV
— — —
Body style Station wagon SUV
Size Midsize Compact to full-size
Ground clearance 8.7 inches 6 to 11 inches
Seating 5 or 7 passengers 5 to 8 passengers
Cargo space 35.4 cubic feet 18 to 120 cubic feet
Fuel economy Up to 33 mpg highway 20 to 30 mpg highway
Price Starting at $26,645 Starting at $25,000

Which is Right for You?

The best way to decide which type of vehicle is right for you is to consider your needs and lifestyle. If you need a vehicle that can handle a variety of road conditions, and you don’t need a lot of cargo space, the Subaru Outback is a good choice. If you need a vehicle with more space and seating, and you’re willing to sacrifice some fuel economy, an SUV is a good option.

Pros and Cons of the Subaru Outback

Pros:

  • All-wheel drive is standard
  • Good fuel economy
  • Comfortable ride
  • Spacious interior
  • Good safety ratings

Cons:

  • Not as much cargo space as some SUVs
  • Not as powerful as some SUVs
  • Some models can be expensive

Pros and Cons of SUVs

Pros:

  • More cargo space than station wagons
  • More powerful than station wagons
  • More features available
  • Can tow more weight

Cons:

  • Not as fuel-efficient as station wagons
  • Can be more expensive than station wagons
  • Some models can be difficult to maneuver

Which is More Reliable?

The Subaru Outback and SUVs are both known for being reliable vehicles. However, the Outback has a slight edge in terms of reliability ratings. In fact, the Outback has been named one of the most reliable cars by Consumer Reports for several years in a row.

Which is Safer?

The Subaru Outback and SUVs are both safe vehicles. However, the Outback has a slight edge in terms of safety ratings. The Outback has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which is More Affordable?

The Subaru Outback and SUVs are both affordable vehicles. However, the Outback is slightly more affordable than SUVs. The Outback starts at $26,645, while SUVs start at $25,000.

The Verdict: Subaru Outback vs. SUV

The Subaru Outback and SUVs are both good choices for drivers who want a vehicle that can handle a variety of road conditions. The Outback is a good choice for drivers who need a fuel-efficient and reliable vehicle. SUVs are a good choice for drivers who need more cargo space and seating.

The Final Word

Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of vehicle is right for you is to test drive both the Subaru Outback and an SUV. This will allow you to compare the two vehicles side-by-side and make a decision based on your own needs and preferences.

What People Want to Know

1. What is the difference between a Subaru Outback and an SUV?

A Subaru Outback is a station wagon that is built on the same platform as the Subaru Legacy. It has a higher ride height than the Legacy, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. SUVs are typically larger than station wagons, and they have a higher ground clearance. They are also more likely to have features like four-wheel drive and low-range gearing.

2. Which is better: a Subaru Outback or an SUV?

The best way to decide which type of vehicle is right for you is to consider your needs and lifestyle. If you need a vehicle that can handle a variety of road conditions, and you don’t need a lot of cargo space, the Subaru Outback is a good choice. If you need a vehicle with more space and seating, and you’re willing to sacrifice some fuel economy, an SUV is a good option.

3. Which is more reliable: a Subaru Outback or an SUV?

The Subaru Outback and SUVs are both known for being reliable vehicles. However, the Outback has a slight edge in terms of reliability ratings. In fact, the Outback has been named one of the most reliable cars by Consumer Reports for several years in a row.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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