Take the 2012 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium almost anywhere and put it through its paces; chances are, you won’t be disappointed. This midlevel, midsize wagon flaunts seating for 5, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, over 73 cubic feet of total cargo space and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It’s also available as the ecologically sound 2.5i Premium PZEV (Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle) sub-trim, meeting requirements for more stringent state-mandated emissions standards.
Along with 17-inch alloy wheels, the 2012 Outback 2.5i Premium boasts a newly redesigned roof rack, a rear spoiler and power mirrors outside, with cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, reclining rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls, and simulated alloy cabin accents adorning the interior. Of course, full power accessories and telescoping tilt-wheel steering are standard, with a single-CD player flaunting 6 speakers, auxiliary MP3 input and a USB connection. Finally, Bluetooth hands-free calling is also delivered in this midlevel trim.
Options for the Outback 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Premium PZEV include an All Weather Package boasting heated front seats and outside mirrors. The available Harman Kardon Package, meantime, adds 440 watts of premium 9-speaker audio entertainment and, with the optional Power Sunroof Package, flaunts the sunroof, plus a rear-view camera and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The available Popular Equipment Group 1B includes the auto-dimming rear-view and a universal remote garage door opener. Rear-seat DVD entertainment, meantime, along with upgraded cabin illumination and, in stick-shift editions, a short-throw shifter also remain available add-ons.
Standard power in the Outback 2.5i Premium remains a 2.5-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine that mates with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the available continuously variable transmission (CVT) for 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Some tweaked emissions settings, meanwhile, result in the Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV sub-trim; both variations are estimated to get 19 mpg city/27 highway in the stick-shift versions and 22/29 with the available CVT. Finally, towing is maxed out at 2,700 pounds in each 2.5i Premium variant with the optional towing hitch installed.
Subaru’s touted symmetrical AWD system, by the way, allows additional torque to be diverted from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip, giving this popular midsize wagon added traction for various light off-road duties or in snowy conditions.
Noteworthy standard safety equipment in the 2.5i Premium and Premium PZEV includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags and front side-mounted airbags. Further delivered safety features include daytime running lights and a remote antitheft alarm, while front fog/driving lights and an upgraded antitheft alarm are available safety options.
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