2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i

As the base trim in the ’09 Outlook lineup, the 2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i is hardly basic. This full-time all-wheel-drive, five-door, five passenger, small crossover packs the 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine and standard five-speed manual transmission. This combination will put out 170 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque, enough to tow 2,700 pounds (when properly equipped) at an EPA-estimated 20/27 mpg. A four-speed automatic transmission is also available for the ’09 Outback 2.5i.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the ‘09 Outback 2.5i include 16-inch steel wheels, a rear spoiler, flat black roof rack, cloth front bucket seats, split-folding rear seats, power windows, doors, and mirrors, front console with storage, an overhead console with storage, air conditioning, cruise with wheel-mounted controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with the Homelink automatic garage door opener, and a 100-watt single-CD player, with MP3 capability and six speakers. Options include aluminum wheels, satellite radio, a trailer hitch, and various interior trim upgrades.

By Eric Tallberg