Touted as the original crossover, the 2009 Subaru Outback truly offers the cargo versatility of an SUV combined with the easy maneuverability of a family car. Its full-time automatic all-wheel-drive system can tackle slippery weather conditions as well as low-grade off-road trails, while a variety of engine choices matched to a car-like body and suspension make it a solid performer for both city and highway driving.
For 2009, the Outback replaces the L.L. Bean Edition with the 3.0R Limited, and the old 2.5i Premium gets renamed the Special Edition. Subaru upgrades all trims but the 2.5i with tinted privacy glass, wheel-mounted audio controls, and a new Harmon Kardon sound system, featuring speed-sensitive volume control. On the safety front, stability control has been made standard on all trims, joining the already 5-star-winning ABS brakes, traction control, tire monitor, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows.
Three engine choices spread across five trims in the 2009 Outback lineup. A 175-hp boxer-four engine, paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, powers the base 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, and 2.5i Limited. The more performance-oriented 2.5XT Limited features a turbo version of this engine, delivering 243 hp and 241 lb-ft of torque. It comes with the manual or a 5-speed automatic. For a smoother ride, the less torque-y, more refined 3.0R Limited houses a boxer-six engine, with 245 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. It comes only with the 5-speed automatic.
Both the XT and 3.0R feature SI-Drive, which adapts throttle response to different types of driving. Drivers can choose from three modes: the economy Intelligent mode, the quicker-accelerating Sport mode, and the most responsive Sport Sharp mode. Variable valve timing and Active Valve Control on all engines determine the best use of power and gear position for maximum fuel efficiency. Fuel economy averages 20/26 mpg city/highway with the four-banger and 17/24 mpg with the six-cylinder, similar to other crossovers.
In a market in which a growing number of competitors offer three rows of seating, the 2009 Outback's lack of a third row disappoints some owners and reviewers, who also complain about the cramped back seat. However, with a longer overall length than the Volvo V50, it offers a lot more cargo room – 33.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding seats up and 66 with them down. A rubberized cargo tray and cargo cover come standard, along with roof rails. Tilt and telescopic steering and easy-to-reach dials add to driver comfort, and all but the base 2.5i offer a heated power driver's seat. Base models start with power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control, and a CD player, with the Special Edition boosting wheel size from 16 to 17 inches and adding a 12-volt power outlet. Moving through the Limited trims gradually adds a dual-panel sunroof, leather seats, a 6-CD changer, and wood trim. A navigation system is available.
With a low center of gravity, thanks to its horizontally-opposed boxer engines, the 2009 Outback actually does ride like a car, a claim many crossovers make but don't actually meet. Tight cornering and good AWD traction contribute to its reputation as a safe and reliable wagon, making it an attractive choice for families. Other highlights include quiet engines, smooth transmissions, and high-quality interior materials. Its high ride height offers good visibility and 8.5 inches of ground clearance for light offroad duty. Complaints focus on the rear legroom and lack of a third row, along with the unenthusiastic boxer-four engine in comparison to the much quicker and more satisfying turbo version.
Engine blew in my 2009 Outback and I've found another engine of the same size from a 2012 Outback. Will this be a compatible swap or will I be running into issues trying to do so?
Will the headlights on a 2006 Subaru outback work on a 2009 Subaru outback?
I have a 2009 Subaru Outback with a bad transmission. Can I swap it out for a 2008 transmission, same model?
I have a 2009 Subaru Outback. Last time the oil was changed my husband had them use a synthetic oil. My first question is: is it OK to use synthetic oil in a 2009? My second question is: the shop he used is no longer open so we can't ask what type of synthetic they used. My oil is very low. Can I add any type of synthetic oil to top it off?
The dealer quoted me a price of $2,100.00-$4,500.00 depending on whether it needs the short block replaced. Does this sound right? I have no clue about this repair and don't know if I should look further. I know it is an expensive repair but it seems odd to be double if the short block is damaged.
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Panasonic premium brand · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 100 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: rear seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Mirror color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Wheel locks: spare only
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Panasonic premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 440 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Mirror color: black · Mudguards: front · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Panasonic premium brand · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 440 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: rear seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.44 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 440 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: aluminum · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: rear seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.44 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Mirror color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: perforated
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: deactivation switch · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 440 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.5 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: 0.39 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: aluminum · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.27 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: front · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: with wind deflector · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse