2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i-S Review

In the D-segment crossover market in Malaysia, consumers often need a vehicle that can balance urban commuting with light outdoor needs—it should handle daily traffic jams while also taking the family to explore suburban trails on weekends. The 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i-S is designed to meet this demand. It features Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive system as a key selling point, along with comprehensive safety features and practical space. Many users are curious whether it can surpass competitors in "balance." In this test drive, we focus on three aspects: everyday driving comfort, the actual performance of the all-wheel-drive system, and whether the features truly meet the needs of a family.

At first glance, the Outback 2.5i-S appears more steady than aggressive in design. The front features a large hexagonal grille with Subaru's chrome logo in the center, flanked by LED headlights that connect directly to the grille, visually widening the front. The side lines of the body are relatively straight, and the A-pillar to D-pillar waistline is not particularly sharp. However, paired with the 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, the vehicle still showcases the rugged feel of a crossover. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged LED taillights. A silver skid plate is added under the rear bumper, enhancing both its off-road vibe and recognition. Overall, this design may not stand out immediately, but it is pleasing to the eye and fits the aesthetic preferences of family users.

Stepping inside, the interior continues a practical style. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical layout with soft-touch materials on the upper section and silver decorative strips in the middle to add a touch of style. The surfaces within reach do not feel overly cheap. The 8-way power-adjustable front seats offer good support, and the leather upholstery feels quite refined, providing a comfortable driving experience over long periods. The central control screen is touch-operated. While the screen size isn’t particularly large, its interface logic is clear, and essential functions are easy to find. Notable is its impressive configuration: the 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivers outstanding sound quality, and the dual-zone automatic climate control allows front and rear passengers to adjust the temperature independently. The rear seats are thoughtfully designed with dedicated air conditioning vents and power outlets. In terms of storage space, the door pockets can hold two large water bottles, and the central armrest compartment is deep enough to accommodate daily essentials.

Space performance is one of the Outback 2.5i-S's strengths. With a wheelbase of 2745mm, the rear seats offer about two fists of legroom even after the front seats are adjusted for comfort. Passengers as tall as 180cm can sit comfortably in the back without their knees touching the front seats. The rear seats can manually recline and fold down in a 60:40 split, expanding the trunk space from 512L to a significantly larger capacity. This allows enough room to fit a baby stroller or a folding bike without issues. The only slight drawback is that the spare tire is not full-sized, but considering regular usage scenarios, this issue is not particularly significant.

In terms of power, the Outback 2.5i-S is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 175 PS and a maximum torque of 235 N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. The power delivery is rather smooth during initial acceleration. It lacks the explosive power of turbocharged models, but the throttle response is linear and responsive, making it easy to follow traffic in urban areas. When switched to sport mode, the transmission’s shift logic becomes more aggressive, maintaining higher RPMs during acceleration, which instills more confidence during overtaking. However, once the speed exceeds 120 km/h on the highway, the acceleration feels somewhat sluggish, given the limited displacement of the naturally aspirated engine.

The handling and chassis performance are pleasantly surprising. Subaru's all-wheel-drive system is truly impressive. On slippery roads or slightly muddy terrains, the vehicle’s grip is significantly more stable compared to two-wheel-drive cars. Even during fast cornering, the body doesn't show noticeable body roll. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone setup. The tuning leans towards comfort but doesn't compromise on rigidity. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension does a great job of filtering out most of the bumps, ensuring passengers don't feel uncomfortable. The steering wheel has a moderate weight and precise direction, making it very easy to handle during daily drives.

As for fuel consumption, this test drive was mainly on city roads with occasional highway segments. The combined fuel consumption was around 8.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.6L/100km. However, considering Malaysia's traffic conditions, this result is quite good. The braking performance is also commendable. The brake pedal feels linear, stopping distances are short, and it provides sufficient confidence in emergency situations.

In terms of ride comfort, the Outback 2.5i-S performs quite well. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are well controlled and do not affect conversations inside the car. The seats offer good support and won’t cause discomfort even during long periods of sitting. The only aspect that may take some getting used to is the CVT transmission's characteristic: during sudden acceleration, the engine revs spike instantly, producing some noise. However, this rarely happens during daily smooth driving.

Overall, the 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i-S is a well-balanced model. Its core strengths lie in the stability provided by the all-wheel-drive system, extensive safety features (7 airbags, vehicle stability control, etc.), spacious interior, and practical configurations. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander or Honda CR-V in the same class, its all-wheel-drive performance stands out, and its features are more comprehensive. While the power may not be very strong, it is entirely sufficient for family daily use.

If you're a family-oriented user who values safety and practicality and enjoys occasional trips to the suburbs or light off-roading, the Outback 2.5i-S would be a great choice. It won’t provide intense driving excitement but can deliver reliable performance across various scenarios. If you only need a car for commuting in the city, you might find the all-wheel-drive system somewhat unnecessary. However, for users seeking an "all-in-one" choice, this holistic approach is its charm.

In conclusion, the 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i-S is a model with "no obvious shortcomings." Its balanced performance wins over family users. If you’re looking for a crossover SUV that can handle both urban and outdoor use, it’s worth considering.