2014 Subaru Outback Review

Detailed Review

The Subaru Outback has been in production for six generations since 1994. The first generation known as the BG was in production from 1994 to 1998. The second generation known as the BH was in production from 1998 to 2003. The third generation known as the BP was in production from 2004 to 2009. The fourth generation known as the BR was in production from 2010 to 2014 and the fifth generation known as the BS was in production from 2015 to 2019. The sixth generation has been in production from 2020 to present.

The 2014 Subaru Outback is available with two engine options, these are the 2.5L EJ25 Engine and the 3.6L EZ36 Engine. Both engines are generally reliable, but the 2.5-liter engine has better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs compared to the 3.6-liter engine. The 2.5-liter engine also has a timing chain rather than a timing belt, which can reduce the need for expensive timing belt replacements in the future. There are two transmission options available; a 5-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission.

2014 Subaru Outback Grades

1. 2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i –This is the base package that comes with 16-inch steel wheels, roof rack rails with fold-out crossbars, full power accessories, cruise control; air-conditioning; a height-adjustable driver seat; a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seats.
2. 2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium –This is a luxury package that comes with all the features of the 2.5i plus 17-inch wheels fog lights, rear privacy glass, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a cargo cover and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
3. 2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited adds dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, wood trim, a four-way power passenger seat, an upgraded gauge cluster and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with HD radio.
4. 2014 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited–This comes with all the features of 2.5i Limited plus the 3.6L EZ36 Engine

2014 Subaru Outback Interior
Legroom & Space

The 2014 Outback has a more premium feeling than ever before. The extra space created is immediately apparent once inside, where even rear-seat passengers now have ample head and legroom. The rear seatbacks also recline for greater comfort.  The interior is well screwed together, made of solid hardwearing but mostly soft-touch plastics, and has large, easy-to-use on-the-fly buttons.

Cabin Storage
Cabin storage is essential for storing items. The center console can hold a variety of items such as a wallet, phone, and other small items. The door pockets are large and can hold water bottles, maps, and other items. There are two cup holders in the center console and two more in the rear armrest. The glove compartment has a decent size and can hold the vehicle’s manual, registration, and other important documents

2014 Subaru Outback Boot Space

The 2014 Subaru Outback has 34.3 cubic feet of boot space that can carry sizable luggage. With rear seats folded down the space expands up to 71.3 cubic feet which is more than enough to accommodate large items such as luggage, camping gear, or even a bicycle.

2014 Subaru Outback Safety Features:  four-wheel antilock disc brakes, brake assist, vehicle stability control, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags that cover both rows, rearview camera, 3 Point ELR seatbelt and Eyesight

2014 Subaru Outback Exterior

The 2014 Subaru Outback’s exterior design is a blend of ruggedness and sophistication. It features a tall wagon-like body style with a sloping roofline and black plastic cladding along the lower body and wheel arches. The front end has a new hexagonal grille and sleek headlights that give the Outback a more modern and stylish look. It has a higher ground clearance than most other wagons and crossovers, which makes it capable of handling rough terrain and deep snow. It also features standard roof rails that allow for easy attachment of bike racks, cargo boxes, and other outdoor equipment.

2014 Subaru Outback Consumption
2014 Subaru Outback 2.5L Fuel Consumption: 11.0 km/L (On Average)
2011 Subaru Outback 3.6L Fuel Consumption: 9.7 km/L (On Average)

2014 Subaru Outback Acceleration 
2014 Subaru Outback 2.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.2 sec.
2014 Subaru Outback 3.6L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 sec.

2011 Subaru Outback Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 Litres

2014 Subaru Outback Ground Clearance
The 2014 Subaru Outback has a ground clearance of 8.7 Inches (221mm). This is an excellent ground clearance that is actually better than most of the so-called crossovers such as the X-trail. The Outback is suitable for all driving conditions in Kenya be it on-road or off-road.

2014 Subaru Outback Stability and Handling

The 2014 Subaru Outback is known for its stable and surefooted handling, thanks in part to its standard all-wheel-drive system. The Outback’s all-wheel drive provides better traction and stability on slippery roads, making it well-suited for driving in adverse weather conditions.

Even with its raised suspension, the 2014 Subaru Outback delivers a comfortable ride while also providing good handling and control. The vehicle’s ground clearance is higher than many other wagons and crossovers, which makes it capable of handling rough terrain and deep snow.

Additionally, the Outback has a precise and responsive steering system that provides good feedback to the driver. This makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the large windows provide excellent visibility.

Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
A few years ago, Subaru spare parts were expensive and hard to find in Kenya, but things have changed. Subaru parts especially service parts are now affordable and easy to find both in Nairobi and other major towns. However, specialty parts such as the gearbox, engine components, and sensors can get very expensive and hard to find. For a list of Subaru Spare Part dealers in Kenya, follow this link

2014 Subaru Outback Reliability

The Subaru Outback is acclaimed as one of the world’s most reliable cars and the 2014 Outback is no exception, it inherits engines from the previous generation that are bulletproof.

The addition of new technologies such as SI-Drive, SI Cruise, and Eyesight has added a layer of complexity, yet this has had no effect on its overall reliability. When used correctly, these systems do not fail, but when they do, they can be costly to fix.

Always follow the recommended guidelines as per the Owner’s manual. To download the 2014 Subaru Outback Owner’s Manual click here

Resale Value: Good

Subaru Outback Competitors: Audi All road Quattro, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Volvo XC70, Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4

What we like about the 2014 Subaru Outback

• Spacious interior
• Comfortable ride
• Excellent visibility
• Clever roof rails
• Above average off-road capability.

What we don’t

• Fussy controls on upper trims.

Conclusion

The 2014 Subaru Outback is an excellent car that is worth your money. It will go places you wouldn’t expect, yet it’s comfortable for day-to-day use too. In addition, it is mechanically bombproof, well-built, and designed to last. All of that makes it a great car to buy.