2015 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 2015 Subaru Outback comes with two engine options these are; the 2.5L EJ25 Engine and the 3.6L EZ36 Engine. The 2.5L engine produces 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT (continuously variable transmission). The 2.5-liter engine is available on all Outback trim levels.

The 3.6L engine on the other hand engine produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It is only available on the Outback 3.6R Limited trim level, which comes with a standard CVT.

2015 Subaru Outback Grades

The 2015 Subaru Outback comes with four grades these are; 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited.

2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i – this trim that comes with 17-inch steel wheels,  cruise control, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 6.2-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera and a four-speaker sound system with smartphone integration.

2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium– this grade adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen interface.

2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited– this trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, active fog lights, a front skid plate, a power lift gate, blind-spot monitoring, leather upholstery, driver memory settings, heated rear seats, wood trim and a nine-speaker sound system.

2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited– this grades come with all features of the 2.5i Limited but adds a six-cylinder engine and xenon headlights.

Interior
Legroom & Space

The 2015 Subaru Outback has a spacious and well-designed interior that offers plenty of comfort and convenience features. The Outback can accommodate up to five passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The front seats are heated on all trims except the base 2.5i model.

The interior of the 2015 Outback is well-built, with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The seats are upholstered in durable fabric or leather, depending on the trim level.

The 2015 Outback also comes with a range of features designed to enhance comfort and convenience, including a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats. Higher trims also offer features such as a power lift gate, a larger touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Cabin Storage

There are several storage compartments in the 2015 Subaru Outback. 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

2015 Subaru Outback Boot Space

The Outback offers plenty of cargo space, with 35.5 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and up to 73.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The cargo area is wide and flat, making it easy to load and unload items.

2015 Subaru Outback Safety Features: antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, rearview camera and EyeSight driver assist system.

Exterior

The 2015 Subaru Outback has a distinctive and rugged exterior design. It features a classic wagon-like body style, with a sloping roofline, flared fenders, and a tall ride height. The front end is dominated by a large grille and aggressive headlights, while the rear features a sleek tailgate and wraparound taillights. Overall the 2015 Outback has a functional exterior design that is well-suited to a range of driving situations, from city commuting to off-road adventures.

2015 Subaru Outback Consumption
2015 Subaru Outback 2.5L Fuel Consumption: 11.4 km/L (On Average)
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6L Fuel Consumption: 9.4 km/L (On Average)

The fuel consumption is slightly lower than in the 2014 model which consumes 11.0 km/L for the 2.5l engine and 9.7 km/L in the 3.6l engine.

2015 Subaru Outback Acceleration 
2015 Subaru Outback 2.5L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.2 sec.
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.1 sec.

2015 Subaru Outback Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 Litres

2015 Subaru Outback Ground Clearance
The 2015 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.

2015 Subaru Outback Stability and Handling

The 2015 Subaru Outback is known for its stable and confident handling, thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system and well-tuned suspension. In the previous generation, the Outback lost some of the nimble on-road nature that made the older versions enjoyable to drive.

But the Outback features a symmetrical all-wheel drive system that provides power to all four wheels, which helps to distribute power evenly and provide better traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions.

The 2015 Outback’s suspension is also well tuned, providing a smooth and comfortable ride while still feeling responsive and engaging. The vehicle’s body roll is well-controlled, and the Outback feels planted and stable even when taking corners at higher speeds.

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 spares 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

2015 Subaru Outback Reliability

The 2015 Subaru Outback has a strong reputation for reliability, quality, and longevity.  However, some 2015 Outback owners have reported problems with the CVT transmission, which may cause shuddering or slipping. Others have reported issues with the infotainment system, such as freezing or shutting down unexpectedly.

As with any vehicle, it is important to stay up to date with routine maintenance and keep an eye out for any potential issues that may arise. We recommend that you always adhere to the guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Good

Subaru Outback Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, and Chevrolet Equinox.

What we like about the 2015 Subaru Outback

• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Efficient engines
• above-average off-road ability

What we don’t

• CVT Transmission Issues
• Road Noise

Conclusion

The 2015 Subaru Outback is a solid choice for buyers looking for a capable and versatile crossover SUV that can handle all kinds of driving conditions. Its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and solid safety features make it a compelling option in its segment.