Subaru Outback 3.6R 2016 review: Top 5 reasons to buy video

The Subaru Outback started over 20 years ago as a jacked-up Liberty and has since grown a huge following all around the world.

It's almost legendary for its rugged dependability, space and decent off-road capability. The Outback is a true crossover, based on the platform of the evergreen Liberty. Here are the top five reasons you'll want to buy the top of the range Outback 3.6R.

1. Space

There's a ton of space for five people and plenty of gear. The roof rails are also properly useful, not just there for looks. You can lash your canoe or tent up there without having to thread it like a needle.

Despite being more of a wagon body than a full-scale SUV, there's tons of headroom and back seat passengers can stretch out in comfort.

2. Versatility

The Outback is a very capable car. With its all-wheel drive and 213mm ride height, you've got a car that can get muddier than most without running into trouble. The big powerful petrol 191kW/350Nm 3.6-litre petrol flat six engine will keep you moving on road and off but will also potter about in the city and suburbs without intimidating either you or other road users.

Most importantly it feels and drives like a wagon rather than a big SUV.

3. Safety

Along with all the airbags and traction controls, the Outback has Subaru's three-eyed EyeSight system, scanning the road ahead for obstacles or wayward drivers and telling you if you're drifting out of your lane or about to back out of a car space or driveway into a passing car.

4. Quality

This car is very well-built. Everything feels good and it's as tight as a drum. In years past not everything fitted properly in a Subaru and even if it did, the plastics were hard and squeaky. That's all gone away now, with the Outback feeling more like a premium product with good materials, solid interior design and a surprisingly lovely paint finish.

5. Value

Few car companies can claim the consistent good value of Subaru - there's nothing else on the market quite like it - for under $50,000 you've got a powerful flat six engine, tons of safety gear, all-wheel drive, 12 speaker stereo, satnav, active cruise - you get the picture. Even metallic paint is free - try getting that in it premium rivals. And it runs on standard unleaded.

Drawbacks

It's not perfect - the big six uses a fair bit of fuel (16.2L/100km for us in city driving), the EyeSight system frantically beeps at you when you round a corner and there's a car on the other side of the road - that can get a bit tiring. The entertainment system is a bit old and creaky feeling and there are too many buttons in weird places. Last but not least, the ride is a bit rough around town.

At a glance

Price from: $48,490 plus on-roads
Warranty: 3yr/unlimited km
Capped servicing: Yes
Safety: 5 stars
Engines: 3.6-litre 6-cyl boxer petrol, 191kW/350NM
Transmission: CVT automatic, AWD
Thirst: 9.9L/100km
Dimensions: 4815mm (L), 1840m (W), 1675mm (H), 2745mm (WB)
Weight: 1702kg
Spare: Full-size alloy

Find out more at our Subaru Outback hub.

Check out our off-road SUV buying guide.

See other SUVs under $50k here.

Click here to see more 2016 Subaru Outback pricing and spec info.