EXPERT RATING
7.0

Likes

Flat-six performance
Quiet and comfortable
Good value for money

Dislikes

Flat-six thirst
No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
CVT not the best transmission for this engine
Peter Anderson
Contributing journalist
10 Nov 2017
1 min read

The Outback 3.6R is probably the weirdest model in the range, partly because it has what is probably the only remaining flat-six engine in the world. 

Starting at a very reasonable $48,740 (there isn't much left on the market with that many cylinders and so few dollars), you get a CVT automatic transmission, 18-inch alloys, leather trim, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, sat nav, power front seats, cruise control,  power everything else (including heated mirrors), electric tailgate, auto headlights and wipers, sunroof, keyless entry and start, LED headlights and a full-size spare.

The mulitmedia system's Starlink software fronts a thumping harmon/kardon stereo with 11 speakers, five more than any other Outback.

The safety package starts with seven airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls, hill descent control, two ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchors.

The 3.6R inherits the Premium's EyeSight and Vision Assist which together form an impressive safety and driver aid package - blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist, active cruise control, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane sway warning and pre-collision assistance for steering, brakes and throttle.

The Outback scored five ANCAP safety stars.

Read the full 2017 Subaru Outback review

Subaru Outback 2017: 3.6R

Engine Type Inline 6, 3.6L
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 9.9L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $18,480 - $23,430
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$21,009
Based on 171 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$8,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$28,240
Peter Anderson
Contributing journalist
Peter grew up in a house in Western Sydney where automotive passion extended to white Sigmas and Magnas. At school he discovered "those" magazines that weren't to be found in the house. Magazines that offered him the chance to sit in the driver's seat of cars he’d never even heard of let alone seen. His path to rebellion was set - he would love cars, know cars and want to write about cars, much to his family’s disgust. They wanted him to be a teacher. He bought a series of terrible cars and lusted after Ford Escort Cosworths, the Alfa Romeo 164 Q and occasionally kicked himself for selling his 1977 Alfa GTV. From 1.0-litre three cylinders to roaring V12s, Peter has driven them all and can't wait to tell you all about it.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$8,990
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2017 Subaru Outback
See Pricing & Specs

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