Hypes: Spatial Ingenuity, Full Time AWD
Gripes: Underpowered, Chintzy Fabric Seats

Subaru of America, founded in 1968, boasts a long, humorous history of selling itself short with catchy advertising campaigns. They sold their first mini car, the Subaru 360, with the tagline, “Cheap and Ugly Does It.” This theme resurfaced in the mid 1970s with the “Inexpensive. And Built to Stay That Way” appeal to bargain hunters. Although Subaru has long since ditched those self demeaning ad campaigns, much of the original economy appeal of this brand remains intact. For the money you still can’t beat Subaru, And their loyal customers relish the fact that they don’t have to go into debt to buy one. In fact, Kelly Blue Book, which has been in the car evaluation business since 1926, recently bestowed the following exemplary awards on Subaru: Most Trusted Brand, Best Overall Brand and Lowest Cost to Own.

If you doubt the reasoning behind those awards, just examine how much road real estate $21,695 will buy you in the Impreza line for 2017. Our test wagon – small as it was externally at just 175.6 inches in length – featured 5 big doors, and comfortable seating for 5 adults. It also offered 20.5 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seat backs fully erect. Drop those 60/40 split backs flat, and you’ve got enough storage space for a mountain bike to accompany you wherever you travel. Somehow, the diminutive Impreza manages to offer 55.3 cubic feet of space with rear seatbacks collapsed. Score one for outdoors types who live to transport hiking and biking gear to distant places. And if that double nickel worth of interior space falls short of your kayak demands, the Impreza roof provides a standard set of matte silver rails good for even more external storage.

Subaru has been building all wheel drive station wagons since the DL/GL model of 1975. No car company has a longer history in this specialty market. That DL/GL was the first mass-production, popular-priced 4WD passenger car. The Impreza thus benefits from more than 4 decades of refinement of that original formula. Under the hood is the company’s storied 2.0 liter, opposed (Boxer) 4 cylinder, direct gas injection engine, which makes 152hp and 148lb.-ft. of torque. This unit emits a pleasing and familiar Boxer Blat as it propels the Impreza through a CVT gearbox which Subaru labels “Lineartronic.” The Lineartronic unit offers 7 pre-determined “speeds” for use in manual mode, and provides small paddles for micro-managing shifts. Most of the time, we were happy to leave the CVT in drive and let the Lineartronic do all the thinking.

If you order the Premium Impreza, Subaru supplies a plethora of unexpected attributes that distinguish this bargain wagon. At each corner, 16″x6.5″ alloy rims mount 205/55R16 Continental ProContact TX tires that maximize the Impreza’s AWD adhesion on both dry and slick road surfaces. The Impreza boasts a supple ride thanks to “Stablex” suspension dampers and inclusion of a rear suspension stabilizer bar. Our experience with this wagon confirmed Subaru’s claims that the Impreza is “ready to go all out… nearly anywhere you want.” While the Impreza’s handling is predictable, and stable, you will never be setting any lap records in the it. If speed is your need, than look to the Subaru WRX model line for thrills.

For 2017, Subaru offers smartphone integration with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, as well as Aha, Pandora, and Bluetooth hands free connectivity. Your visual portal to all that virtual goodness is the 6-speaker “Starlink” media system, which displays its settings on a 6.5 inch touchscreen featuring high resolution graphics. Starlink provides a one year free subscription to Subaru’s Safety Plus Package which provides accident recognition and assistance. Our test Impreza also included Subaru’s optional EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. For $2,395 EyeSight provides automatic pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, lane keep assist, blind spot detection with lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alert. In addition to all those nannies, Subaru also throws a moonroof and steering responsive fog lights into the package mix. Adding EyeSight brings the Impreza’s bottom line to $24,910. Still comparatively inexpensive, and designed to stay that way.

2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium

• Engine: DOHC 4 cylinder, 2,0 liter Boxer with direct injection
• Horsepower: 152hp@6000rpm
• Torque: 148lb.-ft.@4000rpm
• Fuel Consumption: 28MPG CITY/37MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $24,910
• Star Rating: 8 out of 10 Stars

By David Colman

Hypes: Practical Packaging, Elegant Interior
Gripes: Could Use a Turbo

Subaru has developed a following of loyal enthusiasts eager to share their positive experiences with others. I had just finished photographing this Brilliant Brown Pearl Outback when I was accosted by a Subaru-owning neighbor dying to get a look at the new-for-2017 Touring version of the Outback. One glance at the diagonal stitching of the coffee colored door panels had him lusting after the new Touring model. He explained that he had gone through the mill with a bunch of expensive German products that “spent more time in the shop garage than mine” before he bought his first Subaru in 2011. That car put an end to all his service woes. In 2016 he bought a new Outback for himself, a car that has impressed him with its many virtues. After spending a stormy week with the new Touring, I would have to agree that this special edition Subaru Outback has a lot going for it.

The refined quality of the interior belies the Touring’s $35,995 base price. That Brown Pearl paint becomes Brilliant in the sun, when its purple undertone makes the Outback look like a Cal Custom show car. The front seats are plush, heated and accommodating. The rear seats are comfortable enough for long trips, and also feature standard 3-stage heaters. Trim on the dash and doors is subdued and handsome, with matte finished wood surfaces complimenting brushed aluminum surrounds. The instrument binnacle consists of two heavily shielded dial faces, with an 8000rpm tachometer on the left and a 150mph speedometer on the right. Both dials are ringed with celestial blue illumination, making for a very pleasing visual presentation that is exceptionally easy to read. A large digital speed readout occupies the space between dials. The rest of the dash array is equally well thought out for easy usage while traveling at speed. The beauty of Subaru’s HVAC controls lies in the fact that you almost never need to take your eyes off the road to make climate control adjustments.

In heavy rain, the Subaru proved a dependable and comforting companion. The standard rear window wiper cleared the aft view immediately, in consort with an effective backlight defroster and washer system. All these controls were intuitive, with never a need to consult the Owner’s Manual for operation. Such is the mark of a well-designed product. The Touring’s behavior in adverse weather also proved that this wagon is well suited to any climatic condition. The Mud & Snow rated Bridgestone Dueler H/P tires (225/60R18) never evinced any tendency to aquaplane, and with a wear rating of 500, should provide long tread life as well. These tires are mounted on machined-face 10 spoke alloys that are model specific to the Touring version. What really keeps the traction in check is Subaru’s highly reputed Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, a system that maintains traction at all four corners, regardless of weather. The Touring version features a fully independent suspension system front and rear that has been raised over the ground clearance of the base Outback. This higher ride height allows you to traverse snow and puddles with greater confidence at virtually no cost to handling in the dry.

Although Subaru has chosen to go the CVT route in the gearbox department, the “Lineartronic” 6-speed unit chosen to back up the 2.5 liter flat 4-cylinder engine does a respectable job of mimicking a gear, rather than a belt driven transmission. Thankfully, Subaru has included a manual gate on the floor-mounted shift lever, as well as small paddles on the steering wheel itself. If you feel the need for more speed – a frequent occurrence with just 2.5 liters of engine – just tap the downshift paddle for a lower range of torque multiplication. The Outback doesn’t exactly leap ahead, but power flow is always adequate. The upshot of this thrifty engine is its payoff in fuel economy, with an overall rating of 28MPG.

Subaru engineers have really though through the design of the wagon’s rear storage area. The standard lift gate opens with the push of a button on the key fob remote, and shuts with the push of a button on the top ledge of the tail panel. The system even offers a warning flash of the tail lights before swinging open, so no one will be caught off guard by the upward arc of the door. Inside the aft compartment, you will discover a very sturdy, water containing rubber mat that would be perfect for stowing wet ski gear. Under the mat lies a second level compartment housing all the tools you’d need to change a tire or have your outback towed. There’s a lug nut wrench, a compact jack, a screw-in tow hook, and even a combo screwdriver. Beneath this shelf lies a hefty temporary spare tire. Unlike most manufacturers who have gone to either run-flat tires or supply an air pump and a can of puncture goop, Subaru thinks you deserve a more complete solution to a roadside tire problem. In a way, this suspender-and-belt approach to motoring is exactly why Subaru called this vehicle the Outback in the first place. It’s designed to go anywhere, anytime, without undue worry or expense. It’s no wonder my enthusiastic neighbor thinks so highly of this brand.

2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring

• Engine: 2.5 liter horizontally-opposed 4 cylinder
• Horsepower: 175hp
• Torque: 174lb.-ft.
• Fuel Consumption: 25MPG City/32MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $36,870
• Star Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars

By David Colman

Hypes: EyeSight Safety, AWD
Gripes: Hard Seats, CVT transmission

Here’s another 2016 model you can probably wangle a good deal on at your Subaru dealer. The current Crosstrek, which is a customized derivative of the Imprezza line, is about to be supplanted with an all new model for 2017. That invariably means that dealers will be more than willing to negotiate on the $25,095 base price of the outgoing 2016 model. While the 2017 model, based on the new Subaru Global Platform, promises to be longer, wider and slightly more powerful (by just 4hp) than the Crosstrek we drove, there’s really little reason to justify spending more for it. That’s because the 2016 Crosstrek did pretty much everything we asked of it. Even with Option Package 23 ($2,895) – a catch-all grouping that includes a 7″ multimedia Navigation unit, Keyless Access and EyeSight Driver Assist – the bottom line totaled just $28,840. Even that’s a number you can probably beat in light of the new replacement Crosstrek that’s on the way.

The Crosstrek provides a grouping of features that distinguishes its performance and appearance from run-of-the-mill Imprezzas. Subaru raises the ride height of the Crosstrek, to provide added ground clearance for off-road jaunts, or driving in snow. Because the Crosstrek, like all Imprezzas, features fully independent front and rear suspension, the extra elevation has virtually no ill effect on the dry pavement handling of this mini-SUV. All-season Yokohama Geolander tires (225/55R17) are responsible for good adhesion at all four corners, and never issue a peep in protest when you lean on them hard. The telltale identifier for the Crosstrek range is its iconic 17 inch aluminum alloy wheel. Imagine a five point silver cookie cutter superimposed on a black circle and you get the visual. There’s no mistaking the solid stance of the Crosstrek.

Under the hood, you’ll find a horizontally opposed four cylinder engine displacing 2 liters. This rather unique configuration – soon to be shared by Porsche’s coming 718 – produces 148hp and 145lb.-ft. of torque in Subaru tune. That’s barely enough to instill confidence for passing maneuvers or freeway merges because the CVT transmission takes an extra second or so to spool the engine up to meet the demands of your right foot. It’s not a particularly rewarding drivetrain combo, but it eventually gets the job while achieving an overall fuel rating of 29 MPG. At least Subaru provides tiny shift paddles next to the steering wheel so you can provoke the engine to make more noise if not more speed.

Inside the cabin, Subaru provides some surprising amenities given the car’s bargain price range. For example, the front seats are heated, the steering wheel manually tilts and telescopes, Sirius XM radio (with 4 free months) is built into the base entertainment system, and the seats and steering wheel are leather trimmed. On the negative side, the front seats are unyielding and lack lumbar adjustment. Even at maximum vertical position, the steering wheel remains canted at a bus-like angle. Finally, the backrest adjuster for the driver’s seat is manually controlled and difficult to position accurately.

Subaru does, however, compensate for minor comfort deficiencies by providing a bevy of pluses you will be hard pressed to match in this price range. Topping the list is “Symmetrical” all-wheel-drive, which by itself makes this Imprezza worth its sticker price and then some. If you do any winter mountain driving, you’ll appreciate the traction afforded by the Crosstrek’s full time AWD. Another reward is EyeSight Driver Assist – included in Option Package 23. In addition to adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision braking, EyeSight affords pre-collision throttle management to lessen or avoid crash damage. According to Motor Trend, the Eyesight systems enabled the Imprezza to “ace the IIHS (International Institute for Highway Safety) front crash prevention test and avoid a collision altogether in the low and high speed tests.” So it’s hard to find a safer ride cheaper than the EyeSight equipped Imprezza Crosstrek.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i Limited

• Engine: Horizontally Opposed 2.0 liter 4, DOHC
• Horsepower: 148hp
• Torque: 145lb.-ft.
• Fuel Consumption: 26 MPG City/34 MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $28,840
• Star Rating: 8 out of 10 Stars

By David Colman

Hypes: Airy Cabin, Practical Load Capacity
Gripes: EyeSight Annoyance, Noisy Powertrain

Subaru pioneered the crossover SUV with the original Forrester. The 2016 model marks the fourth revision of that first model. This 3,370 pound mini SUV retails for $28,795 in Limited trim. With a wheelbase of 105 inches, it will comfortably accommodate five adults with room to spare under the hatchback for all their belongings. If you drop the rear seats flat, 68 cubic feet of cargo will slip through that back door unhindered. With its spacious and standard panoramic moonroof, the interior of the Forester is airy and habitable for long trips. Although it looks decidedly homey from outside, from within it feels just like home.

The practicality motif extends to the engine compartment where a modest displacement four cylinder engine of 2.5 liters churns out 170hp and 174lb.-ft. of torque. This rather noisy power source feeds drive to all four wheels through a CVT transmission that offers only L (Low) and D (Drive) ranges. At full cry, the gearbox and the engine conspire to produce such a clatter that you will hesitate to use full throttle due to noise overload. The upside here is that during an extensive week of driving, the Forester’s fuel gauge never dropped below a quarter of a tank. The EPA rates this SUV at a respectable 27 MPG in overall city and highway usage.

The cabin of the Forester is tall enough to permit excellent visibility in all directions for front and rear seat passengers. Subaru has invested substantial effort in making the interior livable. Welcome heated front seats are perfect for cold morning drive-offs. The contoured door pockets hold a variety of oddments with ease, including drink bottles. The sun visors are thoughtfully elongated to compensate for the unusual height of the windshield. The tailgate door can be commanded to open with a nudge of the key fob remote control. A push button on the bottom edge of the rear door shuts it automatically. All these features make the Forester exceptionally handy and comfortable.

Handling of this Subaru is acceptable, but you won’t buy this SUV because it’s a road burner. The Limited model includes 17 inch alloy wheels shod with Yokohama Geolander S91 tires measuring 225/60R17 at each corner. These tires afford better inclement weather adhesion than dry weather performance. Consequently, the Forester adheres well on rain soaked pavement, but tends to understeer when pushed hard on dry road surfaces. Also, due to its high center of gravity, the Forester feels somewhat top heavy when directional changes are made. Ride quality is choppy over rough pavement.

Our test Forester’s all up price of $31,790 included $2,145 for a package providing navigation, harman/kardon audio, and EyeSight. The latter inclusion, EyeSight, brings together a number of autonomous features which Subaru hopes will increase your driving safety. I found most of EyeSight’s benefits to be of negligible use and would definitely not order the package for my Forester. The Lane Keep Assist is a nuisance which I turned off at every opportunity, the radar cruise control can be better accomplished by exercising your throttle foot, and the system’s collision avoidance warnings proved obtrusive and unwarranted. Subaru claims that EyeSight will go so far as to cut throttle or apply brakes when it senses an imminent collision. I would prefer to remain in charge of both those departments until further notice.

Of course, you can save yourself the extra $2,175, but you’ll have to do without the useful navigation part of the package, as well as the upgraded sound system. When it comes to dashboard layout, Subaru’s Forester could stand some revisions. For example, if you want to perform a task as simple as changing the direction of air flow from footwell to face, you need to access the “Mode” dial on the right side of the center dash panel, then search for a tiny pictograph located a foot away from the rotary Mode dial. The whole sequence is unacceptable and ripe for rethinking.

In sum, the Forester, despite its handling and ergonomic deficiencies, presents a good case for purchase if you’re looking for inexpensive city transport with a flair for all terrain travel. This SUV offers special X-Mode management of reduced speed off-road duty. Active torque split all wheel drive management is designed for trail running under 12mph. At 25mph, X-Mode’s electronically managed, continuously variable transfer clutch realigns itself automatically to normal all wheel drive settings. That’s a lot of technology for less than thirty grand.

2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited

• Engine: opposed 4 with fuel injection
• Horsepower: 170hp @ 5800rpm
• Torque: 174lb.-ft. @ 4100rpm
• Fuel Consumption: 24MPG City/32MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $31,790
• Star Rating: 7.5 out of 10 Stars

By David Colman

Hypes: Terrific Color/Interior Combo
Gripes: More Cockpit Storage Please

Although Subaru (BRZ) and Toyota (Scion FRS) have collaborated from the outset to produce slightly different versions of the same 2+2 sports coupe, there are some notable differences that differentiate the pair. For 2016, Subaru has taken pains to upgrade the look of their BRZ. Ours special edition test car was finished in a new shade called “Series.HyperBlue.” This vibrant derivative of French Racing Blue not only does wonders for the external appearance, but also brings with it a specially tailored interior to match. The extremely deep bucket seats are covered with grabby black Alcantara suede, with all seams double stitched in blue thread to match the exterior hue. Fat blue “BRZ” monograms also decorate the headrests, and the rest of the interior comprises a medley of black shades: carbon fiber patterning on the dash face, pebbled black leather and vinyl on the door panels and transmission tunnel. A few splashes of matte aluminum highlight the shift console, threshold plates and pedal surfaces. The overall effect of the Series.HyperBlue interior is stunning, quite unlike anything Scion has marketed on the FRS.

The latest BRZ is unquestionably one of the top affordable sports cars on the market today. It enjoys perfect front-to-rear weight balance, light curb weight (2,770 lbs.), and a very spunky two liter engine of Subaru design that will keep you entertained with its power and sound track. The flat four cylinder makes 200hp and 151lb.-ft. of torque, so you need to select gear ratios carefully to maximize acceleration. Subaru gives you 6 well spaced gears, and a marvelous short stick to stir them up. The art of driving gets no better than a Subaru BRZ. This coupe is agile, quick and lots of fun to control. But it’s never in danger of getting you into trouble, because the power supply is never enough to overwhelm the chassis. It’s a perfectly balanced sports car that will never scare you silly when you tromp the gas pedal.

Most of the fun comes from cornering the BRZ at rates of speed that would be unthinkable in other machines. The suspension is specifically sports-tuned for maximum adhesion during transient maneuvers. Subaru makes sure you plant all 200hp on the ground while cornering by providing a standard Torsen limited slip differential. This expensive unit, often optionally available on other sports cars, insures traction when exiting corners. You can feel the Torsen kick into action when you accelerate past your apex. The tail of the BRZ hunkers down, the limited slip emits a slight ratcheting noise, and the Subaru simply squats and flings itself forward without losing an ounce of grip. The black finished 17 aluminum alloy rims carry Michelin Primacy HB tires (215/45R17) which help get the job done with a minimum of side slip. Future plans call for Subaru to introduce a race division bred model of the BRZ called the STi, but you really don’t need to meddle with the suspension of the current version. It’s already as close to perfect for real world driving as you can get.

What isn’t so perfect about the BRZ is its lack of usable storage space in the cabin. One day we stopped to fetch the usual haul of Christmas mail and found no place to tuck it away anywhere. The small glovebox is filled with the owner’s manual, the door pockets are good for a water bottle each, and the console between the seats offers 2 cup holders and no storage bin. So you’re faced with the arduous task of sliding the front seats forward to access the +2 rear seats in order to store anything at all. Because the of tall backrests on the front seats, there’s not even room to toss anything in back without first sliding the seats out of the way. Or you can climb out altogether and place your mail in the trunk, where it will fly around like space trash since there are no segregated compartments back there either. By the way, those +2 back seats are good for little kids, not adults. I made the mistake of climbing into one to see for myself and could barely hoist my 5’8″ frame back out.

Of course, you are not going to buy a BRZ because it’s the most practical mode of transportation available. It isn’t. What it is, however, is just about the most fun you can have in a car for a price of $28,485 out the door.

2016 Subaru BRZ

• Engine: 2.0 liter opposed 4, DOHC
• Horsepower: 200hp
• Torque: 151lb.-ft.
• Fuel Consumption: 22 MPG City/30 MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $28,485
• Star Rating: 10 out of 10 Stars

By David Colman

Hypes: Lovely Revamped Looks, Upgraded Interior Touch Zones
Gripes: No Exterior Trunk Release, Erector Set Nuts and Bolts Exposed

Subaru has always been known for its idiosyncratic vehicles, from the humorous Brat mini pickup with seating for 2 in the bed, to the other-worldly SVX coupe with fixed side windows and doors extending well into the roof. As always, Subaru designers put more of a premium on functionality than beauty. This guiding principle left the potent but ugly WRX with more bumps and welts than a rhino’s hide. But a new day has dawned at Fuji Heavy Industries, parent of Subaru. The all-new Legacy comes as a stunning and pleasant surprise, the product of what the company calls its “new design language.” Since the Legacy currently accounts for just 1 percent of all sales in its market segment, Subaru has been compelled by practicality to rethink the dated architecture of its mid-size sedan. The objective was to incorporate a “coupe-like profile and up-market interior with extensive soft-touch materials used throughout.”

The latest, 6th generation Legacy is undeniably handsome, especially in the muted Lapis Blue Metallic shade that graced our $27,480 test model. Although it occupies no more real estate than its predecessor, the new Legacy boats best-in-segment interior volume of 104.6 cubic feet, backed up by a newly enlarged 15 cubic foot trunk. You can easily transport 4 adults plus all their belongings on long trips. Legacy excels at freeway travel, thanks to a revamped platform and suspension aimed at ride comfort. The Goodyear Assurance radials (225/55R17), mounted on 7.5 x 17 inch alloys, contribute their share of supple comfort at the expense of cutting edge handling. All Legacy models utilize Subaru’s exceptional all-wheel-drive system, which provides Active Torque Vectoring as a standard feature for the first time.

Our test Legacy couples Subaru’s CVT transmission to the base model 175hp flat four motor for acceptable performance. Subaru, which pioneered CVT propulsion back in the late 80s with its Justy model, has been improving this mode of transmission for longer than any other manufacturer. The refinement shows in this Legacy application, with a 6-speed system so responsive in manual mode to paddle input that you will be hard pressed to tell the Lineartronic CVT transmission uses variable bands rather than toothed gear sets.

But even the crisp transmission cannot cover the Boxer engine’s limited power output in situations that require immediate acceleration. I recommend opting for the available 3.6 liter flat 6, which raises Legacy base price from $23,495 to $29,995. Such a move insures your peace of mind for any passing maneuver on any piece of road.

The Legacy’s interior is appreciably better than anything previously offered by Subaru in this model. The first thing you notice after climbing in is the compliance of the material covering the shut panel on the door. Instead of hard plastic, this surface is now resilient foam covered with matte vinyl. The cloth seating surfaces feature an interlaced vinyl overlay that looks good and deters wear. The Premium model includes a new 7 inch color touch screen that reads swipe and scrolling commands. This works well when the Legacy is parked, but underway, it’s difficult to coordinate your gestures without inadvertently bumping the screen and losing your intended command. Steering wheel mounted controls for audio cover some of the problems by offering volume and station manipulation via secure thumb switches.

Subaru fitted our Legacy with Option package 14, which costs $1,195 and provides Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist. Although the Adaptive Cruise Control takes the hassle out of interval maintenance at freeway speed, the Lane Change Assist became annoying rather quickly as it beeps every time you switch lanes without first using your turn signal. This beeper can be deactivated via a panel of switches inconveniently located out of sight near your left knee.

The new Legacy’s most prominent claim to fame is not its new found good looks or upgraded interior. What distinguishes this practical family sedan from anything else in its class is its distinguished safety record. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently determined that only 9 models of car have unblemished safety records, with no deaths recorded over an entire year (2011) of operation. the Subaru Legacy was one of those 9.

2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium

• Engine: 2.5 liter DOHC Boxer 4
• Horsepower: 175hp
• Torque: 174lb.-ft.
• Fuel Consumption: 26 MPG City/36 MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $27,480
• Star Rating: 8.5 out of 10 Stars

By David Colman

Hypes: Incredible Sporting Value, Killer Blue Edition
Gripes: Don’t Have My Own – Yet

Luck of the draw has seen me test this Subaru’s fraternal twin, the Toyota FRS on a number of different occasions since the duo was introduced 3 years ago. Over that same period, however, I never had the opportunity to strap into Subaru’s version – until now. In Series Blue trim, a new level of cosmetic refinement for 2015, the BRZ decidedly outshines its Toyota counterpart. The BRZ shares basic architecture with the FRS: rear wheel drive (first ever for Subaru), 2.0 liter flat four cylinder engine producing 200hp, independent suspension and disc brakes at all four corners, even a quartet of the same mediocre Michelin Primacy HP 215/45R17 tires mounted on alloy rims.

What distinguishes the BRZ is the excessive attention to detail Subaru has invested in the optional $2,545 Series Blue Edition. This racing oriented company turned to its competition based STI parts bin for exotic looking front, side, rear and underside spoilers which cumulatively distinguish this special model from any previous FRS or BRZ. The frontal aspect is particularly daunting, with its sculpted under tray and discreet STI logo. Full length side skirting finished in black looks especially good against the complex Crystal White Pearl exterior color of our sample. Again, you discover discreet STI badges just forward of the rear wheel well strakes. At the back, a large single element wing does a great job of providing down force to match the beefed up front spoiler while managing to stay out of your aft line of sight in the mirror. These aerodynamic tweaks not only increase the BRZ’s ability to stay glued to the road at high speed, but also enhance gas mileage to a figure of 25MPG overall.

As you might expect, the interior decor of the Blue Edition harmonizes a purple shade of blue with black Alcantara to enhance the look and feel of the ultra supportive racing style seats. Carbon fiber patterned dash board facing sets affords nice detailing to an area that looks like bleak plastic in the base model car. The black pseudo-suede headliner looks and feels rich, and ribbed aluminum race style pedals grab the soles of your feet with authority. This businesslike cockpit reeks of racing functionality. In fact the BRZ has already proven itself to be one of the best and most affordable track day/autocross cars you can buy for just $30,000.

This Subaru is endearingly responsive to both throttle and steering input. It will change direction like a go-kart, and keep you happily absorbed in swapping its 6 gears for maximum thrust. At 200hp, and just 151lb.-ft. of torque, you’ll find yourself constantly recalibrating gear choice to keep this engine on full boil. The exercise provides intoxicating fun. But in reality, the BRZ could do with at least another half liter of motor and another 50lb.-ft. of torque.

Do not dismiss this ride as impractical. The wide and deep trunk opening surprised me with its ability to digest two large, nested Christmas ornament lockers from Orchard Supply without drama. You’ve got a generous 7 cubic feet of storage to play with back there. There’s also a wealth of space aft of the front seats, but getting to use it can be problematic since the front seats must always be tilted forward to access this area.

Just because the BRZ is a cutting edge sports coupe does not mean you need to sacrifice comfort or luxury to use it daily. Subaru softened its harsh ride for 2015, so it no longer clangs off potholes or gets airborne over speed bumps. The list of interior refinements is long and comforting. Subaru’s standard list includes dual sided climate control that works exceptionally well, front fog lights, three stage heated seats, very effective rear window defrost, keyless access and start, and a tilt and telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel with fat grips.

The Blue Edition features gloss black alloy rims which look particularly sharp set against red finished front and rear brake calipers. If you intend to turn your BRZ into a part time track day ride, however, you’ll want to remove the 17 inch rims and all-season Michelins in favor of a set of 18 inch wheels with Bridgestone RE 11 tires. This is the hot set up that Toyota utilizes on its fleet of FRS Celebrity Challenge cars at the Long Beach Grand Prix. But no matter what rubber your BRZ rolls on, you’ll have the blast of your life everyday you climb behind the wheel of this affordable gem.

2015 Subaru BRZ Series Blue

• Engine: 2.0 liter Horizontally-Opposed 4 Cylinder, DOHC
• Horsepower: 200hp
• Torque: 151lb.-ft.
• Fuel Consumption: 22MPG City/30MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $30,285
• Star Rating: 10 out of 10 Stars

By David Colman

Hypes: Penurious Porsche
Gripes: Tiny, Slippery Radio Buttons

Only 2 automotive manufacturers build opposed 6 cylinder engines today. Subaru and Porsche. Because this unique design is by definition flat rather than vertical, it allows lower placement in the vehicle, which in turn assures a lower center of gravity. A lower CG in turn improves handling and balance. The entry price for any Porsche with opposed 6 power starts at more than $60,000 for the entry level Boxster, and soars to over $200,000 for a 911 turbo. But if you want similar engineering for much less money, opt for the 3.6R version of the Subaru Outback, which features a 3.6 liter “BOXER” 6 cylinder engine producing healthy doses of both horsepower (256hp) and torque (247 lb.-ft.). Think of the 3.6R Outback Limited, with its base price of $32,995, as the pauper’s Porsche.

Although you can order an Outback with the base 4 cylinder, 173hp engine for as little as $23,495, the 3.6R is definitely the way to go. By choosing the flat 6, you assure yourself of enough scoot to maximize passing opportunities beyond the capacity of the 4 cylinder motor. The flat 6 is coupled to one of the happiest Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) available today. Subaru’s “Lineartronic” CVT offers a spread of 6 pseudo gear sets that allow you to manipulate the power and torque output of the 3.6R engine to maximum effect. The drive train in this Outback affords gratifyingly instantaneous thrust when you select the appropriate simulated gear ratio from the 6 steps available. Newly developed active torque vectoring keeps each wheel churning at maximum effective speed.

However, such straight line zip would be worthless without corner taming suspension refinement. But Subaru has that eventuality covered as well thanks to an all new platform for the Outback for 2015 featuring standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive. Subaru products have long been the favorite choice of motorists living in inclement weather regions because of their AWD prowess. This Outback has absolutely no trouble pinning its power to the ground no matter how hard you crack the throttle of its rambunctious flat 6. A MacPherson strut front suspension works in consort with a double wishbone independent rear layout to provide reasonably crisp handling while maintaining enough road clearance (8.7 inches) to let you tackle outback roads in your Outback. Helping in this regard are a stout set of mud and snow rated Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires (225/60R18) mounted on special Limited edition 18 inch alloy rims.

The 2015 Outback Limited is without question the most luxurious Subaru built to date. The first thing you notice inside the cabin is an abundance of soft touch surfaces wherever your hands come to rest. The perforated leather seats are a pleasure to fondle, but could do with more upper torso support. Particularly attractive is the genuine open pore woodwork that adorns the dash face and door panels. Unlike Subaru clatter boxes of yore, this Limited is regally silent and well insulated. An acoustically damped windshield along with new liquid engine mounts account for these welcome sounds of silence.

The new platform design, though only marginally larger than the one it replaces, yields dramatic gains in interior room, which increases to 108 cubic feet, of which 73 cubic feet can be dedicated to cargo. Slipping a full size bicycle through the hatchback of this Subaru is really a simple operation. First, you remove the tubular privacy screen from its location behind the rear seat by compressing a spring fitting. Flip the 60/40 split rear seats forward using a single latch outboard of each seat. Use your key fob remote to activate the automatic lift gate, then slip your bike into the vast rear cargo area which is neatly protected by a vast rubberized mat. Pushing a handy button located on the tailgate door shuts the lift gate automatically.

Life is thus easy with Outback. It’s faster than you think, more nimble than it looks, yet still every bit as practical and affordable as you’ve come to expect from Subaru. For 2015, this dependable companion has gotten better without getting bigger, and faster without getting thirstier. The virtues of Subaru’s clever wagon/SUV have long been a well kept secret among all wheel drive enthusiasts. Try the 3.6R Limited and you’ll find out why it’s so highly acclaimed by its loyal fan base.

2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited

• Engine: 3.6 Liter Boxer 6
• Horsepower: 256hp at 6,000rpm
• Torque: 247 lb.-ft. at 4,400rpm
• Fuel Consumption: 20 MPG City/27MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $36,040
• Star Rating: 8.5 out of 10 Stars

By David Colman

Hypes: THE Japanese Army knife
Gripes: Needs more suds in the HP department

Attention Nike lovers. There’s now a car to take over when your athletic shoes just won’t do it. Subaru claims the Crosstrek is “equipped for play and built for doing.” There’s more truth to that evaluation than you’ve come to expect from automotive advertising. With a static ride height of 8.7 inches, all wheel drive, and nubby Yokohama Geolander tires (225/55R17), the Crosstrek is a legitimate off road tool, eminently well suited to outback forays, winter endeavors, and expeditions to the supermarket. Crosstrek certainly looks feral enough, with a hunched feline silhouette that’s about to pounce on the next strip of unexplored terrain. Inside, the Abercrombie & Fitch outfitting furthers the Indiana Jones illusion, with rough hewn cloth seats, ribbed rubber matting in the storage area, standard roof rail system, heated front seats, and rear hatch wiper/washer. If you select the Hybrid Crosstrek, which is a new offering from Subaru this year, you also get model-specific five spoke 17 inch diameter alloys that mimic the Fuchs wheels Porsche used as their trademark for over 30 years. Their simple design complements the heavily sculpted contours of the Crosstrek. To emphasize the green allure of the new Hybrid, our test Crosstrek sported an eye watering finish called Plasma Green Pearl that wore well as our week with the car wore on.

Operation of the Hybrid drive train is for the most part so seamless that you hardly know it’s present. Subaru has combined their FB20 4 cylinder engine with a 3 phase synchronous electric motor to provide 150hp and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. The opposed H- configuration gas engine features twin overhead cams, 10.8:1 compression ratio, and an under square bore/stroke ratio of 84mm x 90mm. The permanent magnet electric unit is good for 10kW output and 48 lb.-ft. of torque. Working together, the gas and electric powered Hybrid posts EPA numbers of 31 MPG overall. You can expect 39 MPG on the freeway, which will yield a tad over 500 miles on the Crosstrek’s 13.7 gallon fuel tank. In city usage (29 MPG), this Subaru automatically turns itself off when you’re stopped in traffic for more than 30 seconds, and usually re-fires without hesitation, though a jolt and shudder sometimes mars the procedure.

The internal layout of the Hybrid’s cabin is so functional that you wonder why so many manufacturers can’t emulate Subaru’s prowess in this regard. For example, take the rear seats here. Instead of making you search out hidden latches and mechanisms to fold them flat, the Crosstrek requires but one simple gesture to transform your interior from passenger to cargo trim. Pull up on the stem of an outboard mounted, visually obvious latch as you thrust the seatback forward, and presto, a flat floor cargo space manifests itself. No manual needs to be thumbed through, no obscure fold and tumble sequence needs to be followed. Removing the privacy screen which shields the rear space from prying eyes is equally simple when you’ve got big loads to carry. Just depress one end of the light weight stick, and the spring inside holding it in place instantly collapses, allowing you to store the part elsewhere. I recently struggled to collapse a similar unit in a Dodge Durango with such an overpowering spring that it refused to budge. The beauty of Subaru engineering is that it makes it simple tasks effortless.

With that ample ride height, you might think the Crosstrek would be somewhat tipsy in normal motoring tests, but you’d be wrong. This crossover handles the curves with aplomb, and you’re almost never aware of your exalted height. The Yokohama Geolanders are surprisingly complicit in upholding their end of the cornering bargain, and on the whole, the Crosstrek handles with the precision of a Nike Cross Trainer. The combined 150hp output of the drive train, however, leaves a bit more to be desired than the handling does. In passing or merging situations, you pretty much have to wring the Hybrid by the neck to extract enough surge to be comfortable. The CVT transmission, which Subaru pioneered a quarter century ago, is definitely your friend during such maneuvers, because paddles on the steering wheel allow you instant access to more rpm and more passing power. Still, this 3,165 pound Crosstrek’s gentle acceleration would benefit from a slightly larger displacement gas motor.

With a buy-in of just $26,820, it’s hard to beat the Hybrid Crosstrek for value, mileage, practicality and comfort. For “Just Do It” folks, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid is like finding a pair of Air Jordans at Ross Dress For Less.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid

• Engine: 2.0 liter DOHC Opposed 4
• Electric Motor: Permanent Magnet 3-Phase Synchronous
• Horsepower: 150hp
• Torque: 165 lb.-ft.
• Fuel Consumption: 29 MPG City/39 MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $26,820
• Star Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars

By David Colman

Hypes: Great Sightlines in All Directions, EyeSight Is Useful Option
Gripes: Unreadable LCD Touch Screen

The all new 2014, 4th generation Forester looks enough like its immediate predecessor to confuse you into believing Subaru has simply revised the sheet metal a bit. But a quick look at the specification sheet reveals the new Forester, at 181 inches in length and 71 inches in height, stands 1.5 inches longer and 2.1 inches taller than the version it replaces. The additional height is most noticeable when you enter the airy new cabin without ducking your head. In fact, if you’re feeling all hat and no cattle, go ahead and wear that ten gallon Stetson. You still won’t graze the roof liner, even when your Forester comes equipped with the huge Panoramic Power Moonroof that is standard issue on the Touring model. The extra length translates into added rear seat legroom, enabling aft passengers to lounge without knocking knees. Even the cargo hold is more spacious than before, growing to 74.7 cubic feet from 68.3 cubic feet when the split back seats are folded flat.

Of course, the extra size comes at a slight penalty in added weight, as the new Forester, at 3,415 pounds, carries an extra 164 pounds when compared to the previous model. However, the performance disadvantage you might expect from the additional weight is offset by the new CVT transmission, which has finally made its way to the Forester model line. Having introduced the very first CVT transmission to the US market in its Justy model back in 1988, Subaru has more experience with continuously variable transmissions than any other manufacturer. The breeding shows in the Forester application, where the CVT operates seamlessly, always offering just the right rpm range for the 2.5 liter flat 4 to operate optimally. There’s invariably enough zip on tap to master any merge or pass you might undertake. If you really feel the need for more speed, you can upgrade your 170hp Forester to the optional 258hp 2 liter, turbocharged 4. Bear in mind that the turbo will use more gas than the base motor, which manages 27 MPG in overall driving. Regardless of engine choice, the Forester is tow rated at a commendable 2,400 pounds.

When equipped with the newly available “EyeSight” driver assistance package ($2,400), the Forester is one of the safest vehicles you can buy in terms of crash prevention. Subaru has perfected its lane keeping program by seamlessly integrating EyeSight’s information stream into your driving routine – without the annoying chirps and buzzers so many other manufacturers favor. If you start to wander from your intended direction of travel, EyeSight will simply flash an orange warning light on the info panel between the 8,000rpm tachometer and the 150mph speedometer. The package also provides pre- collision braking and throttle management. Keyless access is included as well as high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. If you are inclined to favor such driver aids as EyeSight, you’ll discover that Subaru’s system puts most others to shame. Just be forewarned that you cannot attach anything to your windshield without disrupting the view of the twin CCD (charge coupled device) cameras attached to either side of the rear view mirror. Also, scratched windshields must be replaced with genuine Subaru glass to maintain the integrity of the system.

The Touring Forester utilizes a grip enhancing rubber cargo mat in the trunk compartment that helps stabilize loose items. The rear hatch features automatic lift when you pull the up on the indented exterior handle, as well as automatic closure. The interior carpets are covered with loose weave sisal mats that were all the rage 40 years ago when they were known as cocoa mats. They still work well and look great, and I’m not sure why they ever disappeared. Subaru has seen fit to provide 3 nice chunky knobs for the heating and ventilation system. Would that they had done the same for the entertainment/navigation unit, which requires you to input commands to a 6.1 inch LCD touch screen that is virtually impossible to read in daylight. The good news, however, is that the navigation unit is standard equipment on the Touring model, and the Bluetooth enabled AM/FM/HD/SIRIUS radio thumps out a whopping base through its Harmon Kardon 440 Watt amp and speaker system.

You won’t win any road races with the Forester because its handling suffers from its high center of gravity, and the Yokohama G91 Geolander tires (225/60R17) confer modest grip. But no one buys this Subaru to win races. Its appeal lies in its consummate practicality, standard all wheel drive traction, spunky pancake 4 engine, new CVT drive train, and above all, its unsurpassed interior spaciousness. If all that isn’t worth a relatively modest investment of $33,220, good luck bettering this combo elsewhere.

2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring

• Engine: 2.5 Liter Opposed 4, Electronic Fuel Injection
• Horsepower: 170hp
• Torque: 177 lb.-ft.
• Fuel Consumption: 24 MPG City/32 MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $33,220
• Star Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars