New and used cars reviews

For 2009, the 4-door Subaru Outback midsize wagon no longer offers the L.L. Bean trim, stability control becomes standard, and the 2.5i Special Edition Subaru Outback debuts, while all trims except the base 2.5i get a nine-speaker sound system. All-wheel drive as usual, Subaru Outback offers three engines: The 2.5i has a 2.5L H4 engine that commands 175 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque, the 2.5 XT Limited has a turbocharged H4 that grinds out 243 hp and 241 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0 R Limited has a 3.0L H6 engine that churns out 245 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition and 2.5 XT Limited models have a choice of a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic; the 2.5i Limited and 3.0 R Limited offer automatic only. EPA fuel economy estimates yield 20 mpg city/26 mpg hwy and 22 mpg combined for the 2.5i; 18/24/20 mpg for the 2.5 XT, and 17/24/20 mpg for the 3.0 R. Standard safety equipment includes stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front head restraints.