Thread: Subaru Outback

Has anyone had experience with these
Looking at 2010 to 2012 models actually a 2011, specifically the 3.6R not any other engine configurations..

Reviews are mainly favorable and off road ability seems above the average for a vehicle like this . Yes ?
I believe a hill decent is in this model, could have read that wrongly though.
Obviously not a rock crawler or river crosser, but reasonable dry weather Summer /Autumn tracks should be negotiable, Yes? maybe ?.
I have done a lot of internet research but.....so.......................
Any real world advice Gentlemen.
Thank you.

subaru lineartronic CVT means a big no !
i'm on my 3rd subby (legacy 3.0) but wont be upgrading to a newer one unless i can get a manual. CVT is the most evil transmission there is

Dad's got a 2015, so it's the next model I think, but where he goes with it is surprising. Only running original tyres, but put it in SI mode I think, and it crawls it's way through mud that you wouldn't believe. He goes where some Utes wouldn't think about going. Great clearance, great ride, and is averaging 7.5-8 l/100km.
Only problem is it needs to have its major servicing done in Chch, for warranty perposes. Minor ones in Timaru are ok.
Still new, so can't help with issues that could happen down the line sorry

Originally Posted by gonetropo

subaru lineartronic CVT means a big no !
i'm on my 3rd subby (legacy 3.0) but wont be upgrading to a newer one unless i can get a manual. CVT is the most evil transmission there is

Thanks Gonetropo but the 3.6R outback hasn't that CVT, has 5 speed auto with paddle shift.

Cheers Manuka good info.

Got a 2007? With the 3.0 h6 really happy with it, made for new Zealand gravel roads. Seems to sit around 9km/L on the open road, gets a lot less when I put my hoof down. Tipronic gearbox misbehaves a bit, going downhill in first and all of a sudden your in 3Rd and going way to fast... Bit of a low roo on it,I'm 6'4" and head rubs if I sit up straight. As has been said, it's amazing where they will go off the road, sure they haven't got mud tyres or huge clearance. Traction control really works, took it off when in the snow and was going all over the place

i hit a major pothole recently and sheared the top bolt off the front strut, would hate to have been somewhere off road when it happened.
as far as i know all the 3.6 are CVT unless you have a real rarity. bloody awful, over revving POS

@GravelBen has seen a few of them in action and could add to this thread

Originally Posted by gonetropo

i hit a major pothole recently and sheared the top bolt off the front strut, would hate to have been somewhere off road when it happened.
as far as i know all the 3.6 are CVT unless you have a real rarity. bloody awful, over revving POS

Sorry @gonetropo I hit the edit button instead of quote the first time that's why you have an edit thing in you post

All 3.6R are 5peed box with paddle shift in the years I am looking at.
https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outba...eatures-specs/
That's not the only source every source tell me that.

I've only used/seen older models than what you're looking at offroad, but as said they do better than a lot of people expect.

4wd system is good, offroad traction probably more limited by tyre options. Ground clearance isn't bad (200mm+), approach and departure angles are usually more of a limitation. Low centre of gravity compared to a truck makes them very stable on slopes.

Originally Posted by jakewire

Sorry @gonetropo I hit the edit button instead of quote the first time that's why you have an edit thing in you post

All 3.6R are 5peed box with paddle shift in the years I am looking at.
https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outba...eatures-specs/
That's not the only source every source tell me that.

if you look at the specs on that sheet its CVT. avoid !!!

Ok ta.

Originally Posted by gonetropo

if you look at the specs on that sheet its CVT. avoid !!!

In the link jakewire quoted it's the 2.5L that has the CVT, not the 3.6L which comes in 5AT only.

Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium 2010 Review | Wheeltalk

Originally Posted by wheeltalk.co.nz

Unfortunately Subaru’s new CVT automatic transmission isn’t available with the larger 3.6l engine but the Outback uses a very capable standard auto box.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru...th_generation)

Originally Posted by Wikipedia - Transmissions

North American, Japan engines

3.6R 2009- 5-speed automatic

When I click on the link and click the Show all specs button it says continuous variable automatic for all, including the 3.6.

Be aware that paddle shifters do not mean it's an automatic, the CVT also has them for 'virtual gears'.

CVT is just a huge backwards step, its just cheaper to make than a normal auto or a manual