Subaru Outback ( ~2019 2.5 vs 3.6)

[Zef]

Go with whichever does not have a cvt transmission.

-Z

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

In the end, the only opinion that matters is yours. Choose the one that makes you happiest.

Agreed. I think I’ll like either, but I’m liking the price tag of the 2.5 more. It looks like I can get a 2-3 year newer 2.5 limited for roughly the same price as a 3.6 limited.

I’ll see if the local dealers will cough up out the door numbers ahead of time though. If not, I’ll probably just go to Carmax (they have ‘19 Outback’s stacked-up like cord wood).

As a reference point, I like going fast on my snobby European sportbike on the street and track.

And I like going fast in my snobby European sportscar on the street.

I think the Subaru’s 2.5 is plenty powerful enough in competitive traffic and I dig the fuel range.

Thank you for the context. I’m in a similar boat. I’ve got a 1000cc motorcycle that I can take for a spin if I have a need for speed.

Go with whichever does not have a cvt transmission.

-Z

Lol. By lol...I mean that is not possible. And yeah...from everything I’ve read...that takes some getting used to.

I’ll miss the transmission in my truck (Ram 1500 with 8 speed and 5.7L V8). Shifts were silky smooth. It was a Dodge product though, so that’s about the only thing I’ll miss about it.

 

[letterboy]

Looking at getting a Subaru Outback. I’ve driven two...a 2.5 premium and a 3.6 limited. I liked both, but I liked the 3.6 more. For anyone that has one or the other...what are your thoughts? The perks of the 3.6 seem to be less engine noise in the cabin and more power (duh). Any buyers remorse after going one way or the other?

Supply wise....there’s just not a lot of 3.6’s around. There’s a bunch of 2.5’s.

What are you coming from to this or will this be a 2nd vehicle?

The gf has the 2018 OB with 2.5, I wanted her to get the 3.6.

I have a 2010 Foz with 2.5 and it is sluggish when loaded down, it gets ~15mpg when I get above 75 with a bike and roof rack... Granted I have slightly bigger tires and some suspension modifications. Her stock OB gets mid to high 20's,on a road trip she gets into the low 30's if she stays ~65mph.

The CVT is the only option for the 2019 year, I don't think there was a manual option. If there is, get it. #millenialantitheftdevice

Do you plan to load the car down for trips? Scuba gear is heavy.

Do you ever plan to pull a trailer? That extra umph will be handy. Even those little uhaul trailers...

Are you in coastal or mountain Virginia?

At least it's not an XT, as they would require premium fuels. The 3.6 you can dump low grade pump gas and call it a day and still have some extra umph.

The price between them should also effect the decision. If it's close, get the 3.6 hands down.

Not looking at engines, just features added to the 3.6 limited from the 2.5 premium, look like - Added features include a premium 12-speaker sound system, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, heated rear seats, blind-spot monitoring, and a power lift gate.

I have a love hate relationship with the gf's lift gate. It is nice for one touch opening when my hands are full, but when I am really loading the trunk full of stuff, it is very sensitive and I can't pack stuff like a normal slam it home trunk...

And leather is easier to clean, I'm told. Living with a vegan I'm not allowed leather interior.

You plan on backseat passengers?

 

[letterboy]

Agreed. I think I’ll like either, but I’m liking the price tag of the 2.5 more. It looks like I can get a 2-3 year newer 2.5 limited for roughly the same price as a 3.6 limited.




Thank you for the context. I’m in a similar boat. I’ve got a 1000cc motorcycle that I can take for a spin if I have a need for speed.



Lol. By lol...I mean that is not possible. And yeah...from everything I’ve read...that takes some getting used to.

I’ll miss the transmission in my truck (Ram 1500 with 8 speed and 5.7L V8). Shifts were silky smooth. It was a Dodge product though, so that’s about the only thing I’ll miss about it.

Also, I have the 4AET in my foz, she has the CVT. the CVT is much, much smoother.

For a daily, or road tripper I'll be getting a CVT again.

For a vehicle I plan to use and abuse, I'll be getting a manual. (it will probably be a tacoma, just have to decide if it'll be a used one or new one. Both price tags make my bank account cry)...

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

What are you coming from to this or will this be a 2nd vehicle?

The gf has the 2018 OB with 2.5, I wanted her to get the 3.6.

I have a 2010 Foz with 2.5 and it is sluggish when loaded down, it gets ~15mpg when I get above 75 with a bike and roof rack... Granted I have slightly bigger tires and some suspension modifications. Her stock OB gets mid to high 20's,on a road trip she gets into the low 30's if she stays ~65mph.

The CVT is the only option for the 2019 year, I don't think there was a manual option. If there is, get it. #millenialantitheftdevice

Do you plan to load the car down for trips? Scuba gear is heavy.

Do you ever plan to pull a trailer? That extra umph will be handy. Even those little uhaul trailers...

Are you in coastal or mountain Virginia?

At least it's not an XT, as they would require premium fuels. The 3.6 you can dump low grade pump gas and call it a day and still have some extra umph.

The price between them should also effect the decision. If it's close, get the 3.6 hands down.

Not looking at engines, just features added to the 3.6 limited from the 2.5 premium, look like - Added features include a premium 12-speaker sound system, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, heated rear seats, blind-spot monitoring, and a power lift gate.

I have a love hate relationship with the gf's lift gate. It is nice for one touch opening when my hands are full, but when I am really loading the trunk full of stuff, it is very sensitive and I can't pack stuff like a normal slam it home trunk...

And leather is easier to clean, I'm told. Living with a vegan I'm not allowed leather interior.

You plan on backseat passengers?

Coming from a Ram 1500. It’ll be my primary/commuter vehicle for now. My intent is to get a new truck in another year or two and keep this to commute with.

Lots of traffic in my area (eastern Virginia). I’ll never get another manual commuter vehicle (my last was a ‘13 Jetta TDI).

Minimal travel through steep grades. If that was going to be my norm...from what I’ve read...I wouldn’t do the 2.5.

There’s a significant price difference and availability difference between the engine options. I have my pick of miles, color, and package for the 2.5. For the 3.6...there’s only three for sale in a 100+ mile radius with under 40,000 miles.

With work...I’m busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest. I’ll be lucky if I get in one real/legit dive trip next year. I’ll likely be lucky to get in a once a month trip to the quarry, in which case...I’ll just rent tanks, which significantly cuts down on weight.

The only back seat passenger will be my dog.

Feature wise...for purchasing...I’m doing an apples to apples comparison (2.5 limited to 3.6 limited), so that isn’t going to shape the decision.

I’m 6’3” or so. I don’t fit in a Tacoma. I almost bought a Frontier (much more roomy than a Tacoma), but I decided I didn’t want to pay close to $40k (lumbar adjustment only available in Pro4x) for a compromise truck.

 

[Zef]

CVT is all the rage until it needs repair...very expensive to fix. If you can't go with a non-cvt automatic then I suggest a stick shift.

-Z

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

CVT is all the rage until it needs repair...very expensive to fix. If you can't go with a non-cvt automatic then I suggest a stick shift.

-Z

If I’’m being honest...the odds are extremely low that I’ll hang onto it long enough for that to be a concern. I don’t see it failing inside of 100,000 miles or so, so I should be fine. If it does fail...I would just sort a junkyard replacement instead of repairing the original transmission.

 

[Zef]

Also, is the 3.6 a boxer engine?

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

Also, is the 3.6 a boxer engine?

Yes. Supposedly reliable and well balanced. That’s one reason that people have said to get the 3.6...supposedly less vibrations and engine noise.

 

[Zef]

Yes. Supposedly reliable and well balanced. That’s one reason that people have said to get the 3.6...supposedly less vibrations and engine noise.

Not sure if that is a reason to go with the 3.6 unless the 2.5 is not boxer. The vibration dampening effect of destructive interference of the horizontally opposed cylinders of the boxer engine is the reason to go with the boxer no matter the volume.

-Z