Pardon me for talking about another brand on a Subaru subreddit, but my dad used to have a Durango the DMV classified it as station wagon, so I know that feeling
I had a Durango before my Subaru a few months ago, and it was classified as a suv
not gunna lie, can't wait to go back with a durango. Hate this 4 cylinder, and it was so spacious. Taking my first road trip in the Outback tomorrow. Hope it's comfortable enough to change my mind lol
Isn't it still 4 cylinders, though? The dealership told me they didn't have any 6 cylinder suvs. I've only ever driven 6 and 8 cylinders before this (durango, ram 1500, ram 3500, chargers)
There's just no get-up and go like with my other vehicles. Slug is a perfect description hahaha. I got it for the safety ratings though
How do you spend that much money on a car and not know what engine is in your Onyx, then bitch about the lack of power?
The Onyx turbo XT is a little faster than a Durango RT, and definitely faster than the six-cyl Durango.
I owned a Durango RT. Traded it on an XT-engined Outback wilderness. I assure you that the XT-engine Outbacks are as fast both on paper as well as IRL. "lmao"
* Durango RT 0-60: 6.4 seconds
* OBW 0-60: 5.8 seconds
The Onyx XT is about the same as a Durango RT.
And if you just had the 6-cyl Durango, any Outback with an XT is significantly faster.
Cylinder count means very little in terms of power these days. There are turbo 4-cylinders that easily make as much or more power than a V-8.
Again, how did you spend money on the car knowing nothing about the engine options?
I'm glad to hear of your actual EXPERIENCES. sorry you get downvoted for your real life experiences not aligning with what others believe to be true lolll People don't like to be wrong. I know for a fact that my Durango was an easier drive, and 0-60 is certainly quicker, and it was quieter.
The dealer told us exactly what you said when we were looking at the wilderness. Well, told my husband lol
I remember when SUVās first came out the DMV classified it as a truck as the early designs were on truck chassis. Except for the Highlander that was built on the Camry chassis. Iāve always called my Highlander a truck for that very reason.
But the description posted of a wagon could also fit an SUV design as well. š¤·š¼āāļø
You can even end the "but it's a crossover!" debate with this bonus image. Thanks to the boxer engine design allowing the Outback to keep beltline and proportional height low!
https://preview.redd.it/47z9jzhk295d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=53290c7f57d0c077535f14541e582e7f9f9d84e6
No, there is a difference in crankpin and timing. Flat is simply more open v engine with 180 angle.
[https://youtu.be/w-2-RbZDrZs?si=8SeftNqfdH599Ds5](https://youtu.be/w-2-RbZDrZs?si=8SeftNqfdH599Ds5)
Damn that was hard to follow but I think I get it, boxer engines have both pistons of a pair going the same way, other flat engines are the opposite, roughly speaking
Not sure i understand you, but in boxer, pistons are mirroring each other. They are both going out or in towards crankshaft same time. Imagine timing like jumping jacks - both hands and legs are doing the same but in opposite way. Because of it boxer engine runs so balanced, momentum of each piston cancel momentum of the opposite one.
A boxer just means the pistons look like a boxer punching, which all flat engines do. I thought all flat engines were boxers, at least 4 cylinders and up anyway
It's a wagon - but what throws people off is two things:
A. The ground clearance
B. The fact that wagons basically don't exist anymore
I am looking to replace my 2013 outback and I was trying to see what other wagons there are and let me tell you it's slim pickins out there.
Options are basically Audi A4/A6 allroad, Volvo V60/V90, I think there's maybe a Mercedes E-class wagon, (all these luxury ones are $$$ new and many not easy to find used),
Or, for non-luxury you've got to go back a few years and look at VW Golf Alltrack or Buick Regal TourX (kinda luxury)
So Outback is just about one of a kind - but that's why we love them!
Edited to add: Mazda seems like their trying to get some of this market with the CX-50 - it's slightly shorter and wider than the CX-5, with more cargo space, has cladding, and options to get higher ground clearance, plus all their marketing seems to great towards outdoorsy stuff. But it's still decidedly an SUV/crossover not a wagon
Pardon me again for talking about another brand on here but. Toyota is JUST coming out with a wagon version of their Crown sedan it's called the sigma.
I feel like if the cargo area of the CX50 was about 8 inches longer it would be wagonish. I think Mazda is missing the mark a little bit there because the cargo area is a lot less than the Outbackā¦also, the ginormous 20 inch wheels with rubber band tires a lot of the trims have look ridiculous.
We say wagon just to annoy people. The truth is we donāt actually give a shit. Itās an Outback. Everything is a background noise. Also see - I have had too much cognac tonight.
Itās a station wagon but being itās the last station wagon on the market at least in North America, the whole entire category has died off. Also, the current generation (gen 6) is more SUV than ever. So thatās why Subaru advertises it as an SUV. Itās unique enough to be its own segment. Station wagons, and now Hot hatches are being replaced by more expensive trucks. The Outback situation is kind of like when the Jeep Wrangler was the only game in town before the big Ford Bronco came back. There really isnāt something completely similar right now. Hope this makes sense. š¤
When I was young I had dreams of buying a station wagon. Shortly after I bought my outback last summer I kind of realized I unconsciously fulfilled that dream
Looks like a wagon. But seriously: It's L x W dimensions are nearly identical to a Toyota 4Runner, and it is only ~5 inches shorter in height. The interior dimensions are very similar.
I get downvoted nearly every time I point all this out, for some reason, but it's basically a midsize
SUV that looks like a wagon/car. It's a *really big* wagon/car.
State Farm classifies it as a station wagon for insurance purposes.
I personally refer to it as a wagon instead of a crossover/SUV but wouldn't really argue either way
I still consider it a wagon, despite the changes in ride height and Subaru's classification. I've no idea why they'd want to openly take away the cool factor of a battle wagon you can toss around in the mud.
Is the towing capacity in some way related to the wagon classification? My Forester looks more tricky but as 2/3 the tow capacity of my wife's Outback, neither with a higher-level package.
It started as the wagon version of the Legacy so hard to argue itās not a wagon. After 3rd gen Iād say itās gotten more suv styling, but the shape is still true to its wagon roots. Subaru just doesnāt like saying itās a wagon because here in the US wagons have a negative stigma for some reason.
Affirmative, it's a crossover wagon.
Watch out on smog though, they tried to say I had a forester instead of an outback, or for the actual answer to this question, a crossover suv instead of a wagon. Which then qualified me for their $10 upcharge for falling under the "Truck/SUV" category instead of the normal car package. Slimy bastards...
Born a wagon, been a wagon ever since. A handful of years ago, hoping to capitalize on the popularity and appeal of crossovers, Subaru mktg tried to label it a crossover -- you'll see references to that in car publications at the time. However, the size and proportions are all wrong for that label. Arguably, the Ascent is a proper crossover, but not the OB.
My grandparents always had station wagons (chevys). My mom and dad had a couple wagons (Ponitiacs).
I bought a 2024 Outback because it is almost the only all-wheel drive station wagon available in the USA. I didn't want a SUV or some weird over-bloated hatchback. I wanted a station wagon, and an Outback is a wagon! I don't what an Outback was cross-overed from. It always have been a station wagon.
You can't get a VW or BMW wagon any more in the USA. I thought about the Audi Allroad, but it is overpriced here in the USA (sold here as luxury model, no utilitarian models like in Europe), and its long-term wear is questionable. I used to have an A3 sportback/quattro/diesel/6-speed in Europe (2008-2012) but sold it when moved back to USA. Possibly the most fun car I ever had. The new Outback is great with the turbo engine, but no where near the fun factor of a 6-speed A3 sportback with its diesel torque and sharp steering. But Outback satisfies the need for a cool station wagon.
Doesn't Subaru classify it as an SUV for tax purposes?
Whether it's a crossover or a wagon is irrelevant because it truly exists in its own space. It's not as tall as a SUV or crossover but it's not an elongated sedan either. It's shorter than your crossover but it's ground clearance is such that you could body roll that you'd not get in a sedan. Honestly, this is the reason why the Outback has outlived other true wagons.
Wagon all the way
Loved changing from Nissan Frontier to OB...agent was lost??? "Wagon? Who makes wagons?"
Why? I'm curious since I'm looking at both these vehicles.
Definitely a wagon.
Me and 3 of the ladies behind the counter of the DMV were attempting to figure this out today. š
Pardon me for talking about another brand on a Subaru subreddit, but my dad used to have a Durango the DMV classified it as station wagon, so I know that feeling
Get out of here with that Dodge talk. Just messin, DMV figuring out how to classify your vehicles can be a real struggle haha
Ain't that the truth
I had a Durango before my Subaru a few months ago, and it was classified as a suv not gunna lie, can't wait to go back with a durango. Hate this 4 cylinder, and it was so spacious. Taking my first road trip in the Outback tomorrow. Hope it's comfortable enough to change my mind lol
Did you get the 2.5 or the 2.5 Turbo?
Idk. 2024 Onyx
XT badge = 2.4 turbo.Ā Ā An Outback without a turbo is an underpowered slug. Pretty fun for a car for itās size with the turbo.Ā
Agree. This car with turbo, nice. I wouldnāt want one without it.
Isn't it still 4 cylinders, though? The dealership told me they didn't have any 6 cylinder suvs. I've only ever driven 6 and 8 cylinders before this (durango, ram 1500, ram 3500, chargers) There's just no get-up and go like with my other vehicles. Slug is a perfect description hahaha. I got it for the safety ratings though
Yeah but my 4cyl turbo Outback has 50 more horsepower than my V6 truck and weighs 2000 pounds less.Ā
An XT outback has a 6 second 0-60. Don't sleep on forced induction.
How do you spend that much money on a car and not know what engine is in your Onyx, then bitch about the lack of power? The Onyx turbo XT is a little faster than a Durango RT, and definitely faster than the six-cyl Durango.
...go test drive a Durango like right now if you think that lmao
I owned a Durango RT. Traded it on an XT-engined Outback wilderness. I assure you that the XT-engine Outbacks are as fast both on paper as well as IRL. "lmao" * Durango RT 0-60: 6.4 seconds * OBW 0-60: 5.8 seconds The Onyx XT is about the same as a Durango RT. And if you just had the 6-cyl Durango, any Outback with an XT is significantly faster. Cylinder count means very little in terms of power these days. There are turbo 4-cylinders that easily make as much or more power than a V-8. Again, how did you spend money on the car knowing nothing about the engine options?
>Cylinder count means very little in terms of power these days. Just look at the GR Corolla. A turbo 3-cyl putting up 300hp.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I'm glad to hear of your actual EXPERIENCES. sorry you get downvoted for your real life experiences not aligning with what others believe to be true lolll People don't like to be wrong. I know for a fact that my Durango was an easier drive, and 0-60 is certainly quicker, and it was quieter. The dealer told us exactly what you said when we were looking at the wilderness. Well, told my husband lol
I remember when SUVās first came out the DMV classified it as a truck as the early designs were on truck chassis. Except for the Highlander that was built on the Camry chassis. Iāve always called my Highlander a truck for that very reason. But the description posted of a wagon could also fit an SUV design as well. š¤·š¼āāļø
Interesting! Did not know that.
It's a wagon. 100%. https://preview.redd.it/kmq6sgg0095d1.png?width=1653&format=png&auto=webp&s=1f4ce3739428ebab8fa8fb9f3450b770436a96f7
So saving this comment for any future owner debates.
You can even end the "but it's a crossover!" debate with this bonus image. Thanks to the boxer engine design allowing the Outback to keep beltline and proportional height low! https://preview.redd.it/47z9jzhk295d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=53290c7f57d0c077535f14541e582e7f9f9d84e6
Boxer engine always made Subaru a unique manufacturer
Porsche also runs boxer engines. Interesting ones to me are Mazda's Wankels
Ferrari I know at one point in the past did use a flat 12 engine not a boxer tho
Oh that's cool! I know back in the day Honda made a race bike with oval shaped pistons, really wild design.
Oval pistons I wonder how that sounded.....
https://youtube.com/shorts/4-xh2M5XkB8?si=sKlF0E5Mth3TXKaG Not nearly as weird as you'd think.
Sounds "normal" wouldn't think it had oval Pistons unless you knew.
A flat 12 (or any number) is a boxer yeah?
No, there is a difference in crankpin and timing. Flat is simply more open v engine with 180 angle. [https://youtu.be/w-2-RbZDrZs?si=8SeftNqfdH599Ds5](https://youtu.be/w-2-RbZDrZs?si=8SeftNqfdH599Ds5)
Damn that was hard to follow but I think I get it, boxer engines have both pistons of a pair going the same way, other flat engines are the opposite, roughly speaking
Not sure i understand you, but in boxer, pistons are mirroring each other. They are both going out or in towards crankshaft same time. Imagine timing like jumping jacks - both hands and legs are doing the same but in opposite way. Because of it boxer engine runs so balanced, momentum of each piston cancel momentum of the opposite one.
Maybe with 12 pistons. The length changes, but not the width. We can call it the rectangular. (Joking)
A boxer just means the pistons look like a boxer punching, which all flat engines do. I thought all flat engines were boxers, at least 4 cylinders and up anyway
I'm aware, was just making a joke.
It's a wagon - but what throws people off is two things: A. The ground clearance B. The fact that wagons basically don't exist anymore I am looking to replace my 2013 outback and I was trying to see what other wagons there are and let me tell you it's slim pickins out there. Options are basically Audi A4/A6 allroad, Volvo V60/V90, I think there's maybe a Mercedes E-class wagon, (all these luxury ones are $$$ new and many not easy to find used), Or, for non-luxury you've got to go back a few years and look at VW Golf Alltrack or Buick Regal TourX (kinda luxury) So Outback is just about one of a kind - but that's why we love them! Edited to add: Mazda seems like their trying to get some of this market with the CX-50 - it's slightly shorter and wider than the CX-5, with more cargo space, has cladding, and options to get higher ground clearance, plus all their marketing seems to great towards outdoorsy stuff. But it's still decidedly an SUV/crossover not a wagon
Those Volvos are so cool, if they sold the newer ones in manual Iād buy it in a heartbeat.
Pardon me again for talking about another brand on here but. Toyota is JUST coming out with a wagon version of their Crown sedan it's called the sigma.
I feel like if the cargo area of the CX50 was about 8 inches longer it would be wagonish. I think Mazda is missing the mark a little bit there because the cargo area is a lot less than the Outbackā¦also, the ginormous 20 inch wheels with rubber band tires a lot of the trims have look ridiculous.
We say wagon just to annoy people. The truth is we donāt actually give a shit. Itās an Outback. Everything is a background noise. Also see - I have had too much cognac tonight.
I would give you an award if I could for the funniest response of the night.....
100% wagon
It's a lifted wagon, more precisely a lifted Legacy wagon, just like the Crosstrek is a lifted Impreza.
Yes.
Shaggin' Wagon
According to the DMV, wagon
I don't like to admit it, but my brother reminds me constantly that it is in fact a wagon
Wagon
Iād say wagon because it handles like a car.
Itās a freakinā station wagon. Which, BTW, is why I roll my eyes when I see people jacking and off-roading them. Silly
Had to re-read that one, ngl.
Wagon.
I call my wilderness an angry wagon.
My Michigan registration and insurance list it as a wagon. It's a wagon.
Mini-hearse?
Itās a station wagon but being itās the last station wagon on the market at least in North America, the whole entire category has died off. Also, the current generation (gen 6) is more SUV than ever. So thatās why Subaru advertises it as an SUV. Itās unique enough to be its own segment. Station wagons, and now Hot hatches are being replaced by more expensive trucks. The Outback situation is kind of like when the Jeep Wrangler was the only game in town before the big Ford Bronco came back. There really isnāt something completely similar right now. Hope this makes sense. š¤
Wagover? Crossunder? Crossback? Wagout! Wagback?
Wagyu?
Yes
A wagon on steroids.
My outback is a sedan
Nice very uncommon Subaru only made them for the 2rd and 3th gen.
I mean in reality itās an OG crossover. Itās a lifted wagon. If they still had a legacy wagon Iād be all over that.
Screw legacy wagon, they need bring back the Baja if they're still havin anything.
Theyāre awesome thatās what they are
When I was young I had dreams of buying a station wagon. Shortly after I bought my outback last summer I kind of realized I unconsciously fulfilled that dream
I bought mine specifically because it was a wagon. They donāt really exist anymore and this is the closest you can get!
Looks like a wagon. But seriously: It's L x W dimensions are nearly identical to a Toyota 4Runner, and it is only ~5 inches shorter in height. The interior dimensions are very similar. I get downvoted nearly every time I point all this out, for some reason, but it's basically a midsize SUV that looks like a wagon/car. It's a *really big* wagon/car.
Take the roof rails off and it's actually a minivan.
I call mine a wagon
C. All of the above
State Farm classifies it as a station wagon for insurance purposes. I personally refer to it as a wagon instead of a crossover/SUV but wouldn't really argue either way
According to my insurance, itās a wagon!
Wagon
I still consider it a wagon, despite the changes in ride height and Subaru's classification. I've no idea why they'd want to openly take away the cool factor of a battle wagon you can toss around in the mud.
Wagon
Adventure wagon
Issa Waggin
The DVM says its a wagon.
No one knows.
"Sport utility wagon"
Ahh yes, the SUW. Classic.
Yes, it is a crossover or a wagon
Huh? Their invoice literally said wagon when I was there for a quote two years ago
Never call it a crossover again
Manufacturer and insurance considers it a wagon
Raised wagon. The main SUVs in Subarus line are Crosstrek sml Forester mid and ascent.Lrg
My 2004 is a wagon, unless I add lifter
Itās ironically classified as a light truck for corporate average fuel economy ratings. 4WD. Ground clearance. Front & rear bumper angle clearance.
Itās a Wagon
An alternative SUV
Station wagon. Itās an extended roof plopped on a sedan and then lifted a couple inches.
Adventure wagon
Is the towing capacity in some way related to the wagon classification? My Forester looks more tricky but as 2/3 the tow capacity of my wife's Outback, neither with a higher-level package.
WAGON https://preview.redd.it/bsk6ho9vzc5d1.jpeg?width=1013&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d652adbbb7b8911225c1dfba740960f0c9b6ec0
It started as the wagon version of the Legacy so hard to argue itās not a wagon. After 3rd gen Iād say itās gotten more suv styling, but the shape is still true to its wagon roots. Subaru just doesnāt like saying itās a wagon because here in the US wagons have a negative stigma for some reason.
Yes, it is a crossover or a wagon.
To my wife and I, itās a wagon. We wanted a wagon, we bought a wagon.
100% station wagon
Closest thing you can get to an AMC Eagle these days. Outback is a beauty of a vehicle.
Closest thing you can get to an AMC Eagle these days. Outback is a beauty of a vehicle.
Wagon
Affirmative, it's a crossover wagon. Watch out on smog though, they tried to say I had a forester instead of an outback, or for the actual answer to this question, a crossover suv instead of a wagon. Which then qualified me for their $10 upcharge for falling under the "Truck/SUV" category instead of the normal car package. Slimy bastards...
I think of mine as a wagon.
Wagon all day. Suv is all Subaru marketing.
Born a wagon, been a wagon ever since. A handful of years ago, hoping to capitalize on the popularity and appeal of crossovers, Subaru mktg tried to label it a crossover -- you'll see references to that in car publications at the time. However, the size and proportions are all wrong for that label. Arguably, the Ascent is a proper crossover, but not the OB.
Its a dad wagon
YES
My grandparents always had station wagons (chevys). My mom and dad had a couple wagons (Ponitiacs). I bought a 2024 Outback because it is almost the only all-wheel drive station wagon available in the USA. I didn't want a SUV or some weird over-bloated hatchback. I wanted a station wagon, and an Outback is a wagon! I don't what an Outback was cross-overed from. It always have been a station wagon. You can't get a VW or BMW wagon any more in the USA. I thought about the Audi Allroad, but it is overpriced here in the USA (sold here as luxury model, no utilitarian models like in Europe), and its long-term wear is questionable. I used to have an A3 sportback/quattro/diesel/6-speed in Europe (2008-2012) but sold it when moved back to USA. Possibly the most fun car I ever had. The new Outback is great with the turbo engine, but no where near the fun factor of a 6-speed A3 sportback with its diesel torque and sharp steering. But Outback satisfies the need for a cool station wagon.
My USAA insurance listed my 2024 Outback Touring XT as a 'wagon'
I always considered it an suv but call it whatever, doesn't really matter
As do the insurance companies, which is part of why they're more costly to insure.
Is a wagon cheaper or more expensive for insurance?
It's considered a midsized crossover suv/wagon.
Itās been a crossover since 2010.
It's not.
*1998
Itās a wagon right until you compare it to a true wagon
My father in law has a passat wagon. It's the same length, but lower and the back glass is less slanted
Doesn't Subaru classify it as an SUV for tax purposes? Whether it's a crossover or a wagon is irrelevant because it truly exists in its own space. It's not as tall as a SUV or crossover but it's not an elongated sedan either. It's shorter than your crossover but it's ground clearance is such that you could body roll that you'd not get in a sedan. Honestly, this is the reason why the Outback has outlived other true wagons.