The freshened 2013 Outback has an updated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that now produces 173 hp. It got 24 mpg overall in our tests with the CVT. The 3.6R version carries over the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic. Suspension tweaks made the ride considerably stiffer, but did tidy up the sloppy on-limit handling a bit. The Outback showcases Subaru's new EyeSight driver-assist system, with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. The base trim now has an upgraded audio system with Bluetooth capability, but the optional navigation system is not very intuitive.
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