Outback 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition & 2.5i Limited
For the best mileage, the 2.5i manual is your best bet, rated at 20/27 mpg city/highway. Along with 1 mpg better highway mileage, the five-speed stick will help you get better acceleration out of the base horizontally opposed four-cylinder. The automatic has enough oomph for grocery-getting and other errands, but it quickly gets winded when pushed hard. The transmission could use a fifth gear; in many cases you can press the gas pedal halfway down without inducing a downshift, which doesn't help your passing confidence.
Outback 3.0 R Limited
On the other end of the spectrum is the 3.0 R Limited's normally aspirated 3.0-liter H-6 engine, which shaves another city mpg in exchange for ... not much. As the table shows, it brings a negligible horsepower increase and much lower torque — at higher rpm, where you don't want it. This option is the key to towing 3,000-pound trailers, rather than 2,700 pounds with the four-cylinder. If you're not planning to tow, I just don't see the point of this engine.
See also:
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight
After parking in direct sunlight, drive with the windows open for a few minutes to allow outside air to circulate into the heated interior. This results in quicker cooling by the air conditioner. Keep ...
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
The performance and long life of your vehicle are dependent on how you handle and care for your vehicle while it is new.
Follow these instructions during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km):
• Do not r ...
Immobilizer system
This light blinks approximately 60 seconds after the ignition switch is turned
from “ON” position to the “Acc” or “LOCK” position or immediately after the key
is pulled out. Refer to “Immobilizer” ...