$28,833 Msrp Outback Limited Awd Automatic Heated Leather Moonroofs on 2040-cars

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Subaru planning modular platform, seven-seat SUV, plug-in hybrid

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles isn't the only big name in the auto industry releasing details on its future plans. Subaru, and its parent company Fuji Heavy Industries, is aiming to bump its North American sales up from 478,000 to 600,000 by 2020. Now, that seems pretty reasonable, especially in the face of FCA's hugely ambitious goals for Alfa Romeo and Maserati. It's how Subaru will go about increasing the sales, though, that has us intrigued.
A focus on more fuel-efficient, direct-injection engines will complement a new platform, while the company is contemplating expanding capacity at its Indiana factory, which will now have more room since Toyota Camry production will be ending there.
As for that new platform, it's called the Subaru Global Platform. Original, we know. It's a modular deal and will eventually underpin a vast range of future Subies following its debut in 2016. The new platform may also end up underpinning a seven-seat SUV, which would serve as the successor to the Tribeca and debut between 2016 and 2020, according to Automotive News.

Subaru is America's third most off-roaded brand

When you think of iconic off-road brands, where does Subaru fall on your radar? Somewhere in the middle? Perhaps near the bottom? Don't worry, you're not alone. Until recently spending some time in Bend, OR, where we drove the all-new 2015 Subaru Outback, we never really pegged the Japanese automaker to be a highly lauded brand among off-road enthusiasts, despite many of the company's products actually being quite capable when the going gets rough.
But the data says we're wrong. According to a 2013 J.D. Power study, Subaru vehicles have some of the highest use off road compared to other brands - of course "off road" here just means anything not on a paved road, so even gravel trails and tame two-tracks count in these statistics. Nearly 29.5 percent of its cars are used on trails and dirt roads, with only the Ram and Jeep brands besting that statistic, at 30.2 and 31.0 percent, respectively. Said another way, Subaru sold 424,683 vehicles in the US in 2013, meaning that some 125,281 saw off-road use. Mainstream brands like GMC, Ford and Chevrolet all trail Subaru, and even Land Rover comes in at less than 20 percent.
Some 34.7 percent of Outbacks are taken off paved roads, according to J.D. Power data.

2019 Subaru Legacy, Outback cost more, but get more features

As with the Subaru Impreza, the 2019 Subaru Legacy and 2019 Subaru Outback are seeing price increases for the new model year. The starting price for the base model Legacy 2.5i starts at $23,430, an increase of $375 over the 2018 model. The Outback's starting price of $27,320 is up by $510. These prices are listed with destination charges included. The higher trim levels mostly creep up as well, with the exception of the Legacy 3.6R Limited and Outback 3.6R Limited, which have both dropped in price slightly. The full list of price changes can be seen in the table below. Although prices have gone up, Subaru compensates a bit by now including EyeSight on every single version of the Legacy and Outback, including the base trims. EyeSight includes a suite of driver safety aids such as automatic forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. On the previous 2018 model Legacy, EyeSight was not available on the standard model, and was an option on all other trims. On the 2018 Outback, EyeSight was only standard on the 2.5i Touring and 3.6R Touring, and was an option for Premium, Limited and 3.6R Limited. It wasn't available at all on the base 2.5i. The 2019 Legacy 2.5i Sport also picks up blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features. Both the Legacy and Outback see a few little interior tweaks, too. All models now get an instrument panel that includes a 5-inch LCD display. The 2.5i trim gets extra lighting and a pair of front USB ports, and Premium and Limited trims get a standard auto-dimming mirror with compass and Homelink garage door opening button. These 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles will be arriving on dealer lots over the summer, so they should be there soon if not already. Subaru Legacy 2018 2019 2.5i $23,055 $23,430 2.5i Premium $25,155 $25,580 2.5i Sport $27,205 $27,680 2.5i Limited $29,955 $30,130 3.6R Limited $32,805 $32,430 Subaru Outback 2.5i $26,810 $27,320 2.5i Premium $28,910 $29,420 2.5i Limited $33,610 $33,820 2.5i Touring $37,405 $37,770 3.6R Limited $36,310 $35,970 3.6R Touring $39,605 $39,970 Related Video: