1998 Subaru Outback 2.5L 4AT AWD (156 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Just four years after it introduced the Outback nameplate in its inventory, Subaru launched the second generation of this moniker in 1998 in Japan, with sales starting in 1999 and 2000 for other markets.

The second generation of the Outback came just a few months after the launch of the Legacy’s third generation. Subaru already knew that customers were no longer satisfied with regular station wagons and tried to offer them something more. Thanks to the higher ground clearance and the all-wheel drive system, the Outback was alone on a market filled with people looking for a vehicle able to do more than just carry five adults and plenty of luggage in the back on asphalt. That was way too easy, and everybody could do it. Subaru, on the other hand, thanks to its vast experience in producing all-wheel drive systems, could provide something more, and that was the Outback.

Thanks to the higher ground clearance than the Legacy Wagon, on which platform the Outback was based, Subaru could install a beefier front bumper fitted with large round fog lamps on the lower side. These flanked a lower air intake that helped to cool the engine. In addition, thanks to the contrasting color of the bodywork, the crossover could stand apart from its competitors.

From the outside, the plastic claddings on the bodywork matched the front and rear bumpers’ color, offering additional protection against minor scratches, such as those caused by bushes and shopping carts. But Subaru was also known for its frameless doors, which it kept for the Outback’s second generation. In addition, the black B- and C-pillars added a sporty image to the vehicle. Last but not least, the Outback also featured black D-pillars, which created a wrap-around glass-looking area for the rearmost part of the crossover.

Inside, the automaker improved the quality of the materials over the previous generation. It also expanded the options list and added a dual-panel glass moonroof. The lower trim levels featured fabric upholstery, while the best-equipped one offered a leather-wrapped cabin. The driver fronted a simple analog instrument cluster fitted with large dials for the tachometer and speedometer and smaller gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. On the center stack, a new sound system was added, while the center console housed the gear selector or the gear stick, depending on the option, and a small storage area. Behind the split-folding (60/40) bench seat, customers could load up to 34.3 cu-ft (971 liters) of luggage with all seats in place and 68.6 cubic feet (1,943 liters) with the rear seats folded.

Under the hood, Subaru installed a 2.5-liter flat-four gasoline engine. Later, it added a 3.0-liter flat-six that made the car move quicker. The former version was available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic with a gated pattern for the shifter. The latter was a four-speed automatic affair only. Power went in all corners via Subaru’s proprietary all-wheel drive system.