The 2011 Subaru Outback specs include a 2.5-liter SOHC, 3.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy 24-valve 6-cylinder horizontally opposed Subaru Boxer engine with Dual active Valve Control System. All-wheel drive system, and reliable fuel economy. This guide covers engine performance, MPG, price, and key features of the 2011 Outback.
2011 Subaru Outback Overview
The 2011 Subaru Outback is a versatile midsize crossover wagon that blends SUV-like capability with the comfort and handling of a car. Known for its rugged appeal and standard all-wheel drive, the Outback is a popular choice for those who value practicality, safety, and all-weather performance.
2011 Subaru Outback Highlights
Subaru Boxer Engine
Better engines start with better ideas. That’s why we think about engines a little differently. And it’s why every Subaru is powered by the SUBARU BOXER ® engine. It features a unique horizontally opposed design and symmetrical layout. The design advantages it has over “V” or inline engines means it provides powerful, yet smooth acceleration, while at the same time helping to create a more stable and balanced vehicle. It’s an insightful difference that has the power to make driving more engaging.
Quicker Response
There are only four small patches of rubber that keep you in control of your vehicle. The more your tires are engaged the more control you have. Subaru keeps more power routed to all four tires than some other systems that only fully engage as a reaction to slippage that has already occurred.
Better Balance
Every Subaru is built for AWD from the ground up. This allows us to build a balanced, symmetrical drivetrain that is free of the extra components some other systems need to get power to all four wheels. This symmetry and balance means stability that helps make driving your Subaru safer and agility that makes it more fun.
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Wherever, whenever, or however you drive, control and confidence come from one place—where your tires meet the road. Subaru has spent nearly 40 years developing a system to get the most of those few points of contact, for traction and control that will help you feel empowered on rough roads and in bad weather. A system that can make smooth roads more engaging, and can help you avoid danger with greater surety. Discover the balance and stability that Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive delivers, knowing that your Subaru is ready to get you out there wherever that may be.
Engine and Drive-train
| Engine and Drive-train | 2.5i | 3.6R |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed 4-cylinder Subaru boxer ® engine with i-active Valve Lift System. | 3.6-liter DOHC aluminum alloy 24-valve 6-cylinder horizontally opposed Subaru bOxer engine with Dual active Valve Control System. |
| Power | 170 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 256 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 247 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Manual transmission | Fully synchronized 6-speed manual 2.5i and 2.5i Premium: Standard 2.5i Limited: Not available | Not available |
| Automatic transmission | Lineartronic ™ CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with 6-speed manual mode and paddle shifters. 2.5i and 2.5i Premium: Optional 2.5i Limited: Standard | Standard 5-speed automatic with manual mode, paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching control |
| CA Emissions | SuLeV2 (PZEV)1 and LEV2 | LEV2/ULEV2 |
Fuel & MPG
| Engine | 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited | 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (city/highway) | Manual: 19/27 mpg CVT: 22/29 mpg | 18/25 mpg |
| Fuel requirement | Unleaded gasoline (87 octane) | Unleaded gasoline (87 octane) |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 gallons | 18.5 gallons |
Stability and Traction
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Standard
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
VDC electronic stability control utilizes sensors which constantly monitor wheel speeds, steering angle, brake pressure, vehicle yaw rate and lateral g-forces. If VDC detects a difference between the driver’s intended path and the one the vehicle is actually taking, VDC applies braking power and/or reduces engine torque to help correct vehicle path.
Traction Control System (TCS)
VDC also incorporates an all-wheel, all-speed traction control system which senses a loss of traction and applies braking force to the slipping wheel or wheels as necessary to maintain vehicle motion
Chassis
| Steering | Engine-speed-sensing variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion. Turning circle: 36.8 feet. |
| Suspension | 4-wheel independent raised suspension. Front: MacPherson strut type. rear: Double-wishbone. Front and rear stabilizer bars. |
| Brakes | 4-wheel disc (2.5i models: ventilated front. 3.6R models: ventilated front and rear). 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS with electronic brake-force Distribution (EBD). |
| Brake discs (front/rear) | 11.6 inches/11.3 inches 12.4 inches/11.4 inches |
| Brake assist | When emergency braking is detected by how quickly the brake pedal is pressed, maximum brake pressure is immediately applied. |
2011 Subaru Outback Safety Features
- Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- SUBARU BOXER ® Engine
- 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Passive
- Dual-stage deployment driver and front-passenger front airbags (SRS) 4
- Subaru advanced frontal airbag system (SRS) 4
- Side-curtain airbags protecting front and rear outboard occupants (SRS) 4
- Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags (SRS) 4
- Height-adjustable front seat head restraints
- Three individual rear head restraints
- Height-adjustable 3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
- 3-point rear seatbelts at all seating positions.
- Rear child-safety door locks
- LATCH system: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
- Rollover sensor
2011 Subaru Outback – FAQs
What trims were available?
The 2011 Outback came in multiple trims:
2.5i (Base)
2.5i Premium
2.5i Limited
3.6R
3.6R Premium
3.6R Limited
Is the 2011 Subaru Outback reliable?
Reliability rating: ~4/5
Known for: Strong AWD system
Long-term durability
What are the advantages (Pros) of the 2011 Subaru Outback?
Standard AWD – excellent in rain, mud, and rough roads
Spacious interior and cargo capacity (~71 cu ft max)
Comfortable ride quality
Good safety ratings and features
Strong H6 engine option (3.6R)
Practical wagon design (SUV alternative)
What are the disadvantages (Cons) of the 2011 Subaru Outback?
CVT transmission issues (key concern)
Base engine (2.5i) feels underpowered
Fuel economy is average
Interior quality is basic vs modern cars
Some engine noise under load
