Expect 2015 Subaru Outback to come with three key features

It’s been reported that the new 2015 Subaru Outback will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show 2014 next month. But will Subaru be making major styling changes to the next-generation Outback? It’s been seen testing and various spy shots have captured the new 2015 Outback from various angles.

This is one thing we know for sure. Subaru won’t be changing the Outback much beyond giving the Outback some new “hawkeye” headlights and a new sculptured front end to rival that of the new Legacy sedan. The Outback is the number two selling model in the U.S. behind the new 2014 Subaru Forester SUV. Subaru won’t be messing with the recipe that has made them successful.

Outback will continue with its high profile ride, and taller stance that makes the wagon easy to get in and out of. The new 2015 Outback will likely get a new upgraded interior with new soft-touch materials. But don’t look for wholesale changes to the Outback. Subaru will stick with got them to the dance in the first place.

Subaru will stay with the core values that have made the Outback a success. The popular wagon started with the core values of good visibility, cargo carrying ability and versatility. It has remained true to those core values with all their multi-use vehicles, and they won’t be changing now with the new-generation Outback.

The secret to Subaru’s success has been for them to stick to the basics, and then keep improving on them every year and with every new generation. Another core value is staying with their excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive that comes in every Subaru vehicle except for the two-door BRZ sports car.

All 2015 Outback trim levels will likely be equipped with a newly refined version of the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls torque distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage. The system can send additional torque to the rear wheels either pro-actively or in response to slippage at the front wheels. Outback will continue to be an ideal multi-use vehicle for recreational use for those with adventurous spirits.

The newest Subaru wagon will also be getting the newly-tuned Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission. If it’s like the 2015 Legacy, Subaru will likely drop the six-speed manual gearbox and five-speed adaptive electronic automatic transmission in favor of the new CVT. This will improve the current 30/24 highway/city fuel mileage considerably. Look for the new Outback to also get 36 mpg highway with the 2.5i model.

Both the 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder and the 3.6-liter six-cylinder will continue on the new Outback multi-use vehicle. Both will be mated to the Lineartronic CVT for improved fuel-mileage. Subaru bumped up the 2.5-liter four 2 hp and Outback should see the same increase. The wagon will still come in base 2.5i, Premium and Limited trim models.

You can look for 2015 Outback to come with new safety technologies like the new-generation Subaru EyeSight Safety system. It will integrate Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. This advanced safety system uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology that was rated highest in front crash prevention system by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

What can we expect to see when Subaru officially unveils the new-generation 2015 Outback at the New York International Auto Show 2014 in April? Expect updated front end styling, a new upgraded interior and a new CVT automatic transmission that will give the 2015 Subaru Outback wagon improved fuel mileage.

Other 2015 Subaru Outback stories of interest.

• 2015 Subaru Outback will debut in New York with improved fuel mileage

Image source: Courtesy of Shane McKenzie via Subaru