Two new features to look for on the all-new 2015 Subaru Outback

In 13 days we’ll get to see the all-new restyled 2015 Subaru Outback wagon at the New York International Auto Show 2014. The 2015 Outback will be unveiled to the world at the press briefing on April 17 at the Subaru booth for the first time. Fuji Heavy Industries FHI, FHI President & CEO, Yasuyuki Yoshinaga will take the covers off the new Subaru wagon. What will be different about Subaru’s flagship Outback wagon?

Subaru says the new 2015 Outback is their flagship crossover model which “blends car-like handling and SUV capability” , which tell us everything we need to know. The Outback is Subaru’s number two selling model in the U.S. behind the popular new 2014 Subaru Forester SUV. Because Subaru has a formula for success, they won’t be messing with the recipe that has made them successful. But there are big changes coming for the Subaru flagship model.

What are the values that Subaru will stay with on the new Outback? The small Japanese automaker will stay 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 2015 Outback.

We do know the new-gen Outback will be getting a new restyled front end to rival that of the 2015 Legacy sedan that made its debut in Chicago earlier this year. Outback will get the new “hawkeye” headlights and a new sculptured front end. The flagship crossover will continue with its high profile ride, taller stance, and easy load height with the rear hatch.

Look for the new 2015 Outback to feature a new upgraded interior with new soft-touch materials. It will also come with Subaru’s new-generation EyeSight safety system that 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).

The biggest improvements will be coming to the drivetrain. 2015 Outback will continue with the 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder and the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engines. But the biggest new improvement for the Outback wagon will be improved fuel mileage because of a new CVT transmission.

Both 2.5-liter and 3.6-liter six-cylinder engines will be mated to the newly-tuned Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission for improved fuel-mileage. Subaru bumped up the 2.5-liter four 2 hp in the Legacy and Outback should see the same increase. The wagon will still come in base 2.5i, Premium and Limited trim models.

Subaru will also 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.

The all-new 2015 Subaru Outback U.S. spec model will make its world debut at the 2014 New York International Auto Show on April 17. The new 2015 Outback will be coming with at least two new features and improvements: the CVT automatic and improved fuel mileage over the outgoing model. Stay tuned to Torque News for the latest 2015 Outback news.

Other 2015 Subaru Outback stories of interest.

• 2015 Subaru Outback will make NY debut with improved fuel mileage
• Why the Subaru Outback is the most likely to go 200,000 miles