Description: Compact Sport Wagon
Base MSRP Range: $24,795 - $35,695
Invoice Price Range: $23,187 - $33,066
Where built: USA

Subaru developed the first crossover sport wagon with the five-door Outback, which works like a tall station wagon or dropped-down SUV. It uses the Legacy platform but rides higher due to the elevated suspension.

Outback has three choices for powertrains. Base engine is a single-cam 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer producing 175 hp in 2006 with a five-speed manual transmission. It fits in Outback 2.5i and the uplevel 2.5i Limited. A turbo-charged boxer four-pack worth 250 hp goes to souped-up Outback 2.5 XT Limited sporting an air scoop on the hood. Top models -- Outback 3.0 R, the 3.0 R L. L. Bean and flagship Outback 3.0 R VDC Limited - tote Subaru's boxer six-cylinder unit that makes 250 hp through a five-speed SportShift automatic.

With the VDC Limited, VTD applies to the AWD system with VCD stability controller.