Subaru Outback compared with the Cadillac SRX

Safety

The Outback has standard whiplash protection, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the whiplash protection system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The SRX doesn't offer a whiplash protection system.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All Wheel Drive is standard on the Outback. But it costs extra on the SRX.

Both the Outback and the SRX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru Outback is safer than the SRX:

More stars indicate a better overall result. Lower numbers indicate better individual test results.

Engine

The Outback 3.6R's standard 3.6 DOHC 6 cyl. produces 24 lbs.-ft. more torque (247 vs. 223) than the SRX's standard 3.0 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Outback 3.6R is faster than the Cadillac SRX turbo V6 (automatics tested):

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Outback lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That's why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The SRX doesn't offer a boxer engine configuration.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Outback 3.6R gets better fuel mileage than the SRX 4 with its standard V6 (18 city/25 hwy vs. 17 city/23 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Outback uses regular unleaded gasoline. The SRX with the 2.8 turbo V6 engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

Transmission

The Outback offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The SRX doesn't offer a manual transmission.

The Outback offers an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no "steps" between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The SRX doesn't offer a CVT.

Tires and Wheels

The Outback has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn't available on the SRX, it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

For better maneuverability, the Outback's turning circle is 3.5 feet tighter than the SRX's (36.8 feet vs. 40.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Outback has a 1.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the SRX (8.7 vs. 7 inches), allowing the Outback to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The Subaru Outback may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 850 pounds less than the Cadillac SRX.

Passenger Space

The Outback has 4.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the SRX (105.4 vs. 100.6).

The Outback has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 1.8 inches more front legroom, .9 inches more rear headroom and 1.5 inches more rear legroom than the SRX.

Cargo Capacity

The Outback has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat up than the SRX with its rear seat up (34.3 vs. 29.8 cubic feet). The Outback has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat folded than the SRX with its rear seat folded (71.3 vs. 61.1 cubic feet).

Towing

The Outback's standard towing capacity is much higher than the SRX's (2700 vs. 0 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Outback is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the SRX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The Outback has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and fuel theft. The SRX doesn't offer a locking fuel door.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Outback owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Outback will cost $1435 to $2503 less than the SRX over a five-year period.

The Outback will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. Kiplinger's estimates that the Outback will retain a greater percentage of its original price after two and four years than the SRX.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Subaru Outback will be $14029 to $14388 less than for the Cadillac SRX.

Recommendations

The Subaru Outback has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

Motor Trend selected the Outback as their 2010 Sport Utility of the Year. The SRX has never been chosen.

The Outback was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine's "All Stars" for 2 of the last 2 years. The SRX hasn't been picked since 2005.