Subaru restyled its two midsize cars, the Legacy and Outback, for 2007. The Outback's makeover is milder than that of the Legacy, as it doesn't affect much beyond the front. Tweaks include a slightly modified interior, as well as an upgraded automatic transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters for six-cylinder Outbacks. Subaru's SI-Drive feature, which allows drivers to choose from three preset levels of accelerator and transmission response, becomes available on six-cylinder Outbacks.

Trim levels range from the base Outback through the fully loaded L.L.Bean edition, the latter now available on both four- and six-cylinder Outbacks. The lineup offers sedan and wagon versions of nearly all trim levels. The Outback Sport, though related by name, is actually based on Subaru's smaller Impreza.

Subaru continues to pair various horizontally opposed engines with the Outback, ranging from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder to a 3.0-liter six-cylinder. With standard all-wheel drive and available premium features like a dual-pane moonroof and a navigation system, the Outback competes against midsize and premium wagons — among them the Mazda6 wagon and Volvo V50.

Exterior
Higher trim levels of the Outback lose their two-tone paint scheme for a monotone bumper with gray cladding at its lower edges. Every Outback boasts a redesigned hood and fenders, but most onlookers will be hard-pressed to tell the difference. More easily apparent is the new grille, whose chrome surroundings and upright shape share little with that of the 2007 Outback. A winged bar bisects the grille, holding Subaru's star-studded emblem front and center.

Interior
The Outback's slight interior changes include a new tilt/telescoping steering wheel, as well as restyled gauges and new seat fabric. All six-cylinder models have electroluminescent gauges, a feature confined to just a few upper-crust Outbacks last year. SI-Drive controls sit behind the transmission, and redundant buttons for the feature perch on the steering wheel. Combined with the optional audio and cruise buttons and transmission paddle shifters, they turn the steering wheel into a computer keyboard of controls — something that might seem overwhelming at first.

All Outbacks come fairly well-equipped with power windows and door locks, a CD stereo and remote keyless entry. The lavishly appointed L.L.Bean edition includes heated leather upholstery, power front seats and a navigation system.

Under the Hood
The base Outback employs a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder sits under the hood of the Outback 2.5 XT; it makes 243 hp. The Outback 3.0 L.L.Bean uses a 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder with 245 hp. A five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission is available with the base engine, while the turbocharged engine and the six-cylinder use a five-speed automatic. The five-speed automatic includes paddle shifters for manual control.

As with all Subarus, the Outback comes with standard all-wheel drive. Subaru is performing fuel tests as of this writing, but the automaker expects the 2008 four-cylinder engines to achieve slightly better fuel economy than the previous models.

Subaru's SI-Drive, now included with the turbocharged engine and the six-cylinder, allows drivers to choose between three settings for accelerator response and transmission shift points. Intelligent mode allows for up to 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, while Sport mode offers more aggressive dynamics. At the expense of fuel economy, Sport Sharp mode offers even quicker accelerator response, as well as performance-oriented transmission shift patterns.

Safety
Side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and all-disc antilock brakes are standard. Six-cylinder and turbocharged Outbacks also include an electronic stability system.