Page 3 of 6 Walk Around Last redesigned for the 2005 model year, the 2008 revisions are what we'd call a mid-cycle update. For 2008, the styling has been revised front and rear with all-new front sheetmetal, a larger grille opening, new front and rear bumper fascias, and new headlights and taillights. The Outback looks firmly planted. It is, in fact, firmly planted, but it's sleeker than ever if less odd-looking than older Subarus generally were. Nicely proportioned tire and wheel combinations and lower body protection at the ends give the impression of off-road-ability, though the fender arches are add-ons we'd prefer built in. The Subaru Outback is taller than its fraternal twin, the Legacy sedan. Large round fog lamps emphasize and soften the aggressive lower fascia. A low-rise air intake on the XT model's hood hints at power lurking beneath. On the XT and the 3.0R, the clear-lens turn indicators on the lower edges of the outside mirrors minimize their mass. Wide tires visually stretch the car's stance. Even while standing still, the Outback has a look of motion. That begins with the aerodynamic slope of the hood, made possible by the low profile of Subaru's horizontally opposed engines. The look of motion is enhanced through the wagon's roof line, which drops steadily rearward from the front doors. This design is functional, combining with the increasing inward tilt of the rear side windows to ease air flow beyond the wagon's tail end. Minimalist splashguards behind both wheel wells and cladding along the bottom of the doors make the body look tightly connected to its wheels, unlike many other off-road capable vehicles. On the rear of the wagon, all the lines (roof, rear window outline, beltline, bumper and rocker panel) draw inward toward the car's center, giving it a taut, neat finish. Large, geometric taillights cover the upper corners of the rear fenders. Small, almost demure backup lights are embedded high in the liftgate on each side of the chrome eyelid over the recess for the rear license plate. The secondary, high-mounted stop light is centered in the roof-high spoiler behind a stylish clear lens. The bumper has a plastic cover on it to avoid marring the paint hauling things or animals in and out.
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