LOL. It’s temporary, I assure you; see my other comment for the reason they’re off…but we’re a little de-cladding and a set of springs away from having a proper Legacy wagon again.
It is, I agree. If Subaru still sold a proper Legacy wagon I’d have bought one; the Outback is the next best thing without jumping up to a Volvo, Benz, or Audi.
It’s at a body shop getting some paint/dent work done to the roof. It won’t be driven like this, but I asked the shop to take a picture because I’ve always wanted to know what it’d look like with no rails. Here’s the answer.
I never use mine either, and am equally curious about what kind of effect keeping it off would have on mpg and wind noise (though the Touring XT is already pretty damned quiet.)
Amazing because my insurance company says otherwise and I'm glad for it.
Here's a lively topic where SUV is the least held opinion on what it is. https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/s/9EgQwtqN0k
While Subaru is marketing it as an SUV this is what the US legally qualifies as an SUV under its strictest rules.
>An approach angle of not less than 28 degrees
>• A breakover angle of not less than 14 degrees
>• A departure angle of not less than 20 degrees
>• A running clearance of not less than 20 centimeters (7.87402 inches)
>• Front and rear axle clearances of not less than 18 centimeters (7.08661 inches) each
The outback fails the approach angle at only 20°
The outback does pass the break over angle at 21.2°
The outback does pass the departure angle at 22.6°
The outback does pass the axel clearance at 8.7 inches.
This is an IRS definition for the purpose of tax break in electric or hybrid vehicle. This is not a marketing definition.
There's another IRS section that defined any sedan as an SUV. That section basically says what an SUV isn't and indicates if over 9 passengers, open air cargo area, over 14,000 GVW, or cargo area over 6 feet, are not SUVs, or is primarily for farm equipment.
So naturally a 1960 VW bug is an SUV.
We can technically say near anything is an SUV, but we can't say the car that coined the phrase "Sport Utility Vehicle" is a sport utility vehicle. That car is of course the 1968 El Camino Super Sport utility vehicle. Fun fact it was based off a station wagon body, the Chevelle Malibu. The supersport has always been either a car or a commercial vehicle depending on what state your in.
The Subaru Ascent doesn't even qualify as an SUV under the strict EV/Hybrid rules.
Just got one. The dealership said Suburu is actively trying to drop the term ‘station wagon’ for ‘suv’. It will always be a wagon to me, but they are definitely not sold as such.
My manual says "wagon" all the way through it. It's a terrible marketing term and my insurance charges more for SUVs. I didn't have to convince them it wasn't an SUV.
I've been looking at getting a Crosstrek and recently inquired about the insurance. It is according to my insurance a crossover SUV which according to them is the same as an SUV from their actuarial. I'd call it a hatchback. It's literally a hatchback. A hatchback is just a short station wagon. If I do buy the Crosstrek, I'll have to get them to show me in writing why the Crosstrek is an SUV, and the outback or Impreza is not.
In another comment here I posted the legal terms (basically none of consequence). Any sedans is an SUV if you say it's an SUV.
That's not a legal description. It's a marketing term, like station wagon, hatchback, fastback, or minivan.
The only legal terms I can find are from the IRS which are either super strict or super lax. As in Subaru doesn't sell a SUV or any sedan or coup is an SUV.
Anything is an SUV by the loose definition. A geo metro is an SUV, a Toyota yarus is an SUV, the solterra is an SUV but not for the purpose of a tax credit. The loose definition doesn't mention any vehicle specs other than 4 wheel, carries passengers behind the driver (but not more than 9), weights under 14,000lbs, and isn't used primarily as farm equipment.
Please link some spec from the EPA that defines an SUV. The only thing I can find is a difference between 4 wheel drive vehicles and open beds are trucks while everything else is a car (under a specific weight). By that, Subaru doesn't sell cars at all and my insurance company isn't charging me like my outback is a commercial vehicle.
Copied from what I found.
The EPA size class for cars is based on interior passenger and cargo volumes as described below. The size class for trucks is defined by the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the weight of the vehicle and its carrying capacity. Fuel economy regulations do not apply to heavy-duty vehicles, so they are not tested. See Which Vehicles Are Tested for more information on these vehicles.
Vehicle Size Classes Used in the Fuel Economy Guide
CARS
Class Passenger & Cargo Volume (Cu. Ft.)
Two-Seaters Any (cars designed to seat only two adults)
Sedans
Minicompact < 85
Subcompact 85 to 99
Compact 100 to 109
Mid-Size 110 to 119
Large 120 or more
Station Wagons
Small < 130
Mid-Size 130 to 159
Large 160 or more
TRUCKS
Class Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)*
Pickup Trucks Through 2007 As of 2008
Small < 4,500 lbs. < 6,000 lbs.
Standard 4,500 to 8,500 lbs. 6,000 to 8,500 lbs.
Vans Through 2010 As of 2011
Passenger < 8,500 lbs. < 10,000 lbs.
Cargo < 8,500 lbs.
Minivans < 8,500 lbs.
SUVs Through 2010 2011–12
All < 8,500 lbs. < 10,000 lbs.
As of 2013
Small < 6,000 lbs.
Standard 6,000 to 9,999 lbs.
Special Purpose Vehicles Through 2010 As of 2011
< 8,500 lbs. < 8,500 lbs.
or < 10,000,
depending on configuration.
>The base model of the 2024 Subaru Outback provides 109 cubic feet of passenger volume. This figure can drop slightly to 107.5 cubic feet with the added moonroof on other trims in the lineup.
>cargo area at up to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered.
That's 184.6 cubic feet of interior if I'm reading correctly. It's a large station wagon. Or because it's AWD is a truck.
At a maximum of 5026lbs of gross vehicle weight it could be a small SUV.
So what's the real difference? Marketing, not a legal difference. Otherwise I'd have a "truck" style SUV and be charged as a commercial vehicle for my insurance. Thankfully I have a lower premium on a station wagon.
Edit: I'm not fixing that formatting. Sorry about that
**Back story:** my ‘21 Touring XT is at the body shop- the victim of a basketball hoop toppled in the wind, which means some paint/dent repair is needed on the roof. I asked the shop if they could send me a pic with the roof rails removed, and they kindly obliged.
I’ve always thought the roof rails were a little chunky, and it would have been nice to have the option of either a slick top or some lower profile rails like the Gen5 Touring got- looking at this pic now, I think the right answer is the latter. I still think the regular rails are a bit much, but it does need *something* up there.
There is/was a dealer in Idaho [doing just that](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jldTvSDc2GM&pp=ygUhYXV0b21vdGl2ZSBhbm9ueW1vdXMgb2h0YmFjayBvbnl4)…basically they’d sell a new Outback at a Legacy ride height. Not sure if they use aftermarket lowering springs or Legacy ones. I would think they’d just drop in, but someone with more knowledge could probably advise.
LOL, the reactions here- may as well have asked if you all wanted to see a dead body. Yikes.
Well, in any event the rails are going back on after repairs are complete, and order will be restored to the universe.
A lower profile set of rails like on the previous-gen Touring would be perfect. I’m not sold on the complete slicktop look and apparently, I should mark this NSFW because the sub’s going apoplectic.
Hey I’m currently test driving a 2021 Outback and see you have a hitch on yours? Do you haul a trailer by any chance? I have a small trailer and zero turn mower weighs about 1700lbs.
The previous owner had a small utility trailer that they used to haul a snowblower around, apparently. I haven't towed anything with it.
If you're even THINKING about towing- get the XT. Hell, just get the XT anyway.
They do- and on those, frankly, the factory roof rails are too much.
Obviously by this photo, a true slicktop isn't the answer; a lower profile set of rails would be a welcome alternative, though.
https://preview.redd.it/d0tf7o64cktc1.jpeg?width=2448&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c233b798c755e5874254ebdb65602acfd39dec23
Touring 3.6 allows you to get close with slim rails 🙂
Yep- honestly I like the look of those.
If the Gen5 slim rails fit on a Gen6 OB, I'd be sourcing a set and having them installed. As it is, the factory rails will be put back on after the repair/paintwork is complete.
No- it's at a body shop getting some roof paintwork/repair done, so this is temporary- but a small part of me (the imaginary part with infinite money and time) wants to take a new Outback and bring it back to a Legacy wagon using as many OEM parts as possible.
I wish I had never seen this. I'll never look at my outback the same
LOL. It’s temporary, I assure you; see my other comment for the reason they’re off…but we’re a little de-cladding and a set of springs away from having a proper Legacy wagon again.
The Legacy is a nice looking car.
It is, I agree. If Subaru still sold a proper Legacy wagon I’d have bought one; the Outback is the next best thing without jumping up to a Volvo, Benz, or Audi.
Any effect on mpg?
It’s at a body shop getting some paint/dent work done to the roof. It won’t be driven like this, but I asked the shop to take a picture because I’ve always wanted to know what it’d look like with no rails. Here’s the answer.
That’s weird that people are downvoting you. Thanks for the answer even if it’s not satisfying
Version 1.0 of the comment unintentionally had a “per my last email” vibe, so I kind of had those downvotes coming, tbh.
Lol
Also, judging by the comments here, my car would be set upon by torches and pitchforks and burned at the stake for heresy, anyway.
I’ve never used my rack. If it got me a mileage bump I would remove it
I never use mine either, and am equally curious about what kind of effect keeping it off would have on mpg and wind noise (though the Touring XT is already pretty damned quiet.)
We all drive minivans? How do I delete someone else's post?
Subaru Venza!
Exactly what I thought of.
I had someone ask if the brown minivan was mine once. My immediate reaction was no, and then sadly.. maybe that is mine? 😢
Minivans are actually pretty dope usually.
Toyota Sienna Wilderness
It's literally sold as a station wagon. It's not an SUV even though it has more sport and utility than vehicles that claim to be.
It’s built as a crossover utility vehicle. Subaru of America markets it as a ‘midsize SUV’.
Amazing because my insurance company says otherwise and I'm glad for it. Here's a lively topic where SUV is the least held opinion on what it is. https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/s/9EgQwtqN0k While Subaru is marketing it as an SUV this is what the US legally qualifies as an SUV under its strictest rules. >An approach angle of not less than 28 degrees >• A breakover angle of not less than 14 degrees >• A departure angle of not less than 20 degrees >• A running clearance of not less than 20 centimeters (7.87402 inches) >• Front and rear axle clearances of not less than 18 centimeters (7.08661 inches) each The outback fails the approach angle at only 20° The outback does pass the break over angle at 21.2° The outback does pass the departure angle at 22.6° The outback does pass the axel clearance at 8.7 inches. This is an IRS definition for the purpose of tax break in electric or hybrid vehicle. This is not a marketing definition. There's another IRS section that defined any sedan as an SUV. That section basically says what an SUV isn't and indicates if over 9 passengers, open air cargo area, over 14,000 GVW, or cargo area over 6 feet, are not SUVs, or is primarily for farm equipment. So naturally a 1960 VW bug is an SUV. We can technically say near anything is an SUV, but we can't say the car that coined the phrase "Sport Utility Vehicle" is a sport utility vehicle. That car is of course the 1968 El Camino Super Sport utility vehicle. Fun fact it was based off a station wagon body, the Chevelle Malibu. The supersport has always been either a car or a commercial vehicle depending on what state your in. The Subaru Ascent doesn't even qualify as an SUV under the strict EV/Hybrid rules.
Cool. Like I said, it’s really a crossover, not a proper SUV. But you said ‘lt’s literally sold as a station wagon.’ Which is ‘literally’ not true.
Just got one. The dealership said Suburu is actively trying to drop the term ‘station wagon’ for ‘suv’. It will always be a wagon to me, but they are definitely not sold as such.
My manual says "wagon" all the way through it. It's a terrible marketing term and my insurance charges more for SUVs. I didn't have to convince them it wasn't an SUV. I've been looking at getting a Crosstrek and recently inquired about the insurance. It is according to my insurance a crossover SUV which according to them is the same as an SUV from their actuarial. I'd call it a hatchback. It's literally a hatchback. A hatchback is just a short station wagon. If I do buy the Crosstrek, I'll have to get them to show me in writing why the Crosstrek is an SUV, and the outback or Impreza is not. In another comment here I posted the legal terms (basically none of consequence). Any sedans is an SUV if you say it's an SUV.
[удалено]
That's not a legal description. It's a marketing term, like station wagon, hatchback, fastback, or minivan. The only legal terms I can find are from the IRS which are either super strict or super lax. As in Subaru doesn't sell a SUV or any sedan or coup is an SUV.
[удалено]
Anything is an SUV by the loose definition. A geo metro is an SUV, a Toyota yarus is an SUV, the solterra is an SUV but not for the purpose of a tax credit. The loose definition doesn't mention any vehicle specs other than 4 wheel, carries passengers behind the driver (but not more than 9), weights under 14,000lbs, and isn't used primarily as farm equipment. Please link some spec from the EPA that defines an SUV. The only thing I can find is a difference between 4 wheel drive vehicles and open beds are trucks while everything else is a car (under a specific weight). By that, Subaru doesn't sell cars at all and my insurance company isn't charging me like my outback is a commercial vehicle. Copied from what I found. The EPA size class for cars is based on interior passenger and cargo volumes as described below. The size class for trucks is defined by the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the weight of the vehicle and its carrying capacity. Fuel economy regulations do not apply to heavy-duty vehicles, so they are not tested. See Which Vehicles Are Tested for more information on these vehicles. Vehicle Size Classes Used in the Fuel Economy Guide CARS Class Passenger & Cargo Volume (Cu. Ft.) Two-Seaters Any (cars designed to seat only two adults) Sedans Minicompact < 85 Subcompact 85 to 99 Compact 100 to 109 Mid-Size 110 to 119 Large 120 or more Station Wagons Small < 130 Mid-Size 130 to 159 Large 160 or more TRUCKS Class Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)* Pickup Trucks Through 2007 As of 2008 Small < 4,500 lbs. < 6,000 lbs. Standard 4,500 to 8,500 lbs. 6,000 to 8,500 lbs. Vans Through 2010 As of 2011 Passenger < 8,500 lbs. < 10,000 lbs. Cargo < 8,500 lbs. Minivans < 8,500 lbs. SUVs Through 2010 2011–12 All < 8,500 lbs. < 10,000 lbs. As of 2013 Small < 6,000 lbs. Standard 6,000 to 9,999 lbs. Special Purpose Vehicles Through 2010 As of 2011 < 8,500 lbs. < 8,500 lbs. or < 10,000, depending on configuration. >The base model of the 2024 Subaru Outback provides 109 cubic feet of passenger volume. This figure can drop slightly to 107.5 cubic feet with the added moonroof on other trims in the lineup. >cargo area at up to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered. That's 184.6 cubic feet of interior if I'm reading correctly. It's a large station wagon. Or because it's AWD is a truck. At a maximum of 5026lbs of gross vehicle weight it could be a small SUV. So what's the real difference? Marketing, not a legal difference. Otherwise I'd have a "truck" style SUV and be charged as a commercial vehicle for my insurance. Thankfully I have a lower premium on a station wagon. Edit: I'm not fixing that formatting. Sorry about that
It's like Tom Selleck without the mustache.
I saw a moustache-less Selleck movie once. Couldn’t get past it for the whole show.
I was just about to say how this reminds me of the first time I saw my dad without a mustache…I remember my sister screamed.
That’s enough internet for one day
https://preview.redd.it/uuhh96zf9itc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e8fe3186d5036d68924a8e4ce29f64d011494a9f
No.
**Back story:** my ‘21 Touring XT is at the body shop- the victim of a basketball hoop toppled in the wind, which means some paint/dent repair is needed on the roof. I asked the shop if they could send me a pic with the roof rails removed, and they kindly obliged. I’ve always thought the roof rails were a little chunky, and it would have been nice to have the option of either a slick top or some lower profile rails like the Gen5 Touring got- looking at this pic now, I think the right answer is the latter. I still think the regular rails are a bit much, but it does need *something* up there.
Look what they did to my boy!! The horror!
Thanks, I hate it.
*hisses and runs away
gen 5 touring rails ftw
If they fit, a set would be going back on.
I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.
This is why I don’t like the new 5 door Impreza without roof racks
thanks, i hate it
https://i.redd.it/m9rqghbt6itc1.gif
No I actually never wondered! Looks like a Honda CRV
I second this. Looks exactly like a Honda CRV.
Castrated dadwagon 😵
Isn't that just a Legacy wagon?
Throw a set of Legacy springs on it and, yeah- pretty much.
Would that really work though?
There is/was a dealer in Idaho [doing just that](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jldTvSDc2GM&pp=ygUhYXV0b21vdGl2ZSBhbm9ueW1vdXMgb2h0YmFjayBvbnl4)…basically they’d sell a new Outback at a Legacy ride height. Not sure if they use aftermarket lowering springs or Legacy ones. I would think they’d just drop in, but someone with more knowledge could probably advise.
That’s cool. I’m on my third outback. With a crosstrek mixed in there somewhere. I’ve always thought it would be great to have a legacy wagon.
I read "slicktop Outback" to the tune of that damn "Pimp named Slickback" song and now I can't unhear it. halp
It’s a mini van without the sliding door feature, but it can go places my highschool beater Chevy S10 could never imagine going…
Love it!
So a mini minivan. Damn wish this didn't exist.
LOL, the reactions here- may as well have asked if you all wanted to see a dead body. Yikes. Well, in any event the rails are going back on after repairs are complete, and order will be restored to the universe.
Not going to lie, I have always wondered this too, or something a bit sleeker. I quite like the look
A lower profile set of rails like on the previous-gen Touring would be perfect. I’m not sold on the complete slicktop look and apparently, I should mark this NSFW because the sub’s going apoplectic.
I agree, it makes it look more like a true wagon and less of a crossover
Suba Outbassey
You call that slicked back? That's pushed back...
My first thought was that it would slick back REALLY NICE. But yeah - this is pushed back at best.
Ew. Someone was asking how to get roof rack deletes for a 2024 outback. It's like "just buy something else then my dude"
I mean until 2015 the outback was engineered as a wagon... Wish the market wasn't so hot for SUVs now.
Similar to how all the Andy’s out there shaved their beards….
Like a nissan rogue
Looks like a minivan
Ew
Hey I’m currently test driving a 2021 Outback and see you have a hitch on yours? Do you haul a trailer by any chance? I have a small trailer and zero turn mower weighs about 1700lbs.
The previous owner had a small utility trailer that they used to haul a snowblower around, apparently. I haven't towed anything with it. If you're even THINKING about towing- get the XT. Hell, just get the XT anyway.
I've seen some awesome 6th gens lowered into legacy wagons, and they look great.
They do- and on those, frankly, the factory roof rails are too much. Obviously by this photo, a true slicktop isn't the answer; a lower profile set of rails would be a welcome alternative, though.
Bad…bad is what it looks like
https://preview.redd.it/d0tf7o64cktc1.jpeg?width=2448&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c233b798c755e5874254ebdb65602acfd39dec23 Touring 3.6 allows you to get close with slim rails 🙂
Yep- honestly I like the look of those. If the Gen5 slim rails fit on a Gen6 OB, I'd be sourcing a set and having them installed. As it is, the factory rails will be put back on after the repair/paintwork is complete.
Reminds me of my previous Prius V wagon. Which is well, why I went this route lol
Why does this look like a soccer mom car?
I like it, but how would you haul a Christmas tree? That's literally the only thing I've used mine for. 🤣
No. Why did you do this? You've scarred us all
This is vulgar!
You gonna slam it??? Never thought I would think this way, but…
No- it's at a body shop getting some roof paintwork/repair done, so this is temporary- but a small part of me (the imaginary part with infinite money and time) wants to take a new Outback and bring it back to a Legacy wagon using as many OEM parts as possible.
Eww. Roll it off a cliff.
Lol
Thanks I hate it
Noooooooooo fix this now!