The big change for the 2008 model year as far is the death of the Legacy wagon. Buyers can still get a Legacy with a liftgate, albeit with the Outback moniker attached. What this means is higher ground clearance and other details in an attempt to mimic an SUV. It also means the all-wheel drive sport sedan segment is pretty much left to Audi. That said, the pseudo SUV gets shifter paddles for the automatic transmissions, a remote keyless entry with integration ignition key, a tilt/telescopic steering column and a tire-pressure monitoring system as standard. Also, there is a revised rear suspension for more ride comfort, a redesigned instrument panel and revised interior fabrics, while exterior changes consist of revised front and rear styling, a larger grille opening, new fascias and new headlights and taillights.

Five trims of the Outback exist, powered by three engines. The first three, named simply Outback, Outback 2.5i and Outback 2.5i L.L. Bean Edition, are powered by Subaru's naturally-aspirated flat-four engine. It makes 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed manual can be ordered, and it drinks regular unleaded to the tune of 19 mpg in the EPA's city cycle and 26 mpg on the highway. The optional four-speed automatic is rated at 20 / 26 mpg, respectively.

The next one up, the Outback 2.5XT Limited, gets a turbocharged 2.5 liter flat-four engine, good for 243 hp at 6,000 rpm and 241 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. Fuel economy, with 91-octane gasoline in the tank, is rated at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, regardless of transmission choice (the optional automatic is a five-speed).

The range-topper is the 3.0 R L.L. Bean Edition, which joins the lineup for 2008. It is powered by Subaru's 3.0 liter flat-six engine, rated at 245 hp at 6,600 rpm and 215 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm and 91-octane gasoline is recommended. The only transmission offered is a five-speed automatic, and the combo returns 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Equipment levels vary, with the bottom-rung Outback rolling on 16-inch steel wheels with cover, while the range-topper has 17-inch alloys. The bottom two models make do with a manual air-conditioning system and a single-CD player while the others have a dual-zone climate control system and a six-disc in-dash changer.

Major options (the Outback can only get an automatic and long list of accessories) include leather seating packages, a vehicle stability program (Subaru's VDC), a choice of moonroofs, upgraded stereo, and navigation system, most bundled in packages and not all available in all models.

Dealer-installed options are numerous and can be added to any Outback.