2015 Subaru Outback previewed ahead of New York auto show

Subaru plans to unveil the production version of the 2015 Subaru Outback at the New York auto show later this month, hot on the heels of the debut of the 2015 Subaru Legacy. The Outback is scheduled to go on sale at the end of 2014.

The sixth-generation Subaru Outback will feature exterior styling cues similar to those of the 2015 Legacy. That includes a wide hexagonal grille and headlights similar, though not identical, to those found on the Legacy. The front fascia of the 2015 Outback will also feature fog lights incorporated into the lower bumper and a dark-colored piece of trim along the bottom of the lip and air dam. The hood design will also be largely identical to the 2015 Legacy, featuring a clamshell shape with two curved lines leading from one of the edges of the hexagonal grille all the way to the A-pillar. The side mirrors appear to be a direct carryover from the newly redesigned Legacy.

The current fifth-generation Subaru Outback has been on sale since 2009 and has been offered with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission. The all-new 2015 Legacy will be offered with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine as well, making 175 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, and this is the powerplant we can expect to see in the Outback when it debuts in New York. Pricing for the Outback and the Legacy has not been announced, though the 2014 model started at $24,320 for the base trim.

The 2015 Outback will be unveiled on April 16, and it will be available to the public visiting the New York auto show starting on April 18.

The 2014 New York auto show runs April 16-27 and is expected to attract a range of production and concept cars including the 2015 Mustang convertible, BMW M4 convertible and next Hyundai Sonata. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage at autoweek.com/new-york-auto-show.

By Jay Ramey