This Subaru Outback video review includes information about its fuel economy, performance, pricing, interior capacity, competitors and standard all-wheel-drive system.

The next generation of Subaru's sugar-coated Legacy Station Wagon for North American consumers, the crossover-flavored Outback, arrives in showrooms this summer with pricing beginning from $24,895, not including a $850 (*) destination and delivery fee, for the base 2.5i model.

You get a choice of two powertrains, the standard 2.5-liter flat-four producing 175-horses and the optional 3.6-liter flat-six with 256-horses.

Both engines are paired to Subaru's Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with paddle shifters and all-wheel drive as standard, with the 2.5L model returning an estimated 25mpg city / 33mpg highway / 28mpg combined, and the 3.6L, 20mpg city / 27mpg highway / 22mpg combined.

The new 2015 Outback 2.5 is offered in three trim levels, with the base model featuring an infotainment system with a 6.2-inch touch-screen, HD Radio with single-disc CD Player and Bluetooth as standard, among others.

Another $2,100 gets you in the 2.5 Premium with an upgraded 7-inch Infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, power driver's seat, leather steering and shift handle, illuminated overhead console and front door pull handles.

If you add another $3,000 to that, you can enjoy the numerous comfort, styling and safety features of the 2.5 Limited, such as perforated leather seats, 18-inch rims, Harman/Kardon audio system, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The 3.6R is offered only in Limited trim, which gets all of the above plus HID low beam headlights with automatic height adjustment control and dual stainless exhaust tips.

The introduction of the all-new Subaru Outback in the UK and Europe should be cause for celebration among crossover buyers. It’s arguably one of the most enticing raised-ground-clearance packages out there, if what you’re looking for is not an entry level vehicle.

The UK order books for the Outback just opened, and as far as kit goes, even base trim models come generously equipped. The biggest issue is choosing the engine/gearbox combo – the 2.5-liter petrol can only be had with the CVT, yet the smaller 2.0-liter diesel can be had with either a six-speed manual or the variable one.

Strangely, Subaru has chosen to link up the petrol engine and CVT combo with the forward detection safety system. It’s quite dumb that you can only opt for that on the petrol model and makes absolutely no sense why they would do that, unless they really-really want to sell those 2.5-liter petrol cars… or not sell that many forward-collision warning systems, that is.

Does the new Outback do enough to keep Subaru drivers coming back? Brian Cooley gets behind the wheel and checks the tech.

Subaru's rugged estate alternative to SUVs is coming to the UK in its renewed form with sales of the Outback to officially kick off on 1 April 2015. Prices start at £27,995 OTR.

Already available in other markets around the world including the US, the new, fifth-generation Outback has a fresh design inside and out offering, according to Subaru, a "higher quality interior" along with new safety and comfort technologies compared to the outgoing model.

It also promises to be roomier with more storage and cabin space, as well as a 4.5 percent bigger boot capacity than before at 559 liters with the added practicality of an available Smart Power Tailgate.

Two boxer engines will be available in the UK, a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel producing 148hp (150PS) and 350 Nm torque, or a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter petrol unit rated at 173hp (175PS) and 235 Nm. The more popular diesel can be had with either a 6sp manual or a Lineartronic CVT, while the petrol will be offered solely with the Lineartronic.

Buyers can also choose from two trim levels. The basic SE includes the following: "automatic LED headlamps and headlamp washers, cruise control, Active Torque Vectoring, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat and privacy glass, as well as a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, incorporating satellite navigation, audio, smartphone connectivity and a rear view parking camera."

The SE Premium adds a "sunroof, keyless entry and push-button start, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and a powered rear tailgate".