5 Questions About the 2020 Subaru Outback Answered

We take a closer look at the new Subaru Outback unveiled in New York.

The 2020 Subaru Outback is one of the most significant models unveiled at this year’s New York Auto Show. Why, you ask? The Subaru Outback is a pioneer as an SUV, a CUV and a station wagon. This ideal mix of “do-anything” and “go-anywhere” abilities has made it a favorite among those who truly want to stand out and not drive an SUV.

Back in the mid-90s, trucks were trucks and cars were cars. And then Subaru launched one of the most popular and memorable marketing campaigns featuring Paul Hogan doing his thing in the Outback. Thankfully, Subaru nailed not only the advertising but the car was great. An icon was born.

Five generations later and the new 2020 Subaru Outback is poised to be the best, most polished and capable ever.

What’s New About The 2020 Subaru Outback?

Almost everything save for the unmistakable fact that it’s a Subaru Outback. The new 2020 car is built upon Subaru’s excellent Global Platform which, as we know from driving new Subies built on this rock, will be as solid as one and as compliant and comfortable as possible.

The base powertrain continues to be a normally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER-4 however 90% of its components are new and it generates 182-horsepower and 176 lb.-ft. of torque. The return of XT models means that the turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER engine will now serve the top trims and replace the old H6. It produces 260-horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm. It should make a generally good to drive car that much more fun.

The outer shell is fully revamped with wider fenders and raised rear gate, The cabin gets a once over as well and is quieter. A new available tablet-style 11.6-inch Full HD multimedia display stands as the centrepiece among many other luxury features.

What’s The 2020 Subaru Outback’s Price?

Pricing for the new Outback is not yet known. The 2019 model year car starts at $29,295 and tops out at $42,295. Our guess is that the new Outback’s base price will continue to hover around the $30,000 mark while the XT and new Onyx Edition XT will possibly be pricier than the 2019 3.6R Premier with EyeSight. We expect the XT will start between $41,000 and $42,000 and the loaded Onyx Edition may be priced closer to $44,000.

When Will It Be Released?

The new 2020 Subaru Outback is expected this fall. Official pricing will be announced closer to this date.

Who Will It Compete With?

The Outback has always taken on all SUVs and crossovers. Its reach and potential are practically unrivalled as it can be just as tame as a Honda CR-V and as wild and capable as a gussied-up Jeep Cherokee.

Among other competitors, we find the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen and Alltrack, Toyota RAV4, and these are only the compacts. Given its huge boot and overall dimensions, it can also tackle the likes of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Edge, Kia Sorento and more.

The Subaru Outback truly can do almost anything.

What Do We Think About the 2020 Subaru Outback?

We love it. We love everything about it, from design, to technology and can even stomach the standard Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission. And we say this without driving it.

Subaru is typically very conservative in the way it pushes product evolution. With exception of more torque, even the turbocharged XT Outback will still behave like an Outback. The new platform will enhance refinement to a level as of yet unknown for this car which will only do it some good. In fact, it may be enough to attract more buyers.

Did we mention we love it? Basically, if you like it too, buy one. Case closed.