The all-new 2020 Subaru Outback was built for Outback fans and for those unsure that this is the vehicle for them.
Back in the mid-90s, SUVs were few and far between. The compact-midsize segments belonged to the Big 3 along with less than a handful of Japanese offerings. Over in their corner, someone at Subaru had a vision, perhaps inspired by the AMC Concord, and created the Subaru Outback, based on the Subaru Legacy wagon.
From that moment, the Subaru Outback paved the way for crossovers and alternatives to crossovers. Many have come and gone but the Outback carries one, more competent and dedicated to its origins than ever.
This new 6th generation Subaru Outback is exactly as it should be. It delivers on every point that makes the car attractive to those who’ve always loved it and serves up a number of new arguments to persuade those who otherwise were only never more than curious.
Is the new 2020 Subaru Outback your next SUV?
Why you should buy a 2020 Subaru Outback
- The 2020 Subaru Outback has mildly grown in size. The increases in overall length and width serve both passengers with more room and the boot, for more capacity.
- The Outback XT returns! The turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer 4-cylinder engine provides 260-horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque along with serious passing power.
- As with most other Subarus, the new 2020 Outback is built upon the brand’s Global Platform. It increases refinement levels tenfold and also delivers a far more dynamic and fun driving experience.
- Design-wise, the Outback is an evolution of the original formula. It’s still a tall station-wagon-like vehicle and is immediately recognizable as an Outback.
- The cabin is far more luxurious and better appointed than at any time in its history. The attention to details, layout and materials are top-notch.
- The 2020 Subaru Outback remains as robust and capable, if not more so, than it has been since the beginning.
Why you should not buy a 2020 Subaru Outback
- Although revised to a large extent, the base horizontally-opposed 2.5-litre 4-cylinder’s power is no more than adequate. With family and gear onboard, passing on the highway or long inclines will require patience.
- The Outback is the perfect “north-country” vehicle. Sadly, the heated steering wheel is only available with higher trims priced near the $40k mark.
- The new Outdoor trim is interesting however the included leatherette seat covering feels very cheap to the touch. Durability is unknown but Subaru says it’s easy to clean.
Conclusion
No too long ago, I would have added the Lineatronic Continuously Variable transmission (CVT) as a sore point but Subaru’s dedication to this technology is strong. In fact, the CVT in the 2020 Outback is a revised unit from the revised unit from 2017, which was also revised from a few years prior. Essentially, it’s no longer a reason to complain.
As you can see, there are no tangible reasons to not buy a new 2020 Subaru Outback. Some may bring up styling and I can see how that could sway someone to consider a conventional SUV over the Outback. I mean, I see it but I don’t get it. The Subaru Outback is unique unlike all the other SUVs which are variations on the same theme.
Subaru’s stubbornness to stay true to the original formula deserves a standing ovation. This dedication actually puts Subaru in a precarious position as, should they screw up, they immediately will feel the pinch as there are countless compact-midsize SUV alternatives to select from.
As far as I’m concerned, the Subaru Outback is one of, if not the, best alternative to buying the exact same vehicle as all your neighbours. If you do want a “regular” SUV, here are some suggestions:
2020 Subaru Outback Images
