Flash Drive

2020 Subaru Outback

October 2, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Subaru Outback Touring

The 2020 Subaru Outback is both new and familiar. It is both rugged and civilized, making the Outback a true all purpose vehicle.

Engine:2.5-liter flat-4, 182-horsepower 176 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 26-mpg city, 33-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined

Base Price: $37,345

As Tested: $38,355

Performance:

Standard 2.5-L engine is OK–optional 2.4-L 260-hp turbo is better

Mostly seamless auto stop/start feature

Good fuel economy—our best was 30.1-mpg highway

Impressive standard safety features

The Outback has 8.7-inches of ground clearance, so it is very adept at off-road travel.

Reverse Automatic Braking

Drives like a car, but has strong off road/foul weather capabilities

Refined highway ride, comfortable long distance car

Good ground clearance: 8.7-inches

LED headlights and fog lights

Comfort:

Great stretch-out front legroom

Very roomy backseat

An adult can fit in middle

Easy entry/exit

Heated and ventilated front seats (3 temps)

Interior style and comfort are noticeably improved. The back seat is adult friendly.

Heated rear seats (2 temps)

Soft leather seating surfaces even in middle rear position

Utility:

Big, wide, power liftgate

Ample clearance for tall people

Flat cargo deck, no lift-over

Recessed cargo loops (8)

Foldout bag hooks

60/40 split rear seats fold flat

Handy seat releases near liftgate opening

Shallow extra storage under cargo deck

Covered, but easy to access child car

Cargo capacity has been increased over the previous model. Access is easy.

seat connectors

Auto folding mirrors

Small power moonroof

Roof rails with retractable cross bars

Small door bins

WOW Factors:

State-of-the-art safety features

Roomy, upscale interior

Huge 11.6-inch touchscreen—easy to see and use

Excellent cargo capacity

Easy access child car seat anchors

The huge 11.6-inch touchscreen is vertically mounted in the center of the dashboard.

Big blind spot indicator on sides of rearview mirrors

Whines:

Driver Monitoring System a noble idea, but it can annoy

More interior small item storage would be nice

Bottom Line:

The 2020 Subaru Outback Touring wagon with standard torque vectoring all wheel drive has all the rugged/slippery terrain capabilities most people will ever need neatly

The 2020 Subaru Outback is primarily an everyday on-road vehicle and as such it’s smooth and easy to use.

packaged in an urban friendly wagon configuration. Interior room, comfort, and quality are great as is cargo capacity/flexibility. The topper is an outstanding array of safety features.