For the latest Subaru Outback pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/subaru/outback/
This is the 6th generation Outback, which was introduced for the 2020 model year. And no, it doesn’t look much different from generation number 5. No worries though, when you buy an Outback you probably want something with this general shape.
Inside the Outback’s very wagon-like silhouette is a generous 32.5 cu-ft behind the rear seats, adorned with cargo tie-downs and bag hooks. Drop the seats using these levers to unleash a commodious 75.7 cu-ft.
If the Outback’s internal accommodations aren’t adequate, you can always employ the standard roof rails to lash bulky items to the roof. Back inside, the cabin looks decently stylish with nice materials and a comfortable driving position.
The front seats are well-contoured while in back legroom is plentiful and the seatbacks angle to a pleasing recline. Wherever you sit the Outback’s goldilocks ride height means you neither climb up or drop down to come aboard.
I’d feel even better about the interior if you didn’t have to spend more-than $33k on a Limited trim to get rear A/C vents.
Whether you have the basic dual 7-inch display setup, or the fancier 11.6-inch screen found in our test car; another potentially controversial interior element is a reduced use of physical buttons. Then again, there is a volume and tune knob. And you can mash the “make-hotter” and “make-colder” buttons with ease.
It’s easy to see out of, the cabin is quiet, and it rolls with distinguished civility. Adding some detail, the Outback navigates tight spaces with a reasonable 36-foot turning circle. Meanwhile, its handling feels more composed than invigorating, but for its intended use that’s perfectly appropriate.
Power comes from one of two horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engines. There’s a base 2.5-liter (182 hp, 176 lb-ft) or a 2.4-liter turbocharged unit (260hp, 277 lb-ft) that’s reserved for fancier trims.
Our tester has a 2.4L turbo. It’s plenty powerful and thanks to forced induction it feels that way even when driving at altitude but wait, what’s this??? Like an old-timey villain slinking onto stage, we have the Outback’s transmission partner, the Lineartronic CVT. Boo. Hiss!!!
In truth, most drivers notice or care that their Outback it’s not a traditional automatic...but for those who pay attention accelerating with the CVT is anything but linear.
Last CVT note. If your version of fun involves manually selecting 8-different ratios from a transmission lacking any gears, then manual control is available via steering wheel paddle shifters.
Where efficiency is concerned, both engines perform well (2.5L 26city/ 33hwy) (2.4L Turbo 23city/30hwy). And if you’ve got a yearn to tow, the 2.5 can manage 2,700 pounds while the turbo mill lugs up to 3,500 pounds.
For off-roading or, more realistically, winter-time trips through Vermont to the nearest Hannaford Supermarket, the Outback offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel-drive.
For more serious backtrail jaunts, there’s X-mode. Despite the name, X-mode actually alters CVT, engine, and stability control settings for enhance off-road prowess.
For less than $27,000, plus destination, a basic Outback includes occupant seatbelt reminders, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights with automatic high-beams, and Eyesight; a camera-based active driver-assist suite that merges lane departure warning with steering assist, dynamic cruise control, and forward collision alert.
Ascend the trim ladder to reveal delights like heated seats, a hands-free liftgate, a 180-degree front camera, smart key access, and that fun-to-say STARLINK 11.6-inch navigation-equipped infotainment display. Starlink!! And if you’re wondering, our tester is the Outback Onyx Edition XT, which explains the black exterior trim, gray 2-tone interior motif, and sweet, vivid stitching.
While shopping Outbacks, you might also consider 5-passenger crossovers like the Chevy Blazer, Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Passport. Though, here’s a thought, what if I told you could buy a similarly wagon-y ride with an identical base engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a Subaru badge, that costs $2,000 less than the Outback, yet somehow possesses a more voluminous cabin. It’s called the Subaru Forester (Text: EPA passenger volume Outback: 109.0 cu-ft Forester: 111.9 cu-ft). And with that, I’ve used my annual quota for the word “voluminous”.
Now 6 generations deep, the Subaru Outback endures as a practical, value-rich vehicle that’s capable enough for most of life’s adventures.
It’s easy to see why the Outback remains such a popular “SUV”. (it’s a wagon)
00:00 2021 Subaru Outback
0:40 Interior
2:33 Driving Impressions
3:22 Engine
4:37 Pricing
5:30 Competitors