2020 Subaru Outback Road Test and Review

2020 Subaru Outback ・ Photo by Subaru

The newly redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback enters its sixth generation with an updated look, more powerful engine options, and new technologies that make it the safest and most capable Outback ever. It has room for up to five passengers in a comfortable and well-equipped interior with plenty of space for cargo behind the rear seats.

All-wheel drive is standard, and there’s a new turbocharged engine on select trims for a more responsive drive experience. Safety is also at the forefront of this redesign with a wide range of standard safety features and a fully-featured infotainment system. Let’s take a closer look at the all-new 2020 Subaru Outback to see what makes this Outback the best yet.

Seven trims make finding the perfect Outback easy.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offers plenty of choices with seven trim levels. Even the Base trim has a solid suite of standard features, including EyeSight driver assist technology, Subaru Starlink with dual 7-inch touchscreens, and automatic climate control at $26,645. Priced from $28,895, the Premium model adds features that include an all-weather package and an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Limited brings a more luxurious interior with leather upholstery and a 10-way power driver’s seat at $34,445. The Touring gets exclusive appearance accents at $37,345.

A turbocharged engine is available in three trims, starting with the Onyx Edition XT at $34,895. The Limited XT adds navigation and a power moon roof, while the Touring XT adds insulated front door glass and dual/single outlet tailpipes for $39,695. Seven trims, all under $40,000, make it easy to find an Outback that fits your budget — even if you want the turbocharged engine without added features.

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The turbocharged engine returns.

There are two new engines, including a turbocharged option for the first time since 2009. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque is available on four Outback trims. All XT models get a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both are paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission.

The turbocharged engine provides a spirited drive experience. It accelerates smoothly and quickly with none of the heavy, awkwardness found in some SUVs. Merging into highway traffic isn’t a problem and there’s ample power to make passing effortless. The base engine is easier on your wallet with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. Numbers drop by 3 mpg across the board with the turbocharged engine, which still makes it an economical choice.

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Standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode help the Outback take you anywhere.

Subaru is known for building capable vehicles that are ready to handle the worst winter can manage or an off-road adventure. The Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive on every trim, along with single-mode X-Mode and hill descent control. This improves handling off road, especially on steep surfaces with loose gravel or rocks. Adding to its off-road versatility is 8.7 inches of ground clearance for tackling uneven surfaces. Finally, active torque vectoring directs the engine's performance to the wheel it’s needed to maintain traction in poor conditions.

The new Onyx Edition XT boasts unique interior and exterior accents and is the only trim with dual-mode X-Mode. This offers a choice of either a snow/dirt setting or a deep snow/mud setting to further customize the Outback’s performance. Overall, the vehicle's combination of standard and available capability features makes the Outback a top pick for those who want an SUV that’s more than a simple grocery getter.

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The improved suspension offers a smoother ride.

One of the ways Subaru worked to improve the passenger experience in the Outback was by making it quieter. There are new door strips, sound-insulated glass for the windshield and front doors, and thicker glass all around to reduce unwanted noise. These efforts paid off with an Outback that is notably quiet whether on the highway or twisting back roads. It’s also roomier with more head, leg, and shoulder room for rear passengers. Three adults can comfortably sit without the middle passenger counting the minutes until the ride is over.

The ride is smooth, leveling out the bumps and dips and preventing all but the roughest road surfaces from bothering passengers. This is thanks to a new suspension that’s more responsive and better able to absorb road imperfections. The added benefit of a smoother ride is less work for the driver since the Outback stays more controlled.

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Every model has strong safety.

Subaru includes its EyeSight driver assistance technology as a standard feature across the Outback lineup. While some safety features are reserved for top trims, even the base model has the latest advanced technologies. EyeSight includes advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision braking and throttle management, and a lane-departure warning with a sway warning. Available features beginning with the Premium trim include blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assistance, a rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking.

There’s also an available DriverFocus distraction mitigation system, which is new to the Outback. It uses an infrared camera and facial recognition technology to see when you’re tired or distracted. A visual and audio warning notifies both the driver and passengers. The Outback is strong on safety with comprehensive standard features and the availability of newer technologies on top trims.

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The infotainment system has the largest touchscreen ever in a Subaru.

Standard on the base trim is Starlink with dual 7.0-inch touchscreens. The top screen controls the entertainment system, which includes AM/FM/HD radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The bottom screen houses climate-control features, EyeSight driver-assistance features, and other vehicle functions.

The rest of the lineup gets a single tablet-style 11.6-inch touchscreen. This is the largest screen ever used in a Subaru, and it gives the interior a more upscale vibe. It can be customized by rearranging the icons, just like on a smartphone, so you can put the features you use most within easy reach. Additional available features include navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Even in its base form, the Outback has key connectivity features, so you don’t have to stretch your budget unnecessarily.

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The interior is comfortable and rugged.

Subaru is known for building rugged vehicles. It makes the kinds of cars people aren’t afraid to get dirty. It can handle a dog jumping in with his muddy paws and kids being, well, kids. The Outback is no exception with an attractive yet durable interior that looks and feels ready to handle active lifestyles. That doesn’t mean, however, that it can’t be had with plenty of amenities.

There are available leather trims and power-adjustable seats with both heat and ventilation. Dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof are also available as you move up through the model range. Material quality is good even on the base trim level, but you do get a more upscale experience with models like the Limited, Touring, and new Onyx Edition XT. The Outback has a spacious open interior with materials and amenities that give it a premium feel.

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It has a spacious interior for cargo and the capability to tow.

In addition to having room for passengers, an SUV also needs to have the versatility to carry cargo. The 2020 Subaru Outback offers 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats with a total of 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A wide rear opening lets the Outback hold larger items, and an available hands-free power liftgate makes loading up easier.

While that’s good cargo capacity for a five-passenger SUV, sometimes you need a bit more than what’s found inside only. There are standard roof rails on the Outback along with tie-down points and retractable crossbars for securing extra items. It’s also a capable choice for towing. Equipped with the base engine, it can manage up to 2,700 pounds. Those looking for a bit more should opt for the XT trims with the turbocharged engine, which can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

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Final Thoughts

The all-new 2020 Subaru Outback isn’t just improved here and there to keep it relevant. It’s improved everywhere you look from the new powertrain options to expanded safety and upgraded infotainment. A roomier interior with more space for rear passengers and ample cargo capacity gives it the versatility to manage the morning commute or an extended road trip. And don’t forget its capability, with standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode to make sure you get where you want to go.

Whether you’re a family on the move or a couple with big plans for the weekend, the Outback has the features, ruggedness, and capability to do the job. It also has pricing that keeps it well within your budget and a wide range of trims that make it easy to get the perfect Outback to fit your budget.

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