The 2020 Subaru Outback XT Onyx Edition AWD SUV
You Are What You Drive - A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: Over the years 4WD 4 wheel drive has been associated with trucks and SUVS as the go to drive train for work, mud and snow. Having the ability to engage all four wheels with traction control and equal power to pull the vehicle over whatever is on the ground.
The first 4WD four wheel drive system was developed in 1893 by British engineer Joseph Diplock, who patented a four wheel drive and four wheel steering system for traction engines. Six years later Ferdinand Porsche built a four wheel drive electric vehicle.
That said, the 1949 to 1965 Jeep Wagoneer was the first modern AWD all wheel drive vehicle. In a world where all wheel drive vehicles were truck based, rather large and cumbersome, the Jeep Wagoneer was very carlike in comfort and ride.
In 1987 Subaru offered All Wheel Drive automatically varying the power delivered to all 4 wheels. Subaru made both AWD and On Demand 4WD until 1994, when the last model with on demand, the Loyale, was discontinued. Today most of all Subaru vehicles, sports cars and SUVS have AWD all wheel drive as standard equipment.
This week Subaru sent me a 2020 Subaru Outback SUV to test drive. The Outback is the brand’s best selling model in the United States. Subaru markets the Outback as an SUV, and the model has its roots firmly planted in the station wagon version of the brand’s Legacy midsize sedan.
This Autumn Green Metallic Outback is an Onyx Edition XT model with exterior black accents everywhere. The name tags, the 18’ Aluminum alloy wheels, the lower body cladding, window trim and roof rack, all are in matt black. Next the interior has Star Tex water repellent seat covers with contrasting green stitching to add to the great outdoors adventure theme.
And it has Symmetrical AWD all wheel drive with VDC vehicle dynamics control. This means it is always in AWD mode with aggressive slip and skid control. This Outback drives like it is glued to the pavement, with all 4 wheels, all the time. The driving attitude is super confident, whether your driving in the hills, taking the kids to school, or cruising at highway speeds.
All Subaru’s now come with their Eyesight Driver Assist System with Automatic Emergency Braking. This is an electronic surveillance system that is the combination of everything Subaru engineers know about safety, passenger protection and avoiding accidents.
Adding confidence to every trip, Eyesight monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, and warns you if you sway outside your lane. Plus it will stop the car if a collision is apparent, before it happens. It always has your back, and front. And Subaru has sold over 1 million vehicles with Eyesight to date so far.
The price of this 2020 Subaru Outback XT Onyx Edition AWD SUV is right in the middle of the SUV pack at less than $38K. The window sticker starts out with a base price of $34,895. The options on the test car are: Option Package 22 for $1,845 and the Wireless Charger pad for $245. Add in the $1,010 destination charge and the MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price came to a total of: $37,995. Just 5 bucks short of $38K.
Subaru’s are well known for their safety, comfort and convenience options. They are also good on gas.
The fuel economy ratings for this car are 23 MPG miles per gallon in city driving, 30 MPG in highway driving, and with a better than average 26 MPG in combined overall gas mileage. The greenhouse gas rating is a 5, right in the middle of the scale. And the smog rating is a little lower with a 3 rating, as just OK in the real world.
When it comes to driving the Outback a lot of attention has been focused on the interior. The car has every power accessory known to man, plus Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia center stack with an 11.6-inch Touch screen, several built in Wi-fi hotspots and their Premium Audio sound system.
Plus it has 360 degrees of visibility with their all around the vehicle cameras that show all 4 corners of the car, both sides, and the front and rear views, all on the same center stack screen. With a camera system like this you know what is around the vehicle when you’re backing up, or going forward from a complete stop. A safety line of sight camera system that helps you see what is all around the car, before you are ready to go anywhere.
With all this technology, performance, safety, convenience and interior options Subaru still manages to add more value of their cars with a comprehensive warranty and roadside assistance coverage. All Subaru’s are covered with a 3 year 36,000 mile full vehicle warranty, a 5 year 60,000 mile powertrain warranty, a 5 year unlimited mileage rust perforation warranty and a 3 year 36,000 mile 24/7 roadside assistance package, all at no extra charge. This is great coverage for your piece of mind and care free driving for many years down the road.
Whatever way you option the car you will be driving a super safe, very intelligent and quality built SUV that is good on gas, stops itself in case of an accident, and will protect you and your family with all of it’s airbags, sensors and technology.
To check out all the Subaru Outback models visit them on line at www. subaru.com and pick the model, options and price you want to spend. They will build you an Outback any way you want it. A word to the wise is sufficient. And Stay Home and Stay Safe.
Remember “You Are What You Drive ©”
And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.
This Bottom Line Review is provided by: Tony Leopardo © Autowire.net. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net or visit Autowire.net at www.autowire.net