OUTBACK ADVENTURES

City-friendly family wagon proves more capable off-road than most SUVs

Subaru’s Outback has been a rugged Aussie family favourite for more than 25 years and earlier this year a new model touched down. Part wagon, part SUV, this crossover all-wheel-drive has proper dirt road credentials allied to a much improved cabin, more technology and better safety. We tested the mid-spec Sport version.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

IAIN: Having a vehicle called Outback on my driveway rapidly boosts testosterone levels. I’m ready to grow a beard and go bush.

JULES: It’s masculinity on four wheels. It looks rugged and ready for adventure. It’s not quite the sleek, stylish SUV most mums wish for, though.

IAIN: But think of the versatility. School run luxury, then a weekend camping holiday or trip to the snow. The Subaru Outback does the all-round thing better than anything else I can think of for less than $50,000.

JULES: What’s our version?

IAIN: The Sport model, on the road for a little less than $50,000. An entry-level Outback is about $45,000 and the range-topping Touring is about $53,000, both drive-away.

JULES: Is ours called Sport because it’s more powerful with sportier suspension?

IAIN: Er, no. It’s called Sport because it has dark wheels, mirrors and badges, waterrepellent seat trim, black roof rails and green flashes inside and out.

JULES: Is green meant to be sporty?

IAIN: It does add a dash of flair but no, it’s not a performance car.

JULES: Anyway, I like the fact it looks like a large wagon and not a giant, top-heavy SUV.

THE LIVING SPACE

IAIN: Subaru’s been late getting the memo on modernising cabins, but the new Outback’s a big improvement.

JULES: A giant iPad in the centre of the dash … wow.

IAIN: It’s a vertical 11.6-inch monitor helping Subaru do away with many buttons, leaving a clean dash and centre console.

JULES: But you must navigate a few menus to find what you want; audio, car settings and navigation.

IAIN: It takes time to learn, but shortcut buttons help. The voice recognition didn’t have a great hit rate, but with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto it worked well.

JULES: There are still proper buttons for climate and stereo volume. Well done Subaru, it’s nice to hit those quickly.

IAIN: It’s a spacious cabin with strong build quality. The seats are firm but are poweroperated, heated and quite luxurious. As much as I’d love the Nappa leather in the flagship, these water repellent ones are better suited to family life.

JULES: Green stitching on the doors, dash and seats adds much-needed colour. Ambient lighting would be nice, as would wireless phone charging.

THE COMMUTE

IAIN: The Outback’s classed a large SUV, but its dimensions and weight feel more user-friendly and less lumbering.

JULES: Because it’s basically a jacked-up wagon?

IAIN: Maybe. You feel like you’re riding as high as a normal large SUV, but manoeuvres and parking feel easier.

JULES: Agreed. I’m surprised there aren’t more large wagons as the Outback feels less daunting than rival large SUVs. I’m a big fan.

IAIN: It’s a quiet, refined cruiser too. There’s radar cruise control and automatic emergency braking among other driver aids.

JULES: It even monitors your eyes to check you’re watching the road and warns if you aren’t.

IAIN: Great to stop idiots texting and driving. It told me off for talking to the kids in the rearview mirror for too long and when looking both ways at a junction when I’d not fully stopped. A bit nannying.

THE SHOPPING

JULES: It’s easier to park than a large SUV, the parking cameras pick up the car’s front, rear and sides and it has a hands-free power tailgate. I have no grumbles here.

IAIN: Well, the boot’s only 522 litres, while a Mazda CX-9 has 810L and the Kia Sorento 821L. On the positive side, the Outback has a full-size spare.

SUNDAY RUN

JULES: Despite the Sport name, it rides like an SUV, not a sportswagon.

IAIN: It’s a bit bouncy at times and there’s some body roll in corners, but it’s well balanced and the steering’s responsive. I reckon it feels safe, secure and always comfy.

JULES: It blew me away when we took it offroad. In Dirt mode it climbed the rutted, dusty tracks easily and never bottomed out.

IAIN: Its 213mm ground clearance helps. You won’t find low-range gearing on an Outback, but Subarus go further off-road that most expect. It didn’t even spin a wheel during our unsealed road trip.

JULES: The engine hasn’t got a lot of guts.

IAIN: Subaru says the 2.5-litre four-cylinder is 90 per cent new, but it has only 7 per cent more power than before.

THE FAMILY

JULES: The rear seats are heated and they recline. Snow fields here we come!

IAIN: It’s not a seven-seater but that means excellent rear space.

JULES: Safety’s a huge drawcard and that sub$50,000 price is good value.

IAIN: Servicing will sting at almost $2500 for five years, but we returned a fair 8.2L/100km.

THE VERDICT

JULES: I’d prefer sleeker styling, but the Outback’s a remarkable all-rounder at a good price.

IAIN: It’s an excellent offering, with good value, strong off-road chops, a comfortable cabin and impressive tech.