REVAMPED, IMPROVED
Sixth generation model retains core traits, offers 2.4-L turbocharged boxer engine option
Although its WHITEHORSE, YUKON sales in Canada currently have it in third place behind the Crosstrek and Forester, the Subaru Outback remains the manufacturer’s most iconic nameplate. And 25 years after its introduction, the sixth-generation version makes its debut.
The new Outback retains its core attributes: a far more car-like ride and handling than the bulk of its crossover rivals, standard full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive, 220 millimetres of ground clearance, and Subaru’s standard X-Mode assist with hill-descent control.
Not wanting to upset its very loyal customer base, Subaru has made sure the new model is instantly familiar. The Outback is now packed with the latest in comfort, convenience and safety features, and its exterior dimensions and cargo room have increased slightly, although it retains the same wheelbase. But it looks a lot like the previous model, which is to say if you squint your eyes, its profile resembles a hiking boot.
The standard 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is familiar, but is now thoroughly overhauled with 90-per-cent new parts and putting out a few extra horses. It offers 182 horsepower plus 176 pound-feet of torque, as well as direct injection and automatic start/stop for reduced emissions. The optional 3.6-L six-cylinder engine from the previous two generations has been replaced by a more powerful, turbocharged 2.4L boxer four-cylinder that pumps out a solid 260 hp and 277 lb.-ft of torque. Towing capacity also increases, to 3,500 pounds from the four-cylinder’s 2,700.
The 2020 Outback is now built on the modular Subaru Global platform that, along with an increase in the use of structural adhesive and ultrahigh tensile-strength steel, means a much stiffer vehicle. Subaru claims a torsional- and front-suspension rigidity increase of 70 per cent, and front-lateral flexural and rear-subframe rigidity increase of 100 per cent compared to the previous Outback’s platform.
So the car — a $40,995 Premier model with the 2.5-L engine — was more than tough enough to handle what turned out to be remarkably smooth highways. We headed south from Whitehorse, through northern B.C. and into Skagway, Alaska.
The Outback was impressively quiet over the entire route, no matter the road surface. Equally notable was the crossover’s ride and handling. The Outback offered well-damped suspension and an agility bordering on jaunty, the standard active torque vectoring holding up its end in the sweepers.
The steering is light to the touch and a bit remote, more so in models with the turbo-four engine.
The Outback’s 2.5-L boxer four is smoother and quieter than the engine in the previous-generation model. The issue is a paucity of solid mid-range urge, the engine requiring a solid prod of the gas pedal for passing pokier RVs on steeper, longer inclines. Stepping up to one of the XT trim levels, which comes with the turbo-four and an additional 78 horsepower, renders this issue moot. An added plus is the turbo engine is engineered to perform on regular-grade 87 octane.
The Outback model range, the Outdoor XT ($38,695), is touted by Subaru as the most off-roadready version to date. Though the engine and transmission are the same as the other two XTs (Limited and Premier), the Outdoor gets dual-function X-Mode, which adds Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes. There are a few detail differences as well, including all-weather seat surfaces, heavy-duty floor mats, a front-view camera and a full-sized spare tire instead of a doughnut.
A quick off-road detour onto a hilly and rutted dirt trail showcased the Outdoor’s competency.
Whether out adventuring or just in town, families get the peace of mind that comes from Subaru’s standard EyeSight safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure and sway warning, lane-keep assist, lead-vehicle start alert and, new on the 2020 Outback, lane-centring assist.
This sixth-generation Outback is thoroughly revamped and extensively improved in more ways than can be detailed. The 2020 Outback, offered in seven trim levels (Convenience, Touring, Limited, Premier, Outdoor XT, Limited XT and Premier XT), arrives at dealerships this fall. Prices start at $30,695 for the Convenience and top out at $43,795 for the Premier XT.