Subaru Outback
And the four-paw company is more than willing to sell it to you – but be quick: supply is tight for the Greatest Outback Of All Time.
This year sees the 25th anniversary of the Outback name, and in quarter of a century and six iterations, Subaru hasn’t got it right – they’ve got it ‘righter’.
The Outback for 2021 has been dubbed the Greatest Outback Of All Time (see what they did there? That’s where the GOOAT thing comes from) and this makes it by extension, possibly the greatest Subaru of all time.
End of story? Well, no, we couldn’t just leave it there. This is, after all, the biggest, safest, most advanced and luxurious Outback yet and that’s a big claim, but Subaru NZ is so confident in its claim the company took a 50-mumble mumble year old virgin over the Nevis Road in Queenstown to prove the point.
To clarify, I had never driven the Nevis before, that’s what I meant ... I mean, oh forget it…
But what has Subaru done – specifically – to make this the Greatest Outback Of All Time? We’ll start with the engine.
Engine in the singular. Outback now has one powerplant – and one only – in the form of the 2.5 litre, four-cylinder Boxer which is 90 percent new.
It uses direct injection to improve the power and torque over the previous generation, bringing it up to 138kw and 245Nm of torque, while it also brings fuel consumption down to a claimed 7.3 litres per 100km.
The engine enhancements are perhaps best demonstrated by the Outback’s towing ability, with all three models capable of towing 2000kg of braked trailer.
Improvements have also been made to the transmission, which is also standard, being an improved eight-speed Subaru Linear-tronic transmission and of course, there is the surety of symmetrical all-wheel-drive.
Technology upgrades have been made to the Eyesight driver assistance package, the Driver Monitoring System and Dual Function X-mode, as detailed below.
Subaru’s 2021 Outback also marks some firsts for the model and the brand. This is the first Subaru to be equipped with a front passenger seat cushion airbag, taking the airbag total to eight.
It is also the first Subaru specifically designed to withstand collision impacts under new Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier (MPDB) testing.
And Outback is the first Subaru to incorporate Speed Sign Recognition, which helps drivers remain within the speed limits as it recognises speed limit signs and visually notifies the driver.
Outback is based on Subaru’s Global Platform, giving it greater ride control, improved strength, lower centre of gravity and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. The SGP can be adapted to suit a diverse range of body styles and sizes and allows for future alternative powertrains.
The entry Outback is priced at $49,990, which showcases the new in-cabin tech – highlighted by an intuitive 11.6-inch tablet-like (vertical) touch screen, power driver and passenger seats,
Driver Monitoring System (DMS), 18-inch grey alloy wheels, smart entry and push-button ignition.
Up from this is the $54,990
Outback X, a vehicle designed for the more adventurous Outbacker, with water resistant seat upholstery, 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats, handsfree power rear tailgate, and sat nav.
The top end Outback Touring is priced at $57,490 and includes a heated steering wheel, an electric sunroof, Nappa leather seat upholstery and a Harman Kardon audio system.