Outback has staying power
Trusty Subaru favorite does it all
Enjoy the great outdoors with Subaru’s Outback.
I like a good wagon. It just has so many capabilities, how couldn’t you like it?
For this week’s Grasso’s Garage review, Subaru decided it was time to get in on the action. We recently tested (and enjoyed) the Ascent — it has a lot of purpose, but then we also tried out the Volvo V70 wagon. A dream.
Subaru, marketed to and accepted by a hip, urban clientele, has had tons of success with the Outback. It’s one of their longest-lasting vehicles — introduced in the mid-’90s — and we now recognize why. The Outback has lots of cargo space (32.5 cubic feet — or with seat-backs folded, an astounding 75 cubic feet), and spacious seating for five. Easily compare it to any five-passenger midsize SUV, but it’s lower to the ground.
A sedan’s ground height, but with SUV-like space. Done deal.
The sixth-generation Outback, Onyx Edition shares engine configurations with the Ascent. Subaru uses the boxer-style engine throughout its lineup. The six-cylinder engine is no longer available in 2020. (No loss there as it was a problem child.) With 260 horses under the hood, the 2.4-liter turbo engine delivered well on our rigorous test in the Catskill Mountains of New York. The continuously variable transmission seemed lazy at times in the mountainous climbs, but overall was not too noisy, a plus for a CVT … all-wheel drive is of course standard.
A tablet-style, 11.6-inch infotainment system is very simple to use. Look out Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Subaru might have something here to compete with your UConnect. The seats inside the Outback seem to be more “road-trip” worthy — they are more comfortable and ideal for extended trips. The safety features mirrored those of the Ascent and are a nice added touch to the Outback.
SUVs across the market have developed a list of calling cards: engine size, space, capacity, seating, and more recently — fuel efficiency. Toyota, Honda, even Ford SUVs in this class get great mileage, but the Subaru delivered a fantastic 28.2 overall mpg on our test.
If you don’t need luxury, just a simple everyday, or every-use vehicle, the Out- back is a great choice. It can haul things everywhere, move tons of things in a flash, all for a reasonable price and all in one vehicle. Hence my love for a wagon, it can simply do it all.