2020 Subaru Outback - Safety, Comfort and Maneuverability
The 2020 Subaru Outback has more style, more comfort and more power than ever and the sixth generation of the Japanese auto maker's signature wagon also stands out in terms of stability and safety. The new line-up keeps some of the best design components of the 2019 Subaru Outback, but most solutions are brand new, what's more, the range now includes a brand-new member, with lots of features to make it stand out. Here are some of the most important highlights.
(Image courtesy of AutoIntelligence from the NY Autoshow)
Trim Levels and Drivetrains in the 2020 Subaru Outback Family
The line-up comes with two engine variations: the standard equipment of XT models offers a superb, new, 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that delivers 260 HP at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft torque, while the standard versions of other trims use a naturally aspirated, 182 HP BOXER. All trims are fitted with a Lineartronic transmission with 8-speed manual function and they all use a brand-new suspension system with McPherson struts with solutions that serve stability and comfort with a redesigned internal rebound spring, a new stabilizer bar and other components made from stronger, but lighter materials. Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on all trims and models.
The range stands out in terms of fuel economy as well, with estimated values of 23/30 mpg city/highway for the naturally aspirated engine and 26/33 mpg combined for the turbocharged engine.
Features that Make the 2020 Subaru Outback Cabin So Great
The cabin of the new Outback has also undergone major redesign and is now not only more spacious all over than previous year models, but also richer in terms of comfort features. The redesigned interior is now considerably larger, offering not only more headroom and legroom in the front as well as in the back, but more cargo space as well, loading items into the trunk being made easy with the hands-free opening system. The sound-insulating materials, such as the windshield glass, ensure that the cabin stays impressively silent even when there is an awful lot of noise outside and the weather strips on the door also serve quietness. The cabin is comfortable, too, with a 6-way adjustable driver seat on most models and a 10-way driver seat on in Limited and Touring versions.
The materials used throughout the cabin are of the highest quality, with attractive stitching and upholstery that is durable and feels great to the touch. The Onyx XT is the only member of the line-up that uses Subaru's new, super-durable, water-repellent STARTEX material that ensures easy cleaning.
When it comes to cabin tech, all 2020 Subaru Outback models are fitted with the auto maker's state-of-the-art Starlink multimedia. The display offered as standard is an 8-inch unit on the base trim and a brand-new, 11.6-inch, vertically oriented touchscreen with split-screen function on the other trims, both screen types being easy to operate and offering the driver complete control over vehicle and entertainment settings, including the audio, the HVAC and the driving mode. Smartphone integration is also standard, and so is the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for enhanced streaming options.
Drivers in any of the new Outback models will benefit from all the tech help they can possibly need for being able to maneuver responsibly among any road conditions - with the innovative EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The innovative bundle includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, lane-keep assist and lane-departure alerts as well as with driver-focus monitoring to detect fatigue. Beside the standard features, the system can be further enhanced with optional functionalities, such as rear-cross traffic and blind-spot monitoring and front-view monitoring.
2020 Subaru Outback is an SUV of the present that is built for the future. The quality of the materials and of the technical solutions employed, the attention paid to details when it comes to appearance, comfort as well as maneuverability and functionality ensure that each member of the line-up will be appreciated.
