Excluding the Jeep Wrangler, few passenger vehicles better sum up their maker’s brand identity better than the Outback does for Subaru. The popular SUV-styled midsize wagon was redesigned for 2020, kicking off its sixth generation and gaining improved cargo room and rear-seat space, as well as a host of new available features.
We at Consumer Guide were impressed enough with the redesigned Outback that we added to our Best Buy list for 2020, and it retains its spot on the roster for the 2021 model year. The Outback sees no significant changes for 2021–just a higher level of standard equipment. You can read our Best Buy review of the 2021 Outback here, and our full review coverage of the 2020 Outback below:
First Spin: 2020 Subaru Outback
Test Drive: 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT
Quick Spin: 2020 Subaru Outback Touring XT
We’ve covered the Outback’s virtues in detail in the above articles–in fact, the Abyss Blue Pearl Outback seen here is equipped with the exact same options as our previous Onyx Edition XT test vehicle, and came to the same as-tested price: $37,995. Listed below are a few of the finer points we like about the Outback.
Cool Things About the 2020 Subaru Outback
Controls
Yes, it’s got a trendy big, vertical infotainment touchscreen—but also includes good ol’ fashioned physical volume and tuning knobs that speed up audio-system operation.
First Look: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
Controls, Part II
A plainly marked trip-odometer reset button near the instrument cluster, right where it always belongs. No guesswork required.
Test Drive: 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited
Cargo Space
Cargo space is a useful 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and there are handy rear-seatback release handles in the cargo area so you can drop the seats (and expand the space to 75.7 cubic feet) without leaving the rear of the vehicle.
Power
Outback XTs are powered by a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine that’s responsive and fairly fuel-efficient. We saw almost 23 mpg in test that consisted of about 60 percent city driving–a bit below the EPA estimates, but still respectable for a spacious, peppy all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Quick Spin: 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature
Driver Assistance
Autonomy-lite EyeSight Driver Assist provides several welcome driver-aid/safety features, including lane-centering and adaptive cruise control with automatic stop/start functionality.
Steve and Johnnie Road Test: 2020 Toyota RAV4 Limited
Outward Visibility
The Outback’s ample glass area makes for an airy cabin and good driver sightlines.
Review Flashback! 2006 Subaru Baja
(Click below for enlarged images)
Listen to the very entertaining Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT Gallery
Cool Things About the 2020 Subaru Outback
