Subaru Outback Review

Subaru has given us a brand-new Outback. We are afraid that Subaru has lost the plot. The Outback offers two engine options: a 2.5 non-turbo producing 180hp, while the top of the range offers a 2.4 turbo with 260hp. We reckon picking between the two depends upon what you value the most. Most buyers will find the 2.5 is just enough for them, while the 2.4 turbo is best for those who will spend most of their time on the motorway or plan to ferry the family around and occasionally tow. The turbo engine can haul up to 3500 lbs in case you were curious. Both engines are equipped with a continuously variable transmission. Subaru claims that this gearbox can emulate real gear shifts like a conventional gearbox. However, it just doesn’t feel that way in our opinion. A conventional eight-speed auto gearbox would suit the Outback much better. Driving the Outback is very interesting. The boxy shape makes it easy to see all corners of the car. It’s more SUV than lifted wagon. We certainly miss that quirky wagon-wanna-be-SUV charm. It’s not that this Outback isn’t charming. It’s very nice to drive around town. It’s comfortable with decent steering feedback, and it handles its own very well. It’s just not the driver-focused Outback that we’ve been given year after year. The Forester is supposed to fill the slots where the Outback can’t. If we wanted an SUV, the Forester would be that vehicle. The Outback is supposed to be the option for those who want a “wagon”. Sorry, my apologies, “lifted-wagon”. The new Outback just doesn’t offer what the previous generations did so well. The interior is very well laid out. You get actual controls for the climate control. It’s a breath of fresh air. The 12-inch infotainment screen is easy to navigate. However, we certainly say that it takes some getting used to. We wouldn’t recommend using the controls while on the go, as it can be quite distracting until you’ve mastered all the several menus and know where everything is. Boot space is very generous for the class. Rear seat passengers would feel short-changed on space and overall quality. Premium trim is the cheapest way into an Outback. You are greeted with standard all-wheel-drive, EyeSight driver assist technology and a 12-inch infotainment screen. Limited trim adds leather seats and a Harman Kardon sound system. Touring trim adds a Nappa leather interior and ventilated leather seats. Our pick of the range, Limited XT adds the turbo engine option while Touring XT adds ventilated leather seats. Despite the dizzying array of trim levels to choose from, they all have a decent amount of standard kit. Subaru has changed the lifted-wagon charm from the Outback and made it more of a traditional boxy SUV. It’s not a bad thing, but it certainly isn’t the Outback we’ve grown to know. It’s a bit of a shame because this Outback really isn’t bad, but it’s just not an Outback. We feel that Subaru has lost the plot here to chase after sales rather than keeping the Outback for non-SUV-conformist and the Forester for those who seek an actual SUV. Likes: Both enignes are up to the task. Standard kit is generous for the money. It’s still rugged and offers go-anywhere capabilities for very little money. Dislikes: It’s a far departure from the previous generations. Overall: Please bring back the lifted-wagon Outback.