Behold the New 2020 Subaru Outback
After the launch of the 2020 Subaru Legacy earlier this year, it was only a matter of time before the next-generation Outback made its debut. Much to the delight of wagon lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the world premiere took place on Wednesday at the New York Auto Show.
The Turbo is Back
While some see the Outback as a crossover or even an SUV, it still shares a lot of components with the Legacy sedan, including the two engine options available for 2020.
- Also: Here’s What to Expect From the All-New 2020 Subaru Outback
- Also: 2018 Subaru Outback, Forester and Crosstrek: Off Road, On Point
The good old 2.5-litre Boxer returns as the standard mill, although Subaru claims it’s made of 90 percent new parts while featuring direct injection. Output is up from 175 to 182 horsepower, while torque has increased from 174 to 176 pound-feet.
The big news is that the Outback will once again be available with a turbo engine, namely a 2.4-litre unit that produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet, just like in the Legacy. All trim levels come with a continuously variable automatic transmission and, in typical Subaru fashion, permanent all-wheel drive.
If you were hoping for some kind of electrified variant, you’ll have to wait, however.
Similar to the Ascent, Impreza and Legacy, the 2020 Subaru Outback is built on the company’s new architecture called Subaru Global Platform. Through the use of high-strength steel, this not only increases structural rigidity by 70 percent over the previous generation, but it also improves safety and driving dynamics.
Versatility and a Sense of Adventure
Outback owners appreciate the vehicle’s outstanding versatility and surprising off-road capability. For 2020, they will enjoy even more of that, Subaru promises. We don’t have the exact measurements yet, but the Outback is now longer and wider, especially in the rear where it can accommodate bulkier items.
What’s more, with the new turbo engine, towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilograms), according to Subaru.
The 2020 Outback also gets the Forester’s off-road tech including the X-Mode function that adjusts the operation of the engine, transmission, brakes and all-wheel drive system to better tackle unpaved surfaces. Let’s not forget the benefits of torque vectoring, a system that initially debuted in the WRX and WRX STI performance cars.
Plenty of technology
As is the case with the Legacy, the new Outback features the latest-generation STARLINK multimedia interface, which is accessed via an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen.
Optionally, users will be able to connect to a 4G LTE network (subscription required) to communicate with emergency services, update navigation data over the air or control some of the car’s functions remotely using a smartphone. Furthermore, every model comes standard with the EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assist features.
The 2020 Subaru Outback will arrive at Canadian dealerships this fall. Additional details including prices and full specifications will be announced a few weeks before its on-sale date.
