2020 SUBARU OUTBACK: A BRAND NEW BEAST (WITH A FEW OLD TRICKS)
- Subaru Outback 2020 receives numerous updates.
- The Outback is the first model in its history to offer a turbo-engine option.
- The safety features as well as the connectivity and infotainment options are many.
It’s here: the 2020 Subaru Outback. And when I say “new”, I mean new. There are many new things: a new body, a new interior, and new safety features. Subaru’s boxer engine, and its use of all-wheel drives are the only things that aren’t completely new. Why would you mess with something so good and proven?
Subaru has two cards up its sleeves. First, there’s the all-wheel drive. You know that having power on all four wheels is good if you live north of the line between Mendocino and Atlanta.
Another is the flat-four-banger. In terms of engineering, it’s not the best. It does have a ridiculously low center of gravity. When you combine that engine with the all-wheel-drive system, you’ll get days of grip. You also get Subaru’s Active Torque vectoring and a variety of vehicle control systems.
What else will Subie bring to the party in 2020?
Power & Performance
The 2020 Outback will be the first to offer a turbocharger. This was previously unavailable in the Outback line-up. This 2.4-liter turbo engine produces 260 horsepower and a whopping 277 lb.-ft. torque. That’s more than enough for me to get into trouble. The 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated flat-four engine offers 182 horsepower and torque of 176 lb.-ft. Subaru claims that almost 90% of the parts in the 2.5-liter are new. Transmission is a Lineartronic with an eight-speed Manual mode that can be accessed by steering wheel paddles.
The turbo 2.4 Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The turbo 2.4 has the highest towing capacity of any Outback ever. The turbo 2.4 is perfect for towing things such as a trailer and a bunch kayaks on a camping weekend. The mileage is also pretty good, with the turbo delivering 23/30 in the city and 26/33 on the highway. These are Subaru estimates, not official EPA ratings.
2020 Subaru Outback. Subaru of America, Inc. Photo
Suspension Setup
The suspension system is lighter and more responsive. MacPherson front struts with an internal rebound spring are used, as well as aluminum lower L arms and a hollow 23mm stabilizer bar. All of these components are incredibly light. The rear has a double wishbone, a subframe with coil springs and a 19mm hollow stabiliser bar. There’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance on all Outbacks, so that’ll come in handy if you’re one of those camping/skiing/hiking types.
Safety & Security
The 2020 Subaru Outback is packed with safety features. The structure of the vehicle is 70 percent more rigid in both torsional rigidity and front suspension rigidity and 100% rigid in front lateral flexural rigidity and rear subframe rigidity compared to previous Outback. This is impressive because it increases crash protection. The Outback also comes standard with 8 airbags. Subaru is expecting the Outback will achieve the highest safety ratings during testing this year. This includes a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist technology is available as standard. It includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, DriverFocus, LED Steering-Responsive Headlamps, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic alert, Lane Change Assist, and the EyeSight Assist monitor with a heads up display.
The Front View Monitor is new for 2020. It captures images in the blind spots of the driver. The images are then displayed on a 360-degree interior view. If you accidentally run over or anything in the 2020 Subaru Outback you are a complete idiot. You should start taking cabs.
Subaru of America, Inc.
Connectivity & Technology
The 2020 Subaru Outback is equipped with enough entertainment and connected vehicle technology to make it feel like you are driving through the heart of Tokyo. Subaru’s STARLINK allows you to control vehicle settings and entertainment via the touchscreen display. It now has new onscreen controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity are also included. This tablet-style touchscreen has a 11.6-inch full HD display with voice-activated TomTom navigation.
SiriusXM Radio and SiriusXM travel link are included with complimentary subscriptions. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon system features Clari-FiTM audio restoration technology, a GreenEdge amplifier/speakers and an amplifier with ClariFiTM.
The 2020 Subaru Outback comes with the Chimani App, which is a guide for more than 400 U.S. national parks. It includes park history and highlights from local experts. Subie knows their customers like the back of their hand.
2020 Subaru Outback interior layout. Subaru of America, Inc. Photo
Interior Treatments
The creature comforts are a nice addition to all the technological goodies. Limited and Touring models come with 10-way power seats that have lumbar support, adjustable cushion length and lumbar supports. For 2020, both the front and back seats will be heated. The heating extends up to your shoulders. A heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and four USB ports are all available.
The cargo area is large, offering up to 75.7 cubic foot of space and a cargo length of 78″. It’s enough to fit a Marshall stack in half and two guitars in hardcases!
The rear hatch can be opened by waving your hand in front of Subaru’s emblem. Roof rails are available with retractable crossbars and tie-downs for those who want to go on outdoor adventures. If you cannot fit something intothe Outback 2020, then you should be able fit it ontothe Outback 2020.
Subaru of America, Inc.
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Pricing & Availability
The price of the 2020 Outback is expected to be revealed closer to its fall sale date. Expect the 2020 Subaru Outback to cost at least $26,345 as it does in 2019. Outback will also offer the Onyx Edition XT. The Onyx Edition XT features black exterior elements and 18-inch alloys, as well as a gray-and-gray interior.