Over the last decade, I’ve traveled all over North America and in areas that are adventure havens for outdoor recreationalists. On each of these trips, I could always count on spotting scores of Subaru Outbacks and Foresters loaded up with mountain bikes and hiking gear, heading to the nearest trail head off the beaten path...and for good reason. Their all-wheel drive prowess and indomitable reliability are tried and true platforms for adventure seekers everywhere, as well as those who want a solid vehicle to get them from point A to point B. The 2020 Subaru Outback Limited is no exception.
For 2020 the Outback has been fully redesigned with a new, 11.6-inch high resolution infotainment system and two powertrain options including a 4-cylinder, 2.5L BOXER dual overhead cam engine and a turbo-charged 2.4L 4-cylinder. My test vehicle featured the base 2.5L BOXER which I found to provide adequate power around town but less than stellar oomph when merging into high speed traffic on the highway. At 182hps and 176 lb-ft torque, achieved in the upper 2/3 of the RPM band, I found this suitable for daily driving but inadequate when traveling off-pavement.
Regarding travel off-pavement, the huge appeal of the Subaru line-up is its symmetrical all-wheel drive. Symmetrical all-wheel drive is a system that consists of longitudinally mounted boxer motor coupled to a symmetrical drivetrain with equal length half axles. This provides optimal weight distribution and a low center of gravity which maximizes the vehicle’s handling. This is a true gem of the Subaru Outback and I have zero complaints other than I’d like to see a selectable low-range feature to allow torque to be distributed, as needed, to specific wheels when traveling along more challenging terrain (rather than just loose scree or wet/muddy/snowy roads) off-pavement. 8.7 inches of ground clearance from independent front/rear suspension is ample in the above noted terrain settings. The X-Mode system does provide assisted travel with hill descent control and selectable traction control modes based on driving condition; however, as a vehicle-based adventurist I’d love to see more options in low-range and a selectable low-range option would be nice in situations where torque is needed when off-camber. I’d also like to see the departure angle reduced with a more angled rear end given the vehicle’s length aft the rear wheels.
Aesthetically, I like the simple yet modern feel to the Outback. The car is understated but in a way that’s tasteful and most importantly, functional. A friend asked my initial impressions and I summed it up by noting how utilitarian the Outback is. The Outback has an abundant amount of cargo space for any weekend or week-long adventure. The large, tablet-style touchscreen is intuitive to use with features that are easily accessible. Additionally, 2.1A USB ports are located in the rear center console, providing a quick charge for electronic devices.
As for seating, I found the 10-way power driver’s seat to be quite comfortable with a myriad of adjustments that help customize lumbar support, height, and positioning. The passenger seat is comparable with an 8-way power setup my passengers noted as comfortable. The rear seats provide ample leg room and unless you’re over 6’6” tall, you won’t feel cramped.
Up top a pair of roof rails with tie-down points and retractable cross bars provide a solid platform for an aftermarket roof rack, mounting of a roof top tent for vehicle-based and overland adventure, and for additional gear storage should you completely fill the voluminous interior cargo area.
My only real complaint with the 2020 Subaru Outback isthe cruise control, a feature I’ve found to be frustrating in other, more luxurious vehicles outside of this vehicle segment but still of note in the Outback.
For some reason, cruise control operates in increments of 5mph, meaning if you set the cruise control up/down, the vehicle selects a speed divisible by 5mph (meaning a speed that’s to the nearest low/high speed of 5mph). You can only select a speed in 1mph increments if you turn on, set the cruise, then turn off and then reset the desired cruising speed. I found this to be an annoyance but not a game changer in terms of purchasing decision.
Towing capacity is quite good for the small BOXER motor, coming in at 2,700lbs which is adequate for pulling a teardrop trailer, a pair of jet skis, or a small boat. I didn’t test the towing feature of the Subaru Outback so I can’t speak to how it affected fuel efficiency but as a whole, I average over 26mph in mixed conditions (mostly highway driving to/from Dallas to Houston) and was satisfied with the vehicle’s fuel economy.
In short, the 2020 Subaru Outback continues a tradition of utilitarian quality and comfort in a package that won’t break the bank. Pricing ranges from the low $30ks to just under $40k. My test vehicle came in at $36,500 which included a destination fee of $1,010 and a $2,000 heated steering wheel, navigation, and moonroof. For that price, it’s hard to find a more complete adventure platform sitting on an independent suspension platform. And with an emerging aftermarket that includes upgraded bumpers, lift, and armor protection, the 2020 Subaru Outback could be an excellent option for those requiring a vehicle that’ll get you to and from broader off-pavement locations without breaking the bank.