Subaru calls its latest model, the Subaru Outback, an SUV. However, it is more like a station wagon. It is an all-weather car with large cargo space. It also has awesome exterior and interior features. Let us look at the specs and features of the SUV in detail.
Market Price and Release:
Subaru displayed its newest edition at the 2019 New York Auto show. The Company is also looking to launch a Subaru Wagon later this year.
Regarding the price, there are six different Subaru outback models present in the market. The names of each are mentioned below:
- 5i $27000
- 5i Premium $29,500
- 6R Limited $36,000
- 5i Limited $33,820
- 5i Touring $37,770
- 6R Touring $39,970
If you want to buy a Subaru model, you should go for the 2.5i Premium. It has amazing features, like dual-zone climate control, an 8.0 infotainment screen and heated front seats. Some other options include a power liftgate, turn signals, and cross-traffic alerts.
Engine and Performance:
Subaru has two different engine choices. You can either go for the 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and get a lazy performance or you can go for top trim levels, which gives you the 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. The engine design of the Outback is horizontally opposed. It’s the same design used in the Porsche 911. The 3.6R test vehicle takes around 7.1 seconds to reach a speed of 60mph (ca. 97 km/h). On the other hand, the 2.5i needs 9.1 seconds.
The ride and handling of Subaru aren’t on par with station wagons. However, when you compare it with similar SUVs, it is quite good. The SUV is quite comfortable and it suffers from less body roll than expected. You shouldn’t consider this SUV sporty because the steering and low-grip tires don’t give you a sports car ride.
Fuel Economy:
The things that Subaru Outback lacks in acceleration, it makes up for them in fuel efficiency. The six-cylinder engine takes more fuel than the four-cylinder engine. However, it is fuel efficient when compared to its competitors. People who are thinking to go for the pricier but similar Audi A4 Allroad should know that the Outback is a better option. It has a six-cylinder engine with a better fuel economy rating. The average fuel consumption of the Outback is 27mpg on the highway.
Interior:
The Outback is quite spacious from the inside. There is large legroom in both rows, with excellent visibility. Therefore, you can easily go on long distances. You can also install a child safety seat in the rear seats. The SUV has earned the highest rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, because of its ease-of-use. You can easily locate and maneuver the tether anchors and lower anchors.
The Outback has a larger cargo space than other SUVs and it is easier to load. The cargo space is around 36 cubic feet for back seats. You can fold the back seats to increase the cargo space to 74 cubic feet.
Each Outback model comes with great interior technology. It is quite straightforward and easy to use. The car has a large infotainment screen. Amazing tech features like Apple Carplay, Pandora and iHeartRadio are present. There are also options for voice-activated controls and hands-free messaging.
Safety:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave a five out of five ratings to the Outback. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has also given it the highest ‘Good’ rating. This shows that the SUV is quite safe for driving.
Some amazing safety features of Subaru include lane departure, sway warning, lane keep assist and cruise controls, high-beam headlights, LED responsive headlights, reverse automatic braking, and a rearview camera. The SUV also has Subaru’s Eyesight system, which avoids accidents through throttle management and emergency braking.
Verdict:
The new Subaru Outback is one of the best SUVs present in the market. It has an amazing design with a high tech interior. The only problem with the car is that it doesn’t have good handling. Still, the car is great for road trips. Therefore, you should buy the new Subaru Outback.