Test drive Subaru Outback GLP: a good alternative to SUVs

The car industry has been undergoing change for many years now, driven mainly by SUVs, electric cars and hybrids. However, there are brands with enough character to offer something different that still fits the new requirements imposed by the political context and the market. We are referring to Subaru and, more specifically, to the Subaru Outback GLP, the model that stars in today’s test.

The Outback positions itself as a very interesting alternative to SUVs, especially when we consider the advantages that LPG brings. But is it up to the demands of the contemporary market and, by extension, to those of its most direct rivals? Let’s find out.

A conservative design with no great flourishes

Subaru did not want to take too many risks with the design of the latest generation of the Subaru Outback, thus creating a car that, while not very eye-catching, is not bland or anonymous either. The Japanese firm has prioritised other aspects of its estate to make it a functional and practical vehicle, and not as attractive as some of its rivals.

The front features a grille with chrome details and the brand logo, an imposing bumper with a metallic cover that already hints at its off-road character, and almost rectangular headlights with certain touches that make them look slim and stylised. The side, for its part, does not display strong, marked lines like some of its compatriots do; instead, a rather smooth line has been adopted, giving prominence to the sill protectors and 18-inch wheels.

The rear follows the same stylistic current as the other areas of the Subaru Outback. With this premise, we find taillights of considerable size, a tailgate also with chrome details and in this case automatic opening, and a bumper also with a metallic cover and a modest exhaust outlet peeking out from the left side.

An interior that calls for an update

The Subaru Outback’s interior has many virtues, but technological novelty is not one of them. Compared with the competition, the Japanese estate feels somewhat outdated and badly needs an update to keep pace with the passage of time and meet market requirements, which constantly demand novelty upon novelty.

As soon as you get in, you are greeted by a completely round steering wheel with various buttons and two paddles for gear changes. Behind it sits a traditional instrument cluster, analogue and capable of conveying the necessary information clearly through a digital screen.

The dashboard is dominated by an 8-inch touchscreen, although its imminent restyling replaces it with a vertical 11.6-inch one. Its response is not as fluid as we would like, but on the positive side there are physical buttons for handling various functions and the ability to connect your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In addition, just below it are the climate controls, which, fortunately, are also physical.

As for materials, there are numerous parts covered in hard and soft plastics. Even so, the fit and finish are firm and well put together, which suggests it should age well and show no signs of creaking or weak areas within a few years.

The rear seats of the Outback are generous and will allow two tall adults to travel comfortably. The middle seat, as is usual, is reserved for a child or a short journey, a condition reflected in a somewhat hard backrest padding and a fairly pronounced transmission tunnel. The boot is of regular and highly usable dimensions, although it should be noted that a 60-litre LPG tank under the floor reduces cargo capacity from 559 litres to 512 litres.

A good alternative to SUVs

But let’s get to the heart of any test: how the car drives. Before going into detail, allow me to introduce the undisputed star of the Subaru Outback, a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated boxer engine that produces 175 CV at 5,800 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

These figures are managed by the Lineartronic CVT gearbox. The engine behaves as expected from a naturally aspirated unit, with power delivery concentrated at the top of the rev counter. It is a very linear engine with plenty of pulling power, but the CVT means that, when you demand power, the revs climb a lot, generating noise in the cabin and a rather unexciting result overall.

On the motorway it is easy to reach cruising speeds and even overtake, but you will have to wait for the boxer engine to reach 4,000 rpm to enjoy the 235 Nm of torque. In this environment the Subaru Outback shows exemplary behaviour, thanks to long-travel suspension and soft damping capable of smoothly absorbing broken road surfaces.

In town, the Outback feels somewhat clumsy because of its large dimensions, although the ECO label from the DGT that it earns thanks to the LPG will allow us to benefit from certain tax advantages. The suspension remains superb when crossing speed bumps or sleeping policemen, while its soft but very direct steering makes manoeuvring fairly easy.

Thanks to the LPG, the Japanese estate enjoys a total range of more than 1,000 kilometres. Changing fuel is as simple as pressing the button to the left of the steering wheel, which shows the gas level. It is true that while the engine warms up the Subaru Outback starts on petrol, but it quickly switches to LPG once conditions are optimal.

During the test, average LPG consumption was 10 litres and, although that is a high figure, we should not forget the low refuelling cost of this fuel, which provides a range of around 350 kilometres for just under 40 euros. Petrol consumption is not far behind, averaging 9.7 litres per 100 km due to its considerable weight, the naturally aspirated engine and a CVT that, while smooth and reliable, is not as efficient as a dual-clutch or a torque converter.

We must not forget the off-road capability of the Subaru Outback, a model that features all-wheel drive and the X-Mode system, designed to maximise grip. With this in mind, the Japanese estate offers good traction in virtually any situation, whether in mud or snow, and rarely loses grip. It also comes with underbody protection, and the Outback only falls short in its approach and departure angles when tackling the trickiest obstacles.

Conclusion

The Subaru Outback is not a perfect car, but it is a good option given its very specific set of characteristics. Its design does not feel outdated, but its interior does and urgently needs an update. Its mechanical layout may not be the most efficient, but it is reliable and durable like few others, and to that we can add the presence of LPG and its advantages.

We should also bear in mind its dimensions, load capacity and ground clearance which, while not as generous as that of some SUVs, allow certain liberties in off-road use thanks to very good traction.

In short, the Subaru Outback GLP can be a very sound choice if you prioritise versatility, reliability and comfort over efficiency and technology. To enjoy its advantages you will have to part with 34,150 euros.

Technical specifications of this car

EstateSubaru Outback3 versions · from 42,900 €