We test the new Subaru Outback, the specialist

Developed from the second-generation Legacy, with greater suspension travel and ground clearance, the Outback has become a highly rated exclusive model, with more than 6.6 million units sold worldwide and over 300,000 in Europe since 1998.

The new Subaru Outback is built on the Subaru Global Platform, which promises greater safety, better ride quality and increased comfort on the road. It uses high-strength steel with welded outer panels and assembles components with high-strength structural adhesive. In addition, it has a longer wheelbase and a new suspension, pillar and crossmember architecture. Its length increases by 50 mm, its width by 35 mm and its ground clearance reaches 213 mm. Its off-road figures come close to those of vehicles with genuine off-road capability, with approach and departure angles of 19.7° and 22.6° respectively, a breakover angle of 21° and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg.

The new generation features wider bumpers, a new hexagonal grille, reinforced wheel arches, lower body cladding, and LED main and fog lights. The entire range comes with roof rails that, depending on the trim, incorporate integrated crossbars to turn them into a roof rack. New colours and 18-inch wheels complete the model’s line-up.

Very carefully finished interior

The interior has also been redesigned with higher-quality materials and new instruments. It includes an 11.6-inch vertical multifunction screen and an additional 5-inch screen in the instrument cluster showing on-board computer information, the multimedia system and adaptive cruise control. Functions available on the touchscreen include managing the different X-Mode programmes, adjusting the climate control, configuring the various preventive safety systems, adjusting general vehicle settings, connecting a Bluetooth phone with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the audio system, and more.

To improve interior space, the windscreen has been moved forward and the front door windows have been positioned further outward. It promises more space than the previous generation, with a greater distance between the front and rear seats.

Thanks to the Driver Monitoring System, the car can identify the driver and automatically adjust the seat, exterior mirror and climate settings. It features the brand’s first “hands-free” electric tailgate, which opens automatically when you bring your arm close to the sensor integrated into the rear badge. Opening the tailgate gives 30 mm more travel to make loading easier. Specifically, the boot is 23.9 mm longer, increasing capacity by 10 litres to 522 litres. It rises to 561 litres if you add the space under the boot floor.

It is offered in three trim levels: Trek, Field and Touring, with different upholstery types and finishes between the first two. The Trek trim includes as standard EyeSight 4.0, Driver Monitoring System, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, all-weather tyres 225/60 R18 on alloy wheels, retractable cross-bar roof rails, heated seats in both rows, a hands-free tailgate, and more.

The next level up has the Outdoor Pack and black alloy wheels. It features aluminium pedals and seats upholstered in two-tone synthetic leather, while the Touring trim offers silver-tone door mirrors, the Multi View Monitor system, aluminium pedals, a sunroof and a memory driver’s seat. The upholstery is black or brown leather.

Revised mechanicals

The new Outback features a revised 2.5 Boxer naturally aspirated four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine. According to the brand’s representatives, 90% of its components have been modified to improve performance and noise levels. It promises 169 CV at 5,000 rpm and maximum torque of 252 Nm at 3,800 rpm (17 Nm more than the previous edition).

It has direct injection, variable valve timing, a higher compression ratio (12:1) and automatic start-stop. It debuts an 8-speed Lineartronic automatic gearbox. This is a CVT with eight pre-set ratios, with a shorter first ratio and a longer top ratio to reduce fuel consumption.

A LPG bi-fuel version can be requested, which carries an additional cost of 2,000 euros and is installed in Spain at an approved workshop by Subaru.

As is customary for the brand, it features symmetrical permanent all-wheel drive, to which electronic systems have been added to manage active torque control and X-Mode with two operating modes: Snow Dirt (snow/gravel) and Deep Snow Mud (snow and mud), which adjust torque delivery and traction control behaviour.

The steering has also been adjusted and is now quicker, and the suspension has been retuned to reduce body roll. It debuts the EyeSight 4.0 system, which monitors traffic conditions and recognises road signs, vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists, with pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, drowsiness detection, lane departure warning, reverse emergency braking and more.

Highly capable on dirt and tarmac

Without a doubt, it is one of the most complete and versatile models on the market. Spacious, well finished and with a large load capacity, the Outback can afford to offer off-road behaviour far superior to that of most SUVs, even very close to that of true off-roaders with a low-range gearbox.

Its high ground clearance, generous suspension travel, 60-profile all-weather tyres on 18-inch wheels and permanent four-wheel drive mean that the Outback can confidently tackle genuinely demanding terrain.

On the road it has also improved. It is not only quieter and more pleasant to drive; its fuel consumption is noticeably lower, thanks to the gearbox with a longer top gear and an extra ratio, and the suspension, while not especially firm, controls body roll better.