Test: Subaru Outback (2024) – price, configuration

Subaru Outback is a true pioneer in the off-road real estate segment. In early 1994, the Japanese brand released the top version of the Outback, complete with sharp bumpers and rally elements – Subaru was actively involved in world rally competitions at that time. It wasn’t until 1997 that Volvo followed and the V70 Mercedes now also has an E-Class All-Terrain, only BMW hasn’t (yet) upgraded its 5 Series Touring. This latest generation of the Outback came to the market in the United States in 2020 and also arrived on European soil a year later. Elsewhere in the world there is even a facelift version, but it only changes at the level of detail (bumpers, USB C ports, …).

Bigger than you can imagine

And while this generation of Outback inherits many styling cues from its predecessor, it stands on an all-new platform that’s stiffer, lighter and more stable, which should improve safety, comfort and handling. In real life, what is surprising is that it is not a small car: with a length of 4.87 m, a width of 1.88 m and a height of 1.68 m, it puts many SUVs in its shadow. However, the weight remains within the limit: with its weight of 1,643 kg, it is almost a feather compared to the two-ton trucks that are found in abundance on our roads these days.

The oceans of inner space

That large size has a positive effect on the interior space: it’s just big! Up front you sit in comfortable seats that are largely adjustable (although the headrest could be a little soft), with enough room in the back for tall adults – even if the driver is taller than average. The back seat doesn’t slide, but it does slide and offers a lot of comfort. You sit a little higher in the middle and have to deal with the transmission tunnel, but the fifth seat is still usable for short trips. You also get curtains and heated seats, although the glass sunroof is restricted to the front exterior.

Fortunately, the spacious interior does not affect the trunk, because it is also large and, above all, very deep with a volume of 561 to 1,822 liters. As icing on the cake, you can also tow up to 2 tonnes with the Outback, which is enough for most trailers and caravans.

Outdated looking infotainment

Although the overall comfort is very good, there are still some problems on board the Outback. Firstly, the finish is not as high quality as the German brands, with hard plastics here and there, but don’t expect it to be at this price point. The biggest thorn, however, is the infotainment system, which is large (an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen), but looks very dated.

Fortunately, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available (but only via cable) and in terms of response speed and open menus, things are good. You can set the temperature and volume via separate buttons, but unfortunately you have to use the touch screen for the front seat heating and ventilation. The counters are still old-fashioned analog with a small screen in the middle, which may not be very modern in 2024, but it didn’t bother us at all. Safety equipment is specifically completed under the EyeSight name and is also included as standard.

Motorcycle

In terms of the engine, you can choose anything from Subaru, as long as it is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline box with 124 kW (169 hp) and 252 Nm, connected to a CVT automatic transmission (which simulates gears to reduce engine noise ). This makes the new Outback less powerful than its predecessor for CO2 reasons, delivering 0-100 km/h in 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 193 km/h. In terms of consumption, Subaru promises 8.6 l/100 km, a value we were even able to slightly improve, and CO2 emissions of 193 g/km. And that immediately explains why you rarely see them on the road, because the European competition has smaller turbo engines that can provide lower consumption and production figures on paper and in practice, which makes a big difference in terms of road tax and tax benefits. .

A lot of peace … in the city

On the road, the Subaru Outback rides as comfortably as you’d expect from its welcoming interior. Thanks to the high ground clearance, potholes and speed bumps are child’s play, and the automatic CVT transmission ensures a lot of peace and quiet, especially in and out of the city. Thanks to the (relatively) large capacity of the engine’s lungs, it can rotate around 1,000 rpm at 30 to 50 km / h, which also makes a difference in use. However, that peace disappears like snow in the sun when you look for the highway. Not only because the engine starts to whine when you press the gas (and it takes time to get up to a certain power), but also because there is a little wind noise at high speeds due to the high body and roof rails. . But it was very windy during our test session.

Strong and capable of terrain

Subaru is also promising a big step forward in driving dynamics with this generation of the Outback, and while we have no complaints in terms of steering feel and body dynamics, it’s no scalpel on the corners either. The big and tall property remains stable, but cannot handle high cornering speeds. So it’s not really meant for that. What it can do is stand firm on the terrain thanks to the permanent all-wheel drive and X-Mode driving modes that provide better traction on loose surfaces or when climbing and descending at high speed. Something that still differentiates Subaru from other off-road vehicles and even SUVs.

Subaru exterior price

The Subaru Outback is available in Belgium from 42,595 euros as a special edition 50 Years AWD, but you can also get it as a Sport (45,095 euros) or as a fully equipped Premium (49,595 euros). Only the metallic paint costs an extra 600 euros, everything else is already included, and Subaru regularly offers discounts to lower the price even more. A well-finished but poorly equipped Audi A6 Allroad costs at least 65,680 euros, the Mercedes E-Class Break All-Terrain is only available from – don’t panic – 79,436 euros. But the Subaru will retain its value under the second-hand market, there are only 12 dealers left in Belgium and you have to pay another 3,000 euros to the government (Flanders and Brussels/Wallonia) to register it. However, in terms of reliability, Subaru is in the top 10 and you get an 8-year warranty with no mileage limitations.

High judgment

If the Subaru Outback had a modern turbo engine and a standard automatic transmission (we think of the BMW as a good example), it would be almost a perfect car. It’s comfortable, very spacious, fun to drive and can even handle off-road driving. It may not be as sophisticated or as beautifully finished as the German competition, but it’s cheaper and offers better value for money. It’s just a shame that Subaru continues to stick with the old boxer engine with CVT (and continues to squeeze it further in the pursuit of low CO2 emissions), which makes it financially unattractive and therefore almost never seen in Belgium. Because he deserves better.