This week I bring you the all-new 2020 Subaru Outback. Although the exterior changes were subtle from the 2019 model, there were a lot more things that improved with this crossover SUV.
There are two engine choices, and both engines are new for 2020. My tester has the 2.5-liter 4 cylinder Boxer putting out 182-horses, or there is a 4-cylinder with a turbo that will get you 260-horses. Both come with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), with which Subaru does a great job with. You can override the CVT by using the shift paddles on the steering wheel.
This is the Limited model, which is right in the middle of the five models in which the Outback is available in.
Moving to the inside, the interior is subtle-but nice-with leather seating, and stitching running throughout. Two large and colorful gauges are super easy to read, and between them is the driver info center. Every time I start the vehicle, it greets me with Hello, Carpro.
The big story for the 2020 Outback is the new 11.6-inch vertical tablet-style high resolution screen to operate the sound system, Bluetooth, apps, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and the vehicle settings. This system works great, it’s easy to figure out, and it moves quickly.
The front seats are slightly bolstered, but very comfortable and the headroom is good. On the center console you have a couple of cup holders and two USB ports.
Moving to the back seat, leg room is surprisingly good, and the 2020 has 75.7 cubic- feet of cargo area with the back seats down. Rear seat passengers get heated seats, air vents, and two USB ports.
Major standard features include hands-free power liftgate, climate-controlled air conditioning, power-heated seats, and a heated steering wheel with controls.
Subarus are known for safety and this Limited comes standard with the terrific EyeSight system. EyeSight monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, and if you stray out of your lane, it will center the vehicle back in the lane. The pre-collision braking feature can even apply full braking force in emergency situations. It is one of the best systems I have ever experienced. EyeSight uses twin cameras that actively monitor the road through the windshield-mounted cameras.
Other safety features that are standard on Outback Limited include: Blind spot monitoring, rear camera with cross-traffic alert, automatic reverse braking, auto high beam controls, and what I consider to be the best all-wheel drive system in the industry.
Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive system continually keeps the power to all four wheels, ensuring outstanding grip in snow, rain, or rough terrain.
This Outback has the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which is pretty space age. This system constantly scans your facial features and gives an alert if a driver becomes distracted or drowsy, and get this, it can recognize the faces of up to five different drivers and it remembers their preferences like seat position, climate settings, and outside mirror position. If you turn up a bottle of water and the facial recognition cannot see your eyes, it will warn you to keep your eyes on the road.
This Outback has $2000 in options and includes the Distraction Mitigation, heated steering wheel, navigation system, and a power moonroof.
Fuel economy is excellent at 26 in town, and 33 on the highway, which is terrific, especially if you consider it is a four-wheel drive SUV.
The 2020 Subaru Outback Limited drives great, it is very capable off road with 8.7” of ground clearance, and it is quieter than previous versions. Subaru took a fantastic SUV and made it even better for 2020. Total MSRP as you see this one is $36,500 and for what you get, that’s a bargain.
Credit: Subaru
