Great value; nice styling; spacious, good-looking and spacious interior; usual Subaru quality
EyeSight safety system still under development for diesel models
According to Subaru, the all-new fifth generation Outback is on a fightback mission. A fightback because Subaru’s iconic wagon/SUV has been under attack in recent years as the German brands have entered this popular segment.
Not that you’d notice. For 15 out of the last 17 years Subaru sales have grown in Australia (the two exceptions being the years of the GFC and the tsunami/earthquake in Japan). Currently with sales up by 2.0 per-cent, Subaru will push beyond 40,000 units this year to be the only mainstream Japanese brand to outperform the market.
Many Subaru Outback buyers are new to crossovers/SUVs and according to Subaru this will be an advantage when Holden, Ford and Toyota cease local manufacturing. With interior space akin to the local ‘Big-6s’ and plenty of cargo capacity, the all-new Subaru Outback is a worthy alternative.
No wonder, for the first time, the latest Subaru Outback can be ordered with a cargo barrier – a requirement for many fleet and government buyers who may not have previously considered an Outback for their wagon purchases.
Subaru Outback Overview
“Capability Mastered” is how Subaru describes its all-new fifth-generation Outback. Owners love the Outback and prioritize their requirements as: reliability, utility, driving performance, cargo space, all-wheel-drive and (in opposition to SUVs) the low roof/low centre of gravity.
So Subaru was smart in development of the all-new model in leaving the successful Outback DNA unchanged but delivered on crucial areas such as styling, infotainment and the quality look/feel of the interior. To do all that and actually increase interior and cargo space (already Outback strong points) shows real smarts…just as we expect from Subaru.
No changes in the model nomenclature and the full range is:
| 2.5i CVT | $35,990 |
| 2.5i Premium CVT | $41,490 |
| 2.0D manual | $35,490 |
| 2.0D CVT | $37,490 |
| 2.0D Premium manual | $41,490 |
| 2.0D Premium CVT | $43,490 |
| 3.6R | $47,990 |
Subaru Outback Engine
A key differentiator for the all-new Subaru outback is improved fuel-efficiency for both petrol engines and the turbo-diesel. Fuel consumption for the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is down by 8.8 per-cent, for the 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol it’s down by 3.9 per-cent and for the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel it’s down by 5.0 per-cent – all with corresponding cuts in exhaust emissions.
Of course these are all horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer’ engines.
First-up is the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which provides maximum power of 129kW at 5800 rpm and peak torque of 235Nm at 4000rpm. Drive is exclusively via the CVT automatic transmission and fuel consumption (aided by a new active front grille shutter) is rated at 7.3l/100kms
The 3.6-litre petrol engine is from Subaru’s well-known EZ engine family and produces maximum power of 191kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 350Nm at 4400rpm. Drive is exclusively via the CVT automatic transmission and combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 9.9l/100kms.
Subaru’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is good for 119kW of power at 3600rpm and peak torque of 350Nm is delivered between 1600-2800rpm. Drive is via either a six-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic and combined cycle fuel consumption scores 5.7l/100kms (manual) or 6.3l/100kms (CVT).
Subaru Outback The Interior
When asked what current Outback owners will be most impressed with when they see the all-new fifth generation models, Subaru Australia boss Nick Senior said: “The interior.” We agree, the new dashboard/infotainment system, more upscale materials and new seats are all noticeable step-ups from previous models.
And once inside, you do immediately notice the extra space. For the statistically minded we’re talking some 10mm gained between the front seats, 42mm extra shoulder room, 43mm more elbow room and 35mm extra in the hip department.
Same out-back with cargo volume up by 22-litres to 512-litres and the actual dimensions see an extra 20mm in cargo bay height (now 407mm).
Drivers will also notice the new instrumentation – a dual gauge display with a 3.5-inch or 5.0-inch LCD screen in-between (this includes the EyeSight information in petrol models). To the left is the new infotainment system – a wide, flat set-up which Subaru says mirrors a smartphone or tablet for functionality.
On the audio front, Premium and 3.6R models gain a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon system which includes Pandora connectivity. It’s a six-speaker system for other models.
With rake/reach adjustment for the steering wheel and height adjustment for the driver’s seat the cockpit provides a nice driving position. The shift forward of the A-pillars over the previous generation, new quarter windows and door-mounted side mirrors all combine to provide a better view when cornering.
Our only points deduction was the seat itself which we found a bit short under the thighs and also needing more lateral support.
But it’s a ‘thumbs-up’ for Subaru’s new design and trim materials. Premium and 3.6R models go further with leather and piano black highlights.
Subaru Outback Exterior & Styling
Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the all-new Subaru Outback scores well in the looks department. There’s no doubt it’s a more powerful design, the extra muscle coming from beefier shoulders and those excellent new-design 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels.
And the all-new Subaru Outback is marginally larger – length is increased by 25mm to 4815mm, width by 25mm to 1840mm and height by 25mm to 1675mm.
Up-front is a new version of Subaru’s hexagonal grille and ‘hawk eye’ headlights. Subaru says the new front-end is also more practical – designed to better withstand minor collisions.
Side view highlights the raised shoulder line, forward A-pillars and lower rear roofline. If you think the new crossbar, hinged roof rails look sturdy you’re right and they’re easier to operate than previously.
There’s also a shapely tailgate spoiler – Subaru says the all-new Outback is 10 per-cent more aerodynamic than its predecessor. Premium and 3.6R models gain power operation for the tailgate.
Subaru Outback On The Road
Top marks to Subaru for its media preview location – the excellent roads around Sale and Metung in North-East Victoria. Well we’ve seen a lot of the Yarra Valley and Tasmania this year!
Over a variety of sealed and dirt roads we got to sample the all-new Subaru Outback in 2.5i, 2.0D and 3.6R models. Included was a couple of steep downhill dirt tracks which proved the proficiency of the new X-Mode’ system’s hill descent control – up there with the best of them for maintaining the required slow pace in tricky going.
First impressions were positive. There’s no doubt this generation Subaru Outback has taken giant strides in the refinement department – NVH is down by 10 per-cent over the previous model - and we reckon the MacPherson strut front/independent rear suspension calibration has improved with a much better compression/rebound combination producing significantly less pitch and roll in braking and cornering.
Likewise the steering which reaped the rewards of a better ratio (now 14:1). Of course sealed road tyre grip is a little compromised due to the Yokohama and Bridgestone Dueller tyres affording some off-road agility.
All three engines had plenty of zip and of course the hallmark ‘Boxer’ exhaust note. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel was particularly impressive with its mid-range torque.
Our favourite was the 3.6R – the punch and refinement of the 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine seemed ideal for the Outback and over those twisty rural roads ‘S#’ in the SI-Drive mode gave excellent response. However you do notice the extra weight of the six-cylinder (and its sturdier CVT) when fully loaded in corners or over bumps.
Subaru Outback Challenges
Points deductions for the all-new Subaru Outback are for the front seats which need more bolstering for lateral support and also extra length for under-thigh support. And diesel buyers will have to wait for the safety of Subaru’s excellent EyeSight system as it’s still undergoing engineering development.
Subaru Outback Verdict
We’ve always been keen on the Subaru Outback – we think the wagon-based SUV is a clever solution for buyers who want more than a wagon but not the full-blown SUV experience. And clearly the all-new model is the best Outback so far.
We’re impressed Subaru tackled the areas where the previous generation was criticized – fuel consumption and interior style topping the list. And we like the all-new look.
However the headline act is certainly the pricing (starting from $35,490). Not that the previous Subaru Outback was over-priced, but the all-new fifth generation is sensational value-for-money.
And you should never discount Subaru’s obsession with safety and quality. Better equipped, more fuel-efficient and great buying – there’s a lot to like about the all-new Subaru Outback.
Subaru Outback The Competition
Hyundai’s Santa Fe ranges from $38,490 to $51,990 and is a good-looker. Diesel or petrol power and nicely kitted inside, the Santa Fe drives well and is a definite inclusion on your shopping list.
Likewise the Kia Sorento ($38,490 - $50,790). Sorento is also diesel or petrol, is nicely equipped and – like the Subaru Outback and Hyundai Santa Fe – is nicely sized and won’t intimidate first-time buyers in this league.
Volkswagen Passat Alltrack ($48,290), like the Subaru Outback, is a wagon-based SUV. Not as spacious as the Outback and ultimately not as capable off-road, the Passat Alltrack is still a terrific vehicle and a must-consider.
