2020 Subaru Outback Review
The Subaru Outback has established itself as a formidable crossover that combines station wagon and SUV features making it a favourite among Kenyans. The Subaru Outback is the same as the Subaru Legacy except for the suspension and engine variants. It is classified as an SUV but can easily be mistaken for a wagon when viewed from the side. In Kenya it is mostly known for being used by the authorities. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Rogue and Chevrolet Equinox.
Detailed Review
The Subaru Outback has been in production for six generations since 1994. The first generation, known as the BG, was produced from 1994 to 1998. From 1998 to 2003, the BH, or second generation, was produced. The third generation, known as the BP, was in production from 2004 until 2009. The fourth generation dubbed the BR, was manufactured between 2010 and 2014, while the fifth generation, dubbed the BS, was manufactured between 2015 and 2019. The sixth generation, designated as BT, has been in production since 2020.
The 2020 Subaru Outback is powered by the 2.5 L FB25D H4 engine. This powertrain is mated to an 8-speed Simulated Lineartronic CVT.
2020 Subaru Outback grades
• B-Sports– Power assisted rack and pinion steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, LED headlamps, keyless entry, push start button, heated driver’s seat, heated passenger seat, Lane Assist, Hill Start Assist, Rain sensor, and Distance Control System.
• X-Break– This grade comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels, Cruise control, Leather-wrapped steering wheel, Keyless Entry, Folding rear seats, Privacy Glass, Brake Assist, automatic Air conditioning, LED Headlamp, Lane Assist, and Hill Start Assist.
•Limited– This is the highest grade and comes with 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, an electric tailgate, an Idle Stop, Keyless Entry, Leather seats, Power front seats, and a Collision-safe body.
Interior Legroom & Space
The 2020 Outback has a spacious cabin that can comfortably seat five people. The cabin design is largely shared with the Subaru Legacy and both have comfortable accommodations and quality materials.
In the front, the Outback offers plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and the front passenger. The second-row seats are also comfortable with excellent headroom and legroom, and the cabin feels airy and open.
The 2020 Outback comes standard with 11.6-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and USB ports.
Higher trims get more upscale features such as a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front-passenger seat, and heated rear seats.
Cabin Storage
The 2020 Subaru Outback includes various storage compartments designed for better passenger comfort. The front row includes a glove box, a center console, two cupholders, and storage in the door panels. Two cupholders, jacket pockets, and door pockets can be found in the second row.
2020 Subaru Outback Boot Space
The 2020 Outback offers up to 75.7 cu ft of space when the rear seats are folded down. The rear gate opening is wide and can comfortably accommodate long items such as camping gear and golf clubs.
2020 Subaru Outback Exterior
The 2020 Outback has a bold and rugged design that is anchored to Subaru’s “Active x Tough” concept. It projects a large presence from thicker profile panel surfaces and raised rear gate. The front end features a large hexagonal grille, front cladding, and LED fog lights on the corners and wider fenders create the Subaru family face.
The side profile features subtle character lines flowing from the front to the rear giving the Outback a sense of motion. There is plastic cladding along the wheel arches and lower body and a roof rail with integrated tie-down points.
The rear end of the 2020 Outback has LED tail lights, a black lower bumper, and a power-operated liftgate.
Safety Features: EyeSight, Traction control, stability control, an anti-locking braking system, multiple airbags, electronic brake force distribution, Active Lane Keep, a steering assist function, AT reverse misalignment prevention control, and brake light recognition control.
2020 Subaru Outback Fuel Consumption
2020 Subaru Outback 2.5 L petrol engine consumption- 11.5 km/l on average
2020 Subaru Outback Acceleration
2020 Subaru Outback 2.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.0 secs
The 2020 Subaru Outback Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 liters
Ground Clearance: The 2020 Subaru Outback has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.
Spare Parts and Availability
Service parts are available and fairly priced in Kenya. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and mostly available from Subaru Kenya.
2020 Subaru Outback Stability And Handling
Subaru dropped the 3.6L engine for the 2020 models and is now powered by the 2.5 L FB25D H4 engine.
The 2.5-liter engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that mimics an eight-speed gearbox and churns out a maximum horsepower of 175 and a torque of 235 N･m.
This powertrain provides adequate power to all the jobs that an Outback might have thrown at it including some light off-road action.
The Lineartronic has also been improved, adopting auto step shift control that switches the gear characteristics according to the throttle opening
On the road, the Outback delivers a comfortable ride with the steering wheel feeling wheel weighted and offering good on-center feel and feedback from the road while the brakes feature a highly responsive booster for improved response and controllability.
The 2020 Outback also adopts the X mode which improves off-road performance by optimally controlling the engine, four-wheel drive, and brakes on slippery roads.
2020 Subaru Outback Reliability
The Subaru Outback is regarded as a reliable vehicle. That can take you anywhere thanks to its high ground clearance, durable body components, and reliable engine. The Outbacks are built to withstand the demands of daily driving and outdoor adventures lasting well beyond 300,000 kilometers.
Common reported Subaru Outback problems include Oil leaks, transmission problems, weak windshield, faulty oxygen sensors, faulty headlights, and faulty airbags. To avoid such problems, regular servicing and maintenance are essential.
Refer to the Subaru Outback buyer guide for a thorough reliability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Resale Value: Good
Subaru Outback Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, and Chevrolet Equinox.
What we like about the 2020 Subaru Outback
• Standard all-wheel drive
• High-tech safety features
• Roomy cabin
What we don’t
• Sensitive lane departure warning
• Lousy audio
Conclusion
The Subaru Outback is a perfect crossover if you are in the market for a daily vehicle that can at the same time accommodate your family for a weekend adventure. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Outback handles rough terrain easily and is backed by the Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offering better traction and stability. The Outback’s interior is also spacious and comfortable and seats five people. The boot space is also spacious to accommodate luggage for a family of five.
If you are looking to buy or import the 2020 Subaru Outback we can help you with this process without any middleman. we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and the UK who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us on 0722 469360 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.
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