The 2020 Subaru Outback is a true standout in the world of Wagons. It has a rugged yet refined character, all-wheel-drive capability, top-notch safety features, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, fuel-efficient engines, and a spacious interior. It’s no surprise that the Outback is a beloved family Wagon.
For a full week, I had the pleasure of delving into the world of the 2020 Subaru Outback Touring. I borrowed from a friend who trusted me to put it to the test. As a reviewer, I seized the opportunity to explore the Outback Touring model inside and out. As you’ll learn below, I dissected every feature and experienced its performance firsthand.
In this 2020 Subaru Outback review, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of the versatile Wagon, dissecting its performance, interior features, safety systems, and much more. Our goal is to give you an honest verdict on what the Outback offers.
Overview of the 2020 Subaru Outback
After updating the interior and exterior styling in the 2018 model year, along with adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the standard features list, the EyeSight active safety feature became standard on the 2019 Subaru Outback.
For the 2020 model year, Subaru completely redesigned its legendary Outback wagon. This transformation introduced a range of notable enhancements. This includes the optional turbocharged engine, driver distraction monitoring, and the bigger 11.6-inch touchscreen display as a standard feature in all trims except the base model.
Additionally, the 2020 model year marked the debut of the Onyx edition. This trim brought fresh design elements and augmented off-road capabilities. The 2020 Subaru Outback competes with the 2020 Volvo V90, the 2020 Audi A4 Allroad, and its cousin, the 2020 Subaru Forester.
A Week with the Subaru Outback
Upon reaching out to my dear friend Timothy, he graciously agreed to allow us the opportunity to review his 2020 Subaru Outback Touring. He recently imported the used 2020 Subaru model a month ago from Japan. And for a vehicle that’s nearly 4 years old now, it looked surprisingly new. Aside from the body, the interior is in mint condition, with the Nappa leather perfectly spread across the cabin. I took some time to appreciate the infotainment system and wireless connectivity options. However, the real adventure awaited as we prepared to take this model for a spin.
With about a week to spend with the 2020 Subaru Outback Touring, we spent the first days taking trips from Blantyre to Limbe and surrounding areas. We had our eyes on the fuel gauge, speed, responsiveness, and overall driving experience. As we entered the final stretch of our review week, we embarked on longer city-wide escapades. This included a memorable trip to the lake, a perfect choice for the ongoing summer season.
Exterior Design and Styling
The 2020 Subaru Outback boasts a sleek exterior design, with well-defined lines and a strong, athletic stance. It measures about 15 feet and 11 inches (which is approximately 4.85 meters) long, exuding a sense of spaciousness and presence on the road. This extended length contributes to its overall balanced appearance. The Outback’s design offers a harmonious blend of practicality and style. This makes it an ideal choice for both urban environments and off-road adventures.
Interior Design, Comfort, and Spaciousness
Within the Wagon’s interior, the 2020 Subaru Outback thoughtfully accommodates up to five passengers. The passenger volume is a generous 109.0 cubic feet, offering a roomy atmosphere for all occupants.
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Outback truly shines. Behind the second row, you’ll discover a substantial 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space. That is ideal for hauling groceries, luggage, or outdoor equipment. What sets the Outback apart is its impressive adaptability. The rear seats can be folded completely flat, creating a cargo area of up to 75.7 cubic feet. This is useful if you have a lot more cargo to transport.
The Outback base model’s interior isn’t as upscale as class rivals like the 2020 Volvo V90, the higher trim levels feature high-quality materials. Take the Touring trim, for example, which indulges you with a touch of luxury courtesy of Nappa leather. Enough leather to make you wonder if it’s more leather than a car. Upper trim levels also offer a large touch-screen infotainment system that adds a dash of high-tech sophistication to the cabin.
2020 Subaru Outback Technology and Infotainment
While the base model received the 7-inch touchscreen, the Touring model we drove had a bigger 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. Every model in the 2020 Subaru Outback lineup carries the 11.6-inch touchscreen, except the Outback base model.
The touchscreen pretty much steals the show when you step inside the Outback. The screen itself offers a super crisp display and has responsive touch feedback. However, the menus take a bit of the learning curve. Along with the bigger screen, the Touring model has a 12-speaker Harman Kardon Stereo and standard Navigation.
Safety Systems and Subaru EyeSight
Another interesting highlight of the 2020 Subaru Outback Touring is the plethora of safety features, thanks to which, the model received a 9.9 out of 100 safety rating from US News. The safety equipment includes standard features like a Lane departure warning, forward automatic emergency braking, a Rearview camera, and Automatic high-beam headlights.
Optional safety tech on the Outback included Reverse automatic emergency braking, Blind spot monitoring, Driver distraction monitoring, and Rear cross-traffic alert. Depending on the model you pick on the market, you may find some or all of these features.
Engine And Transmission
The base engine in the 2020 Subaru Outback is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which churns out 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine is standard on the base, Premium, Limited, and the Touring models we drove.
Anyone with a hunger for power can opt for the higher XT models, which include the Onyx Edition XT, the Limited XT, and the Touring XT. These XT models get a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
While the base engine has enough power, it still lacks the oomph you would expect from an SUV. It somewhat struggles in some scenarios, prompting you to push it a bit harder. But when you do, it easily loses its steam. The turbocharged engine, on the other hand, has a peppy delivery, especially at highway speeds. Regardless of the setup, power goes to all wheels via the continuously variable automatic (CVT)
With the non-turbocharged engine, the 2020 Subaru Outback’s towing capacity is limited to about 2,700 pounds. However, the turbocharged options can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
2020 Subaru Outback Acceleration And Top Speed
The 2020 Subaru Outback exhibits good performance. It achieves a 0-60 mph run in just 8.7 seconds (or (0 to 96.56 km/h in 8.7 seconds). This acceleration makes merging onto highways or overtaking on busy roads a breeze.
While the Outback may not be a sports car, it doesn’t fall short in the speed department. The top speed of the Subaru Outback is limited to 130 mph (approximately 209.21 km/h). That’s enough speed for highway cruising.
All-wheel drive and Off-Road Capability
Thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, the 2020 Subaru Outback provides the confidence to explore off the beaten path. With a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the optional X-Mode off-road drive setting, it’s well-prepared for rugged terrain and adventures. This versatility adds an exciting dimension to the Outback’s capabilities.
Depending on the specific trim level. the 2020 Outback weighs between 3,634 and 3,937 pounds, This weight distribution, coupled with Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive system, ensures stability and added traction.
Fuel Efficiency
for a wagon, the 2020 Subaru Outback Touring manages to achieve respectable gas mileage. This makes it a practical choice for fuel-conscious drivers.
The base engine offers a fuel economy of 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. That’s approximately 9.0 liters/100 kilometers in the city and 7.1 liters/100 kilometers on the highway.
The turbo-four engine has a lower rating of 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. That is roughly 10.2 liters/100 kilometers in the city and 7.8 liters/100 kilometers on the highway.
Ride Quality and Comfort
The Subaru Outback is a vehicle that prioritizes passenger well-being and satisfaction on every journey. The seats provide lots of comfort and support. The rear seats have a 60/40 split-folding design.
The Outback’s suspension system delivers a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride. It adeptly absorbs the bumps and imperfections of the road. The result is a pleasantly cushioned ride.
2020 Subaru Outback: Pros and Cons
As with any car, the Subaru Outback has its ups and downs.
Pros:
- Spacious and versatile interior
- Excellent off-road capability with standard all-wheel drive
- Impressive safety features and crash test ratings
- Ample cargo space for outdoor enthusiasts
- Comfortable and smooth ride for long drives
- User-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display
- Fuel-efficient engine options
- Well-equipped with modern technology and driver-assistance features
- Reliability and long-lasting performance
- Good resale value
Cons:
- Lackluster acceleration compared to some rivals
- Interior materials could be of higher quality
- Limited engine choices, lacking a more powerful option
- Some competitors offer more advanced driver-assistance systems
- Not as fuel-efficient as some of its competitors
- Mediocre towing capacity compared to some rivals
- Limited customization options for exterior styling
- Ride quality can be firm over rough surfaces
- Rear visibility may be compromised due to thick roof pillars
2020 Subaru Outback Price, Reliability, and Ownership Costs
The 2020 Subaru Outback is among the most affordable used wagons you can find under $30K.
Prices of a used 2020 Subaru Outback Prices range from $25,736 to $30,252. Not that the price may vary depending on the vehicle’s condition and mileage. The features and location also play a huge role in the pricing of the used market.
In terms of ownership costs, the 2020 Subaru Outback costs about $5,211 per year. This includes taxes, fees, repairs, maintenance, and gas.
The SUV also has a great stand against its competitors, reliability-wise. JD Power gave the 2020 Subaru Outback a reliability rating of 70 out of 100. The model also ranked third in US News’ Top 2020 Wagons
Final Verdict
With its exceptional all-wheel drive system, off-road prowess, and roomy interior, the 2020 Subaru Outback bridges the gap between practicality and adventure.
Its performance on and off the road, paired with a well-appointed cabin and advanced technology. Sure, it may not match the luxury of some high-end rivals. But the Outback’s reliability, durability, and competitive pricing position it as a good option.
For those who appreciate a balance of comfort, versatility, and outdoor capabilities, the 2020 Subaru Outback is a compelling choice.
2020 Subaru Outback Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What sets the 2020 Subaru Outback apart from its competitors?
The 2020 Subaru Outback stands out with its standard all-wheel drive, impressive off-road capabilities, spacious interior, and a strong focus on safety. It’s a well-rounded choice for those seeking adventure and practicality in one package.
Is the 2020 Subaru Outback suitable for off-road adventures, and what features make it capable in such scenarios?
Absolutely. The Outback has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. It also has standard all-wheel drive and available X-Mode off-road drive setting. These features make the SUV prepared for off-road drives.
What is the fuel efficiency of the 2020 Subaru OutbackTouring?
The 2020 Outback delivers competitive fuel efficiency. Models with the base engine achieve 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. The turbo-four models provide 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
What are the safety features included in the 2020 Subaru Outback?
The 2020 Outback comes equipped with a range of safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, it features a strong chassis design and airbags for passenger protection.
What is the reliability track record of the 2020 Subaru Outback based on consumer reviews and expert opinions?
The Subaru Outback has a good reliability reputation. At the time of this writing, there are no significant recalls for the 2020 Subaru Outback. Both the 2020 and 2021 Subaru Outback model years earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.
What is the overall ownership experience like, in terms of maintenance, durability, and long-term costs?
The Outback is known for its low maintenance and repair costs. Subaru’s well-built engines and overall durability contribute to a favorable long-term ownership experience. Additionally, the vehicle maintains its value well over time
