What Features Come Standard on the Subaru Outback?
With the 2020 model year, Subaru rolls out the new sixth generation of the Outback. They did a lot of research when designing the new version, and they found that customers love this wagon pretty much as it is. After all, it is Subaru’s best-selling model.
There are some changes on the new model though, which Car and Driver calls “redesigned and more refined.” Edmunds says it’s “one of the most versatile, capable and comfortable vehicles in its class.” There are seven trim levels, so there’s a lot to choose from on the 2020 Subaru Outback. What features are standard though? Here’s a look.
The 2020 Subaru Outback’s exterior
The seven trims are the base model, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT. The platform is new for 2020, and the Outback now uses the stiffer Subaru Global Platform. According to Subaru, it’s able to absorb 40% more energy during a frontal collision than the old platform.
The suspension is new too and now has hollow anti-roll bars in both the front and the rear. The Outback is also 1.4 inches longer and 0.6 inches wider than the 2019 model. All of the trims have 8.7 inches of ground clearance and provide keyless entry. In addition, roof rails are standard. They have a 150 lb. maximum capacity and come with integrated tie-downs.
The 2020 Subaru Outback’s powertrain
There are two different engines for the 2020 Outback, and both are new this year. The base model, Premium, Limited, and Touring have a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 176 lb.-ft. of torque. The Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT have a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque.
The two engines give the Outback different towing capacities. The Outbacks with the smaller engine can tow up to 2,700 pounds, while the turbocharged engine ups the capacity to 3,500 pounds. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and they all have a continuously variable automatic transmission, which mimics an eight-speed automatic.
The 2020 Subaru Outback’s interior
The Outback’s interior has been upgraded and is similar to the Subaru Legacy’s. There are a number of interior features that are standard across all the trim levels on the 2020 Outback. It has reclining 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks. It comes with eight cup holders, a center console, and overhead sunglasses storage.
The cargo area has grocery bag hooks and cargo tie-down hooks, cargo-area underfloor storage, and a removable cargo-area tray. Leather-trimmed upholstery is only standard on the Limited, Touring, and Limited XT trim levels, and the others come with cloth seats.
Subaru Starlink Multimedia, the Subaru infotainment system, is standard across all the trims. It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus Bluetooth and Pandora. The base trim has two 7.0-inch touchscreens. The Premium, Limited, and Onyx Edition XT have a vertical 11.6-inch touchscreen. And the Touring, Limited XT, and Touring XT have the 11.6-inch touchscreen plus navigation, which is optional on the Premium, Limited, and Onyx Edition XT.
The 2020 Subaru Outback’s safety features
A number of safety features and driver-assist features are standard on all trims of the 2020 Outback. This includes EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which offers advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision braking, lane departure, sway warning, and lane keep assist. Other standard features are high beam assist, vehicle dynamics control, four-wheel anti-lock braking system, brake assist, brake override system, traction control system, a tire pressure monitoring system, LED daytime running lights, and a rear-vision camera.
A few more features are options on some trims: the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System to alert tired or distracted drivers, blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, plus reverse automatic braking.
With a long list of standard features on all its trims, the 2020 Subaru Outback is a strong option for anyone considering a new wagon.
