2020 Subaru Outback Pros vs Cons
When it comes to cars, James Murdock has the real-world experience to back it up. With an economics degree and over 20 years running the family dealership, he's managed it all - from sales to service and marketing. His role is to provide his expert opinion on vehicle performance and value. He meticulously fact checks all features and data with vehicle manufacturers to ensure the upmost accuracy.
Subaru is a company that does a lot of research when it comes to pleasing customers with the vehicles they offer. The Outback, in particular, has been a staple product since its first debut in the mid-1990s. The sixth-generation Subaru Outback offers much of the same compared to previous models, yet the manufacturer adds some chic renovation in its complete redesign that present sensibility and worthwhile impacts.
What's New for 2020?
The makers at Subaru have given the Outback a complete remodel. The 2020 Subaru doesn't look extremely different on the surface than the model before it; dig a little deeper and one can see where those at Subaru made changes in the redesign of the 2020 Subaru Outback.
There are slight design changes on the Subaru Outback. One will see gray cladding have more of an impact on the front end and the sides. The fog lamps have been replaced in favor of vertical slacks that feature on both sides of the fascia.
Subaru has also made important changes with standard safety features, the interior, enhanced engine options and have even improved performance with better fuel economy. The 2020 Subaru Outback is much like the other models that have come before it, yet offers refinements that add to its legacy on the road.
Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Subaru Outback – The Pros
1. The Cabin is Comfortable
Yes, when it comes to the 2020 Subaru Outback, potential buyers will not have to worry about this vehicle miraculously losing space in its cabin. Those looking for a vehicle for long road trips and adventures exploring the outdoors will have no trouble here.
The 2020 Subaru Outback redesign has the comfort of the passenger in mind.
The Outback fits five comfortably with plenty of headspace and legroom. The rear of the vehicle comes equipped with two complete sets of car-seat connectors for the outboard seats. The seats are comfortable with Nappa leather as an option. Heated front and rear seats that extend to the shoulders offer added comfort. Ride easy on the open road in this Outback.
2. The Cargo Space is Incredible
Those who drive Outbacks are just as concerned with the amount of cargo space as they are legroom and other comfort-related items. The two-row vehicle has 32.5 cubic space behind its second row; fold the rear seats completely flat and the 2020 Subaru Outback offers a whopping maximum capacity of 75.7 cubic feet. There's a new hands-free power liftgate that comes optional to make it easy to load cargo into the spacious cabin.
Call it a wagon, SUV or crossover SUV, it doesn't matter. This outback has plenty of room for the working person to haul materials. Whether long or wide, bulky and uncompromising, the design of the Outback makes it easy to load and unload supplies.
3. The Optional Turbo-Charged Engine Offers Serious Power
One of two engines can power this Outback to the preferred destination. The available turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is especially appealing. It adds an element of power while improving fuel economy from Outbacks of the past. One realizes the difference when accelerating on the freeway. The engines on the 2020 Subaru Outback comes with continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
4. Off-Roading Made Easier in the Outback
Sometimes life brings people to places not often traveled to. There isn't always a perfectly paved road groomed for easy access through mountain ranges and forests. The most scenic and untouched spots sometimes require an off-road vehicle for people to get there. The explorer is in luck with the 2020 Subaru Outback.
8.7 inches of ground clearance make it easy to navigate tough spots while off-roading. Standard all-wheel drive offers plenty of solutions while on the trails. The Outback features an X-Mode system that offers different traction control options and hill descent controls. The Outback continues to be a friendly off-road vehicle for adventure seekers worldwide.
5. Quality Interior Options Mean Luxury Inside the Cabin
Slip into the hiking boots and drive away in the 2020 Outback. One will be met with an interior that looks great and functions well. An available infotainment screen is huge and offers plenty in terms of quality design. This 11.6 vertical screen is new in the 2020 model.
This screen transforms the look of the Outback. While a lot of features feel the same, the screen certainly shouts freshness. It is the command center for many of the functions featured in the vehicle. There are more traditional knobs and buttons to push for those who may be a bit overwhelmed by the touchscreen option.
6. All-Wheel Drive Offers Versatility
The roads can sometimes be dangerous depending on the conditions offered by Mother Nature. Whether it is snow, ice, sleet, mud or rain, the handling of the all-wheel-drive is quite responsive. A person operating a 2020 Subaru Outback wants to feel confident about how the ride handles.
The comfortable ride that the Subaru offers to the driver makes it an attractive automobile to own. The Outback is energetic and clean as it rides with the all-wheel-drive pushing the wheels forward to discovery. It's perfect for wintertime in Minnesota or a summer drive through the Mojave Desert.
7. The Outback Offers Reliability
Vehicles are quite an investment. There's nothing greater than being able to rely daily on a vehicle. J.D. Power rates the Outback with an above-average predicted reliability rating. If the 2020 Outback is like its predecessors, one will have several miles behind the wheel of the Outback.
8. The Changes Make Sense
Sometimes overhauling a vehicle can turn into a nightmare for vehicle manufacturers. Subaru loyalists don't often like change. The beautiful thing about the changes in this model is that they are gradual and are rolled out nicely. The changes not only make sense on a practical level, but the 2020 Subaru Outback is also better than prior models.
The newest model is more powerful, has further space in the backseats and updates the design that flawlessly modernizes it.
9. Several Driver Assist Feautures Come Standard
Often engineers will comprehend a breakthrough in driver-assist technology, and make it available in the next generation of the automobile put out by the automaker. This is great but they don't always come standard. Several cool features that help the driver come standard in the 2020 Outback. Forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep technology and a rearview camera are some of them.
One wants to be confident that they can drive their vehicles through any condition. The 2020 Subaru Outback is a vehicle built for toughness while still maintaining a smooth and safe ride. Many of the driver-assist features that come standard are another reason to buy this automobile.
10. The Evolution of the Subaru Makes the 2020 Model Great
Having a vehicle that a person loves is important. Many owners of the Outback Subaru fall in love with the vehicle for its rugged capabilities while remaining a perfect vehicle to run errands in. Change can sometimes be met with skepticism. There should be little skepticism when it comes to the sixth-generation Outback.
It's a magnificent vehicle that enhances itself with a pretty interior, plenty of standard features, better performance and some beautiful design qualities that improve its value. The changes aren't earth-shattering, but they are enough to thoroughly make a difference while appealing to consumers looking to upgrade their Outback. The 2020 Outback performs, is reliable, safe and easy to handle--what's more to love?Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Subaru Outback – The Cons
1. The Standard Engine Doesn't Thrill
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powered with 182-horsepower won't turn heads. It may seem lame at times going up hills or working with the CVT to provide torque. This is the same powertrain found in other Subarus. It has enough power to get a person to their destination, but it truly feels like a step down compared to the new turbocharged engine option available in the 2020 model.
2. It May Take Time to Learn the Infotainment System
The 11.6 vertical touchscreen doesn't come standard, but even the base model has some infotainment quirks that can be challenging for those used to the interior look of older models. The infotainment system can be challenging to access, such as some of the smaller buttons. Other items are hidden beneath several menus and take a while to reach. The learning curve may take a while for the novice to pick up on.
3. Cabin Noise Can Get Invasive on the Highway
One drawback of the 2020 Outback is the high noise levels in the cabin when one reaches highway speeds. It's not as loud as a rock show but feels like it is louder than one would want it to be. Not overly intrusive, but the noise is enough to get the occupants of the vehicle thinking.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition
The Subaru does fine against the Toyota Rav4, which itself recently had a full redesign. Both vehicles offer cargo space for hauling, but the interior of the Outback is nicer than the upgraded Rav4's. The RAV4 can perform well for its price level and features several neat items that come standard. So does the Outback at a bit higher price tag. Both vehicles are capable.
The Forester from Subaru received a redesign in 2019. The redesign that took place in the Outback a year later offers features that outperform the Forester. The available turbocharged engine offers greater power than the standard one found in the Forester. The available touchscreen in the Outback is fancier and bigger than that offered in the Forester. Both have loads of standard safety features and plenty of space for cargo.
Conclusion
The 2020 Subaru Outback drives great off the usual path and on the main street of one's hometown. Its versatility is especially attractive, as are its new subtle design upgrades. The cabin is upscale and provides plenty of space for one to feel comfortable throughout the ride. The standard safety features appease the driver and this redesigned sixth-generation Subaru Outback is a good investment.
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