Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback

In the automotive marketplace, Subaru have positioned themselves quietly to one side. There’s nothing glamorous or top-show-only about this Japanese brand. Nevertheless, over time the company have built a reputation for supplying genuinely reliable, strong vehicles with dependable all-wheel-drive. The Outback has become their flagship model thanks to SUV-like qualities, all built into an estate car (station wagon) body.

The Exterior

The latest model Outback doesn’t differ greatly from the previous one. It’s as tough and rugged as ever, with prominent wheel arches that surround premium 18” alloy-wheels, available on all trim levels. This vehicle is very well specified with Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, LED headlights that include high beam assist, and an adaptive driving beam to optimise visibility and reduce glare. LED front fog lights standard across the range.

Offered new with three trim levels, from the well-specified-as-standard Limited version, the Field version and the posh Touring, The Outback is especially noted for class-leading passenger safety thanks to an increase in the amount of high-tensile steel panels, it’s lighter than earlier models yet allows the body to absorb impact more efficiently, thanks to enhanced structural integrity.

Safety is further developed thanks to the brand’s very different ‘EyeSight Driver Assist’ technology, Subaru’s stereo camera collision prevention system has a wide field of vision. The technology also includes ‘Rear Vehicle Detection’, ‘Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring’, ‘Lane Departure Warning’ with steering wheel vibration, ‘Lane Departure Prevention and Pre-Collision Braking System’ the latter being especially useful for collision avoidance at junctions and crossroads. The Touring model additionally has monitors all round, reducing blind spots. It is worth mentioning that with all this automotive technology the Outback is one of the safest cars on the road.

The Interior

Call this a lifestyle vehicle if you will, thanks to its versatility. Moving the windscreen forward has delivered a more spacious cabin, including further expansion to the rear interior and cargo space. 60/40 split, fold down rear seats and a wider boot (trunk) hatch opening create a large flat load area for up to 522 litres of luggage with storage further enhanced by integrated roof rails up top.

All previous Outback models, including the most recent, put function before form with an easy-to-use conventional cascading dashboard. Earlier models feature a large horizontal screen but on the very latest iteration a big 11.6” portrait-oriented display is used to adjust some elements, like navigation, with the controls permanently visible at the bottom of the screen. It has very large, clear icons and responds quickly. Otherwise, conveniently placed placed buttons operate the other functions.

Buyers wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere will find the latest Outback offers a variety of seats options, from Nappa leather seats for a more luxurious feel in the Touring, to more practical and durable water-repellent synthetic leather seats in the Field variant with distinctive green stitching complementing green accents on the bodywork and trim. Fatigue-reducing seats offer comfortable support and stability for long journeys and both front and rear seats enjoy heating to shoulder level with three temperature settings. The driver gets a heated steering wheel too.

Driving The Subaru Outback

It is easy for the driver to get settled because all trim levels get an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Visibility is excellent in all directions thanks to the thin pillars, large door mirrors, a vast rear window and plenty of glass for an airy environment. All Outback’s come with a rear camera and sensors for ease of manoeuvring.

Although diesels and a manual gearbox featured on the earlier version, there is now only one engine; a 167bhp 2.5 litre horizontally-opposed Boxer petrol engine augmented by the permanent symmetrical all-wheel drive capability that Subaru are famous for. Drive is a ‘stepped’ continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Driving the car is conventional; it’s not about performance so cruising is relaxed and handling is fine. The steering is light, weighting up as speed increases and of course, when the going gets tough the Outback keeps going. It doesn’t mind a little light off-roading at all.

Should You Buy One?

Whether purchased new or used, this car is built for folk who demand the versatility and reliability of an off-roader with the space and comfort of a big estate. It’s looks are deliberately rugged, it is spacious and it is very able both on- and off-road in all weathers. Check out the comprehensive MHH International detailed listings for availability.