More understatement is hardly possible: In the sixth generation, the Grob station wagon Subaru Outback surprises with clever ideas and can do more than some SUVs. In view of its top equipment, it is really cheap, but its drive is something for fans.
Modesty is an adornment, and it adorns the all-new Subaru Outback particularly well. “We are not an off-road vehicle brand”, is the tenor of the presentation. It took place in an off-road area, which actually says it all. With 21.3 centimeters of ground clearance, the Japanese, who would be called Allroad or Alltrack elsewhere, drives many “real” SUVs off the road around the mirrors. And still falls through the grid of the SUV haters, because Subaru calls it station wagon, and it is, including 561 to 1822 liters of large trunk.
It has recently been based on the company’s global platform, it has also grown noticeably (4.87 meters long) and the space is opulent. The drive remains classic: a 2.5 liter four-cylinder suction boxer with 252 Nm at 3800 and 169 hp. The fact that it takes 10.2 seconds to sprint to 100 km / h despite its relatively low weight of 1.6 tons (according to DIN) is due to the tough CVT transmission, which you can love or hate. Although they programmed eight speed levels into it, which you can even call up using shift paddles. If you accelerate, the engine revs up and maintains the speed, if you accelerate it, it revs even higher. It is quieter than it used to be, but it still seems strained, which is not exactly relaxing for the driver either.
But there are also some arguments in favor of using it. On the one hand the Japanese love it, on the other hand it makes a reduction unnecessary, they say at Subaru. In any case, the Outback is not economical: According to the WLTP, the all-wheel drive needs 8.6 liters per 100 kilometers.
Comfortable on asphalt
As rough as it appears with its plastic sheeting all around and as competently as it goes to work in the field – on the road the all-wheel-drive station wagon provides the comfortable glider, a quantum leap over its predecessor. Sport-oriented drivers do not need to test drive it, but normal and pampered people will like the suspension comfort.
Modern navitainment and top equipment
The interior looks much higher quality than that of the predecessor, the navitainment is state-of-the-art. A portrait-format 11.6-inch touchscreen with navigation is standard, the operating logic is easy to learn. There are only a few buttons left (except on the steering wheel), but the climate control is always present on the display.
Otherwise, the Outback is extremely well equipped: Even the basic model for 44,990 euros recognizes the driver by his face and adjusts the exterior mirrors, driver’s seat and air conditioning to suit him. Reversing camera, parking sensors with emergency stop, seat heating also at the rear, keyless entry and start, everything is standard. Even the sensor-controlled tailgate. Instead of kicking your foot under it (and if in doubt, hit your shin), you simply hold your elbow in front of the logo. Just as intelligent: you can fold out two integrated cross bars from the roof rails. And because Subaru is committed to safety, the complete assistance package, including automated driving, is always on board.
Bottom line
The Subaru Outback is so complete and so competent that you wouldn’t believe it at first glance. Just its drive is not for everyone. Nevertheless, he would have deserved to move out of the niche in Austria. And a five-year guarantee makes it extra appealing.
Why?
For a station wagon unusually strong in the field
Comfortable on the road
Very well equipped
Why not?
Naturally aspirated engine with CVT
Or maybe …
… VW Passat Alltrack, Audi A6 Allroad, Skoda Ovctavia Scout, Volvo V90 Cross Country