The Subaru WRX performance sedan might be the most well-known model from the Japanese carmaker, but where the title of flagship is concerned, it belongs to the Subaru Outback crossover. Originally the wagon body form of the Legacy executive sedan, the desire for greater product definition in the Subaru lineup saw the Outback come into its own and distinguished as a standalone model.
And in this latest iteration, the wagon has grown a little taller, with more structure in the boot to become a crossover, complete with sliding roof rails to better tap on the market's voracious appetite for SUVs and crossovers.
Exterior
On first glance, given its 1,675mm height, the Outback might be comparable to its outdoorsy cousin, the Subaru Forester. But on closer inspection, the Outback reveals its close relation to its non-identical twin, the Legacy sedan. Obviously cut from the same cloth, the Legacy shares the same sleek sedan-like body shape and even has the same active shutter-grille on its nose as its sibling.
And in this latest iteration, the wagon has grown a little taller, with more structure in the boot to become a crossover, complete with sliding roof rails to better tap on the market's voracious appetite for SUVs and crossovers.
Exterior
On first glance, given its 1,675mm height, the Outback might be comparable to its outdoorsy cousin, the Subaru Forester. But on closer inspection, the Outback reveals its close relation to its non-identical twin, the Legacy sedan. Obviously cut from the same cloth, the Legacy shares the same sleek sedan-like body shape and even has the same active shutter-grille on its nose as its sibling.
The difference between the two, then, is like how twins can have different interests. Between them, the Outback took an interest in outdoor activities and spent some time bulking up in the gym. This is evident in how the crossover's 213mm ground clearance is 63mm higher than the Legacy's.
Lengthwise, the Outback's 4,815mm is 20mm longer than the Legacy's, thanks to skid plates that complete the outdoorsy look. While both cars share the same 1,840mm width, the crossover, quite obviously, has the large-scale carrying capacity for gear in its cavernous 1,801-litre boot.
However, besides fulfilling the promise of what its physique is capable of, its evolutionary average Joe looks will not see it garner any beauty pageant nominations.
Lengthwise, the Outback's 4,815mm is 20mm longer than the Legacy's, thanks to skid plates that complete the outdoorsy look. While both cars share the same 1,840mm width, the crossover, quite obviously, has the large-scale carrying capacity for gear in its cavernous 1,801-litre boot.
However, besides fulfilling the promise of what its physique is capable of, its evolutionary average Joe looks will not see it garner any beauty pageant nominations.
Interior
As the proverbial saying goes "beauty is only skin deep", this holds true in the Outback. Kitted out in black leather seats with a simple yet elegant interior styling, the car's interior is as cosy as a newly renovated home, with ample space for a family of five (and family pet) to travel comfortably on a road trip.
Having highlighted the vastness of the space in the boot, there'd be no problems for the family to load up their weekend bags, bicycles (on the roof) and have enough space leftover for shopping from said road trip.
As the proverbial saying goes "beauty is only skin deep", this holds true in the Outback. Kitted out in black leather seats with a simple yet elegant interior styling, the car's interior is as cosy as a newly renovated home, with ample space for a family of five (and family pet) to travel comfortably on a road trip.
Having highlighted the vastness of the space in the boot, there'd be no problems for the family to load up their weekend bags, bicycles (on the roof) and have enough space leftover for shopping from said road trip.
Specifically for the driver, the Outback comes well-equipped with amenities like a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera, Bluetooth hands-free, cruise control, an electric control for the tailgate and parking brake button. Despite having the raft of features, Subaru's designers have ensured that everything has been ergonomically laid out for the driver on both console and steering wheel for easy use on the go.
Arguably, the one thing we found lacking in the Outback is the lack of a built-in GPS system. It's a minor quibble, but given how the car even features a fancy Harman Kardon speaker system, a GPS system wouldn't be too much to ask for.
Arguably, the one thing we found lacking in the Outback is the lack of a built-in GPS system. It's a minor quibble, but given how the car even features a fancy Harman Kardon speaker system, a GPS system wouldn't be too much to ask for.
The Drive
The Subaru Outback might be a large car, but it's exceptionally easy to manoeuvre around tight spaces. It also definitely helps that it's got enough ground clearance so you're safe from grazing the kerbs, but given how good visibility is from the driver's seat, that's hardly a worry.
Moving the Outback along, is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Subaru 'Boxer' engine, which in geek speak, means it’s a horizontally-lined engine. Mated to a brand new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters (for a sportier feel) and four-wheel drive, the Outback's drivetrain puts out 175bhp with 235Nm of torque. And putting pedal to the metal, those figures translate into a 10.2 second 0-100km/h sprint time before topping out at 198km/h.
Realistically speaking, what those figures mean won't matter to the family man or woman that the Outback seems most suited for. And when much of the car's use is in ferrying family members, what the driver will notice and enjoy, is how capably and calmly the Outback drives on the road. Nicely sprung, the Outback will soak up any pockmarks and even humps on the road, leaving passengers feeling secure and comfortable throughout the drive.
For the driver, the car is easy to get used to and drives effortlessly despite its size. Admittedly, the car can feel sluggish on the pick up and when pushed hard, falls short in the time taken to respond to the weight applied on the throttle.
The Subaru Outback might be a large car, but it's exceptionally easy to manoeuvre around tight spaces. It also definitely helps that it's got enough ground clearance so you're safe from grazing the kerbs, but given how good visibility is from the driver's seat, that's hardly a worry.
Moving the Outback along, is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Subaru 'Boxer' engine, which in geek speak, means it’s a horizontally-lined engine. Mated to a brand new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters (for a sportier feel) and four-wheel drive, the Outback's drivetrain puts out 175bhp with 235Nm of torque. And putting pedal to the metal, those figures translate into a 10.2 second 0-100km/h sprint time before topping out at 198km/h.
Realistically speaking, what those figures mean won't matter to the family man or woman that the Outback seems most suited for. And when much of the car's use is in ferrying family members, what the driver will notice and enjoy, is how capably and calmly the Outback drives on the road. Nicely sprung, the Outback will soak up any pockmarks and even humps on the road, leaving passengers feeling secure and comfortable throughout the drive.
For the driver, the car is easy to get used to and drives effortlessly despite its size. Admittedly, the car can feel sluggish on the pick up and when pushed hard, falls short in the time taken to respond to the weight applied on the throttle.
Even with 'Sport' mode engaged, the Outback's performance doesn't change much. The engine revs might increase a little more before the CVT virtually 'switches gears', but the Outback doesn't morph into the fastest or zippiest crossover around. What it does do really well though, once the car gets to cruising speed, is excel in being a very sturdy cruiser.
And in the event that the drive takes you off the beaten track, the car is also equipped with hill decent control and an off-road mode for greater traction. Already equipped with all-wheel drive, it's a welcome addition for cross-country jaunts up North.
Conclusion
Overall, the car delivers a more than satisfactory drive that will see it check off the boxes for characteristics and features a family car must have. Combining comfort with exceptional practicality, the Outback offers great value for the family man, or woman, looking for a car that's got the frills of a more luxurious ride, without too much of a pinch on the pocket.
While it is notable that the Outback isn't the most inspiring car when it comes to driving pleasure, it's pleasant personality and calm driving character means that it is very possible to achieve a fuel return that's close to 13km/L - perfect for helping keep running costs manageable.
And in the event that the drive takes you off the beaten track, the car is also equipped with hill decent control and an off-road mode for greater traction. Already equipped with all-wheel drive, it's a welcome addition for cross-country jaunts up North.
Conclusion
Overall, the car delivers a more than satisfactory drive that will see it check off the boxes for characteristics and features a family car must have. Combining comfort with exceptional practicality, the Outback offers great value for the family man, or woman, looking for a car that's got the frills of a more luxurious ride, without too much of a pinch on the pocket.
While it is notable that the Outback isn't the most inspiring car when it comes to driving pleasure, it's pleasant personality and calm driving character means that it is very possible to achieve a fuel return that's close to 13km/L - perfect for helping keep running costs manageable.
