Subaru will unveil its all-new 2020 Outback
crossover at the New York International Auto Show on April 17th, next
Wednesday. Since the Outback is merely a derivative of the Legacy, we can safely
assume that it will feature the same styling as the later, as well as the same
global platform which is said to provide greater rigidity, improved handling
and better refinement. We also expect the all-new Outback to be safer and more
connected than its predecessor.
Aside from the fact that it will go on sale later
this year as a 2020 model, not much has been confirmed officially with regards
to the all-new Outback. The good news is that we can look to the Legacy for
hints. It is likely that the Japanese automaker will ditch the six-cylinder
engine in some Outback variants and install a 260 HP 2.4-liter turbocharged
four-pot in its place, like in the Ascent or the previously-mentioned Legacy.
Meanwhile, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit with 182 HP should be available on
entry-level models.
When Subaru unveiled the 2020 Legacy back in
February, it greeted us with wider fenders, a higher trunk line, new side
mirrors and an overall slightly more dynamic stance. Expect the very same from
the Outback, albeit in a station wagon body style with plastic cladding and a
higher ground clearance.
As for what we can expect inside, there’s the
Legacy’s large tablet-style 11.6-inch full HD touchscreen display, which is
standard on Premium, Sport and Limited spec models – it remains to be seen how
that translates to the Outback.
What we know will come at no extra cost is Subaru’s
EyeSight Driver Assist system with Lane Centering Function, with the likes of
the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation system, Front View Monitor, LED Steering
Responsive headlights and Reverse Automatic Braking, also available.
