Subaru has pulled the wraps off the all-new 2020
Outback at the New York Auto Show. The 2020 Subaru Outback
is a jacked-up wagon version of the also new Legacy, adopting the same design
but with added ruggedness, featuring plenty of body cladding and model-specific
bumpers to show off its more adventurous character.
By switching over to Subaru’s latest global
platform, the Outback will benefit from better rigidity and more refinement, as
well as improved handling. The new model also features 8.7 inches of ground
clearance, which is greater than most competitive SUV models in the market.
The new generation of the Subaru Outback has ditched
the six-cylinder powetrain of the outgoing model in favor of the turbocharged
260 hp 2.4-liter unit found in the Legacy and the Ascent. Base models will get
the naturally aspirated 182 hp 2.5-liter flat-four unit. Both powertrains will
be paired to the company’s latest CVT gearbox that also features an 8-speed
manual mode.
The 2.4-liter turbo XT models deliver a 3,500-lb
towing capacity, the biggest ever in the Outback’s history. In addition, fuel
economy is estimated at 26/33 mpg city/highway for the 2.5-liter and 23/30 mpg
city/highway for the turbo.
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the new Outback can
be found inside; the cabin is made out of better quality materials and features
a huge 11.6-inch high-definition infotainment display with Apple CarPlay,
Android Auto and over-the-air updates.
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist system with Lane
Centering Function is standard fit, with systems like DriverFocus Distraction
Mitigation system, Front View Monitor, LED Steering Responsive headlights and
Reverse Automatic Braking to be optional.
The range of the new 2020 Subaru Outback will
include the Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT and
Touring XT models. The Onyx Edition XT features black detailing on the
exterior, with matching 18-inch alloys and badging over an exclusive gray
two-tone interior. Subaru will announce the pricing details of the new 2020 Outback
closer to its market launch this fall.