Used 2020 Subaru Outback

#4 in Best Midsize SUVs for 2020

Top 10 Features of the 2020 Subaru Outback

#1. All-wheel drive is standard
The usual, much-appreciated Subaru practice. And 8.7 inches of ground clearance is handy on dirt roads or where there’s a build-up of snow.

#2. High-strength steel shell
This new generation of Outback launching for 2020 is made of sterner stuff than before, bolstering an already excellent reputation for crashworthiness.

#3. Best crash test scores
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 Outback a maximum 5-star overall score and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety made it a “Top Safety Pick Plus.”

#4. Many safety features included
Such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and active lane centering. Plus LED headlights with automatic high beams and a head-up display for alerts.

#5. Decent fuel economy
Depending on engine choice in the 2020 Outback, drivers can see a combined city/highway average of 26 mpg or 29 mpg. That’s pretty good, considering all-wheel drive is always in the picture.

#6. Roof rails
Not particularly exciting in and of themselves, they also come with tie-down points and integrated retractable crossbars, creating many happy campers. An optional side step attaches to a rear wheel.

#7. Chimani
The 2020 Outback is the first Subaru to offer this app. It’s a virtual guide to more than 400 national parks in the United States.

#8. Safety & Security Plus
Among other things, this optional plan brings teen driver limits, vehicle location and remote start functions.

#9. Generous maximum cargo area
With the rear seats folded down, there’s a massive 75.7 cubic feet to fill up with luggage, furniture, musical instruments, ski gear, etc.

#10. Dog-friendly seat covers
We love them, but their hair and drool aren’t the nicest car accessories. A dealer-installed option for the 2020 Outback.

Overview

Back in 1995, the original Toyota RAV4 debuted in America, forever changing what we want to drive. What people forget is that at about the same time, the original Subaru Outback also appeared in showrooms, using the same crossover-SUV recipe as the Toyota. And yes, both automakers cribbed from the original AMC Eagle playbook, but let’s not rewind quite that far back.

Today, both the RAV4 and the Outback are among the best-selling vehicles in the U.S., and it’s easy to understand why. With all-wheel drive, added ground clearance, and lots of cargo space, crossover SUVs can solve your daily-driver requirements better than other vehicles.

Now, the 2020 Subaru Outback is completely redesigned. It might look much the same, but under the familiar skin are a new platform and vehicle architecture, new engines, and a slew of updated technologies. The result is a better Subaru Outback in nearly every respect.

RELATED: Best Midsize SUVs for 2020

It still competes with the Toyota RAV4, as well as a long and growing list of bigger compact and smaller midsize SUVs. Given its size and 5-passenger seating, the Subaru Outback’s closest competitors include the Buick Regal TourX, Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

To try out the 2020 Subaru Outback, we went to Fort Bragg, California, where you can drive through a redwood-filled forest via twisting 2-lane roads that sometimes lead to muddy dirt trails. The forest ends at the sea, where high cliffs overlook the Pacific. It’s a beautiful and rugged region begging to be explored. And it’s practically tailor-made for a Subaru.

Here we sampled the Outback Touring with the standard 4-cylinder engine. Later, in the mountains near Malibu, California, we briefly drove an Outback Onyx Edition XT to see how the new turbocharged engine performs. That’s definitely the engine to get if you’re feeling a need for speed, or if you live at elevation where the standard powerplant can feel weak and ineffective.

How fast is the Subaru Outback?
At or near sea level, the standard 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter, boxer-type 4-cylinder engine provides decent power for the 2020 Outback. With this redesign, the Outback gains a little bit of weight, but the standard engine benefits from a small increase in power. As a result, acceleration in the new Outback feels on par with the old Outback.

A new 8-step continuously variable transmission (CVT) serves as a smooth partner for this engine, providing the right amount of response for every situation and making the absolute best use of the 2.5-liter’s 182 ponies. If you aren’t looking for super-speedy acceleration, you’ll find the Outback’s standard engine more than adequate for your daily drive.

Turbocharging gives the Outback XT impressive scoot, and will no doubt make this Subaru feel like a rocket in the high-altitude locales where it is so popular. The extra 78 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque may even motivate an enthusiastic driver to use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. While the Outback’s CVT is a good one, small is the reward for using it.

Does the Subaru Outback get good gas mileage?
Compared to some midsize 5-passenger SUVs, the Outback’s official EPA ratings impress. However, in our experience, turbocharged 4-cylinder engines frequently miss their official numbers.

For example, our one-year test of the larger Subaru Ascent equipped with the same turbo-4 offered in the Outback shows the bigger SUV consistently missing its EPA rating by several mpg. You should expect a similar performance from the Outback XT.

How does the Subaru Outback handle?
Handling is capable, thanks in part to brake-induced active torque vectoring, but nothing about the car’s steering or suspension encourages enthusiastic driving. The variable-ratio steering feels responsive, though, and the suspension tuning offers good roll control in twists and turns without sacrificing ride comfort. Smaller roof pillars translate into excellent all-around visibility.

How does the Subaru Outback ride on the highway?
On the highway, the new Outback is soft, smooth and silent. If you’re a fan of a boxer-style engine’s unique thrum or prefer a firm feel for the road, this is a negative development. For most people, however, a rolling sanctuary from the outside world is exactly what they seek.

How does the Subaru Outback perform off-road?
Among crossover SUVs, the Outback is a champ when the going gets tough thanks to its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-Mode traction system with hill-descent control, and generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

On the moderately difficult trails we tackled in Northern California, the 2020 Outback proved surprisingly capable, and its impressive turning radius made quick work of tight turns, too. Better yet, the Outback’s new 180-degree front camera solves forward-visibility issues while off-roading. Unfortunately, it is limited to the Touring XT trim level, so most versions of the Outback won’t have it.

During light off-roading in the Onyx Edition XT, we were unable to attempt any driving that would require its unique dual-function X-Mode system. Basically, it adds a special setting for getting through deep snow and mud, but the parched hills above Malibu provided neither challenge.

Are the Subaru Outback’s driving-assistance systems helpful?
EyeSight is one of the most impressive collections of advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) you can get, and it comes standard on all 2020 Outbacks — with some new enhancements.

As for EyeSight’s effectiveness, data analysis performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) claims that the suite of technologies can reduce the number of rear-end collisions resulting in injury by 85 percent and pedestrian collisions resulting in injury by 35 percent.

Is the Subaru Outback fun to drive?
If you’re blazing through a snowstorm or down a mud-puddled dirt road, the 2020 Subaru Outback is fun to drive. Get into the turbocharged Outback XT, and you can add traffic-light launches and freeway onramps to the list. Around town, though, what once made the Outback uniquely enjoyable — a grumble and vibration from the engine and a taut ride with athletic handling — has vanished in the name of refinement.

With the new 2020 Outback, Subaru needed to retain the vehicle’s practicality while accommodating new technology, improving comfort and enhancing quality. The result is a familiar yet modern, functional yet stylish cabin perfect for commutes, weekend adventures and family road trips.

Does the Subaru Outback have a nice interior?
That depends on which trim level we’re talking about, and your definition of “nice.” Every Outback mixes soft-touch surfaces with lower plastic panels designed for durability and easy clean-up.

Get the popular Outback Premium, and the interior is nice enough, combining cloth seats with 10-way power adjustment for the driver, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission shift handle, and Subaru’s new 11.6-inch vertical-layout touch-screen infotainment system. Upgrade to the nicer Outback Limited for leather, a premium sound system, and more.

Exclusive to the Onyx Edition XT, water-repellant StarTex simulated leather enables active lifestyles. Compared to other Outbacks, the Touring trim level’s interior is decidedly upscale, with attractive, high-quality materials including premium Nappa leather in a rich Java Brown color.

What Subaru Outback interior colors are available?
With the base trim, Slate Black cloth is the only color choice. The Outback Premium adds Ivory and Titanium Gray cloth to the list, and all three hues are available in leather with the Outback Limited. Java Brown premium Nappa leather is exclusive to the Touring, and is the only color choice for this trim level. Also, don’t forget the StarTex upholstery in the Onyx Edition XT, which comes only in Gray.

Are the Subaru Outback’s controls easy to use?
Like many car companies, Subaru increasingly integrates features, functions and controls into touch-screen displays. For 2020, even the base Outback limits the buttons and knobs to stereo volume, tuning, defroster operation, and temperature control.

Therefore, the answer to this question is dependent on your tolerance for using touch-screen displays. If you prefer buttons and knobs, the new Outback might cause frustration. If you’re cool with using screens and, where available, voice commands to operate a vehicle, you’ll have no trouble acclimating to the Outback’s controls.

Is the Subaru Outback’s infotainment system easy to use?
Subaru’s award-winning new 11.6-inch touch-screen infotainment system is easy to use if you’re comfortable with this type of technology.

As is true of the base Outback’s dual 7-inch-screen setup, knobs and buttons control primary stereo and climate functions, making it easy to adjust volume, change stations, modify cabin temperature, and activate the defrosters. Everything else is embedded in the high-resolution, vertically oriented touch-screen display.

Special highlights of this new system include Near Field Communications technology for easy Bluetooth connectivity, over-the-air software updates, personalized on-screen Starlink SmartDeviceLink app arrangements, and a Wi-Fi connection for up to eight different devices. The system also embeds a Chimani travel adventure app supplying detailed information about U.S. national parks.

Available upgrades include an embedded navigation system with voice activation, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system with Clari-Fi digital music restoration technology, and, following a free one-year free trial, Starlink subscription services.

And yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all 2020 Outback models.

Is the Subaru Outback comfortable?
Yes, the new Outback is both roomy and comfortable. Every trim level includes a driver’s seat-height adjuster, and all but the base trim feature a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring trims add an 8-way power-adjustable front-passenger’s seat.

Because the Outback is popular in colder climates, heated front seats are standard in all but the base trim. Heated rear seats are included in the Onyx Edition, Limited and Touring, while the Touring equips the Outback with a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

Subaru says it has added space to the back seat, and if you’re familiar with the previous model, the extra room is obvious. We found the bottom cushion to be a bit firm, but liked how the rear seating position is high for a good view out.

Is the Subaru Outback’s cargo area useful?
Subaru says the new Outback has more cargo area than the old Outback. However, the company reminds consumers that it is using new Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) measurement guidelines, which, when compared to the old Outback, could paint a different picture.

For example, the old Outback supplied 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, while the new one delivers 32.5 cubic feet. Normalized using old SAE standards, the space is about the same.

Where the new Outback exceeds the old Outback is with regard to maximum volume. The new measurement is 75.7 cubic-feet or 78 using the old SAE methodology. Previously, the Outback carried a maximum of 73.3 cubic-feet of cargo. To fold the rear seats, a quick pull on handles in the trunk flops them down to accept longer and bulkier items.

In terms of utility, Subaru equips the Outback with grocery-bag hooks and tie-down hooks. A cargo privacy cover is standard except with the base trim, and all Outbacks have dark tinted privacy glass as standard equipment. Numerous dealer-installed accessories are available to improve the Outback’s cargo-carrying capabilities.

What else should I know about the Subaru Outback?
Subaru says the Outback’s interior is quieter by up to three decibels at highway speeds. To enjoy the benefit of this improvement, choose the Limited XT or Touring XT, which have acoustic laminated front-side window glass. Other Outbacks are also more hushed inside thanks to thicker glass all around and new door weather strips.

Most 2020 Outbacks have standard front-seat heaters, and now they offer three stages of heat and warming up to shoulder height. That’s perfect for frigid winter days.

To operate the Outback’s available hands-free rear liftgate, simply make a motion in front of the rear Subaru emblem. No foot waving underneath the bumper is necessary, keeping both of your L.L. Beans securely on the ground in slippery conditions.

Upgrade your Starlink subscription to Safety & Security Plus, and you’ll enjoy remote-engine starting and climate-control operation as well as a vehicle-locator service and safe teen-driver settings that provide speed, curfew and boundary alerts.

The 2020 Subaru Outback might look a lot like the 2019 Subaru Outback, but it’s completely redesigned. Besides, you don’t fix what isn’t broken, and given the Outback’s popularity, major changes to the design approach weren’t necessary.

This year, every Outback is equipped with automatic full-LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The standard Outback also comes with a nice-looking set of 17-inch aluminum wheels, which is shared with the popular Premium trim level. The Premium trim also adds body-color side mirrors with turn-signal indicators and a set of LED fog lights.

From there, the Limited trim installs a larger set of 18-inch aluminum wheels and steering-responsive headlights that help drivers to see around corners at night. Touring versions get shiny trim for the door handles and mirror caps to signal top-of-the-line status.

Black wheels are all the rage, and Subaru addresses the customer wanting that look with the new Onyx Edition XT, which also has metallic black paint on the side mirror caps.

What Subaru Outback colors are available?
Subaru offers the new Outback in nine different colors. Availability is dependent on trim level.

Crystal White Pearl
Ice Silver Metallic
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Crystal Black Silica
Tungsten Metallic
Cinnamon Brown Pearl
Autumn Green Metallic
Abyss Blue Pearl
Crimson Red Pearl

ACTIVE TORQUE-SPLIT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system is standard in the 2020 Subaru Outback. It continuously adjusts to driving conditions, sending power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip, powering all four of a Subaru’s wheels at all times.

Any Subaru with the active torque-split version of symmetrical AWD sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels most of the time (about 90 percent), transferring more to the rear wheels as conditions warrant. This helps to improve fuel efficiency.

TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
New for 2020, the Outback’s turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine replaces the previous 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine. This change does two things for the Outback. First, the new turbo-4 makes more power and torque while getting better fuel economy. Second, it is perfect for people who live at higher elevation, where the Outback’s normally aspirated standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder feels winded and weak.

SAFETY
From its new Subaru Global Platform up, the 2020 Outback is built to protect you and your loved ones.

That new vehicle architecture makes extensive use of high-strength steel and, according to Subaru, boasts a 40-percent improvement in its ability to absorb front and side crash energy in a collision. The old Outback was already a Top Safety Pick+ according to the IIHS. This new one should easily earn the same rating.

Add the standard EyeSight package of driver aids, improved for 2020, and an impressive list of safety-related extras including reverse automatic braking, steering-responsive headlights, and a DriverFocus driver-monitoring system employing facial-recognition technology to spot drowsiness, fatigue and distraction, and the new Subaru Outback is one safe SUV.

UTILITY
The 5-passenger Subaru Outback provides plenty of utility, starting with its 32.5-cubic-foot trunk and 75.7-cubic-foot maximum cargo hold. Roof rails are standard, too, sitting up high with improved tie-down points and equipped with integrated, retractable crossbars that stow away when they’re unnecessary to reduce wind noise and drag.

To make best use of the roof rack, Subaru offers a long list of dealer-installed accessories that improve the Outback’s utility, from dog-friendly seat covers and cargo separators to roof-rack attachments designed to carry all manner of sporting equipment. You can even get a handy side step that attaches to a rear wheel and makes loading the roof rack easier.

PIN CODE VEHICLE ACCESS
The trouble with car keys is that they get lost. Modern passive-entry key fobs, when lost, cost hundreds of dollars to replace. And when you’re about to go paddle boarding, the last thing you want to do is to leave the key fob to your $35,000 SUV in a backpack on the beach.

Subaru has the answer in its PIN code vehicle-access system. You can leave the key fob inside the car, lock the vehicle, and then use a 5-digit PIN code to unlock the Outback after your adventure. You enter the PIN code using the tailgate-release pad near the rear license plate, pushing it the proper number of times for each number in the code and waiting for a confirmation chirp from the car after entering each number.

AUTOMATIC VEHICLE HOLD
A standard feature on all 2020 Outbacks, automatic vehicle hold will hold the Outback in place while you’re slogging along in traffic or sitting through interminable red lights at intersections. You push the brake pedal, stop the vehicle and release the pedal. The system keeps the Outback stopped until you press down on the accelerator pedal.

For 2020, the Subaru Outback is available in base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT and Touring XT trim levels. Versions with the XT designation have the turbocharged-engine option. Below, we highlight the primary differences between each trim level.

What comes in the Subaru Outback Base?
Sometimes you simply need the basics, and the standard version of the Outback delivers.

Like all Outbacks, it comes with standard AWD fortified by Subaru’s X-Mode traction and hill-descent control systems. Sitting on its raised suspension, it provides 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than most crossover SUVs.

Full LED headlights are standard, automatically turning on as darkness falls. Turn the wipers on, and the headlights illuminate. Thanks to standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and robust roof rails, the base Outback looks like other models aside from its black plastic side-mirror caps and its lack of fog lights.

Inside, cloth upholstery awaits, along with single-zone automatic climate control. The driver’s seat offers manual height adjustment, and the steering wheel both tilts and telescopes for maximum driving comfort.

This version of the Outback features two 7-inch touch-screen displays, and the infotainment system includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio and text-messaging support.

EyeSight is standard, too, equipping the Outback with a long list of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems. New for 2020, an Assist Monitor projects forward-collision warning notifications onto the windshield while a lane-centering assist system adds an element of semi-autonomous driving to the adaptive cruise control system.

What comes in the Subaru Outback Premium?

The Premium trim is popular for a good reason. It adds a number of useful upgrades in exchange for a modest price increase.

In addition to the new 11.6-inch infotainment display and expanded features, the Outback Premium is equipped with Starlink Safety Plus service including automatic collision notification and SOS emergency assistance.

Exterior upgrades include LED fog lights and body-color side-mirror caps with integrated turn-signal indicators, while the interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Drivers enjoy 10-way-power seat adjustment, and both front seats are heated. A dual-zone automatic climate-control system is also standard with the Premium trim, along with two rear quick-charge USB ports and a cargo area cover.

The Premium trim also preps the Outback for foul-weather battle. It includes LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, and a front and rear wiper de-icing system.

What comes in the Subaru Outback Limited?
For a little extra luxury, choose the Outback Limited. Leather seats are standard, and passengers receive upgrades with an 8-way power-adjustable right front seat and heated rear seats. This version of the Outback also has passive-keyless entry with push-button engine starting, a PIN code vehicle-access system, a hands-free power tailgate, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Additional extras include larger 18-inch aluminum wheels and steering-responsive headlights, and the Outback Limited also has a reverse automatic-braking system and a blind-spot-monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

What comes in the Subaru Outback Touring?
Sitting at the top of the Outback lineup, the Touring trim equips the SUV with a power sunroof, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. Technology improvements include a voice-activated navigation system and a DriverFocus driver-monitoring system that uses facial-recognition technology. Satin chrome exterior accents visually identify the Touring trim.

What comes in the Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT?
Anchoring the turbocharged Outback lineup, the Onyx Edition XT has black 18-inch aluminum wheels and black-painted exterior-mirror caps. It also comes with a full-size spare tire, the only version of the Outback so equipped.

Other exclusives to the Onyx Edition XT include a dual-function version of X-Mode with deep snow and mud settings, and new StarTex water-repellant simulated-leather upholstery.

Otherwise, the Onyx Edition XT features Premium trim equipment plus a hands-free power liftgate, passive keyless entry with push-button engine starting, a PIN code vehicle-access system, an 8-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, heated rear seats, and a blind spot-monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

What comes in the Subaru Outback Limited XT?
Based on the Outback Limited, the turbocharged Limited XT adds to that model’s list of equipment a heated steering wheel, a power sunroof, a voice-activated navigation system, and a DriverFocus driver-monitoring system.

What comes in the Subaru Outback Touring XT?
Fully loaded, the turbocharged Touring XT is based on the Touring trim. Exclusive features include power-folding side mirrors and a 180-degree front-view camera system.

The main way to upgrade a 2020 Subaru Outback is to choose the next-highest trim level or to pick from a long list of dealer-installed accessories. However, there are a few factory-added packages available.

The Premium trim offers an option package containing blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and passive keyless entry with push-button engine starting ($1,400). A second package includes those features plus a hands-free power tailgate, a power sunroof and a navigation system ($2,995).

With the Limited trim, a package equips the Outback with a power sunroof, a heated steering wheel, navigation and DriverFocus technology ($2,045).

The Onyx Edition XT’s option package includes a power sunroof, navigation, and reverse automatic braking ($1,845).

Highlights from the accessories list include a wireless smartphone charging pad ($245) and a rear-seat entertainment system including two 32-gigabyte Apple iPads and two sets of wireless Harman Kardon headphones ($970). You can even get a CD player if you want one ($399).

Exterior approach lighting ($242) and 2nd-row sunshades ($90) are also available, along with all-weather floor liners ($132) and a rear-seat cover ($200) to protect the fabric or leather from children or pets. Functional upgrades include engine ($200) and rear differential ($100) skidplates, a cargo area separator ($419), a range of roof-rack mounts for carrying a variety of sporting equipment ($180 to $580), and a handy step to make loading the roof rack easier ($90).

As is always true, prices may have changed since this review was published. Be sure to research current Subaru Outback prices on KBB.

While it sounds familiar, the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that comes standard in the 2020 Outback is new to this vehicle.

As was true before, it features horizontally opposed cylinder construction resulting in a boxer- (or flat-) engine design and a lower center of gravity. Power output measures 182 horses, and a new automatic engine stop/start system helps to improve fuel economy.

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the only choice, and Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system is standard. It is an active torque-split variety of symmetrical AWD, which helps conserve gas by mainly powering the front wheels until the rear wheels are needed.

Every Outback includes a brake-based active torque-vectoring system and X-Mode traction control with hill-descent control. An automatic vehicle-hold system is new for 2020, holding the Outback in place after the driver brings it to a complete stop. The system does not require the driver’s foot on the brake pedal, and the intent is to reduce fatigue while driving.

2.5-liter flat-4
182 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
176 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Fuel tank size: 18.5 gal.
EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined): 26/33/29 mpg
Driving range (city/highway/combined): 481/610/536 miles

Replacing the previously available 3.6-liter flat-6 engine, a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is available for the 2020 Outback. It’s the same one used in the larger Subaru Ascent, and it makes more power than the old flat-6 while improving fuel economy. Better yet, it doesn’t require premium fuel to make its power.

The turbocharged engine is included in all Outback XT variants, and will no doubt prove popular in high-altitude regions where normally aspirated engines can feel sapped of their strength. Turbocharged engines are not affected by altitude in the same way, so a 2020 Outback XT might just be a Rocky Mountain muscle car.

Choose the Onyx Edition XT if you want the dual-function version of X-Mode, which includes a traction mode designed specifically for deep snow and mud.

2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4
260 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
277 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,800 rpm
Fuel tank size: 18.5 gal.
EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined): 23/30/26 mpg
Driving range (city/highway/combined): 425/555/481 miles