Subaru Outback Review: The Versatile SUV-Station Wagon Hybrid

Subaru knows how to make versatile cars, and the Outback is no exception. It combines the capabilities of an SUV with the comfort of a station wagon.

Subaru is a manufacturer with a long history, especially in the world of rally competition, and its cars are recognized for using various all-wheel drive systems. Incidentally, they are a very popular brand in the United States of America, but have not gained as much traction in Europe.

However, Subaru continues to sell some models on the old continent as well, including the Outback. This raised station wagon is modeled after the Audi A4 Allroad, Volkswagen Passat Alltrack or Volvo V90 Cross Country. Thus, the Subaru Outback is a raised station wagon, with specific plastic ornaments that give it a more robust appearance, like an SUV.

We tested the top version, called Platinum, equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine, which produces 169 hp and 252 Nm of torque. It is connected to a CVT-type automatic transmission, and the power goes to all four wheels with the help of the all-wheel drive system. The price for a top version, as the car we tested, is 48,000 euros, but the Subaru Outback starts at 42,000 euros in Romania.

Subaru Outback – Kind of like a Swiss army knife

The Outback combines the practicality and comfort of a station wagon with the capability of an SUV, in theory. It’s a spacious car, but it can go off-road for the various nature escapades, helped by the all-wheel drive system and the raised ground clearance.

The interior does not disappoint either, being a comfortable space for up to 5 adults. Brown leather upholstery brings out the monotony of the interior of the car and even gives it a premium touch. Rear seat occupants also enjoy heated seats, and the bench seat can be folded down for more space. As usual, the Outback has a boot of 560 litres, with the seat in the normal position, of course.

Up front, the driver and passenger benefit from electric, heated and memory seats. The Outback still uses a classic clock face, but features a 12-inch diagonal central infotainment screen arranged vertically.

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Video: Luci Popa

Text: Ionuț Vîlciu