2020 Subaru Outback: Trims, Features, And Comparisons

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2020 Subaru Outback! If you're in the market for a reliable, versatile, and adventure-ready vehicle, the Outback should definitely be on your radar. This article will break down the different trims, explore key features, and see how it stacks up against the competition. Ready? Let's get started!

Overview of the 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback marks the beginning of the sixth generation, bringing with it a refreshed design, updated technology, and enhanced performance. It's not just another wagon; it's a blend of SUV capability and car-like comfort, making it perfect for both daily commutes and weekend getaways. The Outback comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive, providing excellent traction in various weather conditions. This feature alone sets it apart from many competitors and adds to its appeal for those living in areas with snow or rough terrain.

Under the hood, you'll typically find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but higher trims offer a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Both engines provide adequate power for most driving situations, but the turbocharged option definitely adds some extra oomph for those who crave it. Inside, the Outback boasts a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and plenty of cargo room. The interior design is clean and modern, with user-friendly technology features that enhance the overall driving experience. Safety is also a top priority, with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system coming standard on all models. This suite of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, providing added peace of mind on the road. With its combination of practicality, capability, and safety, the 2020 Subaru Outback is a compelling choice for a wide range of buyers. It's a vehicle that can handle almost anything you throw at it, whether it's hauling groceries, tackling a mountain trail, or navigating city streets. So, if you're looking for a versatile and reliable vehicle that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Outback is definitely worth considering.

Trim Levels and Key Features

The 2020 Subaru Outback offers a range of trim levels, each with its own set of features and options. Understanding these differences is crucial to finding the perfect Outback for your needs and budget. Let's break down the main trims and highlight some of their key features:

• Base: The entry-level Outback comes standard with essential features like Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and automatic climate control. Even at the base level, you're getting a well-equipped vehicle with a focus on safety and connectivity. The base model is perfect for those who prioritize practicality and value without sacrificing essential features. It's a great option for budget-conscious buyers who still want the reliability and capability of the Outback.
• Premium: Stepping up to the Premium trim adds features like a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. These added conveniences make the Premium trim a popular choice for those who want a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The larger touchscreen is a significant upgrade, providing a more modern and user-friendly interface for controlling vehicle functions. Heated seats are a welcome addition for those living in colder climates, while the power-adjustable driver's seat allows for a more customized driving position.
• Limited: The Limited trim takes luxury and convenience to the next level with leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon sound system, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features enhance both the comfort and safety of the Outback, making it a more refined and sophisticated vehicle. Leather upholstery adds a touch of elegance to the interior, while the Harman Kardon sound system provides a premium audio experience. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are valuable safety features that help to prevent accidents. The Limited trim is ideal for those who want a more luxurious and feature-rich Outback.
• Touring: The Touring trim represents the pinnacle of luxury in the Outback lineup. It includes all the features of the Limited trim, plus additional enhancements like Nappa leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a front-view camera. These added luxuries make the Touring trim the most comfortable and convenient Outback available. Nappa leather upholstery is softer and more supple than regular leather, providing a more luxurious feel. The heated steering wheel is a welcome addition in cold weather, while the front-view camera helps with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The Touring trim is perfect for those who want the ultimate in comfort, convenience, and luxury.
• Onyx Edition XT: This trim stands out with its unique styling elements, including blacked-out exterior trim, water-repellent upholstery, and a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. The Onyx Edition XT is designed for those who want a more rugged and sporty Outback. The blacked-out exterior trim gives it a more aggressive look, while the water-repellent upholstery is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The turbocharged engine provides significantly more power and torque than the standard engine, making it more fun to drive.
• XT Trims (Limited XT and Touring XT): These trims combine the luxury features of the Limited and Touring trims with the added performance of the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. They offer the best of both worlds, providing a comfortable and well-equipped interior with the added power and responsiveness of the turbocharged engine. The XT trims are ideal for those who want a luxurious and powerful Outback. They offer a wide range of features and amenities, combined with the added performance of the turbocharged engine. Whether you're looking for a comfortable daily driver or a capable adventure vehicle, the XT trims have you covered.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

When considering the 2020 Subaru Outback, performance and fuel efficiency are crucial factors. The Outback offers two engine options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, offering smooth acceleration and decent fuel economy. It's a good choice for those who prioritize efficiency and affordability. The 2.5-liter engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel economy. The CVT provides smooth and seamless gear changes, contributing to a comfortable driving experience. While it may not be the most exciting transmission, it's well-suited to the Outback's overall character.

For those who crave more power, the Outback offers an available 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. This engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing significantly more acceleration and towing capacity. The turbocharged engine is a great choice for those who frequently tow trailers or need extra power for climbing hills or passing on the highway. The turbocharged engine is also paired with a CVT, but it's been specifically tuned to handle the extra power and torque. The CVT provides quick and responsive gear changes, making the Outback feel more sporty and engaging. While fuel economy is slightly lower with the turbocharged engine, the added performance is well worth the trade-off for many drivers.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. These figures are respectable for a vehicle of its size and capability. The turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. While these figures are lower than the 2.5-liter engine, they're still competitive for a turbocharged engine in this class. Overall, the 2020 Subaru Outback offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Whether you choose the 2.5-liter engine or the turbocharged engine, you can expect a comfortable and capable driving experience with reasonable fuel economy.

How It Compares to Competitors

The 2020 Subaru Outback isn't alone in the market; it faces stiff competition from other SUVs and wagons. Let's see how it stacks up against some of its key rivals:

• Subaru Outback vs. Toyota RAV4: The Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability and practicality. While the RAV4 offers a more traditional SUV design, the Outback provides more cargo space and standard all-wheel drive. The Outback's standard all-wheel drive gives it a significant advantage in terms of traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The RAV4, on the other hand, offers a slightly more fuel-efficient hybrid model. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your priorities. If you value cargo space and all-wheel drive, the Outback is the better choice. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and a more traditional SUV design, the RAV4 may be a better fit.
• Subaru Outback vs. Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V is another popular compact SUV with a reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency. Like the RAV4, the CR-V offers a more traditional SUV design, while the Outback provides more cargo space and standard all-wheel drive. The CR-V also offers a more refined interior and a smoother ride. However, the Outback's standard all-wheel drive and more rugged design make it a better choice for those who frequently drive on rough roads or in inclement weather. The choice between the two depends on your priorities. If you value a refined interior and a smooth ride, the CR-V is the better choice. If you prioritize cargo space, all-wheel drive, and a more rugged design, the Outback is the better fit.
• Subaru Outback vs. Audi A4 Allroad: The Audi A4 Allroad is a luxury wagon that offers a more premium driving experience than the Outback. The A4 Allroad boasts a more powerful engine, a more refined interior, and more advanced technology features. However, it also comes with a significantly higher price tag. The Outback, on the other hand, offers a more affordable and practical alternative. While it may not be as luxurious or powerful as the A4 Allroad, it provides a comfortable and capable driving experience at a lower price. The choice between the two depends on your budget and priorities. If you're willing to spend more for a more luxurious and powerful wagon, the A4 Allroad is the better choice. If you're looking for a more affordable and practical option, the Outback is the better fit.

In conclusion, the 2020 Subaru Outback holds its own against the competition, offering a unique blend of SUV capability and wagon practicality. Its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and focus on safety make it a compelling choice for a wide range of buyers.

Conclusion

Alright guys, that wraps up our comparison of the 2020 Subaru Outback! We've covered the trims, features, performance, and how it stacks up against its rivals. Hopefully, this has given you a clearer picture of whether the Outback is the right vehicle for you. With its blend of practicality, capability, and safety, the 2020 Subaru Outback is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable vehicle. Whether you're commuting to work, hauling the family, or exploring the great outdoors, the Outback is ready for anything. Happy driving!