Pros and Cons of Subaru Outback

Introduction

The Subaru Outback is a mid-size crossover SUV that has been produced by Subaru since 1994. It is based on the Subaru Legacy platform. It is a rugged and capable vehicle designed for outdoor lovers and families friendly. The Outback features standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance than traditional wagons or sedans, which makes it suitable for off-road adventures and rough weather.

Over the years, the Subaru Outback also has undergone several updates and redesigns. The most recent is the sixth generation came in 2020. The current Outback is available with two engine options. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, both paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. It also offers a lot of advanced safety features, including Eyesight Driver Assist Technology and adaptive cruise control. With its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and versatile cargo space, the Subaru Outback has become a popular choice for drivers.

Subaru Outback Pros

All-wheel drive

The Subaru Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, which provides excellent grip and support in all weather conditions.

The all-wheel drive system on the Subaru Outback provides several advantages, including:

Improved Traction: All-wheel drive ensures that power is distributed evenly to all four wheels, which provides better support and grip on slippery or uneven surfaces like snow, ice, and mud. This makes the Outback more capable and confident in a wide range of driving conditions.
Enhanced Stability: The AWD system helps to improve the vehicle’s stability by distributing power to the wheels that have the most grip, which can prevent skids or loss of control in corners and during sudden drilling.
Off-road Capability: The Outback’s AWD system makes it a capable off-road vehicle, allowing it to grab rough areas and unpaved roads with ease.
Safer Handling: All-wheel drive provides better handling and control, which can make the Outback safer to drive in unfriendly weather conditions like rain or snow.
Resale Value: The Outback’s AWD system is a highly sought-after feature, which can help to maintain its resale value over time.

Ground clearance

The Subaru Outback has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches (22.1 cm), which is higher than many other vehicles in its class. This ground clearance allows the Outback to handle rough areas and off-road adventures without getting stuck. Additionally, it provides a higher driving position for better visibility on the road. The high ground clearance of the Outback is due in part to its standard all-wheel-drive system.

Cargo space

The Subaru Outback has a spacious cargo area that provides wide room for pulling gear and transporting large items. With the rear seats folded down, the Outback can adjust up to 75.7 cubic feet (2,144 liters) of cargo. Even with the rear seats in place, the Outback still provides a big 32.5 cubic feet (919 liters) of cargo space. Moreover, the Outback features a standard roof rack with combined crossbars. It provides even more space for carrying items like bicycles, surfboats, or cargo boxes. The Outback’s cargo area is well-designed and easy to use. It has a low lift-over height and a wide rear opening for easy loading and unloading.

Safety features

The Subaru Outback is famous for its advanced safety-wheel-drive. Here are some of the key safety features that come standard on most Outback models:

Eyesight Driver Assist Technology: This collection of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking.
Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These features help to monitor the Outback’s surroundings and alert the driver to possible dangers.
Rear-Vision Camera: This camera provides a clear view of what’s behind the Outback when backing up.
Advanced Airbag System: The Outback features an advanced airbag system that includes front, side, and curtain airbags to help protect passengers in an accident.
Vehicle Dynamics Control: This system helps maintain stability and control in various driving conditions.

Comfortable ride

The Subaru Outback is also famous for its comfortable ride quality. Its suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and road defects. It has a smooth ride that’s great for daily traveling or long road trips. Also, the Outback’s seats are supportive and comfortable, providing a comfortable seating position for both driver and passengers. The interior is also spacious and well-designed, with plenty of room for passengers to stretch out and relax.

Subaru Outback Cons

Average fuel economy

One potential disadvantage of the Subaru Outback is its average fuel economy. The Outback’s fuel efficiency is about average for its class. It has an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined for the base model with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). The fuel economy drops slightly to 24 mpg combined for models with the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While this fuel economy is not necessarily poor but it may be a concern for some buyers who are looking for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Additionally, as fuel prices continue to rise, the Outback’s fuel economy may become a more significant consideration for some buyers. However, it’s worth noting that the Outback’s all-wheel drive system can reduce the vehicle’s efficiency compared to front-wheel drive competitors.

Noisy Cabin

While the Subaru Outback’s cabin is generally well-insulated, some drivers and passengers may find it to be noisier than they would like. The Outback’s engine is louder than some other vehicles in its class, particularly when accelerating or driving at higher speeds. Additionally, wind and road noise can be noticeable at times, especially on rougher road surfaces. While this may not be a major issue for all drivers, it could be a drawback for those who prioritize a quiet driving experience. However, it’s worth noting that Subaru has made efforts to address this issue in newer Outback models.

Not very Sporty

The Outback is a great all-around vehicle, but it’s not particularly sporty or fun to drive. Its focus is on comfort and practicality, rather than performance. Overall, while the Outback’s lack of sportiness is not necessarily a significant disadvantage for all buyers, those who prioritize a more engaging driving experience may want to consider other options in the same class.

Limited powertrain options

The Outback only comes with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. There is no option for a V6 or hybrid powertrain. While both engines offer respectable power, there are no other engine options available, which could be a limitation for buyers who are looking for a specific type of powertrain configuration.

The infotainment system can be slow

While Outback’s infotainment system is easy to use, it can be slow to respond at times, which can be frustrating for tech-savvy drivers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Subaru Outback is a versatile and capable crossover that offers a range of strengths and weaknesses. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, high ground clearance, and spacious interior make it an excellent choice for buyers who prioritize practicality. Additionally, the Outback’s safety features and off-road capability are significant advantages that make it a popular choice in its class.

However, the Outback’s lack of sportiness, few powertrain options, and average fuel economy can be seen at as drawbacks by some buyers. Additionally, its noisy cabin and lower towing capacity compared to some competitors may also be a concern for some.

Overall, the decision to buy a Subaru Outback will depend on the buyer’s specific needs and preferences. If practicality, safety, and versatility are top priorities, the Outback is an excellent choice. However, those who prioritize sporty performance, fuel efficiency, or a more refined driving experience may want to consider other options in the same class.

Note:

To get a used Subaru Outback you can check Cars Guru Uganda’s inventory. We have many used Subaru Outbacks at affordable prices with unique features. Also, note that the features may be slightly different from the used Subaru Outback.