Subaru Outback Review 2024
Subaru Outback At A Glance
The latest-generation Subaru Outback follows a very similar template. It’s a medium-sized estate car with jacked-up suspension, four-wheel-drive and a design intended to appeal to buyers who need something a bit more capable than a conventional car, but who don’t want an SUV.
Subaru has long been a manufacturer that is happy to produce niche models rather than follow the mainstream and previous generations of the Subaru Outback have been a mainstay of its line-up. Is the latest model worth a look? Our Subaru Outback review will reveal all.
Among its key rivals are the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and the desirable Volvo V60 Cross Country.
Based on the SGP platform which is also used by the Subaru Forester and Subaru XV, the Subaru Outback comes with a single engine and gearbox option, a 2.5-litre flat-four petrol engine very much in the brand tradition, matched to a CVT automatic gearbox.
Although it is four-wheel-drive, this Subaru system uses a central clutch pack so it offers a standard torque split of 60:40 front to rear, but can vary the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels either by switching the drive mode or automatically, according to the conditions.
The driving experience that the Subaru Outback delivers is dictated by the engine and gearbox arrangement, and for a car that weighs close to 1700kg, it is very much a relaxed affair rather than sprightly.
When driven with restraint, there is acceptable acceleration on offer, and the CVT transmission provides ‘fake’ gearchanges to avoid the high-rev drone that is a common issue with these gearboxes.
However, when stronger acceleration is demanded, the engine speed is held at higher revs, with an unpleasant sound.
Where the Subaru Outback has an advantage over most estate competitors is in its off-road ability.
Although the type of tyres fitted will ultimately determine just how capable it is, it will prove adequate for many buyers, with the bonus of two off-road driver modes and hill descent control for steep downhill sections.
In many respects, the Subaru Outback is less impressive than conventional estate car rivals, with modest performance and a somewhat outdated design.
However, its off-road ability sets it apart and unless an SUV is a viable alternative, the Subaru Outback will fit the bill perfectly for some buyers.