Typical Subaru (and that’s good): The 2020 Outback, reviewed

2020 Outback gets and iPad-style touchscreen, new driver-safety features.

Read the whole story

 

[aluepsch]

So many Outlooks, so few Outbacks, so much autocorrection. lol

[moonsharksays]Outback apparently come with mail server option[/moonsharksays]

 

[whiteknave]

So many Outlooks, so few Outbacks, so much autocorrection. lol

I prefer to call it auto-incorrect.

 

[dj__jg]

I'm not a big fan of Outlook's new climate control interface

 

[Getting Better]

Does this have the same "can't permanently disable engine-off"* configuration that was present in (at least certain Subarus) the past few years?

I like the 3 Subarus I've regularly driven in general, but this "feature" alone may make me look at a different purchase for my next car, it drives me nuts.

* Engine-off being how I'm describing the feature which detects that you're idling, so it shuts off your engine assuming you're at a light or similar, to save gas. It's unreliable, causes a delay when you need to go, and saves such a minuscule amount of gas according to its own counter. You can turn it off on a per-trip basis using a button down and left from the steering wheel, but it's an inconvenient button that you have to remember to hit each trip.

[edit] Looks like I can answer my own question - Unlike on the older models, you can permanently disable it on most of the 2020 line (not the Forester though): https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru- ... u-don-t-it

 

[Zackify]

Why do all car infotainment systems look like 2008 android?

 

[oflife]

Used to be a Subaru fan. Mix of style, solid engineering, technical innovation and practicality. Had a superb GL-10 in early 1990s (turbo, hight control, digital dash, spacious rear), two XTs (great fun!), and an amazing SVX, much underrated futuristic 4x4 sports car. This new Outback is just ugly. And the dash equally lacking in imagination or sound ergonomics. Hire me!

 

[SavedByTechnology]

So many Outlooks, so few Outbacks, so much autocorrection. lol

This was the first article I read during breakfast. I might need to go back to sleep though, because I totally missed those (and there are four of them!)

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Leased 2015 Outback Limited and now coming soon to end of 2018 Outback Limited lease. Both with thirsty and not too powerful 3.6L 6 cyl boxer engines.
I generally like them and the turbo engine option should've arrived much sooner, but at the same time I can't help myself but to wonder is a 2.4L engine with a turbo rated at 260hp/277lb-ft torques, seems rather very conservative. It's not too peppy and neither a particularly fuel-efficient option either. So what's the point?

As for moving more electronics to touchscreen - the memory of the 2018 model coming with a complete clusterduck of radio software soo bad, it required an official recall (and a class-action) makes this Subaru owner think twice before moving, even more, controls to touchscreen electronics.

reference:
https://subaru.oemdtc.com/1142/wtz-85-h ... ng%20blank.

 

[AnchorClanker]

Seriously boring vehicle.

Be sure to buy it in a bland color.

BTW: Not necessarily a reason not to buy it, if it fits your needs. Don't take this as a negative opinion, even though it sounds negative.

Yep. We have an '06 Forester that's so boring that we had it completely refurbished and still all it does is get us there and back every time in any weather.

 

[Deleted member 338050]

Does this have the same "can't permanently disable engine-off"* configuration that was present in (at least certain Subarus) the past few years?

I like the 3 Subarus I've regularly driven in general, but this "feature" alone may make me look at a different purchase for my next car, it drives me nuts.

* Engine-off being how I'm describing the feature which detects that you're idling, so it shuts off your engine assuming you're at a light or similar, to save gas. It's unreliable, causes a delay when you need to go, and saves such a minuscule amount of gas according to its own counter. You can turn it off on a per-trip basis using a button down and left from the steering wheel, but it's an inconvenient button that you have to remember to hit each trip.

[edit] Looks like I can answer my own question - Unlike on the older models, you can permanently disable it on the 2020 line: https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru- ... u-don-t-it

Honestly, I really want to get the idiots who came up with that “feature” drive in stop-and-go commute for a couple of hours every day and see how they feel... want to save some gas, maybe don’t put the same engine since the 90s in the car...

 

[Hort]

(typo in the subtitle): "2020 Outback gets and iPad-style..."

 

[pauli]

2020 Subaru Outback is fan service in the best possible way

Honestly, not seeing it. As an Outback owner (2005 XT, and a 2003 before that), the only things I recognize are the general outline and the ground clearance. The rest is just... not interesting, as an Outback fan.

 

[tpl]

I would be more than happy to buy a Subaru. But until they give up on CVT transmissions I will not do so.
A nice version of the VW DSG or the Porsche PDK ( as it is a flat engine ) would do nicely or the ZF or its related Aisin 8 speed slushbox.

But I suspect that the Gods of the CAFE regulations mean it will never happen.

 

[valkyriebiker]

Does this have the same "can't permanently disable engine-off"* configuration that was present in (at least certain Subarus) the past few years?

I like the 3 Subarus I've regularly driven in general, but this "feature" alone may make me look at a different purchase for my next car, it drives me nuts.

* Engine-off being how I'm describing the feature which detects that you're idling, so it shuts off your engine assuming you're at a light or similar, to save gas. It's unreliable, causes a delay when you need to go, and saves such a minuscule amount of gas according to its own counter. You can turn it off on a per-trip basis using a button down and left from the steering wheel, but it's an inconvenient button that you have to remember to hit each trip.

[edit] Looks like I can answer my own question - Unlike on the older models, you can permanently disable it on the 2020 line: https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru- ... u-don-t-it

2018 Toyota Highlander owner here: I detest this "feature" as well. We have congress to thank for that. Likely buried somewhere in the CAFE specs is verbiage that allows the automaker a teeny bit of leeway on running MPG/horsepower/whatever if they implement Start/Stop.

I've rented many cars in Europe, many models have S/S, but they allow the feature to be permanently toggled off.

I bought an inexpensive after-market gizmo for a few bucks that turns off S/S for me each time I start the car. Upon engine start, the device waits about 7-8 seconds, the pulses the S/S switch. Problem solved.

ETA: I'm all for effective fuel saving techniques. S/S is not one of them. I estimate I save enough fuel each year, thanks to S/S, to fill a small mason jar.

 

[pauli]

want to save some gas, maybe don’t put the same engine since the 90s in the car...

With the exception of the STI's EJ257, every current Subaru has either an FA (2012) or FB (2010).

 

[hp57]

Does this have the same "can't permanently disable engine-off"* configuration that was present in (at least certain Subarus) the past few years?

I like the 3 Subarus I've regularly driven in general, but this "feature" alone may make me look at a different purchase for my next car, it drives me nuts.

* Engine-off being how I'm describing the feature which detects that you're idling, so it shuts off your engine assuming you're at a light or similar, to save gas. It's unreliable, causes a delay when you need to go, and saves such a minuscule amount of gas according to its own counter. You can turn it off on a per-trip basis using a button down and left from the steering wheel, but it's an inconvenient button that you have to remember to hit each trip.

[edit] Looks like I can answer my own question - Unlike on the older models, you can permanently disable it on the 2020 line: https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru- ... u-don-t-it

There's an aftermarket product which allows you to disable the autostop malfeature. It's not compatible with all models but for those which support it, it's great. I've had it on my 2019 Forester Touring since last year and couldn't live without it.

 

[Coriolanus]

I really like the Eyesight system. It made a 1400 mile drive a few ywars back a breeze. Is the Eyesight on the 2020 Outback a next gen version?

 

[Errum]

“Horizontally mounted” engine? How many vertically mounted engines are there? In lawnmowers, sure, but cars, not so much.

Is the author trying to say that the engine orientation is transverse? I’m no Subaru expert, but those I’ve seen use longitudinal engine installations.

It’s a flat-4, aka boxer or 180 degree V angle.

 

[robrob]

Used to be a Subaru fan. Mix of style, solid engineering, technical innovation and practicality. Had a superb GL-10 in early 1990s (turbo, hight control, digital dash, spacious rear), two XTs (great fun!), and an amazing SVX, much underrated futuristic 4x4 sports car. This new Outback is just ugly. And the dash equally lacking in imagination or sound ergonomics. Hire me!

I don't even understand Subaru's design anymore. The wrx looks like a civic, the Legacy looks like an old Hyundai and the Outback looks like some kind of stylised hearse. And will no one understand that buttons and dials are always infinitely better to a screen, no matter how big it is?

And I'm similar to you, between my family (parents and 3 kids) we've owned over 20 Subarus and most have been a blast to drive. Twin turbo liberty (legacy in the US) was particularly amazing, my first 2 door Leone not so much... But I feel my next car will be an electric VW if it's any good. I'd rather see Subaru put electrics in the drive train, not the dash.

 

[Jerion]

“Horizontally mounted” engine? How many vertically mounted engines are there? In lawnmowers, sure, but cars, not so much.

Is the author trying to say that the engine orientation is transverse? I’m no Subaru expert, but those I’ve seen use longitudinal engine installations.

Subaru is known for their flat engine designs, where the cylinders lie flat and oppose each other (like two boxers punching at each other) rather than all aiming in the same direction (straight) or at perpendicular-ish angles (V). I can’t really speak to how to affects handling (been a lot of years since my ‘03 Baja) but it does mean that their cars tend to have long, low hoods in comparison to their competitors.

Genuine Subie enthusiasts, jump in and expand on /correct me here.

 

[Errum]

“Horizontally mounted” engine? How many vertically mounted engines are there? In lawnmowers, sure, but cars, not so much.

Is the author trying to say that the engine orientation is transverse? I’m no Subaru expert, but those I’ve seen use longitudinal engine installations.

Subaru is known for their flat engine designs, where the cylinders lie flat and oppose each other (like two boxers punching at each other) rather than all aiming in the same direction (straight) or at perpendicular-ish angles (V). I can’t really speak to how to affects handling (been a lot of years since my ‘03 Baja) but it does mean that their cars tend to have long, low hoods in comparison to their competitors.

Genuine Subie enthusiasts, jump in and expand on /correct me here.

Yep, which is not a “horizontally mounted” engine. In fact it would still be a flat-4 even if the engine were mounted in some other orientation.

 

[madmax559]

Why do all car infotainment systems look like 2008 android?

They probably have an interior design refresh every x number of years & are stuck with a large number of parts that need to be used up or have existing contracts in place for the MCU (Media Control Unit....not Marvel )

Car makers resisted CarPlay & Android for years because selling your own nav system is highly profitable.
(Toyota Entune.......awful system...on a nice car (Prius))

Then car makers jumped on that & you had tiny screen with markups for larger screens....
......Along comes Tesla & changes the game with the Model S & car makers are left scrambling & jump wholesale into CarPlay/Android...yes even Toyota finally gets a cluestick

2917 & yet another wallop to the head with the model 3 & its center console.
This is why all new cars are taking cues & adding in larger screens.

Older designs are stuck unless they do a serious redesign, which costs money & in this market/economy with sales going down, car makers are in a bind & then you have new laws coming in which will kill the gas engine.

So you may see a redesign next year, once Subaru gets their act together & figures out how to navigate the new market reality.

Edit:
I would put the Model S/X in the same low volume category, those designs need to be updated internally

 

[AdamM]

“Horizontally mounted” engine? How many vertically mounted engines are there? In lawnmowers, sure, but cars, not so much.

Is the author trying to say that the engine orientation is transverse? I’m no Subaru expert, but those I’ve seen use longitudinal engine installations.

Subaru is known for their flat engine designs, where the cylinders lie flat and oppose each other (like two boxers punching at each other) rather than all aiming in the same direction (straight) or at perpendicular-ish angles (V). I can’t really speak to how to affects handling (been a lot of years since my ‘03 Baja) but it does mean that their cars tend to have long, low hoods in comparison to their competitors.

Genuine Subie enthusiasts, jump in and expand on /correct me here.

The prominent benefit people will probably notice is that the flat-4 design is naturally in perfect balance. Overall it's just feels a bit more refined than your typical I4. Less N/V/H.

Edit: Forgot about the H6.

 

[Got Nate?]

What hasn't changed is an eight-speed Lineartronic continuously variable transmission

.

What an awkward and inaccurate statement. CVTs are continuously variable. It's right in the name. The "eight speed" part comes in the next sentence - simulated shift points on a paddle shifter. Also, on the last two Subaru Lineartronic CVT's I looked at, they were 7 shift points speeds. Not 8, so either that has changed, or this fact needs an update as well. Granted those were in Forester and Impreza.

Edit: sure enough, the both the 2020 and 2021 Outbacks do indeed have 8 speeds according to the subaru website. I guess that strikes half my pedantry!

 

[original_mds]

“Horizontally mounted” engine? How many vertically mounted engines are there? In lawnmowers, sure, but cars, not so much.

Is the author trying to say that the engine orientation is transverse? I’m no Subaru expert, but those I’ve seen use longitudinal engine installations.

Subaru is known for their flat engine designs, where the cylinders lie flat and oppose each other (like two boxers punching at each other) rather than all aiming in the same direction (straight) or at perpendicular-ish angles (V). I can’t really speak to how to affects handling (been a lot of years since my ‘03 Baja) but it does mean that their cars tend to have long, low hoods in comparison to their competitors.

Genuine Subie enthusiasts, jump in and expand on /correct me here.

Yep, which is not a “horizontally mounted” engine. In fact it would still be a flat-4 even if the engine were mounted in some other orientation.

In Subaru speak, H refers to horizontally opposed.

Also, see the Subaru section on the H engine wikipedia page.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/H_engine

 

[proboscidean]

We've been a Subaru family for years, but after they joined the administration in fighting CA emissions rules and then reading their statement on climate change, which would make an oil executive blush, it doesn't matter how nice their lineup is (and this looks nice), we're not buying.

At Subaru, we believe that introduction and strengthening of environmental regulations for products are the major risks in the business environment. For example, demands to improve fuel consumption ... are some examples.

On the other hand, AWD, which is a major strategic vehicle 90% of which Subaru is introducing to the market, has a great opportunity to cope with recent climate change, compared to FW and FR automobiles of 2WD. The main reason for this is that traveling stability unique to AWD is very good compared to 2WD on rough road after torrential rain and snowy road surface due to heavy snowfall. There is a possibility that the recognition that it is a automobile that can run safely and with peace of mind expands and leads to an increase in sales opportunities.

- https://www.subaru.co.jp/en/csr/environ ... ation.html

 

[muhname]

"The base Outback starts at $26,795."

..or 43,000 EUR in Finland

 

[AdamM]

We've been a Subaru family for years, but after they joined the administration in fighting CA emissions rules and then reading their statement on climate change, which would make an oil executive blush, it doesn't matter how nice their lineup is (and this looks nice), we're not buying.

At Subaru, we believe that introduction and strengthening of environmental regulations for products are the major risks in the business environment. For example, demands to improve fuel consumption ... are some examples.

On the other hand, AWD, which is a major strategic vehicle 90% of which Subaru is introducing to the market, has a great opportunity to cope with recent climate change, compared to FW and FR automobiles of 2WD. The main reason for this is that traveling stability unique to AWD is very good compared to 2WD on rough road after torrential rain and snowy road surface due to heavy snowfall. There is a possibility that the recognition that it is a automobile that can run safely and with peace of mind expands and leads to an increase in sales opportunities.

- https://www.subaru.co.jp/en/csr/environ ... ation.html

Yikes, talk about a gross statement to put out.

 

[Arizona Cat]

<< The downside to the massive display is the elimination of physical climate controls. Adjusting the AC or heat now requires a couple taps on the screen, which can be distracting . . . .

It uses a camera to scan the driver's face and emits a warning beep when it detects the driver isn't looking at the road.>>

So you need piece of tech to tell you not to use another piece of tech?

 

[AnchorClanker]

What hasn't changed is an eight-speed Lineartronic continuously variable transmission

.

What an awkward and inaccurate statement. CVTs are continuously variable. It's right in the name. The "eight speed" part comes in the next sentence - simulated shift points on a paddle shifter. Also, on the last two Subaru Lineartronic CVT's I looked at, they were 7 shift points. Not 8, so either that has changed, or this fact needs an update as well. Granted those were in Forester and Impreza.

I may be misunderstanding something but I think it only takes 7 points to create 8 speeds.

 

[euzeka]

want to save some gas, maybe don’t put the same engine since the 90s in the car...

Yeah, I almost bought an outback. I really like the look and it has some of the roomiest rear seats in the category, which would be great for the kids. But ultimately, the ancient powertrain drove me away, towards a much more efficient hybrid. Didn't want to downsize into something which would need nearly as much gas as my previous vehicle.

 

[Got Nate?]

What hasn't changed is an eight-speed Lineartronic continuously variable transmission

.

What an awkward and inaccurate statement. CVTs are continuously variable. It's right in the name. The "eight speed" part comes in the next sentence - simulated shift points on a paddle shifter. Also, on the last two Subaru Lineartronic CVT's I looked at, they were 7 shift points. Not 8, so either that has changed, or this fact needs an update as well. Granted those were in Forester and Impreza.

I may be misunderstanding something but I think it only takes 7 points to create 8 speeds.

You may be misunderstanding my own misuse of jargon blush. I meant 7 speeds all along. Further pedantry though: perhaps the 8th speed is reverse!

E: Subaru confirms, 8 speeds in both 2020 and 2021 Outbacks.

 

[ricm]

I hate climate control on screen since it requires me to look at it. Old knobs can be used with muscle memory.

 

[Bengie25]

The Outback released in 2020 year is the 2021 model

 

[nbs2]

We've been a Subaru family for years, but after they joined the administration in fighting CA emissions rules and then reading their statement on climate change, which would make an oil executive blush, it doesn't matter how nice their lineup is (and this looks nice), we're not buying.

At Subaru, we believe that introduction and strengthening of environmental regulations for products are the major risks in the business environment. For example, demands to improve fuel consumption ... are some examples.

On the other hand, AWD, which is a major strategic vehicle 90% of which Subaru is introducing to the market, has a great opportunity to cope with recent climate change, compared to FW and FR automobiles of 2WD. The main reason for this is that traveling stability unique to AWD is very good compared to 2WD on rough road after torrential rain and snowy road surface due to heavy snowfall. There is a possibility that the recognition that it is a automobile that can run safely and with peace of mind expands and leads to an increase in sales opportunities.

- https://www.subaru.co.jp/en/csr/environ ... ation.html

Have you never read business guidance before? Subaru owes it to their investors and the public to be clear to them about what the risks of climate change are to their business and how they are addressing them. And considering you’ve lifted the language from the section called Risks of Climate Change and Opportunities, they are doing just that.

Their model is built around AWD, which uses more power since it needs to drive all four wheels. As a result that have to acknowledge that their major markets - US, Japan, Europe - which have strong regulations will mean that their costs will go up either to comply or as penalties for noncompliance (you’ve left that out). But, the current AWD surge means that they should be able to navigate it without a significant loss in sales. Here is the risk, here is how we are addressing it.

Please, tell me, if you ran a car business that revolves around its AWD, how would you acknowledge and address that business risk?

ETA: paragraphs

 

[Oregano]

What hasn't changed is an eight-speed Lineartronic continuously variable transmission

.

What an awkward and inaccurate statement. CVTs are continuously variable. It's right in the name. The "eight speed" part comes in the next sentence - simulated shift points on a paddle shifter. Also, on the last two Subaru Lineartronic CVT's I looked at, they were 7 shift points. Not 8, so either that has changed, or this fact needs an update as well. Granted those were in Forester and Impreza.

I may be misunderstanding something but I think it only takes 7 points to create 8 speeds.

You may be misunderstanding my own misuse of jargon blush. I meant 7 speeds all along. Further pedantry though: perhaps the 8th speed is reverse!

In drive, it only requires 7 shift points to divide drive into 8 segments.