2020 Subaru Outback

The Outback has been completely redesigned for the 2020 model year. Granted, you might not notice at first glance since the new sixth-generation Outback's exterior styling really isn't that different from the outgoing fifth-generation. However, this is a good thing for Subaru enthusiasts who like how the Outback looks and don't want it to change too much. Under the skin, the new Outback uses the new Subaru Global Platform, which is stiffer than its predecessor and could indicate more powertrains in the future -- possibly hybrid or electric.

Subaru calls the new 2020 Outback the safest and most capable Outback ever. That claim comes partly from EyeSight safety technology that comes standard on every trim. This includes automatic pre-collision braking and an all-new advanced adaptive cruise control system with lane centering. That means it won't just ping-pong you between the lines, but will actually help keep you centered in your lane while the adaptive cruise control keeps a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. There's more cool safety tech available which we'll dive into later.

More big news for the all-new 2020 Outback is the return of the turbocharged engine. Subaru hasn't offered a turbocharged Outback since 2009 and this new 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer engine gives you more power, more torque, and better fuel economy than the 6-cylinder engine in the outgoing Outback. The base engine in the Outback is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine that delivers adequate performance and impressive fuel economy.

The Outback is fully redesigned on the inside and the changes to the interior are much more noticeable than the changes to the exterior. The 2020 Outback's interior has a nice, modern design and every trim except the base model gets an 11.6-in Starlink infotainment system that looks and operates kind of like a giant smartphone. It's a user-friendly system that's rich with features and it's a nice upgrade over the dual-screen setup in the base model. Every 2020 Outback comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. See the 2020 Subaru Outback models for sale near you

At the end of the day, the all-new 2020 Outback isn't a revolutionary upgrade over its predecessor, but rather, it's evolutionary. Subaru did a great job taking everything that people loved about the Outback and making it even better by giving it an updated look, a nicer, roomier interior, and a huge, user-friendly available infotainment system plus generous standard safety tech. It also improves on the composed on-road manners and rugged off-road capabilities you expect from an Outback.

Which Outback is right for you depends on your tastes and your budget, but we sure like the Onyx Edition XT model, which has a unique look, dual-mode X-Mode and durable StarTex seats, not to mention it's an affordable entry into the stellar turbocharged engine. Whatever you do, we really recommend getting the Premium trim or better to get that awesome 11.6-in infotainment system. Find a Subaru Outback for sale

The 2020 Outback is available in seven different trims, three of which use the turbocharged engine.

The base Outback ($26,645) includes the base naturally-aspirated engine, AWD, X-Mode, hill descent control, active torque vectoring, a dual 7-in-screen Starlink infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 4-speaker audio, EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes automatic emergency braking, high beam assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering, LED headlights, roof rails, cloth upholstery, steering wheel controls for audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control, two USB ports, and automatic climate control.

Upgrading to the Outback Premium ($28,895) gives you some nice features over the base model, most notably the 11.6-in Starlink infotainment system, 6-speaker audio, Starlink Safety and Security connected services, which include automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, and much more. Other perks include dual-zone automatic climate control, LED fog lights, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual back seat USB ports, and a retractable and removable cargo cover.

Take a step into luxury with the Outback Limited ($33,445), which adds leather-trimmed upholstery, a hands-free power rear lift gate, 18-in alloy wheels, steering-responsive headlights, power front seats, 2-position driver's seat memory, heated back seats, push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, Harman Kardon premium audio, and extra safety tech including blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert plus reverse automatic braking.

The Outback Touring ($37,345) is the nicest Outback you can get with the base engine. Its standard equipment in addition to what the Limited model offers includes a power moonroof, chrome exterior trim, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Nappa leather seats, navigation, and the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system.

The entry into the turbocharged engine is the Outback Onyx Edition XT ($34,895). The Onyx Edition is mostly an appearance package that includes 18-in alloy wheels with a black finish and black exterior trim, giving it a distinct and rugged character. Also unique to the Onyx Edition is StarTex water-repellent upholstery with contrast stitching and Dual-Mode X-Mode, which includes a Snow and Dirt mode and a Deep Snow and Mud mode. Other features include the 11.6-in Starlink infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a hands-free power lift gate, LED foglights, power front seats, heated front and back seats, and more.

The midrange turbocharged model is the Outback Limited XT ($37,745), which has similar standard equipment as the naturally aspirated Limited model but adds navigation, a power moonroof, DriverFocus, and a heated steering wheel on top of the turbocharged engine.

Finally, there's the luxurious turbocharged Outback Touring XT ($39,695), which simply adds the turbocharged engine to the Touring model with the standard features list staying the same.