Subaru Outback (2014 – 2021) Review
Subaru Outback (2014 – 2021) At A Glance
Insurance Groups are between 18–23
On average it achieves 91% of the official MPG figure
The Subaru Outback is not the cheapest estate car you can buy, but when you factor in the long list of standard equipment, the reassurance of all-wheel-drive, Subaru’s reputation for dependability, and an excellent five-year warranty, the Outback starts to make a lot of sense. Rivals include the Audi A4 Allroad, Volvo V60 Cross Country and Volkswagen Passat Alltrack. It can’t match the Germans and Swedes in terms of interior quality, but the cabin is built to withstand a lifetime of abuse.
The Subaru Outback appeals to a select group of buyers. Not to be confused with one of the countless SUVs you can buy in 2020, the Outback is a proper go-anywhere estate car that rivals the likes of the Audi A4 Allroad and Volvo V60 Cross Country.
It’s not a big seller. Sales are hampered by the fitment of a 2.5-litre petrol engine, which seems at odds with the shift towards small turbocharged petrol engines and electrification. There’s no diesel option and you can’t even buy a new Outback with a manual gearbox. A diesel engine was available in the past but has been removed from the Outback range.
Another factor working against the Outback is its interior, which lacks the premium feel of some rivals. It’s a hard-wearing and robust cabin, but it can’t match the perceived quality of the German and Swedish competitors. Not that we see this as a problem – the Outback has been built to withstand years of off-road abuse.
Central to its appeal is Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. It sends power to the wheels with the most traction, so you can corner with confidence – all weathers, all seasons and all road conditions. The Outback offers a level of surefootedness you will rarely find elsewhere.
It’s also brilliant off-road, which makes this the ideal car for anyone living at the end of a rutted track, at the bottom of a deep valley or half-way up a mountain. Owning an Outback could mean the difference between getting out or being stranded at home.
The driving experience majors on comfort, with the raised suspension cushioning you from all but the worst road imperfections. There’s a little body-roll when cornering hard, but the limpet-like grip never feels like it’s going to break free.
As you’d expect from an estate car, there’s loads of room inside. The Outback strikes a great balance of luggage capacity and cabin space, with a boot that’s one of the largest in its class. A low boot lip and wide opening combine to make loading a doddle, while the SE Premium model comes with an electric tailgate.
Not that we see the need to upgrade to the top trim level. The SE trim covers all the essentials, with a list including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, automatic headlights, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, cruise control, X-Mode off-road assistance and the excellent EyeSight suite of driver assistance systems.
In fact, aside from the fuel economy and cost of servicing, it’s hard to find any genuine problems with the Subaru Outback. It comes with a five-year warranty, an excellent reputation for reliability, and an overriding sense that it’s built to survive the apocalypse. Buy one and you’ll be part of an exclusive club.