2020 Subaru Outback

Pros: Carlike ride and handling in an SUV-like package; standard all-wheel drive; impressive cargo room

Cons: Otherwise peppy turbocharged engine exhibits some turbo lag; interior small-items storage is not particularly generous

CG Says: The Subaru Outback is redesigned for 2020. Although the new sixth-generation Outback doesn’t look much different than the outgoing 2019 model, it gets improved rear-seat room and cargo space, a number of new safety and technology features, and a new turbocharged engine in place of the previous V6. A new DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System sounds an alert if an instrument panel camera senses the driver isn’t looking at the road. Other newly available safety features are reverse automatic braking, adaptive headlights, a head-up instrument display, and a 180-degree front-mounted camera. New comfort and convenience features include a hands-free power liftgate, heated/ventilated front seats, adjustable driver-seat cushion, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The base engine is still a 2.5-liter “flat four”, but it now produces 182 horsepower versus the former 175. The previous generation’s 256-hp 3.6-liter V6 has been replaced by a new 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter flat four that is found in XT models. As before, all engines are paired with a CVT automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard. The Subaru Outback has long offered the attributes of both a midsize station wagon and an SUV. The new Outback continues this winning tradition, with the added benefit of some welcome new features and a bit more room. The Outback looks rugged, but its ride and handling are more carlike than the typical crossover. We consider the Outback a midsize car, but many crossover SUV shoppers will be well served by an Outback.