If you haven’t checked out the Subaru lineup lately, you may be in for a surprise. Now, there are no fewer than nine different models, and that’s not including the offshoots, such as the Crosstrek and WRX, and sub-brands such as the Wilderness, which further add to the model count. Four of the nameplates are entirely new: the Uncharted, Solterra, Trailseeker, and Getaway, but pour one out for the Legacy, which is no longer. It may seem like a shake-up, but Subi-folk can rest assured, as the core of what makes Subaru unique remains strong, as evident in the all-new Outback, evaluated here in the Wilderness trim.
But first things first, the all-new declaration requires a disclaimer; this all-new model is more genuinely described as significantly enhanced; not that that’s necessarily a bad thing.
The proven body construction retains much of the previous generation’s design, although it adopts notable gains through advanced forming techniques, expanded use of adhesive bonding, and greater adoption of high-strength steel, all of which contribute to a structure that is not only measurably stronger, but carries a sense of solidity and stiffness that bring an air of invincibility, not to mention a squeak-free cabin.
The powertrain is a similar story. The Wilderness’ standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and its continuously variable transmission are familiar across the brand and can easily shove the Outback into triple digits without fanfare. The droning noise of a steady-state engine and disheartening rubberband acceleration of the CVT remain, but improvements such as a shorter drive ratio that helps improve off-the-line responsiveness, an upgraded transmission cooler that keeps temps in check on long, low-speed off-road climbs, and a reprogrammed center differential that reroutes power before tire slip even occurs deliver meaningful improvements.
Perhaps the biggest advancement comes from the Wilderness-exclusive adaptive dampers that, along with the more robust shock towers and revised suspension geometry, deliver performance that alone justifies ponying up the extra dough for this high-end Outback trim.
Whether it’s hustling down a dirt road’s washboard stretches, plodding along a highway’s high-frequency concrete slabs, or blasting up and down sharp bridge gaps, the Wilderness remains balanced and always ready for the next road imperfection. The sharpened steering, sometimes frustrating around town, is precise and strikes a good balance between isolation and feedback. And even though the off-road-biased tires give up easily when driven briskly, the steering’s communication and the dampers’ control over the high-riding body make tackling winding mountain roads more entertaining than one might expect.
The exterior represents the Outback’s most significant change and challenge. The upright front end, sharp-edged styling, and heavy body cladding leave no doubt about the exterior styling team’s desire for a classic “SUV” impression; however, its legacy chassis proportions force a long front overhang, a swept-back windshield, and relatively small tires (compared to other “adventure crossovers”) that limit the effectiveness of the design intent.
The interior retains its easy-to-use, no-frills design, and while its surfaces are nicely padded and the controls operate with precision, it’s ultimately neither luxurious nor cleverly utilitarian. The two-row crossover offers plenty of room inside with good passenger and cargo space, and the front doors can secure a 1-liter Nalgene bottle – a rare feat- but it has frustrating misses, such as front seat cushions that are far too short for comfort on long drives for this six-footer, a steering wheel that looks just like the bulky ones Subaru used nearly a decade ago, and a rear door with a limited opening angle and awkwardly narrow opening. Plus its softly curved shapes and deep dash top are at strict odds with the SUV exterior.
It’s a shame the styling takes up so much of the conversation, because the Outback is a whole lot more than what meets the eye. Its honest underpinnings and interior design are further enhanced by the trim-exclusive off-road (and on-road) upgrades. Simply put, it’s a Subaru with a healthy bit of “extra”.
