No modern wagon has duplicated the success of the Subaru Outback, and we’ve seen automakers try. Considering the AWD crossover-like wagon’s sales success, the arrival of a new model is big news. So with the 2020 Subaru Outback representing the first model year of a new generation, here’s how to distinguish the trim levels from one another.
Curious about what trim offers which important standard features? Keep reading.
Standard Features on the 2020 Subaru Outback
The most significant standard feature of (almost) every Subaru is AWD. As you compare the Outback’s pricing and fuel economy to FWD and AWD crossovers, keep that in mind. As with most 2020 Outbacks, the base model is powered by a 182-hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and mated to a CVT.
LED low- and high-beam headlights are standard across every trim and help the Outback achieve 2019 Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety—that rating applies to Limited and Touring models built after October 2019, and all other 2020 Outback trims regardless of when they were built. Subaru’s extensive standard package of EyeSight active safety tech also helps the car ace safety ratings. The suite of tech includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. In the real world, we had mixed results with Subaru’s EyeSight systems. Although we liked the adaptive cruise control and lane centering system, some editors could do without the excessive alerts from various systems including the two systems mentioned above or the “seemingly random occurrences of driver inattention” from a driver-monitoring feature available on higher trims.
You may have been drawn to the 11.6-inch Volvo– and Tesla-like touchscreens in higher-trim Outbacks in the showroom, but you also get plenty of screen space on the base model. Instead of one vertically oriented screen, the base 2020 Outback gets two 7.0-inch displays. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as are two 2.1-amp USB ports and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Tying it all together is the feature that really puts the “utility” into this SUV wagon: roof rails with tie-down points and integrated, retractable crossbars. It’s a convenience that’s impressed MotorTrend editors and is easy to use.
2020 Outback Premium Features
If you’ve gotta have a 10-way power driver’s seat, step up to the Outback Premium, Subaru’s oddly named mid-level trim. The Premium sports a redesigned center stack, too, thanks to the 11.6-inch reconfigurable touchscreen. It’s the type of feature that will impress in the dealership, but how about on the road? The Outback earned a place as a podium finalist at the 2020 SUV of the Year competition, but we found the big screen’s logic “complicated and unintuitive,” and complained about the small window for the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display. Some editors also confused the A/C on/off button for the fan speed buttons, though perhaps that last action would become easier over time.
Other feature highlights on the Premium include privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, and two 2.1-amp USB ports in the rear seat.
One important note: Hands-free keyless access and push-button start only become available on the Premium trim as part of a $1,400 package that also adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. A $2,995 package also adds a moonroof, navigation, and a power liftgate with a hands-free function.
2020 Outback Limited Features (Now We’re Getting Fancy)
The Limited is the first of two luxury-focused Outback trim levels. It’s also the first trim that’s available with the standard 182-hp engine, as well as the more powerful XT. The last-gen Outback’s available flat-six engine provided respectable performance, but there was room for improvement in acceleration and fuel economy. So the 2020 Outback introduces a 2.4-liter turbo-four with 260 hp, and you can find it on the Limited XT, Onyx XT, and Touring XT. Although our testing shows a noticeable improvement in acceleration to 60 mph, many MotorTrend editors weren’t fans of the inconsistent power delivery provided by the 2.4T engine and the CVT. If you don’t mind taking your time, consider sticking with the 2.5-liter base engine.
Regardless of powertrain, the Outback Limited adds perforated leather seats to match the soft-touch trim on the dash, heated rear seats, reverse automatic braking, 18-inch wheels, and steering-responsive LED headlights. Limited is also where the 10-way power driver seat gets two memory settings and a cushion extension, as well as where your significant other gets an eight-way power passenger seat. On Limited, the passenger-side mirror tilts down in reverse—it’s one of those features that, five or 10 years ago, was reserved for luxury cars.
An optional package for the Limited trim adds the system that monitors for driver distraction, a moonroof, navigation, and a heated steering wheel.
2020 Outback Onyx XT
Among all the changes Subaru made to the Outback’s trim levels, the Onyx is the only new model. With a dual-mode X-mode off-road system and gloss black visual tweaks, the more rugged Onyx is the least expensive way to get the 2.4T engine, since its features build off those of the Premium trim. The Onyx XT slots just above the Limited 2.5 and below the Touring 2.5 and Limited XT.
As the only 2020 Outback with a standard full-size spare tire, the Onyx also sports front seats covered in a water-repellant material that should prove more durable than the leather on other trims. A Front View Monitor, which uses the front camera to provide a view of what’s ahead, is also included.
2020 Outback Touring
Subaru’s most luxurious trim is the Touring. With the Outback, it adds perforated Nappa leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding side mirrors with a satin silver finish, eight cargo area tie-down hooks, and a couple other interior and exterior upgrades to clue in those in the know that you’re driving the fanciest of Outbacks.
One of the only meaningful trim level updates from Limited 2.5 and Touring 2.5 to Limited XT and Touring XT, respectively, is sound-insulated glass on the front doors. Depending on the car, it’s a feature that can make highway driving a bit quieter.
Unlike the Forester, the Outback doesn’t offer a panoramic moonroof at any price.
So Which 2020 Subaru Outback Model Is Best?
Let’s start with what I wouldn’t get. Like a few other MotorTrend editors, I don’t like the inconsistent power delivery of the XT’s 2.4-liter turbo-four engine. And if I’m paying extra for a more powerful engine, that’s an important factor. In the year 2020, there’s also no way I’m getting a $30,000-ish car without hands-free keyless access. It’s simply too convenient for me to forgo, so that eliminates the base Outback and base Premium.
My choice would either be an Outback Limited without the optional package that makes a moonroof a bit too pricey, or the full Touring. These trims include the upgraded driver’s seat, a power passenger seat, and a power liftgate. With the Touring, you get gorgeous Java Brown seats and all the equipment mentioned above, for under $40,000. As multiple editors commented at 2020 SUV of the Year, it’s a great value.
More on the 2020 Outback:
- 2020 Subaru Outback 2.5 Limited First Test here
- 2020 Subaru Outback Pros and Cons Review here
- Off-Roading the 2020 Subaru Outback: 10 Things to Know
The post 2020 Subaru Outback Trim Guide: The Features You Get Across the Lineup appeared first on MotorTrend.
Source: WORLD NEWS
