Everything you need to know about the Subaru Outback

• Is the Subaru Outback a good car? 
• Who is the Subaru Outback a good car for?
• Is the Subaru Outback a good first car?
• Is the Subaru Outback a good family car?
• Is there a Hybrid Subaru Outback?
• What’s it like to drive? 
• Reviewer’s opinion
• What does it look like?
• What is the Subaru Outback like inside? 
• Tech features
• Price and specs
• Which is the cheapest Subaru Outback?
• How much does it cost?
• Similar Cars to the Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the ultimate left-field choice for the discerning individual that has a tangible connection with the outdoors. As at home on the trail as it is on the streets, the Subaru Outback is too often overlooked in this world of SUVs.

In this article:

Is the Subaru Outback a good car? 

The Subaru Outback is a crossover estate car, or station wagon if you like, that combines all the great technologies of Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology with practicality and convenience. It’s a cross between the larger Forester and the Legacy, Subaru’s midsize sedan.

Who is the Subaru Outback a good car for?

The Outback is great for the adventurous soul that is looking for a spacious, practical vehicle that can go just about anywhere and do just about anything. It’s the perfect outdoor vehicle and provides a driving experience closer to that of a sedan and is less top-heavy than your typical SUV.

Is the Subaru Outback a good first car?

The Subaru Outback is safe as houses and reliable to boot. It can make a decent first car if you are experienced with slightly larger vehicles and even if you’re a new driver, you shouldn’t struggle with the Outback when it comes to parking and manoeuvring in and around town.

Is the Subaru Outback a good family car?

The Outback is an excellent family car and offers seating for 5 adults whilst retaining a generous 522-litre boot. This space can expand further to 1267-litres if you happen to fold the seat forward. The Outback features roof rails and is ready for loading. The popularity of the model in the outdoors community means that there is no shortage of accessories to help make longer journeys comfortable.

Is there a Hybrid Subaru Outback?

There is no hybrid Outback. The Outback is only offered with a single engine choice locally, that of the 2.5-litre flat-four that produces 138 kW and 245 Nm torque.

View the latest used Subaru Outback for sale in South Africa

What’s it like to drive? 

Reviewer’s opinion

“What it is, is wonderfully opulent, quiet, and quite capable – because the Outback, unlike the Legacy, is made for those with an active lifestyle. Those that go kayaking or mountain biking. Those that aren’t afforded the luxury of a paved parking lot.”

– Chad Luckhoff, AutoTrader

What does it look like?

Exterior

Interior

What is the Subaru Outback like inside? 

The Outback is trimmed to a very high level and features soft-touch panels and surfaces. A large, portrait-orientated infotainment screen rests in the centre fascia, housing controls for a myriad of vehicle settings and functions. The dark leather trimmings are broken up by satin silver garnishes and an acceptable amount of piano black plastics. The overall fit and finish is wonderful and feels more expensive than one expects.

Style

The Outback takes the somewhat old-fashioned estate design and revitalises it with black over-fenders, silver mirrors and skid plates as well as chrome garnishes around the large windows. The front carries the unmistakable Subaru hexagonal grille and the whole vehicle shouts rough and tumble.

Tech features

• 11.6-inch tablet interface
• EyeSight Driver Assistance system
• Subaru Vision Assist
• X-Mode
• Hill Descent Control

Price and specs

Which is the cheapest Subaru Outback?

The most affordable Subaru Outback is the Subaru Outback 2.5i-Field ES. This version will set you back R728 000 but is comprehensively specced and offers little in the way of optional extras.

Search the latest New and Used Subaru Outback deals in South Africa

How much does it cost?

*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.

Competitors

Similar Cars to the Subaru Outback

MINI Cooper Clubman

Honda CR-V

Volvo V90 Cross Country

Chad LückhoffWith over 18 years of motorsport commentary and a passion for 90s Japanese Sports Cars, Chad Lückhoff is happiest when surrounded by drift cars and smoking tyres. His experience as the Technical Editor of the country’s top tuning magazine means that it’s the nuts and bolts of motoring that tickles his fancy. As comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it, he’ll take you behind the wheel with his video reviews, written recounts, and invoking photography. One of the first to join the AutoTrader fray, Chad has been living his passion at AutoTrader for over 7-years.View News & Reviews

Keyword: Everything you need to know about the Subaru Outback