Subaru Outback Review: Long-term report

The Subaru Outback is an ideal family car if you need a rugged but civilised city-friendly SUV with bulletproof reliability and the benefit of full-time all-wheel drive.

The Outback is classified as a large SUV, but it’s certainly not as high as a traditional SUV. In fact, it’s really just a higher-riding Subaru Liberty wagon with some physical enhancements to give it a more rugged look. In essence, it is to the Liberty what the XV is to the Impreza.

From the outside the Outback hasn’t changed much for the last few years, this current shape has been around since 2009 but it still looks fresh, thanks largely to its clean but sharp design.

Getting in is simple and that extra ride height over a traditional wagon makes it much easier for buckling the little ones in. It’s higher than your average car but not high enough to make it intimidating to park. It feels perfectly at ease in tight car park spaces and we’ve had no trouble getting it and out of small city parking lots.

Seating position is easily adjustable and the steering wheel moves in and out as well as up and down for perfect alignment. The speedometer and other driver-focused instruments are clear and easy to read regardless of steering position.

The location of the satellite navigation screen means you’ll need to take your eyes off the road to glance but given its large size and good clarity, it’s a non-issue.

The rear seats are very spacious and despite housing a rather chunky infant seat, there’s enough room to fit two adults as well. The rear also get air conditioning vents. Overall there are plenty of storage spaces throughout the cabin, some with rubber lining that makes them ideal for placing phones and other slippery valuables.

The six-speaker audio system provides excellent sound quality. If you opt for the Premium grade, which comes with the satellite navigation, you won’t have a USB port for audio purposes and will instead have to make do with RCA jacks.

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine is good for 123kW of power and 229Nm of torque. Which is reasonable considering the Outback only weighs 1.5 tons. If you go the automatic route you’ll be using a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is unlike a traditional automatic but does its best to behave as such. In-gear acceleration is smooth and it certainly doesn’t feel gutless for inner city driving or overtaking on the highway.

Steering feel is almost not worth mentioning as it’s perfectly suited to the character of the car. It’s not too heavy or too light. It’s ideal for car parks but feels responsive and provides adequate feedback for when you get a bit enthusiastic.

After spending a month in the Subaru Outback, it was found to be an ideal family car. It’s quiet, spacious, refined and comes with Subaru’s well-known emphasis on safety (maximum five-star safety rating).

In general, the Subaru Outback is a very comfortable and reliable family car.

-Courtesy of Car Advice