The Subaru Outback has carved a niche for itself as a versatile and reliable large SUV, blending the rugged capabilities of an off-road vehicle with the comfort and convenience of a family car. Since its inception, the Outback has been celebrated for its durability, advanced safety features, and innovative technology, making it a favourite among adventure enthusiasts and urban drivers alike.
From 2015 to 2024, the Subaru Outback has undergone significant transformations, both in design and functionality. Each model year brought enhancements that catered to evolving market demands and technological advancements.
This blog aims to provide a comprehensive review of the Subaru Outback models from 2015 to 2024, highlighting the key differences and improvements across the fifth and sixth generations. Whether you’re a long-time Subaru fan or a prospective buyer, this detailed overview will give you valuable insights into the evolution of one of Subaru’s most iconic models.
Fifth Generation: BS (2015-2019)
Table of Contents:
- 2022 Subaru Outback Review
- 2021 Subaru OutBack Review
- 2020 Subaru OutBack Review
- 2019 Subaru OutBack Review
- 2018 Subaru OutBack Review
- 2017 Subaru OutBack Review
- 2016 Subaru OutBack Review
- 2015 Subaru OutBack Review
Sixth Generation: BT (2021-present)
2022 Subaru Outback Review
The 2022 Subaru Outback builds on the sixth generation introduced in 2021 with further enhancements in performance, technology, and safety. This model continues to appeal to both urban drivers and adventure seekers, solidifying its reputation as a versatile and reliable vehicle.
Design and Exterior
The 2022 Outback maintains the rugged yet refined design introduced in 2021. It features the same robust dimensions, including a length of 4870mm, a width of 1875mm, and a height of 1670mm, with a ground clearance of 213mm, ensuring it remains capable off-road. The Sport variant includes unique design elements such as black 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and green accents, which differentiate it from the previous model.
Engine Specifications and Performance
The 2022 Outback retains the 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder petrol engine from the 2021 model, delivering 138 kW of power and 245 Nm of torque. The Lineartronic CVT has been refined, featuring eight programmed steps that mimic a traditional automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience. These refinements have slightly improved fuel efficiency, though real-world consumption may vary depending on driving conditions
Interior Technology and Comfort
The 2022 model sees significant upgrades in interior technology and comfort compared to the 2021 Outback. The new 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system offers better graphics and faster response times, integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite navigation more seamlessly. The interior features high-quality materials, and new for 2022, the front seats include ventilation along with existing heating, enhancing comfort during Australia’s hot summers. Additionally, the rear seats now have more USB ports, improving convenience for passengers on long trips.
Safety Features and Ratings
With the 2022 Subaru Outback, it continued to enhance its comprehensive safety suite. The latest generation of EyeSight driver assist technology includes new features such as autonomous emergency steering and an improved lane keep assist system. The vehicle now includes eight airbags, with the addition of a front passenger seat cushion airbag, further enhancing occupant protection. These upgrades help the 2022 Outback maintain its five-star ANCAP safety rating.
2021 Subaru Outback Review
The 2021 Subaru Outback marks the introduction of the sixth generation, bringing a host of significant upgrades and enhancements. This model builds on Subaru’s legacy of blending rugged off-road capability with refined on-road performance, offering new technology and improved features that cater to both adventure seekers and everyday drivers in Australia.
Design Overhaul and New Features
The 2021 Outback received a comprehensive design overhaul. While the overall look remains familiar, the vehicle features a more aggressive front fascia, new grille design, and updated bumpers. Key exterior updates include stylish and durable cladding, previously exclusive to upper trims, now standard across the range. The dimensions include a length of 4870mm, a width of 1875mm, and a height of 1675mm, maintaining a ground clearance of 213mm.
Engine Specifications and Performance
The 2021 model is powered by a 90% new 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 138 kW and 245 Nm of torque. This represents a 7% increase in power and a 4.2% increase in torque compared to the previous generation. The engine is paired with a refined Lineartronic CVT, featuring an 8-speed manual mode and increased ratio coverage, which improves take-off acceleration and fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the 3.6-litre engine and diesel options have been discontinued.
Interior Technology and Comfort
Inside, the 2021 Outback boasts significant upgrades, including a new 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, which centralises and simplifies many controls with a vertical orientation similar to a smartphone. The system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and includes satellite navigation. The interior features high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and leather accents in higher trims. The cabin is spacious, providing excellent legroom and headroom, and the rear seats feature air vents, USB ports, and heated outboard seats.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety remains a top priority with the 2021 Outback, featuring the latest generation of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology. New safety features include Lane Centring Function, Autonomous Emergency Steering, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limiter, and the Driver Monitoring System. Additionally, the Outback now includes eight airbags, including a new front passenger seat cushion airbag. These enhancements help the Outback maintain its five-star ANCAP safety rating.
2020 Subaru Outback Review
The 2020 Subaru Outback marked the final iteration of the fifth generation in the Australian market. It carried forward many of the design and feature updates from previous years, offering a refined and reliable package for both urban and off-road adventures.
Design Overhaul and New Features
The 2020 Outback maintained its rugged design with a slightly updated front fascia, including a new grille and bumper design. The dimensions remained consistent with a length of 4820mm, width of 1840mm, and height of 1675mm, along with a ground clearance of 213mm, ensuring robust Subaru Outback off-road capabilities.
Engine Specifications and Performance
The 2020 Outback offered three engine options:
- 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol: 129 kW, 235 Nm, 7.3L/100km.
- 3.6-litre 6-cylinder petrol: 191 kW, 350 Nm, 9.9L/100km.
- 2.0-litre turbo-diesel: 110 kW, 350 Nm, 6.3L/100km.
These engines were paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, known for its smooth and efficient performance. The suspension system was refined to provide a comfortable and composed ride both on and off-road.
Interior Technology and Comfort
The interior of the 2020 Outback continued to prioritise comfort and practicality. It featured high-quality materials with soft-touch surfaces and leather accents in higher trims. The infotainment system included an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity and user experience. Rear passengers benefited from ample legroom, rear air vents, and additional USB ports.
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2020 Outback is equipped with the EyeSight driver assist system across all models. This system included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. Additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 270-degree camera system were also available, helping the Outback maintain its five-star ANCAP safety rating.
2019 Subaru Outback Review
The 2019 Subaru Outback features a slightly revised front fascia with new bumper designs and updated grille. The dimensions remain consistent compared to previous models.
Engine and Performance
The 2019 Outback continues with the same engine options as the 2018 model:
- 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol: 129 kW, 235 Nm, 7.3L/100km.
- 3.6-litre 6-cylinder petrol: 191 kW, 350 Nm, 9.9L/100km.
- 2.0-litre turbo-diesel: 110 kW, 350 Nm, 6.3L/100km.
The primary changes for 2019 include refinements to the suspension system for improved ride comfort and handling. The CVT remains smooth and responsive, providing a more enjoyable driving experience both on and off-road.
Interior and Technology
The 2019 model continues to build on the interior enhancements seen in the 2018 model. It features an upgraded 8.0-inch infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity and user experience. The interior offers high-quality materials, with more use of soft-touch surfaces and leather accents. Rear passengers benefit from increased comfort with rear air vents and additional USB ports.
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2019 Outback maintains Subaru’s commitment to safety with the EyeSight driver assist system standard across all models. This system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. Additional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 270-degree camera system to aid in parking. These enhancements help maintain the Outback’s five-star ANCAP safety rating.
2018 Subaru Outback Review
The 2018 Subaru Outback received a mild refresh, maintaining its familiar robust and practical design. The exterior updates include a slightly revised front fascia with a new grille and bumper design, alongside LED daytime running lights for a more modern look. The dimensions remain unchanged, with a length of 4815mm, a width of 1840mm, and a height of 1675mm, along with a 213 mm ground clearance, ideal for off-road conditions.
Engine and Performance
The 2018 Outback retains the same engine lineup as the previous year.
Notable updates include tweaks to the 2.5-litre engine and CVT for better performance and fuel efficiency. The suspension has also been refined for improved ride comfort and handling, providing a smoother driving experience both on and off-road.
Interior and Technology
The 2018 model features significant interior enhancements. It boasts a larger 8.0-inch infotainment screen, now with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The interior continues to offer generous space with high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and comfortable seating. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom, rear air vents, and additional USB ports. New safety and convenience features include a side-view monitor, forward-view camera, and improved EyeSight technology with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking.
Safety Features and Ratings
The EyeSight safety system is enhanced with features such as lane-keep assist and adaptive driving beam, providing better night driving visibility. The 2018 Outback also includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and seven airbags, maintaining its five-star ANCAP safety rating.
2017 Subaru Outback Review
The 2017 Subaru Outback continues with the design enhancements introduced in previous years, maintaining its robust and practical look. New for 2017, the Outback includes subtle design tweaks and additional standard features across various trims.
Engine and Performance
The 2017 Outback offers the same three engine options as the 2016 model.
- 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol: 129 kW, 235 Nm, 7.3L/100km.
- 3.6-litre 6-cylinder petrol: 191 kW, 350 Nm, 9.9L/100km.
- 2.0-litre turbo-diesel: 110 kW, 350 Nm, 5.7-6.3L/100km depending on transmission.
The diesel engine, paired with the six-speed manual gearbox, provides the best fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for long drives. The CVT models, equipped with Subaru’s X-Mode, offer excellent off-road performance
Interior and Technology
The 2017 Outback’s interior focuses on comfort and practicality. It retains the high-quality materials and spacious design of previous models, with additional improvements for enhanced user experience. The infotainment system includes a touchscreen interface, and higher trims come with features like leather seats, a sunroof, and advanced safety technologies. The Premium models and 3.6R variant now feature the Vision Assist package, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
Safety Features and Ratings
Subaru continues to prioritise safety in the 2017 Outback. The EyeSight driver assist system is standard on all automatic models, offering adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. The addition of Vision Assist on higher trims further enhances safety with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback maintains its five-star ANCAP safety rating.
2016 Subaru Outback Review
The 2016 Subaru Outback carries forward many of the key design elements introduced in the 2015 model but includes several notable enhancements. Here’s a comprehensive look at what the 2016 model has to offer, highlighting its improvements and how it builds upon the 2015 version.
The 2016 Subaru Outback maintains the modernised design of the 2015 model, featuring a sleek and rugged exterior with ‘hawk-eye’ headlights and plastic cladding for enhanced durability. New for 2016 are additional exterior enhancements, including a redesigned grille insert for the Premium and 3.6R variants, electric folding mirrors on base models, and a new Dark Blue Pearl paint option.
Engine Specifications and Performance
Both the 2015 and 2016 models offer the same three engine options. The 2016 model sees the addition of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system on all automatic variants, including the diesel models. This inclusion enhances the safety and convenience for drivers.
Interior and Technology
The 2016 Outback continues the trend of improved interior quality seen in the 2015 model. Both models feature soft-touch surfaces and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, the 2016 version includes additional technology and safety features. The EyeSight system now includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and an emergency stop signal, making it more comprehensive than the 2015 model.
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2015 Outback introduced the EyeSight system with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking for petrol models. The 2016 model expands this system to all automatic variants, including diesel models, and adds new features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These updates ensure the 2016 Outback maintains its five-star ANCAP safety rating while providing greater protection and driver assistance.
2015 Subaru Outback Review
The 2015 Subaru Outback marked a significant redesign from its predecessors. The new model retained the rugged, wagon-style body but with a more modern and refined look. It featured a new shoulder line, updated ‘hawk-eye’ headlights with LED accents, and a revised front overhang that, despite being slightly long, enhanced its off-road capabilities. The addition of plastic cladding around the car’s extremities helped to absorb off-road punishment, further cementing its tough exterior appeal
Engine Specifications and Performance
The 2015 Outback was available with three engine options:
- 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine: Producing 129 kW of power and 235 Nm of torque, this engine was praised for its smooth and efficient performance. It had a combined fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km.
- 3.6-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine: Delivering 191 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque, it provided a more robust performance but with a higher fuel consumption of 9.9L/100km.
- 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine: With 110 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque, this engine was noted for its fuel efficiency, achieving 5.7L/100km in combined driving conditions
The addition of the Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) was a highlight, offering a smooth and responsive driving experience. The CVT, paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, provided excellent handling and stability both on-road and off-road.
Interior Features and Technology Updates
The 2015 model saw substantial improvements in interior quality. Gone were the hard plastics and outdated ergonomics, replaced by soft-touch materials, improved ergonomics, and a more user-friendly design. Key features included:
- A new, larger infotainment screen with touch capabilities similar to smartphones.
- Advanced EyeSight driver assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking, although it was not available on diesel models.
- Enhanced cabin noise reduction, making the interior quieter and more comfortable
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2015 Subaru Outback was lauded for its safety features, earning a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The EyeSight system played a significant role in this rating, offering advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents and protect occupants. Other standard safety features included torque vectoring, which improved handling and reduced understeer, and a robust build that absorbed impacts effectively.
Test Drive the Subaru Outback Today
If you’re interested in experiencing the latest Subaru Outback for yourself, visit Perth City Subaru. We have a range of Subaru Outbacks for sale in Perth, and our team is ready to help you find the perfect model for your needs. Book a test drive today to discover the exceptional performance and features of the new Subaru Outback. Contact us at Perth City Subaru to get started on your journey with this remarkable vehicle.
