Road test: Subaru Outback 2.5 liter - Walla! vehicle

2021-10-10T06:49:14.483Z

The new Subaru Outback is the fourth generation of Subaru's station wagon. It is a good solution for combining road and terrain, but with a quarter of a million shekels it will be difficult for it to recruit clients

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Vehicle tests

Road test: Subaru Outback 2.5 liter

After a period of coma, a Subaru Outback returns to us with a sixth generation that includes fairly minor improvements, and the same atmospheric power unit;

Is that enough to succeed in the age of crossovers?

Proven crash tests: an end to prejudice

To the full article

The low waist belt leaves room for large windows (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

From this we can understand the conservatism of the Subaru captains who offer us the sixth generation of the Outback, in appearance and specifications almost identical to those of the fifth, fourth and third generation ... The historic DNA was created with the 1972 Subaru 'Leone' station wagon, Subaru's first 4X4 station wagon - Rare details of him are still circulating on the Galilee and Negev trails.

The roots of the modern Outback appeared in 1989, when the Legacy Station was introduced.

In any case, we are talking about a fifty-year-old evolution, a piece of history that was ahead of its time.

Even the price is no longer what it used to be;

Outback 2021 in the 'Limited' version costs NIS 230,000, the test car came in a 'luxury' finish that costs NIS 255,000.

Australian outback spaces call for soft terrain hikers;

Here, in the Israeli version (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

find the differences

The Israeli consumer will have a hard time recognizing the differences between the outgoing model and the 2021 model, since only a handful of outbacks have been sold in Israel in recent years;

Most of the sales dripped to Subaroids in love with the elevated station wagon, or to customers in need of the usability of its square body.

Disabled people have found that it is easy to get into its seats that are not too high, or to load a wheelchair on it.

The rest of the public was less interested in the relatively anonymous vehicle, a type of elevated station wagon reminiscent of old foresters.

Aggressive plastics exaggerate the field image of the outback (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

Subaru claims that this is a completely new vehicle, 90% of the outback parts have been replaced towards the sixth generation.

Despite this and from the outside, the change seems like a minor facelift - there are new LED headlights, air intakes, a tough and menacing front end.

Black plastic pads try to give an off-road atmosphere - the front bumper is large and black, the threshold strap is built on two levels, the wheel bends have been widened.

It's easy for me to live with these but I have a bit of a hard time digesting the exaggerated plastic that has grown on the roof rails, what is it good for?

Tropical camel?

Tires in section 60 allow access to slightly tougher districts, but the reduced spare wheel is not relaxing (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

Beneath the plastic ornaments can be seen a body that has hardly changed;

The external dimensions are almost identical (the plant length is half an inch, a matter of plastic) and they are still, relatively long and low.

The Outback is 19.5 inches longer than the Forrester and 2.5 inches wider, the wheelbase longer than the Forester's significantly 7.5 inches;

Despite this, it is 12.5 centimeters lower than the Forester, hence its elongated and different silhouette than usual.

It's not just a change of shape and design concept (are you a classic crossover, or an elevated station wagon?), It's a change that creates important dynamic differences.

The cabin is spacious, the dashboard is rich and ergonomic.

Nothing is revolutionary and innovative, but (almost) everything is familiar and useful (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

Family hangar

The cabin hasn't changed much either, and that's a good thing.

Subaru has not tried to push the Outback into a third row of seats, and this is reflected in the excellent interior space thanks to a wheelbase of 274.5 inches.

There are luxurious armchairs and large windows for those sitting in the front, fine leather upholstery and first class conditions for those sitting in the back as well.

The rear seat is excellent for two passengers (the third passenger will be less happy, with less generous upholstery and a propulsion wave protruding from the floor), all passengers have air vents and charging connections.

Settling for five seats (rather than 5 + 2) leaves excellent space for those sitting in the back.

The side windows are large, the sunroof is relatively small (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

The waistband is lower than usual nowadays, it increases the feeling of space - it is not a crossover-like-sporty-claustrophobic.

The trunk is square and functional, giving 512 liters, up to 1,801 liters when folding the second row of seats;

During the test we went out with the Outback to the south and enjoyed sleeping inside the trunk - the interior space will easily accommodate hikers 1.80 meters and even higher.

The trunk is full of hooks and anchor points, equipment nets, the threshold is not noticeable.

The vertical multimedia monitor is useful and pleasant to use.

Physical switches make it easier to use, no need to dig into menus (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

The low waist strap gives a controlled sitting feeling, even though you are sitting lower than in a classic crossover.

In the interior mirror you can see the full rear window.

The front armchairs are ergonomic and electrifying, but the big innovation is in the center of the dashboard, where an 11.6-inch vertical multimedia screen is installed.

The display is clear and distinct, the typography is excellent, the internal arrangement is logical and intuitive.

Around the monitor are physical switches for controlling the sound system, and a permanent display for controlling the air conditioner.

Easy and intuitive access, quick show responses.

The cabin is technological and sophisticated with plenty of charging sockets and air outlets, useful storage compartments, and a high level of upholstery and leather upholstery.

The suspensions allow a comfortable ride on the trails, but the angles of the body limit the ability of the terrain (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

Was there an engine?

As much as we love the Outback, its engine and gearbox have always pissed us off;

This is a 2.5 liter atmospheric gasoline boxer like the Forrester but its power is lower, only 170 hp. The problem is not just the number of horses, but a power strip that starts at 4,000 rpm high, and takes off to 5,800.

The belt is too narrow and high, and the continuous gearbox does not improve the situation.

It is programmed to provide 8 electronic "transfer ratios", it is a worthy but not entirely satisfactory experience.

The classic 0-100 acceleration lasts 10.2 seconds, not particularly impressive.

The atmospheric boxer engine is enough for a leisurely cruise, it strives for ascents and exits (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

As long as everything is sailing fine, the engine is quiet and reacts well.

But as soon as you accelerate hard (or indirectly at triple-digit speeds) the engine takes off at 4,500 rpm, and continues to soar until near the red line. It is noisy, unpleasant, disturbs the peace of the Outback. Hp (like the one installed in the Evoltis sold in Israel), the Australians have a 2.0-liter diesel option, and we only have this power unit that really, does not meet the level of the rest of the vehicle (and the only competitors in the station wagon segment). In the meantime, let's settle for the atmospheric boxer.

The renewed body is conservative and classic, pleasing to the eye (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

Is this a serious problem, is it a Deal Breaker? No. It's not really not serious, just annoying. Most of the time the Outback provides agile and relaxed traffic, maintains a high pace even on Route 6 and does not even devour excessive fuel; On a fast long-distance route we spent 12-14 kilometers per liter, we even saw 15 km in some sections. But as soon as you press the pedal the engine is too noisy, and the fuel consumption jumps miraculously; in sports sections we fell below 8 km but really, I do not think That someone buys an outback to sharpen tires. I was dying to get it with a diesel engine like the Kia Sorrento one we tested recently.

The full safety system is based on an improved generation of Eyesight that includes autonomous braking and lane keeping, "dead zone" vehicle alerts, turn-by-turn headlights, 7 airbags and 5 safety stars in Euroncap tests. On the way you will get adaptive cruise control, full connectivity and other treats that are common nowadays.

On and off the asphalt, the suspensions provide excellent comfort without compromising the dynamic capabilities too much (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

The magic hangers

Subaru Outback has always been a very comfortable vehicle thanks to a large wheelbase, low center of gravity, and calibrated suspensions for maximum comfort.

The 2021 version does not disappoint and is aided by narrow and relatively high tires, 225 / 60R18 which absorb a large part of the road disruptions.

The ride comfort deserves every compliment, I know of no more comfortable crossover than the Outback south for NIS 500,000;

This includes models with adjustable suspensions or even air shock absorbers.

Why does not everyone do it that way?

We will explain to you.

At Subaru they decided to prioritize comfort and refinement, over apparent sportiness.

Therefore the suspensions are comfortable, the tires help with the damping work, Subaru Outback is one of the most comfortable tools in the environment.

The ride quality is very impressive on broken and broken urban asphalt, even on long-distance rides.

The price is a bit more of a jolt on a wavy road, it's not really a problem.

The softness of the suspensions is also felt on a winding mountain road, but who cares?

The Outback is a long-range cruiser, a relaxing place for a family on its way to the north or south of the country, but does not pretend to burn tires.

If we add to this capability the engine limitations we find ourselves cruising at a fast pace, without making a rally end.

Traveling fast, traveling calm, quiet.

A ventral spacing of 21.3 centimeters requires precise positioning of the wheels (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

Is it an SUV?

In the crossover department save a place of honor for XV and Forrester;

Contrary to what Subaru publications claim, these are not 'real' SUVs but in terms of an urban crossover they are better than most of their competitors.

The Outback also has good off-road capabilities (efficient power transfer with the help of an X-MODE system, a ventral spacing of 21.3 centimeters, 60-inch tires suitable for light off-road work), but the body length limits it in off-road;

The angles of approach and departure are less good than those of the Forester, it is easier to hit the ventral assemblies.

The peace of mind of the terrain hiker will also be impaired by the knowledge that the spare wheel is small, not optimal for using space that exceeds kurkar trails.

There is no station wagon in Israel that will go further in the field, despite limited suspension travel and body angles (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

Despite this, we had no problem wandering with the outback in the eastern part of Nahal Nekraot, the streams of Aviya and Amatziyahu, and other rolling trails.

The large space capacity and interior space make the Outback an excellent touring car.

The improved X-MODE system includes two modes, one of which allows for proper excavation for dune driving, no chance of testing it this time.

The Wilderness version of the Outback and Forester was recently introduced in the US; it is an off-road version with an addition of an inch (2.5 cm) to the ventral spacing, improved body angles by improved bumpers, underbody protection, shortened transmission ratios and BF Geolander tires, more durable and suitable for off-road driving .

Importer Semlat announced that as soon as it is possible to import the Outback Wilderness to Israel, it will do so.

The improvements in the Wilderness version are relevant and effective.

Inshallah, soon with us too?

(Photo: Manufacturer's website)

Returning to the big city

Not for nothing did the Outback buy him regiments of fans on the snowy roads of Colorado, and across the Outback of Australia.

The large station wagon provides space and usability, refinement and durability, for customers who want a spacious and luxurious family car, with a certain space capability.

Without being a real SUV the Outback allows you to get away from the asphalt, certainly if you are willing to scratch the bottom of the bumpers and plastic shields a bit.

We really liked the fact that the height center of the Outback is not too high;

It is reminiscent of the Volvo V60 Cross Country, which is more expensive but has much inferior off-road capabilities.

The Outback is an excellent road vehicle, of the rare type in our country;

The big world is competing with the Audi A4 Elroad, the "scout" versions of the Skoda Superb Station Wagon and more.

With us?

Only crossovers that are mostly less spacious, less comfortable and more expensive.

It was nice to sleep in the long station wagon.

HARMAN KARDON sound system gives a fine sound (Photo: Rami Gilboa)

Our only reservation is about the engine and gearbox, which detract from the high level of the Outback;

For some this is a very reasonable limitation with which it is possible to live excellently, once they understand that it is not a station wagon, for others it will be a reason to object to such a compromise in a vehicle of a quarter of a million shekels.

Either way, at a price of NIS 230,000 or 255,000 and with a five-year warranty, Outback is a routine and happy addition to the car market in Israel.

The desert calls us (Photo: Rami Gilboa)