Turbocharged Adventure Wagon: Subaru Reveals 2020 Outback
Back in February we saw Subaru debut the all new Legacy sedan, which is built on the brand's new global platform and has had its six-cylinder engine option replaced by a new 2.4L turbocharged boxer four engine. But in this SUV and crossover-crazy world the far more important vehicle for Subaru is the new 2020 Outback, which has just been debuted at the New York International Auto Show.
The Outback has always been a Legacy Wagon with a taller suspension and some extra body cladding, so it’s not surprising that the new 2020 model gets many of the same upgrades and improvements as its sedan counterpart.
That includes the return of Outback XT model, which replaces the six cylinder version of the current car. Turbocharged Outbacks will make 260hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, while a 182hp naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer motor will serve as the base powerplant.
That is of course in addition to the standard Subaru symmetrical AWD system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Not surprisingly, the only transmission available for either engine is a continuously variable automatic with an eight-speed manual mode.
When compared to the outgoing car, Subaru says the new Outback is both stiffer and safer than before, and the cabin promises to be a much nicer place to spend time. All versions except the base car will also get a vertically-oriented 11.6 inch multimedia display.
There's no doubt that with all of these upgrades and improvements the new Outback should prove to be a popular vehicle for Subaru, and in XT form it has the potential to be solid enthusiast choice as well. It will be arriving in showrooms this fall.
With the Outback getting turbo power, now we just need Subaru to go ahead and build that Crosstrek XT or Crosstrek WRX and we'll really be in good shape. Go ahead, take our money.
