2021 Subaru Outback review: Good to drive and great value

This Japanese brand has made a big step forward with its newest model making it the ideal choice for families who don’t want a big heavy SUV.

It’s never a good look when a brand new model is recalled to fix a serious fault, especially one that’s safety-related. However it’s becoming more frequent, as new cars increasingly rely on complex, software-driven, semi-autonomous safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise and lane keeping.

If you’ve never had a software bug send your computer haywire, you’re very lucky. It’s now an almost inevitable issue from time to time with cars, too.

The new Subaru Outback has already been recalled for a few issues.

Subaru’s new Outback SUV, launched in February, has already been recalled twice. The second recall concerned the twin cameras in front of the rear view mirror that send digitised images of what’s going on in front of you to a processor that decides if it’s necessary to apply the brakes to avoid a collision. The cameras, said the recall notice, could “mis-recognise” what they’re looking at and potentially trigger an unnecessary, and completely unexpected, emergency braking intervention. Not good, especially if there’s a Kenworth up your clacker.

Subaru has a software fix in place and owners have been alerted.

It certainly hasn’t deterred the Subaru faithful, who have been waiting quite a while for this sixth-generation Outback. Sales have soared in the months following its release.

Like most Subarus the Outback is all-wheel drive.

VALUE

The base model Outback, at $39,990 plus on road costs, offers a lot of SUV for relatively modest money. Rivals at this price are front-wheel drive but the Subaru comes standard with all-wheel drive and a special off-road traction control setting to improve grip on slippery surfaces. Other standard gear includes 18-inch alloys, dual-zone airconditioning, a huge portrait-style infotainment touchscreen, voice control, digital radio, keyless entry and starting, power front seats, four USBs (two in the back seat) and steering-responsive LED headlights.

Sport, as tested at $44,490, is the value sweet spot, with a power tailgate, satellite navigation, heated front and rear seats, front and side view cameras, roof rails, water-repellent upholstery and stylish dark metallic alloys.

Touring adds a sunroof, Nappa leather, Harman Kardon audio and a heated steering wheel.

Servicing isn’t cheap, but Subaru resale values are among the highest on the market.

The base model starts at $39,990 plus on-road costs.

SAFETY

I had no issues with Outback’s safety tech on test, but I have experienced overly intrusive autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping on several test cars recently, including Kia’s Stonic, the Hyundai i30 sedan and the Mazda BT50 ute.

Calibrating these systems to intervene only when necessary, but always when necessary, is an incredibly complex task and some makers, notably the Europeans, do it better than others.

That said, Outback offers one of the most comprehensive safety packages on the market, at any price. Innovations include a front passenger seat cushion airbag, driver attention monitoring via camera and automatic speed limiting based on advisory signs.

Subaru ahs one of the most comprehensive safety packages on the market,

COMFORT

A big five-seater, Outback is spacious and comfortable for driver and passengers, with supportive seating, plenty of legroom and a lovely open, light-filled cabin featuring elegant design and premium materials.

While there’s a lot going on the infotainment screen, its size, proximity to the driver, vertical menu layout, responsiveness and clarity make it one of the more user-friendly touch systems around.

Ample storage is provided, but no wireless phone charging tray.

Low noise levels and a supple, smooth ride make long distances in the Outback a pleasure. It’s up there with big dollar luxe Euros in comfort and refinement on the open road.

DRIVING

Outback feels much less bulky, more agile and car-like than other comparably sized SUVs, thanks to its rigid body, low centre of gravity, fine balance, light weight (1626-1661kg) and finely-tuned, compliant suspension.

At speed it feels similar to a BMW 3 Series in the way it responds precisely and immediately to your inputs. Stability is rock solid on any road and in adverse conditions Subaru’s all-wheel drive system provides exceptional grip and control.

In fact Outback’s dynamics are so good it could easily accommodate a more powerful engine than the 138kW 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated “boxer” four, now matched with a continuously variable automatic that features eight “ratios” and shift paddles.

To be fair, the extensively overhauled 2.5 has ample performance for day to day driving, and S mode adds a bit of extra kick and responsiveness from the CVT. Fuel efficiency, another traditional weakness of the boxer engine, is now reasonable and it still runs on regular unleaded.

HEART SAYS

I’m a paid up member of the Subaru cult. Nothing else will do.

HEAD SAYS

I don’t want a heavy, lumbering SUV, but I do want a big wagon with all-wheel drive.

VERDICT 4/5

Outback is the complete family wagon package, good value and, by SUV standards, a great drive.

ALTERNATIVES

Skoda Kodiaq, priced from $46,390

Our 2019 Car of the Year gives you seven seats and all-wheel-drive in a similar-sized wagon. Less safety tech and a 132kW 2.0-litre turbo four/seven-speed transmission.

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, priced from $46,990

Shares DNA with the Skoda, but a five-seater. Willing performance from VW’s 162kW 2.0-litre turbo. All-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and a big boot.

SUBARU OUTBACK SPORT VITALS

Price: $44,490 (good value)

Warranty/servicing: 5 years/unl’td km (average); $2449 over 5 years (pricey)

Engine: 2.5-litre 4 cyl; 138kW/245Nm (average)

Safety: 8 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind spot and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise (best in class)

Fuel use: 7.3L/100km (average)

Spare: Full size (excellent)

Boot: 522L (below average)

Originally published as 2021 Subaru Outback review: Good to drive and great value