Review: The 2021 model Subaru Outback gets better with age

The sixth generation of the Subaru Outback, a wagon cum SUV, has raised the bar with cabin finishes and ride quality

Subaru has launched its sixth generation Outback, featuring the middle-spec Sport variant.

Red with a bucket-like silhouette, surely it’s a red bucket? Not in the car world.

The proliferation of sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, is unprecedented and it seems those people spending their own money — not business cash — want one.

Analyse what they really want, and it’s an ability to sit high in the traffic with room for kids and associated gear. So it’s a station wagon. On stilts.

Subaru’s Outback has been walking the SUV and wagon tightrope for more than 25 years.

This sixth generation has been to finishing school and boasts some impressive new hushed dynamics.

With a ride height that surpasses the likes of a Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe or a Skoda Kodiaq, the Outback’s pumped-up suspension has it rivalling the likes of real off-roaders like a Toyota LandCruiser Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or an Isuzu MU-X.

Subaru’s sixth generation Outback range.

VALUE

The base Outback model starts from just below $45,000 and key highlights are a 11.6-inch central infotainment screen, full safety suite, six-speaker stereo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch alloys with a full-size spare (rarity nowadays), keyless entry and push-button start.

Yet it’s the middle-rung Sport that offers the most alluring value with the more rugged black exterior highlights, extra cameras to provide front and side views, heated front and rear outboard seats, satnav, power boot lid and sports pedals.

Subaru meets the industry standard of a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, and it also now has capped price servicing along with annual or 12,500km maintenance intervals (they remained at six months until recent times). Average service price over five years is $489, which is at the higher end of the scale in comparison to key mainstream rivals.

Nine colours are available, new additions of green and bronze join white, two shades of grey, red, silver, black and blue.

Inside the 2021 model Outback is a new cabin look for Subaru, with a large vertical touchscreen.

SAFETY

Australia’s crash rating authority is yet to provide an official rating. Subaru has equipped the Outback well with a range of technical gizmos, collectively called EyeSight.

Among the best features are a lane centring function which can take control of the steering to keep the Outback between road lines, eight airbags inclusive of a front passenger seat cushion, along with an automatic braking system which can apply stopping power if sensors and cameras detect and impending collision — in drive and reverse.

Subaru’s system also analyses the driver’s eyes and warns if they have looked away from the road for a prolonged period, while a new addition is traffic sign recognition which provides a constant reminder of the speed zone.

That facial recognition system can automatically adopt the driver’s seat position and mirrors to saved preferences.

These various systems can generate driver frustration on occasions with various chimes and warnings. A vehicle parked on the side of the road delivered one false positive and slammed on the brakes during one drive — although it’s always better to have a false positive rather than a crash.

The Subaru Outback comes with a range of safety equipment as part of the EyeSight package.

COMFORT

Serene and feeling more refined, the Outback has taken an ostensive leap forward in road manners.

Open spaces are synonymous with the Outback … so it makes sense this model has grown in just about every area. There is more rear leg room, front shoulder and hip space, as well as a longer boot area with a wider rear hatch door.

After 25 years of being on the market, it is the most polished SUV offering we’ve seen from Subaru.

Shifting to a vertical centre stack design, the key change from multiple screens is one large iPad-like display. Looking more modern and easy to use, the basic display is simple to navigate with swipes left and right, while changing the climate controls have fast access buttons at the base and sides of the screen. The busy steering wheel with various buttons and toggles has been retained.

If using the aircon controls is too cumbersome, there is a voice command button on the steering wheel where you can set the temperature and fan speed.

Sport models have special water repellent seat trim with green stitching — useful for active families carrying sweaty bodies.

USB ports front and back, dual cup-holders in the console and door bottle holders ensure the common-sense boxes are ticked.

Inside the Subaru Outback Sport.

DRIVING

Feeling controlled and comfortable in just about all conditions, whether around town, meandering through winding rural roads or on the highway, the Outback remains capable and confident.

Only one engine is available — a four-cylinder petrol which won’t inspire Lewis Hamilton wannabes. With steady use of the throttle the Outback accelerates smoothly.

Plant your foot and there is little excitement despite having gained power and torque over its predecessor. Buyers in this genre aren’t typically chasing a race car, so will find the performance meets their daily needs.

Stepping off the bitumen can be done with confidence and the Outback tackles gravel terrain with ease courtesy of all-wheel drive. Truly challenging terrain is beyond its remit, although the Subaru sets itself apart from the claytons SUVs with its unsealed driving prowess.

With reasonable amounts of highway driving, the Outback proved more fuel efficient than the official figure from Subaru at 7.1L/100km during our test. From the 63-litre tank the trip computer showed it still had 130km to travel after 650km.

Stepping off the bitumen can be done with confidence and the Outback tackles gravel terrain with ease courtesy of all-wheel drive.

HEAD SAYS

Japanese peace of mind and further improved build quality which feels robust. Ample space and an impressive features list for the coin complements the package.

HEART SAYS

While the lure of exploring our land of sweeping plains remains, gravel tracks will ultimately be the greatest challenge ahead. Why not do it with some luxury?

ALTERNATIVES

Kia Sorento S $49,290 D/A

Currently one of the best on the market in this size with the added benefit of seven seats. That price is for the front-wheel drive 200kW/332Nm petrol, but the 148kW/440Nm 2.2L all-wheel drive diesel is the better performer at $52,290. Impressive safety, features list and driving dynamics.

Mazda CX-9 Sport AWD $52,490 D/A

Gets along nicely courtesy of a 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine and all-wheel drive, with fuel consumption of 8.4L/100km. This base model, also a seven-seater, lacks some of the luxuries found in the Outback for more money, although it’s a better drive than most large SUV rivals.

The 2021 model Subaru Outback is a sound and confident offering.

VERDICT

Confident and with new levels of refinement, the new Outback remains a safe and comfortable chariot. Improved space adds further appeal to a vehicle capable on the bitumen and unsealed roads.

Originally published as Review: The 2021 model Subaru Outback gets better with age