Subaru Launches All New 2021 Outback SUV

All New 6^th gen Subaru Outback Comes to Australia, at Last

Japanese car-maker, Subaru, launched the latest large Outback SUV today.

From humble beginnings with just a single model, the range has grown. 25 years ago, Subaru introduced the first ever cross vehicle, and its own brand of AWD. Outback’s grandmother is the quirky  AWD Leonie wagon, so it is fitting that a wagon fills a gap vacated by most manufacturers.

We loved the old outback, and we think new Outback is equally as handsome, with its imposing front end and LED lighting.

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There are 3 models, Outback $39,990, Outback Sport $44,990, and Outback Touring ($47,790). Each has Subaru’s symmetrical AWD, driven by a (90% new) 4cyl, 138kw/245Nm, petrol boxer engine through a CVT automatic. There is no hybrid or diesel, at least, not yet.

Get a Subaru Outback Brochure HERE: All-new-Outback-Brochure

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ABOVE: 2021 Subaru Outback

OUTSIDE:

Outback has 18” wheels with unique designs for each model. The large plastic arch guards make the wheels look small, but add the impression of a rugged life ahead. In fact, Outback looks like an Impreza on steroids. It is the same height as the outgoing model, but longer and wider to give a little more room inside.

Rear windows have privacy glass, and the rear tailgate is powered, with a smart open function. If your arms are full, and as long as the key is secreted about your person, a flourish of an arm near the Subaru badge lets Outback know you’re there, and you mean business. It then opens twice as fast as in the previous generation, so stand back and marvel!

Built in roof racks will take accessory packs, and towing capacity has increased to 2,000kg. Don’t be a knob, tie everything down. Better still, by a roof pod.

Subaru has kept the design minimal, eschewing the manic, over-styled look that is gripping parts of the automotive world.

The silhouette has a certain grace to it, that is halfway between functional wagon, and boxy SUV.

THE CABIN

Once ensconced in the new comfy seats, the first thing you’ll notice is the 11.5” portrait style LCD command centre.

There are few physical controls. The look is incredibly neat and tidy, without obscuring function behind a million menus.

Climate and audio have fixed or physical buttons. The rest lays within the system, accessible by charms on the screen. Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and DAB radio is standard, with the Touring getting fancy Harmon Kardon speakers, with its “GreenEdge”. It promises better performance, with a subwoofer in a 10L box to stop interference by the car’s chassis design. Rather quaintly, there is a single CD for those still living in the 20^th century.

The centre console houses the camera and park brake buttons, as well as the CVT selector.

In typical Subaru style, there are USB and power outlets through, front and rear, including a power outlet in the glove box. The centre armrest is designed so as not to limit gear and cupholder use, something other brands could take heed of.

Rear seats get heating in the top model, and the cargo hold is now 522L.

Upholstery is cloth in the base model, waterproof vinyl on the Sport, and Nappa leather in Touring.

GADGETS:

The list of driver aids and nifty gadgets is extensive.

Driver recognition from Forester has come to Outback. There are bendy headlights, and cameras to aid parking. One will show a side view to help prevent those nasty parking rashes on the alloys.

Version 4 EYESIGHT is standard, aided by new stereo cameras with a greater field and depth of vision, and there is active blind spot and active cruise control.

X-Mode provides assistance in tough terrain.

There are warnings of obstructions, with AEB in both forward and reverse. Active steering assists in lane centering too. It tries to stop a driver from wandering out of the lane, or changing lanes with someone in the blind spot. Cruise control is either active or conventional, as the driver prefers, and brakes are electrically boosted.

For a full list of gadgets and other specifications: Outback MY21 Specs and Standard Features

THE DRIVE:

The engine is 90% new. Gone is the 6 cylinder, and there is no hybrid or diesel option. The CVT has 8 “steps” and although I’m not a fan of CVTs, Subaru’s is one of the best. Sinking the boot in makes some CVTs scream while the car catches up to the engine spead. Subaru will step through 8 simulated ratios instead.

Ride promises to be smooth and quiet.

Outback has always been a favourite with us. Suspension is MacPherson Struts at the front and double wishbones at the back. Since most SUVs won’t see anything more challenging than a gravel drive, it is unlikely the 225/60R18 100V Bridgestone ALENZA H/L33 will be tested much, but mud and snow have proved to be no obstacle in the past. If you want to test it further, get some off-roady type tyres.

It’s worth taking a moment to note that Subaru’s AWD system is different to most other offerings. There is no transfer case. A viscous coupling does the job instead, and is the reason drive can be sent to both sides without needing big hugs.

The 2.5L flat four is reasonably frugal at a claimed 7.3L/100k. You get as low as 6.2 on the open road, so the 63L tank should get you around 1,000k’s, all while using 91ron petrol.

There are ventilated discs front and back, and we’ve always liked the progressive feel of Subaru breaks.

With WRX haloing Subaru to within an inch of its life, you expect sharp steering and a poke from under the bonnet from all models. Keep this in mind while you’re staring soporifically into your lamb stew, Outback can go where WRX can’t.

Conclusion:

For serious off-roading, a full 4X4 is best. For everything else, AWD does a great job.

Subaru’s symmetrical AWD is rare in that it offers a kind of virtual diff lock front and back. It is one of the best systems available. Snow and beach trips are a doddle, and there is a ton of space inside. It feels properly posh, and I love the portrait tablet.

There is a new BRZ and WRX coming later in the year, as well as a refreshed Forester. Subaru quietly dropped the slow-selling Levorg, which in my opinion, was always marketed badly. But, will it return as the WRX wagon, the name it should have been called in the first place?

So, the year ahead looks promising and we can’t wait to get Outback, outback.

Prices: Outback $39,990, Outback Sport $44,990, and Outback Touring $47,790.

Engine: 2.5L Boxer, 4cyl (boxer = horizontally opposed, flat four)

Power: 138kw/245Nm

Econ: 7.3L/100k

Trans: CVT (8 simulated ratios)

Fuel: 91ron petrol