Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback Overview

The 2018 Subaru Outback is an all-terrain luxury SUV featuring a proper symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and the EyeSight system, Subaru’s camera-based Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Started out life as a station wagon based on the Subaru Legacy sedan, the Subaru outback did not become an independent model in Subaru’s lineup until the introduction of the fifth-generation model where it ‘crossed’ over into the crossover SUV segment.

In its fully imported CBU guise, the Japanese SUV is made available in the sole 2.5i-S EyeSight variant. Price starts from RM 246,188 and rivals against the likes of the 2.5 L AWD Mazda CX-5 , the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 4Motion R-Line and the more premium competitor such as the JCW Mini Cooper Countryman and the AWD Volvo XC60.

Subaru Outback Exterior

Compared to most of its sleeker looking rivals, the Subaru adopts a more utilitarian approach to its exterior design, as they always do with their SUV line up. The conventional boxy and muscular SUV design is retained albeit with a slightly more rounded edge.

The more utilitarian approach is evidence by the durable black plastic bumper claddings, accompanied by the front and rear silver coloured skid plates. The same durable material is also applied on the chunky and robust roof rail structure, but unlike its younger brother the Subaru XV, the wheel-wells are left exposed, emphasizing the SUV’s raised ride height.

In-line with most modern Subaru today, the front end now features a wider hexagonal grille with horizontal chrome slats flanked by a pair of sleek headlights with integrated LED daytime running light. Two circular fog lamps are positioned on either side of the lower bumper. 

The rear design is boxy and functional in typical Subaru fashion with an integrated body-colored roof spoiler and horizontal LED taillight design that is also featured on the Subaru XV. The Subaru is positioned between the Subaru XV and the Subaru Forester. Weighing in at only 1,636 kg, the Subaru Outback is one of the lightest cars amongst its rivals despite its hefty size and the all-wheel drive system.

Subaru Outback Interior

On the inside, the Subaru Outback’s cabin design is clean and functional, featuring textured soft touch material on the dashboard highlighted by stitching effect and silver-painted trims. Gloss back inserts surrounds the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as well as the transmission panel on the centre console.

Black leather upholstery with contrast stitching adds a premium touch to the interior and the available sunroof allows natural sunlight into the predominantly dark-themed cabin. Interior space is excellent with the two-row 5-seater layout and plenty of interior storage.

The rear cargo capacity has been increased to an impressive 559 litre, and the flatter floor now allows for an easier loading and unloading. Configurable 60:40 split folding rear seats offers great versatility to haul larger items.

Subaru Outback Features

Standard features include a leather wrapped 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, 8.0-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Exterior features include an active shutter grille, LED headlight with automatic levelling and headlight washer, powered sunroof, 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and a powered tailgate with PIN code access. 

Mechanical features include the onboard X-mode which work together with the Hill Decent Control to assist the car on challenging terrain by modulating the engine, transmission, brakes, and the available symmetrical all-wheel-drive system to give the optimum traction. The intelligent SI Drive Mode (Sport, Intelligent), also found on the XV and Forester, adjust the throttle and shifting response to suit the prevailing driving condition. 

Subaru’s ADAS, EyeSight is available as standard, which include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Pre-Collision Brake System and Pre-Collision Throttle Management. Also available is the Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, High Beam Assist (HBA) and Active Torque Vectoring. 

7-airbags are fitted as standard and the the ring-shaped reinforcement frame found in the roof, pillars, doors and the floor not only reduce the weight of the chassis but strengthens the passenger cabin and help dissipate impact energy away from the occupant. 

Subaru Outback Powertrain Performance

Underneath the bonnet is Subaru’s 2.5 litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder boxer engine developing 175 PS at 5,800 RPM and 235 Nm of torque from 4,000 RPM. 0-100 km/h is achieved in 7.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 198 km/h. The horizontally opposed configuration of the Subaru Boxer engine positions the pistons 180 degrees apart for a lower, flatter profile than other engine types.

This in turn gives the engine, and therefore the overall vehicle, a lower centre of gravity and enhanced stability. Furthermore, the pistons’ opposing movements inherently counteract each other, naturally reducing vibration and eliminates the need for a balanced shaft.

Power is sent to all four wheels via Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT designed to get the most out of the boxer engine and the symmetrical AWD system. The shift controls feature stepped variable control which allows the driver to feel shift points during acceleration. Paddle shifters are available as standard for ‘manual’ override should you fancy a more spirited driving over winding road.

Subaru Outback Fuel Consumption

Subaru Outback Ride Comfort

The 5-seater SUV Subaru Outback is a proper off-roader with a few tricks up its sleeve. Few other cars in the segment can match the SUV’s exceptional capability both on and off-road. If third row seats are a non-issue and you need space and go-everywhere capability from your car, look no further. 

No doubt the utilitarian design approach with rugged exterior feature such as the black plastic cladding ensures the SUV’s durability, but the opposite effect is true for its desirability. And being marketed as a luxury SUV, while it certainly feels like it in the cabin, the interior design is really starting to show its age.