Subaru Outback adopts more upright styling cues for gen VII

The Subaru Outback has been one of the most popular family estates for three decades. But it is now morphing, the latest generation bowing at the New York motor show taking on more SUV styling features. So it will compete more readily with the likes of RAV4, X-Trail and Kodiaq. 

For Gen VII it is more upright and boxy to behold. It would appear that jacked up estates are no longer fashionable, and hence the change.

Off-road ability should be just as staunch though, with the same 220mm of ground clearance. Most of the new Outback models (of which there are six) ride on 19-inch alloy wheels.

Powering the new Outback is a 2.5-litre boxer four engine developing 134kW and 241Nm of torque, so ever so slightly down on the existing model. Tthe CVT gearbox that features an eight-step manual mode is retained.  

Read our review of Subaru WRX Todoroki.

X-Mode remains too, updated for better off-road performance, and operated via steering wheel buttons. Outback is all-wheel drive only with a locking centre differential. 

A dual-pinion electric power steering rack borrowed from WRX supposedly improves low-speed handling. 

Cabinside are a 12.1-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch driver’s display. Subaru has retained some physical buttons for the Outback’s climate controls. Evidently the infotainment system now runs an upgraded processor that makes the touchscreen more responsive. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard. 

So too is the latest version of ‘EyeSight’. This comprises three forward-facing camera and radar sensors to allow for hands-free driving on motorways. 

Pricing for the latest Outback will be revealed around launch which is expected early next year.