Going strong for 25 years and counting, Subaru’s raised-and-cladded wagon enters its sixth-generation with a long list of improvements and a redesigned look—from better towing abilities and a new 2.4L turbo engine to increased safety features and lighter suspension.
Here’s our complete 2020 Outback review with driving impressions.
But the Outback’s completely new interior, with that massive 11.6-inch screen, sets this SUV apart from the previous model. We take a closer look.
New Outback Interior: What’s New for 2020?
- Tablet-style high-definition SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch touchscreen
- DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System upgrade
- New Hands-Free Power Gate
- Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and new Lane Centering function
There’s a welcome simplicity to specifying your Outback: simply pick the grade that has the equipment you want. There are no hidden charges lurking in must-have but notionally optional equipment packages. The only items you might want to pay more for are accessories such as bike racks, roof boxes or interior or exterior protection packages.
Premier and Touring Outback Interiors
The Premier trim level has a high standard of equipment. Key additions over the lower grades are the brown Nappa leather and ventilated front seats. For the US Touring trim, you can add a power moonroof and heated steering wheel to that list of exclusives, but they’re available on other trims in Canada.
We liked the comfort of the front seats, and the kids gave the thumbs-up to those in the rear. We also appreciated the rear-seat heaters during a test week when the temperature hovered around -25°C (-13°F).
Another nice improvement is a quieter Outback cabin via new door weather strips that feature a baffle in the mid-section and dual lips on the roof side for improved quietness, along with sound-insulated glass.
Tablet-style touchscreen
Below is a quick look at the 2020 Outback’s new front cabin layout compared to the outgoing model, specifically, the center stack design with the latest touchscreen.
Outgoing 2018 Outback interior:
Next-generation 2020 Outback interior:
The new 11.6-inch Subaru Starlink portrait touchscreen activates many functions, including the front-seat heaters. Basic HVAC functions still have push buttons, but not the seat warmers. Admittedly, that’s not an issue for drivers in warmer climates, but in the winter, it’s a pain to have to go through a two-step process to activate the heater via the screen. Those who like to keep an eye on the tech might want to know that Starlink runs on open-source, automotive-grade Linux.
12-speaker audio system from Harman Kardon
The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system is one of the best we’ve tried recently. We’re told that it features a new GreenEdge technology that provides a more powerful sound while consuming less energy. On the Premier there’s even a CD player for anyone who still prefer albums to playlists.
Interior Cargo Space & Capacity
The Outback swallows 920L (32.5 cu.ft) of cargo with the seats up, rising to 2,144L (75.7 cu.ft) with them flat. If you have an older Outback, note that it may not be straightforward to compare figures with previous models as the measuring standard recently changed.
From what we can determine, the space behind the second row—where most families will use the luggage area—is now wider than before but slightly smaller overall. As before, you’ll still likely need a roof box for vacations, ski trips, and the like.
Subaru Outback Interior Dimensions
Subaru also widened the windshield to create a longer, larger cabin space. Here’s a look at the new 2020 interior dimensions:
- Headroom: (f/r) 40.1 / 39.1 in. With moonroof: 37.7 in. / 39.1 in.
- Legroom: (f/r) 42.8 in. / 39.5 in.
- Hip room: (f/r) 55.5 in. / 54.8 in.
- Shoulder room: (f/r) 58.1 in. / 57.4 in.
- EPA passenger volume: 109.0 cu. ft. With moonroof: 105.6 cu. ft.
- EPA cargo volume: 32.5 cu. ft. (seatbacks raised) 75.7 cu. ft (seatbacks folded)
- Max. cargo length: 42.0 in. (seatbacks raised) 75.0 in. (seatbacks folded)
- Cargo width between wheel housings: 43.3 in.
- Cargo area height: 32.1 in.
- Rear gate opening width Lower: 44.1 in. Max. 45.2 in.
- Rear gate opening height: 29.5 in.
- Cargo area liftover height: 28.4 in.
- EPA total interior volume: 141.5 cu. ft. With moonroof: 138.1 cu. ft.
The Subaru Outback Lenght is Slightly Longer
- Overall Length: 191.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 108.1 inches
- Width: 73.0 inches
- Height: 66.1 inches (without roof rails)
The length of the 2020 Outback increased slightly from the previous generation, which was about 189.9 inches long. This makes the 2020 model approximately 1.4 inches longer, contributing to its slightly more spacious interior and cargo area.
All these new Outback interior changes are welcomed additions, in particular, the latest tech and that massive touchscreen to keep up with the competitors in the mid-size SUV segment. With Subaru’s proven all-wheel drive and sleeker 2020 looks, the Outback will continue to pave its own path.
Here’s our story on all the significant 2020 Outback updates and features.
