Subaru Outback UK Review 2022 | The Ultimate Estate? | OSV Car Reviews

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Meet the Subaru Outback!

Subaru has simplified the Outback line-up to make the point of entry as accessible as possible. There are three clearly defined trim levels to choose from - the well-equipped Limited, the off-road optimised Field and the luxurious Touring - and just a single petrol engine option.

But is it as nice to drive around town than it is off the beaten track? And how does it compare to other jacked-up estates like the Volvo V60 and V90 Cross Country, and genuine off-roaders like the Toyota Land Cruiser? Let’s take a look...


⏳ TIMESTAMPS ⏳
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Overview
01:52 Design
04:54 Practicality & Boot Space
07:32 Driving
15:41 Interior
24:21 Trim Levels
25:25 Conclusion

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[wtjpqxl]

I have one of these. This is an OK review, but by stressing how alternatives are 'more sporty' you neglect the fact that you'd be bonkers to buy this car if you wanted a sporty drive. This car does what it has been designed for, and it does it extremely well. It has to be one of the best 4x4 systems for a car that's going to spend 90 plus % of the time on the road. The CVT is fine, it you drive the car like it was designed for, 'steady-eddie' arnd it's smooth, and steady-away. Also, you really need to check your fact guys before you review. or you'll be under-selling this fab car Firstly, THERE IS a dedicated storage area under the boot floor for the parcel shelf, (please read the manual) and importantly, you neglected to say that you can also fit a FULL SIZED SPARE WHEEL in the OB (you can't in the other Subaru e-boxer models), which is crucial for any vehicle with off-road aspirations.

[andrewleventis]

Best car Ive ever had, great value, safe, and reliable

[russellhomans]

Interesting review. I have had a Touring spec for 18 months. The good points are very smooth ride. It has performed faultlessly in snow and muddy work sites without even using x-mode. The CVT is smooth but can rev reasonably high if you push on but that is not really what this car is for. Usable boot space is better than my old Volvo V90. I average 36mpg but around town it does use a lot of fuel. The active cruise control and driver assit are very good in most weather conditions and is no more temperamental than the Volvo system. The complaints would be the stop start control, hold system and heated seat controls are within the screen accessed menus but i understand that has changed on the new operating system.
If you are looking for a comfortable load carrier that will go anywhere you will find it hard to beat.

[Mogsyuk]

Cracking car, recently upgraded from Gen 5 Prem to Gen 6 Touring in Magnetite Grey, ground clearance handy and the interior quality is much better, new portrait screen and nappa leather seats (very comfortable) & prem sound system is also good. One of the safest vehicles on the road (Eyesight), just wish for turbo engine to better suit Scottish roads. Acoustic front glass is good, and noticed the difference from the Gen 5, but also miss my gas bonnet struts, which the Gen 6 does not have. Driver profiles will set seat and mirrors for you also just by scanning your face. Just watch lane departure system, when on narrow roads with white lines at the sides, suggest you dial it back. Mudguards and all weather mats/boot liner a must too.

[bondjamesbond]

Very good car and should prove reliable. Would have one of these over any VW, MB. BMW or French offering. Look forward to the review.

[plane-amazing]

Agree that more homework needs to be done... You cant activate the reversing camera at time with just the press of a button - the button is for the near side camera which helps you avoid scuffing your wheels on the kerb. Ido appreciate though the sense of the car your review offers - Great!

[everydayspacenut]

How tall are you, as the car look massive on comparison with you .

[swedishbob_]

Had the Outback Sports XT for 3 weeks... brillant

[neilholmes]

I have the previous model, but feel Subaru have got it wrong with the new model engine line up…or no line up!

[misty]

I like this car and I'm ready to buy but the wait time is 6 months.

[nohedes]

I wanted to like this car, looked great for the dog and hitting the hills around the Peaks and Lakes. I could live with the poor fuel economy or the lethargy but slow and thirsty is a deal breaker. Shame Subaru didn't offer a decent diesel or turbo petrol with some decent torque.

[collinsodhiambo]

Detailed review Sir 🔥🔥🔥🔥Is there an automatic transmission version?

[mertersun]

Is the car so big, or Tom is so small?

[tbeau]

Love the car, just hate the wheels. With a passion!

[stuartkennedy]

The boxer engine is out of date with its poor economy and power output. The U.K. range is very poor with limited versions of each of the models with outback, Crosstrek not getting Sport, wilderness versions with most other countries getting 2.5 turbo even in the Crosstrek.
Subaru I feel abandoned the U.K. market. Masada CX-30 in its 2.0L non turbo even has a 184 BHP which is nearly 30 BHP more than the new U.K. Crosstrek which has dropped its output from 150 to 136 BHP. Never seen a newer model reducing its power. If it had 180 - 200 BHP I would have either one tomorrow.

[chrispnw]

The new Prius has 30HP more in its base engine. Base engine needs at least 200hp and a new set of graphics for the infotainment (less 80s looking).

[TheSpoovy]

Just had a look at one in the flesh, played with the infotainment a bit. It's an amazing vehicle, the only thing holding me back from upgrading from my XV on the spot was the touchscreen though; I really don't want to be navigating that while driving just to change the HVAC settings.
And please stop calling us "guys" its infuriating. Ever seen professional TV presenters say it? No!

[makob]

Great car but here in continental Europe with such a low power sluggish powertrain it is basically no go. You can’t accelerate properly, car takes too much fuel for its size, so how come it looks so good and it has such a poor performance?

[JamesWilliam]

Do still have to change the oil every 5k miles ? 2 services per year?

[sweetfreedomGB]

Not pretty, especially the roof rails, but a solid car