2022 Subaru Outback vs 2020

What's the difference?

A Venn diagram describing conventional cars in one circle and SUVs in another would have an intersection field with the Subaru Outback smack in the middle of it. Looks close to a 'normal' wagon with a hint of macho cladding here and there, but has enough off-highway ability to pass the SUV pub test.

Often referred to as a crossover, this all-wheel drive, five-seater not only takes its name from our very own red centre, but it’s become an Aussie favourite. And this sixth generation model takes the fight up to the competition on both sides of the car/SUV divide.

When the Subaru Outback first arrived in the mid-1990s it was an all-wheel drive station wagon with extra ground clearance for the occasional adventure… and it still is.

That the Outback never morphed into a fully-fledged SUV makes it a rare species in a world that’s fallen under the spell of big, tall, boxy machines.

Being a bit different isn’t the only reason for buying an Outback, however, and the 2.5i Premium I tested could be the pick of the model line-up.  

During my week with the car I drove hundreds of kilometres, did the daily commute and the preschool drop off, had some dirt road fun and even intentionally locked myself out of it.

The result is this: everything you need to know about the Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium.