Current, fifth-generation of the Subaru Outback could last only five years. The company confirmed the next-gen crossover is coming in 2020. Why the Japanese company is launching a new series of the vehicle so soon? Subaru is becoming a serious competitor in all crossover segments. They are making space for new additions. At the same time, the carmaker is updating and upgrading current offer to make 2020 Subaru Outback more competitive with likes of Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, or Toyota Rav4.
The main advantage of the 2020 Subaru Outback is going to be its look. This crossover wagon is something between two segments. Its design makes it unique and there is no other vehicle in the market with similar characteristics. Well, the downside is definitely a price. The new 2020 Outback is not going to fix it, even if the new generation becomes more crossover-like, rather than a wagon. The new architecture will be used, but the Viziv concept is not coming at its full light. Outback is not going to be so sporty.
2020 Subaru Outback – What to Expect?
Changes on the 2020 Subaru Outback are significant, but not radical. The crossover will keep all its advantages, even though a new concept is there. We know the front fascia is taking most of the updates. If we take a look at the new Subaru Forester, we could get an idea where is Outback heading to. Larger tailgate on the back and narrow lights are major changes on the back. Subaru is definitely keeping some surprises for the premiere. These are the things we already know about the upcoming crossover and a few other mechanical features. But, the major portion of information is still to be unveiled.
Engine Room Changes
The next gen of the 2020 Subaru Outback is about to make one cut to make space for a new engine. It seems like the 3.6R version is in the books. This V6 displacement is becoming old and it can’t meet new regulations. So, instead of tuning it, Outback is replacing this engine. And what we are getting instead of a 3.6-liter unit? A hybrid powertrain! But, before we analyze this addition, let’s see what is the base, petrol option for 2020 Outback.
2020 Subaru Outback Specs
Under the bonnet of the new crossover is a famous Boxer engine. That is going to be the case with the upcoming model for the 2020 season. A 2.5-liter Boxer drivetrain can produce 175 hp an174 lb-ft of torque. It is still 100 hp short from the outgoing V6. Subaru could turbocharge the four-pot unit to maximize the output. That is an option, although the carmaker is silent about this possibility. The Boxer engine and its low position are improving stability and reduce the vibration. These are the reasons why drivers love them so much. So, the future of this four-cylinder unit is certain.
The special drive system is not all about this unique powertrain. It also gets a CVT transmission with manual shifters on a steering wheel. A full-time AWD is the only drive mode the 2020 Subaru Outback is going to offer. The crossover remains fuel-friendly, with the gas mileage of 28 mpg combined. On the other hand, this is not the best vehicle if you need to haul a lot since its towing capacity is rated at 2,700 pounds.
2020 Subaru Outback Hybrid for USA Market
Subaru is hybridizing its entire lineup. The e-Boxer is already available for Forester. The new Crosstrek will get a plug-in hybrid system. Finally, the 2020 Subaru Outback hybrid will debut in the USA in the next 12-24 months. Buyers in other countries will also see this version of the crossover. Its popularity in Australia is huge, so the debut could happen there.
2020 Subaru Outback Turbo
We mentioned the possibility of 2020 Subaru Outback Turbo. So, what is exactly the idea? This is going to be the replacement for the V6 engine that produces more power than the base engine. The Subaru Outback Turbo is boosting the power output of the Boxer engine while keeping high fuel economy rating. At the same time, engineers are getting more energy, while keeping the Outback Turbo very efficient.
Could 2020 Subaru Outback Sport Come Back?
In the last couple of years, we could hear rumors about the comeback of Outback Sport. This was a special version, based on Impreza hatchback. This model lasted for 17 years through three generation, eventually being discontinued in 2011. Subaru XV succeeded it and grew into a Crosstrek SUV. As a very conservative company, we don’t expect another experiment from a Japanese carmaker, so the 2020 Subaru Outback Sport is unlikely to happen. The Crosstrek will remain the pick for following season.
2020 Subaru Outback Release Date
Knowing that the crossover is coming, we are wondering when will the 2020 Subaru Outback be available in the US? Also, we are trying to find out the release date of the hybrid version. Well, Subaru is very generous with details about the next-gen model. But, we can’t expect to know everything about it more than a year before its debut. Nevertheless, do not expect the vehicle before the last days of 2019, but we place our stakes in the first quarter of 2020. Hybrid and Turbo engines need some time for development, and fans will know the 2020 Subaru Outback is around the corner when we spot the first test mules.
Price
A price of the new 2020 Subaru Outback will depend on many factors. However, the base model is not going to make radical moves. With minor updates of its offer, the entry-level Outback is going to cost between $27,000 and $28,000. Whatsoever, turbo and hybrid models will put some value in the final price. The good thing is that high-end models are not going to be as expensive as the last time. A turbo-four engine will cut the price boosted by a V6 engine.
Conclusion
Sales of the Outback in the last couple of years are stagnating. However, the crossover achieved huge leaps before that. It seems like that the vehicle will reach 180,000 sales for a third straight year in 2018. The company will try to push it to 200k of sold units by the time when the 2020 Subaru Outback arrives. With the new generation, expectations from Outback are higher with raising appetite of Subaru’s bosses.
