SUBARU OUTBACK ESTATE 2.5i Field 5dr Lineartronic

The Subaru Outback has been engineered for the Kalahari desert, but in this sixth generation form, should work a bit better in the suburbs too. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Almost everything's different with this sixth generation Subaru Outback but ultimately, not much has really changed. Not even for this new era of electrification. But it's still the toughest, most capable 4x4 estate out there.

Background

The Subaru Outback. With a history going all the way back to 1995, it was the original off-road-orientated family estate, with an image that, at the turn of the century, placed it comfortably alongside big Volvos and Land Rovers as a preferred choice for the tweed jacketed country set. In more recent times, it's been a rarer sight on our roads - something Subaru's importers would like to change, with the introduction of this much improved sixth generation version. The Japanese brand reckons that this was the original 'Crossover' vehicle. Now this may be true but the way the market now understands 'Crossovers' (as Nissan Qashqai-like SUV-styled family hatches with little off road ability) doesn't fit the Outback's remit at all. With a core market following in wild parts of Australia, America and Asia, it has to be pretty capable in the rough - or at least pretty capable for something that remains a conventional estate car. In this sixth generation guise, launched here in mid-2021, it continues to be.

Driving Experience

Like its predecessor, this MK6 Outback uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine (though there's no longer a diesel option). Subaru says though, that it's a very different unit now, with around 90% of its parts being different, though, somewhat surprisingly, no attempt has been made to build in the company's latest Boxer Hybrid tech that features on smaller Subarus. As before, this petrol engine has to be had paired to Lineartronic CVT auto transmission, which Subaru has now enhanced with a wider range of gear ratio coverage, so the 'box won't be swapping cogs quite so frequently. This MK6 model's use of the latest Subaru Global Platform has allowed the brand to create a much stiffer structure for the body, the front suspension and the rear subframe. Should you ever throw this car into a corner, you should feel the benefit of that because body roll is supposed to be reduced by up to 50%. Through that corner, you might also feel the benefit of the active torque vectoring system that's now been engineered into the AWD set-up (Subaru calls it 'SAWD'). Handling performance and ride comfort have also been increased with significant improvements made to the suspension and chassis, removing vibrations from the steering system, floor, and seats. There's also enhanced off road performance, thanks to an evolved 'X-MODE' system, with Hill Descent Control for slippery slopes. Switch between [SNOW/DIRT] mode to confidently negotiate snow, dirt, or gravel, or [D.SNOW/MUD] mode for soft conditions where lesser vehicles get stuck. The high 213mm ground clearance maximises approach, departure and ramp angles, minimising the risk of the bumpers or chassis getting damaged or stuck. This Outback also boasts a 2,000kg braked or 750kg unbraked towing capacity.

Design and Build

Existing Outback owners won't want anything radically different to what was served up before - so most will like the evolutionary redesign that features here. This sixth generation version looks more athletic than before, but retains a tough and rugged demeanour that sets it apart from less capable segment rivals like Volvo's V60 Cross Country and the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. Prominent wheel arches surround the premium 18-inch alloy wheels that get fitted across the range. Inside, it feels more spacious than the previous generation model. Even at the front, which benefits from the fact that the windscreen has been moved forward and the front side door windows moved out. Avoid entry-level trim and you get Subaru's latest 11.6-inch central display screen, part of a completely revamped infotainment system. Rear seat space benefits from an increase in the bodywork's total length. The luggage area, accessed via Subaru's very first hands-free powered tailgate, is larger too, rated at 561-litres and extendable to 1,822-litres with the seats 60:40-split-folded. Little touches please too, like the wider non-slip side sill steps for the front and rear doors. And the improved boot area hooks so items can be more easily secured.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £34,000 for the base 'Limited' version, rising to around £38,000 for the mid-range 'Field' model and around £39,500 for the top 'Touring' variant. All models are well equipped, with standard features like keyless entry, LED headlights with high beam assist and LED front fog lights. Across the range, there are a variety of seats options, from Nappa leather seats for a more luxurious feel in the Outback 'Touring', to more practical and durable water-repellent synthetic leather seats in the Outback 'Field'. Both front and rear seats enjoy heating to shoulder level with three temperature settings and a heated steering wheel takes the chill out of winter journeys. Safety kit includes the brand's next generation EyeSight Driver Assist technology, which includes quite a lot: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Function, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning with steering wheel vibration, Lane Departure Prevention and Pre-Collision Braking System with expanded support for collision avoidance at junctions and crossroads. New to the range is the Driver Monitoring System, which will alert the driver when distracted or feeling fatigued. Reverse Automatic braking meanwhile, helps drivers to avoid collisions when reversing and mitigates the damage in case of collision.

Cost of Ownership

Subaru owners tend to be a well-informed bunch and they probably won't thank us for letting a few of their secrets out. The big one is residual value. The Outback has long been a big winner in that department and things have only got better in recent years. As for running cost efficiency, well in this era of engine electrification, it's a surprise to find that nothing of that sort's included here, particularly given that the brand has developed full-Hybrid technology for its XV and Forester models. Mind you, that doesn't make those cars particularly economic, so maybe that's no great loss. All Outback variants record the same efficiency figures - 32.8mpg on the combined cycle and 193g/km. Yes, rivals will do better. No, they can't offer the same kind of all-terrain ability.

Summary

Subaru needs to reach a wider market, but there was little point in radically changing this Outback in order to find it. We're surprised that this sixth generation model doesn't feature the company's latest Boxer Hybrid tech, but we doubt whether this will bother likely customers very much. People who don't want an SUV but are looking for the toughest, most durable 4x4 estate out there. This is it. The improvements made in drive dynamics here are welcome, but it's unlikely that many owners will really notice them. You don't choose an Outback for the pleasure of throwing it from lock to lock at speed. You choose it because it can be a luxury estate on minute, then a go-anywhere family conveyance to your mountainside weekend cottage the next. This Subaru is now slightly better at drive dynamics, interior comfort and efficiency than it was before, but rivals still do those things better. All of them though, feel rather silly next to an Outback. And that's the biggest compliment we can probably pay it.

Body Glass

Automatic wipers

Power windows with one touch function on all 4 windows

Privacy glass

Rear wiper

Windscreen wiper de-icer

Brakes

Active torque vectoring

Anti-lock Brake System + Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Emergency Brake Assit

Auto hold function

BAS (Brake Assist System)

Electronic parking brake

Reverse automatic braking

Chassis/Suspension

SVDC - Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control

Communication

Voice recognition

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Driver Aids

Hands free power tailgate

Tonneau cover with pop up function

Driver Convenience

Analogue reversing camera with washer jet for lens

Eye sight assist monitor

Power assisted steering

Rear parking sensors

SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive)

X-Mode (2 modes) and hill descent control

Driver Information

e-Call (emergency call)

Pin Code Access

Rev counter

Satellite Navigation

Trip computer

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Heated door mirrors

Power folding door mirrors

Engine

Stop/start system

Entertainment

11.6" Tablet-like infotainment screen

2 x USB ports for row 1

2 x USB ports for row 2

Auxiliary audio input socket

Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming

DAB Digital radio

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Subaru infotainment and audio system with 6 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Roof rail with black ladder

Roof spoiler

Shark fin antenna

Wheel arch extensions

Exterior Lights

Adaptive driving beam

Automatic headlights

Headlights activated by wipers

LED daytime running lights

LED front fog lights

LED headlights with auto leveliser

Pop up headlamp washers

Steering responsive headlights

Third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning system with anti-dust filter

Rear air vents

Interior Features

12V DC power socket in boot space

12V DC power socket in row 1

Aluminium pedals

Boot under floor storage

Centre console box

Door pockets with bottle holder

Front cupholders

Heated steering wheel

Illuminated USB charging ports in lower dashboard area

Leather wrapped steering wheel

Paddle shift controls

Rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders

Synthetic leather seats featuring StarTex

Type C charging port

Interior Lights

Front and rear LED map lights

Packs

Black colour pack - Subaru

Driver monitoring system pack - Subaru

Eyesight version 4.0 pack - Subaru

Rear vehicle detection pack - Subaru

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Active front headrests

Driver and passenger airbags

Driver and passenger seatbelts with warning light

Drivers knee airbag

Front and rear curtain airbags

Front passenger seat cushion airbag

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Front side airbags

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Rear child proof door locks

Safety pedal system

Seatbelt indicators for all seats

Tyre pressure monitor

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

60/40 split folding rear seat

8 way power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support

8 way power adjustable passenger seat

Driver and front passenger fatigue reducing seats

Heated front seats

Heated rear seats

ISOFIX adapted child seat anchors (with Tether Anchors) on both outer rear seats

Rear headrests

Rear seat release in boot space

Reclining rear seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Keyless entry and push button start system

Thatcham category 1 alarm + immobiliser

Transmission

Boxer engine

Lineartronic CVT

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated driver/passenger vanity mirror

Wheels - Alloy

18" Black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.271

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 77.8

NOx: 0.008

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 193

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 193

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 193

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 2498

Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

Cylinder Layout: FLAT 4

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 94

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

Engine Code: FB25

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Fuel Delivery: DIRECT INJECTION

Gears: 8 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 8.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 12.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 8.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 33

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 33

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 33

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 32.5

WLTP - MPG - High: 39.6

WLTP - MPG - Low: 23.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 34.9

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Badge Engine CC: 2.5

Badge Power: 169

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: i

Coin Series: Field

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 7

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 29A

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 88

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 84

NCAP Safety Assist %: 95

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 12000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.2

Engine Power - BHP: 169

Engine Power - KW: 124

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 186

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.7

Engine Torque - NM: 252

Engine Torque - RPM: 3800

Top Speed: 120

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/60 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/60 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: N

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1670

Length: 4870

Wheelbase: 2745

Width: 1875

Width (including mirrors): 2114

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 63

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2200

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1822

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 561

Max. Loading Weight: 554

Max. Roof Load: 100

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1646

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.2

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special pearlescent paint

Special silica paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Autumn green

Metallic - Ice silver

Metallic - Magnetite grey

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Crystal white

Paint - Special

Silica paint - Crystal black

Special pearl - Dark blue

Service/Warranty

3 year service plan

Trim - Part Leather

Water-repellent synthetic leather/Startex - Grey/black