Subaru Outback

This generation of Outback dates back to the 2020 model year. Subaru fans will be pleased that, true to tradition, Subaru equips every trim with all-wheel drive. Getting the Outback down the road, albeit at a pretty leisurely pace, is a standard 182-horsepower four-cylinder coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Acceleration with this engine is tepid, and a number of direct rivals feel livelier from behind the wheel.  A turbocharged four-cylinder is available and adds considerably more pep to the Outback’s driving manners.

To its credit, outward visibility is good and the cabin is spacious. Adults will have no problem being relegated to the second row, which has plenty of headroom and legroom. Cargo volume is also ample, with 32.6 cubic feet of space behind the split-folding rear seat. Technology-wise, the Outback comes standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration, and Subaru's EyeSight® driver-assist system is also standard across the board.

The previous Outback was a little more wagon-centric than its replacement. All-wheel drive was still standard, though the exterior body cladding and SUV-like styling statements weren’t as prevalent. What makes the Outback so popular today was also present in this model: a comfortable ride complemented by precise steering and a roomy passenger cabin. Because the Outback isn't as tall as a typical SUV, it feels more maneuverable and less cumbersome in tight confines. 

The base four-cylinder quickly runs out of steam at highway speeds, so keep an eye out for the available six-cylinder if you prefer a life spent in the passing lane. To its credit, the standard drivetrain is easy on a fuel budget. A 2019 Outback, the final model year of this generation, delivered an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving