Business Fleet, November/December 2019

When automakers refresh existing models updates can at times fell perfunctory But when you have a solid model oftentimes tweaks are all you need This is the case with the 2020 Subaru Outback which may be the most nuanced generational update of the year The Outback is entering its sixth generation and you notice it when you approach it The rear is more squared off the bumper seems to jut out a bit more It turns out the vehicle grows only slightly by 14 inches in length to 1913 and 06 inch wide The wheelbase 1081 inches remains the same This year the Outback has surpassed the Forester as Subarus top seller to commercial fleets such as insurance pharmaceutical healthcare sales and service fleets The 2020 Outback will be available in six trims including Premium Limited Touring Onyx Edition XT 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK DRIVING NOTES BY PAUL CLINTON Limited XT and Touring XT MORE THAN INCREMENTAL UPDATES Subaru has shifted the 2020 Outback to its global vehicle platform and the difference can immediately be felt This Outback reduces noise vibration and harshness in ordinary city driving especially on the pockmarked streets of Long Beach Calif as well as higher speed highway handling This Outback is a much quieter vehicle The Outback which feels more wagon like really excels at low speed turning and cornering Subaru gives more play in its steering but I had no trouble controlling it as I weaved around the hairpin corners of State Route 18 on my way to Lake Arrowhead The engine that powers the lower trim models remains a 25 liter Boxer inline four cylinder that has been reworked with 90 percent new parts according to Subaru It makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound feet of peak torque All XT models receive a new 24 liter turbocharged Boxer engine that also powers the Legacy XT models ADDITIONAL SAFETY TECHNOLOGY IN THE MIX The 2020 Outback as well as the Legacy both now offer the new DriverFocus distraction mitigation system that scans your eyes to make sure theyre on the road We didnt test this tech on the Outback but we liked the implementation on the Legacy Fleet managers will have to decide whether its worth the extra cost Standard safety equipment now includes lane keeping technology on all grades Subaru has seemed to perfect safety alerts with visual indicators and modest audible chirps that alert rather than annoy The Outback also adds a tablet style 116 inch touchscreen on all trims which is a welcome boost in screen real estate from the outgoing model We tested the Premium trim that would retail for 29905 ENGINE 25L I 4 182 hp 176 lb ft or 24L turbocharged Boxer 260 hp 277 lb ft TRANSMISSION Lineartronic CVT ALL WHEEL DRIVE Standard CARGO SPACE 325 cu ft 757 cu ft with seats folded FUEL ECONOMY 25L 26 mpg city 33 mpg highway WWW BUSINESSFLEET COM 24 BUSINESS FLEET November December 2019 PHOTOS BY KELLY BRACKEN