Independent test drive of Subaru Outback: True love is priceless

tech | 2024-05-28

It's unclear what everyone else thinks, but based on my observations of the vehicles on the road in recent years, I've come to the conclusion that domestic cars are currently on an unstoppable upward trajectory, becoming more and more formidable in the market.

As the tides rise and fall, the once-dominant Japanese cars and Volkswagen have not experienced a cliff-like decline, but they have indeed suffered a significant loss in sales. Unlike in the Guangdong region, there is no particular faith in Japanese cars in Shanghai, so the visibility of newly released Japanese models is even lower. Occasionally, a few new cars can be spotted, mostly Honda Accords that are sold at discounted prices to boost volume.

Against this backdrop, one of our office colleagues has gone against the trend and purchased a Japanese brand that is a niche within a niche—Subaru! This move is truly rare, like an old general wielding a sickle! To be honest, even the visibility of high-end cars in Shanghai is higher than that of Subaru!

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Despite this, true love is priceless. Let's take a look at this Subaru, the Outback.

▲ On the streets of Shanghai, even the visibility of the Subaru BRZ might be higher than that of the Outback.Back to the main topic, when you think of Subaru, what comes to mind? Rally racing? JDM?

 

A boxer engine and all-wheel drive are my understanding of Subaru. Based on these two points, my stereotype of it has always been a "fierce track weapon." The turning point in my thinking was when I drove this sixth-generation Outback. The driving experience of the Outback has given me a completely new perception of the Subaru brand, so let me tell you all about it.

 

Let me first introduce the history of this model. The Outback is a crossover vehicle introduced by Subaru in 1994. For 30 years, it has been a mainstay in Subaru's product lineup. Like other distinctive Subaru siblings, the Outback has its own niche. If I had to name a competitor, the Audi A4 allroad would be the closest, with perhaps the Volvo V60CC (but it's not imported domestically). Yet the Outback also claims to be an SUV, so in reality, its category is only itself.

 

The side profile of the Outback is almost like that of a station wagon, but its body height is noticeably higher, thanks to the iconic boxer engine and all-wheel drive system. Subaru claims that the Outback combines the performance of an SUV with the driving and handling of a sedan, and aims to sell to people with a "lifestyle of activity."

 

So let me be an active participant first.After a spin around the block, I'd like to start with the driving aspect. It's the dynamic performance of the Outback that has truly refreshed my perception of the Subaru brand.

Surprisingly, it's incredibly comfortable to drive, so much so that it feels like a Toyota! Oh no, perhaps it's even more composed than a Toyota.

The Outback is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, which can only muster up 169 horsepower and 252 Nm of torque, not much different from the data of Volkswagen's 1.4T engine. Working in tandem with the engine is a CVT transmission.

Let's test the acceleration performance. With a full throttle, the engine hums efficiently, the sound is quite pleasant, but the weak parameters translate into the expected acceleration experience. The expected pushback feeling is undeniably absent, and there's no surge in adrenaline, everything is just serene and peaceful. The vibrant greenery on both sides of the road, accompanied by the excellent cabin quietness, makes it feel as if we are in a land of poetry and distant dreams!Don't worry, switch to sport mode.

 

But after all, it's a naturally aspirated engine, which can't naturally squeeze out more. In sport mode, the engine speed is only 800 RPMs higher than in smart mode, a drop in the bucket, not increasing much power. Let go of illusions, let go of the obsession that "Subaru is a temperamental driving machine," and there's nothing wrong with winning a leisurely peace of mind.

 

Huh? That's not right, this is clearly a fuel-powered car, why is the driving experience so smooth? This CVT transmission is quite impressive. I simulated various conditions and tried again. Surprisingly, it doesn't drag at low speeds, doesn't lurch when downshifting, and is very smooth at high speeds. And every speed change is like this! It's too amazing, apart from the different frequencies of engine speed sounds during gear shifts and the weak acceleration, this driving quality is no different from an electric car. Only after checking the information later did I learn that many people say that the CVT of the A6 and Subaru's CVT were in a league of their own back in the day!

 

High praise.

 

A high-level CVT with weak power, driving the Outback, there is a leisurely view of the southern mountain scene.Not over yet! Carefully savor the charm of the horizontally opposed engine. When cornering, the traction pulling you, according to the usual stereotypes, is reduced. Although positioned as an SUV, the pulling sensation during the Outback's steering is more like that of a sedan, coupled with full-time all-wheel drive and the support of modest horsepower, it gives me more confidence when turning.

Well, even modest horsepower is considered an advantage on the Outback.

In terms of suspension configuration, to complement the full-time all-wheel drive and enhance handling, the sixth-generation Outback adopts a rarely seen front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone independent suspension. Combined with the X-Mode system and a ground clearance of 220mm, the Outback is the kind of vehicle that can go wild anywhere.

With the support of the entire powertrain, the Outback is an SUV that is very difficult to drive out of control; it is very stable, which is its advantage.Of course, the advantages of the Outback go beyond this. When driving, the sense of comfort comes not only from the smooth and stable power system but also from the spacious and soft seats as well as the extra-large interior view. This makes lane changes, overtaking, and turning much easier.

Now, let's talk about the popular driver assistance systems. Remember a few years ago, the unique Eyesight system on Subaru models was also a selling point. The two cameras above the windshield provided a wider field of view, capable of achieving Level 2 driver assistance. Of course, in front of the new energy vehicles of independent brands, these are no longer enough to impress.

Let's also look at the static performance. The first impression the Outback's appearance gave me was "strange". It looks like the body proportions are not quite reasonable. It's too long to be considered an SUV, and too tall to be a station wagon. The car community likes to call unconventional designs "crossover," but it's unclear which category it crosses into. It could be said that it has no competitors and stands alone!It can be observed that the Outback encourages car owners to add many extra devices for camping, mountain climbing, and exploring the great outdoors and the poetic distance. On the Outback, you can find many interesting spots that are DIY-friendly for car owners. Look at the trunk with so many expandable hooks and locking mechanisms; even when the seats are folded down, it becomes a large flat bed, folks. Are you sure you don't want to let your imagination run wild?

The exterior trim of the Outback uses a significant amount of black plastic, which I believe is not a cost-saving measure but rather an invitation for you to get out more, to create, and to have fun. Of course, if the wheel arches were not surrounded by black plastic, I think the Outback's aesthetic appeal would be elevated to a higher level.

The Outback's ability to not look outdated by 2024 is thanks to its front and rear light clusters. The headlight design is somewhat reminiscent of an eagle's eyes, similar to the BRZ, which is quite modern, and the design achieves a harmonious effect between the front and rear.Turning to the interior of the vehicle, the Outback offers a spacious environment. The interior design, however, seems like a half-hearted attempt to blend modern trends with traditional elements, wanting to change but not fully committing to it. The materials used are not compromised, yet they reveal a strong sense of being outdated. How to describe it? Friends who appreciate antiques and collectibles might understand; it's like... it's like old materials that have been repackaged.

In conclusion, the Outback is certainly not for the majority; it caters to a select group of true enthusiasts. As the tagline on Subaru's official website suggests: The distant places you long for in your heart can be reached with ease. The realm you find yourself in is worth savoring with your soul.The exclusive professional persona of the Outback, its smooth driving quality, excellent off-road capabilities, thoughtful minor details, and yet not-so-cheap price, all tell the world that poetry and the distant places are what everyone yearns for, but in the end, only a fraction of people can truly achieve them.

Isn't that right?