DRIVELIFE
2021 SUBARU OUTBACK X More of everything Written by DriveLife online
The Subaru Outback is one of those vehicles which has developed a local icon status within New Zealand. Sure, it’s not as ubiquitous as a Toyota Hilux, or a Ford Ranger for that matter, but the Outback has always identified with a Kiwi’s adventurous spirit. For this reason, the Outback has always been an appealing vehicle, offering practicality, comfort, ruggedness, and 4WD capability. It did the crossover thing, before crossovers even started pretending to.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
It’s not surprising that the Subaru Outback has a bit of a legacy – no, not the Subaru Legacy – but one forged on its own merits. Those who own an Outback tend to love them, and in the past, I completely understood why.
It would make sense if they were, because this Outback looks massive!
This model marks the seventh generation of Outback, which Subaru has dubbed the G.O.O.A.T – the Greatest Outback of All Time. Let’s put that theory to the test.
THE RANGE The Subaru Outback is offered with three different models in its line-up. • • •
Outback - $49,000 Outback X - $54,990 Outback Touring - $57,490
When Subaru calls this Outback the G.O.O.A.T, or the Greatest Outback Of All Time, how literal are they being? Is Subaru referring to size?
Even though this is a wagon, Subaru calls the Outback a “Large SUV” on their website. This probably goes against the grain for those that know the Outback as a wagon, but I am starting to see SUV proportions with the new model. Although the Outback has grown for the seventh generation, it isn’t actually much larger than its predecessor. The size perception is mainly due to the beltline of this Outback, making it look huge. Also, my historic perception of the size of the Outback comes into play here. Compare this model with the ubiquitous third generation Outback, which is commonly seen all over New Zealand, and
2 0 CAPRICORN IGNITION SEPTEMBER 2021
the perceived size difference will seem substantial, despite that it’s mainly the width which is the difference between them. So yes, it looks big. But otherwise, it’s all rather pleasing to look at. I especially like the Outback X’s green badging and accents; they’re pretty cool. The LED front and rear lights look sharp too. Our black press vehicle hides much of the body detail, but if you manage to spot a lighter-coloured one (particularly an Outback Touring), the Outback is demonstrably a handsome machine.
INTERIOR If you’ve experienced any previous generation Outback, you’ll appreciate that the interiors are often well equipped, but geared towards being utilitarian over luxurious. This new Outback nearly flips that notion on its head — so significantly that it might present a culture shock for some.
