Subaru’s Outback crossover enters its sixth generation with an all-new model, its first redesign since 2015. Never seen as a rugged SUV, and fitting in more as an SUV/Wagon vehicle the 2020 Outback is marketed as durable, versatile, stylish and robust.

Powering up for 2020, Outback offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine standard on XT trim models, balanced by a bevy of safety measures. Also onboard for 2020, are a new Hands-Free Power Gate, Tablet-style high-definition SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch touchscreen, standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with new Lane Centering function, and the debut of the Onyx Edition XT trim level with unique exterior and interior.

And Outback is loaded. My test Outback XT Limited was outfitted with the turbo engine, automatic transmission, symmetrical all-wheel drive, leather-trimmed upholstery, power tilt/sliding moonroof, SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, electric power-assisted steering, 4-wheel independent raised suspension, brake assist, LED responsive steering headlights, LED fog lights, body-color folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals, power adjustable driver and front-passenger seats, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and PIN-Code Access, Harman Kardon premium audio system with 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability and much more.

The all-new Outback is built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana on the Subaru Global Platform, with a fresh look and stronger structure that is 70-percent stiffer in both torsional and front-suspension rigidity and 100-percent stiffer in both front lateral flexural and rear subframe rigidity compared to the previous Outback’s platform. Crash protection is improved, as the new body absorbs over 40-percent more energy in front/side crashes than the current model.

Outback projects a large presence from thicker profile panel surfaces and raised rear gate as well as a sense of speed from its dynamic silhouette. Wider fenders, large hexagonal grille, front cladding and LED fog lights on the corners emphasize Outback’s capability. Side cladding, meant to resemble a hiking boot, further enhances this concept.

The new Outback is slightly larger than last year, gaining 1.4 inches in length to 191.3 inches; gaining 0.6 inches in width to 73.0 inches; remaining at 66.1 inches in height and keeping its 108.1-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance remains 8.7 inches and the Outback gains about 10 lbs. with a curbweight ranging from 3634 pounds to 3772 for the base models depending on trim. The XT models go from 3884 lbs. to 3937 lbs.

The interior design uses a widened windshield and long lines from the center of the instrument panel to the door panels to create an open environment. The Outback Touring leverages luxurious appointments inside and out, including Nappa leather, high-gloss black molding for the pillars, chrome plating decorated door handles and satin tone plated side mirrors.

Comfortable inside with seating for five, interior sightlines are unimpeded, and roominess abounds, though headroom has tightened a bit to 40.1 inches in front (diminished by 0.7 inches), and 39.1 inches for passengers in row two; 42.8 inches of first-row legroom and 39.5 inches for second-row passengers, and shoulder room of 58.1 and 57.4. Cargo volume is 75.7 cu.ft. with seats folded .

The Outback line-up offers two engine choices. For the first time since 2009, the Outback lineup offers a turbocharged engine, the 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, standard on XT trim models. It delivers robust all-around performance with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA rating of 23/city, 30/hwy and 26/combined mileage. Meanwhile, the standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER with direct injection delivers 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, for an EPA estimate of 26/33/29. My test ride, the Outback XT Limited, sported the turbo, and I averaged 24.9mpg during my pedal-mashing tests.

Paired with a Lineartronic CVT featuring an 8-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters, my Outback accelerated responsively and smooth for the niche, and passing at speed is predictable. From a stop, my test Outback XT Limited completed a niche-quick  zero-to-60mph dash in 6.4 seconds during a 14.8-second quarter-mile.

Outback has been a crash safety and passive safety leader for years and that level is reached again for 2020. Outback is equipped with the EyeSight® Driver-Assist Technology crash prevention system, High Beam Assist, DriverFocus™ Distraction Mitigation System, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Brake Override System, RearVision Camera, Subaru advanced frontal airbag system , side curtain airbags, seat-mounted front side impact bags, front passenger seat cushion airbag, driver’s knee airbag and lots more.

The base 2020 Outback with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine is priced at $26,645 and runs through four trims, topping at the Touring at $37,345. The XT version with the 2.4-liter turbo has three trims: the Onyx Edition XT ($34,895), Limited XT ($37,745) and Touring XT ($39,645). My test Outback XT Limited in Autumn Green Metallic, with a Slate Black Leather interior, and as mentioned above, the XT Limited is loaded, so much so that no optional packages are offered. Other options were available, but all my test ride added was a Moonroof Air Deflector for $99.99, Remote Engine Starter for $463, Body Side Molding for $292, Door Edge Guards for $168 and splash guards for $172. With destination and delivery charges of $1010, the sticker-as-tested was $39,949.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

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