Although no one car model can do it all, the wagon-like Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, is capable of doing more than most crossovers when it comes time to get outta town.
In fact, parking a sixth-generation Outback in your garage might expand your horizons. With an easily accessible roof rack and nearly 76 cubic feet of cargo space inside, there’s little need to make hard choices about what to bring on your next road trip.
Speaking of hitting the highway, the 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder in our Onyx Edition XT test vehicle, which produces 260 hp, provides an excellent balance of strong acceleration and good fuel economy: 26 mpg overall. (A 2.5-liter nonturbo 4 is also available.)
The Outback’s suspension delivers a respectable ride and decent handling on pavement. When we left the asphalt behind, the standard AWD system and nearly 9 inches of ground clearance let us tackle rutted, overgrown dirt tracks without breaking a sweat.
The cabin is roomy and comfortable, though it looks a tad dull. Factor in top safety scores from NHTSA and IIHS, and you’ve got a vehicle fit to take you just about anywhere you want to go.
