What have we here?
This, ladies and gents, is the current-generation Subaru Outback. This hit the public consciousness way back in 2019, but it wasn’t until 2021 that we saw it on local shores. It’s not a new nameplate by any stretch—we saw new-gen launches back in 2009 and 2015 prior to this one.
Is it...a wagon?
Why, yes, but perhaps not in the traditional sense you might be thinking. When most people think of wagons, they imagine a sedan-based one like, say, the Mazda 6. This one, though, is big enough to qualify as a crossover. In fact, it’s actually larger than its subcompact crossover stablemate, the XV.
Just how wagon-y is it?
You’d be forgiven if you took one look at the Outback and thought it was just another run-of-the-mill crossover that’s about as exciting as...well, a crossover. But if Subaru is known for one thing, it’s for creating all-wheel-drive cars that offer a bit more excitement than its competitors.
On that note, the new-gen Outback is more wagon than crossover. Thanks to the 2,745mm wheelbase, the Outback offers a stable experience that’s sure to keep you comfortable over most of what our infamous city streets can offer. Thanks to its Subaru Global Platform underpinnings, the ride remains stiff and sporty all throughout.
Okay. What else?
The Philippine-spec Outback runs on a 2.5-liter boxer engine with 185hp and 245Nm of torque. While there’s no forced induction at play to give it an extra pep in its step, the sizeable mill is enough to propel the wagon forward with reasonable authority. It can reach standstill to 100kph in a claimed 9.6 seconds, which is plenty of time to reach our local expressways’ speed limits.
Two extra bits worth noting are the safety features and that tablet-sized touchscreen display. The Outback comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight tech, and also gets convenient goodies like adaptive cruise control. The latter is great for highway cruising, though it keeps the engine’s revs a bit too high for my liking.
As for the touchscreen, it operates almost every feature available in the car. Kinda neat, but it’s difficult to toggle if you have to change something while you’re driving.
How much?
The Outback only comes in one variant and retails for P2,380,000. For that money, you get a tech-laden wagon that offers enough storage space to make it practical, but engineered to make your drive through traffic an interesting affair. Think it’s worth it? The comments section is open.
