2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy Pricing Announced
Subaru is upping the starting prices of the redesigned 2020 Outback crossover and Legacy sedan by a rather modest amount. The automaker was even confident enough to list the hikes in its own press release, when the industry standard is to simply announce the new MSRP and hope nobody bothers to check what last year’s model went for.
The 2020 Outback will start at $27,655 while the Legacy will begin at $23,645. According to Subaru, that’s an increase of $300 and $200, respectively — though the actual difference over last year’s models is a few bucks higher. Just negotiate a full tank of gas or a handful of air fresheners at the dealership if you feel you’re being slighted.
Base models come with a 2.5-liter boxer engine, now with 182 hp and 176 pound-feet of torque — providing a slight, but welcome, improvement in overall grunt. XT trims upgrade the powerplant to a 2.4-liter turbo with 260 hp and 277 foot-pounds, replacing the 3.6-liter six-cylinder that used to be on offer.
All-wheel drive, torque vectoring, Subaru’s EyeSight safety system (adaptive cruise control with lane centering), and a continuously variable transmission remain standard. However, the CVT now comes with an 8-speed manual shift mode that mimics gear changes via paddle shifters. It’s the only transmission option for 2020.
The most basic of base models utilize a 7.0-inch multimedia screen, whereas every other trim option incorporates an 11.6-inch touch-screen. Connectivity options are robust, regardless of screen size, and includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Outback comes in seven flavors and parses out things like blind-spot detection, cross-traffic alerts, heated front seats, and keyless entry/start on the bottom end. As you climb the trim ladder, Subaru will begin issuing a power moonroof, upgraded 18-inch wheels, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, heated rear seats, rear air vents, upgraded front seats (power adjustments), fancier interior materials, reverse automatic emergency braking, navigation, and more.
Legacy’s optional equipment is the same, separated into six trim levels, and only lacks the Outback’s new hands-free liftgate.
While you can’t have everything, much of what Subaru has on offer can be affixed to most models via numerous equipment packages. If you just want the nicer wheels or upgraded infotainment and a moonroof, you can have it. XT models deliver the larger engine and a few unique exterior and interior touches, like two-tone upholstery. But the rest of the content is more-or-less the same.
The trim breakdown for the Outback starts with $29,905 for the Premium, $34,455 for Limited and $38,355 for Touring. XT models start with the $35,905 Onyx (new), followed by the $38,755 Limited trim and $40,705 Touring.
Legacy models above base open with the $25,895 Premium trim, $27,845 Sport, and $30,645 Limited. The Limited XT starts at $35,095 while the Touring XT starts at $36,795.
All prices include destination. Assembly for both models are slated to commence later this month at Subaru’s Indiana plant. Sales should commence early in the fall.
[Images: Subaru]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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"XT models deliver the larger engine" 2.4
Happy to see that the turbo is back. It's more appropriate for this car than the reliable, smooth, but not especially strong 3.6. Since this is Seattle, and every car that's not a Prius or Highlander is a Subaru of some sort, I'll no doubt end up riding in one of these within a couple months of wide availability.