3 Big Differences You Will Feel With New Subaru Outback Platform

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The 2020 Subaru Outback arrives this fall with the new Global Platform. What difference will customers feel when they drive the new model?

The newly-redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback will ride on a new architecture and it will make a difference when customers do get to take a test drive. The Subaru Global Platform (SGP) is the underlying platform that underpins all new-generation Subaru vehicles. The Subaru Impreza, Crosstrek, Ascent, and Forester all have it.

The new platform the 2020 Outback SUV/Crossover rides on is Subaru’s biggest advancement in their automobiles since they developed the driver-assist EyeSight safety system. Subaru Corporation spent $1 Billion dollars to develop the new platform, so it better make a difference. Initial results from Consumer Reports say handling, body roll, and steering have all been improved.

2020 Subaru Outback Global Platform

We’ve driven all of the new-generation Subaru models, and customers will feel three differences in the all-new six-generation Outback. The new SUV will have improved ride comfort, handling agility, and a quieter cabin. The new Outback also gets a new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and it should offer a quick and effortless power delivery over the standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine.

The Outback’s new turbo engine comes with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque which is the most torque of any small four-cylinder engine among the competition. Subaru expects 30 percent of buyers will opt for the new turbocharged engine with improved power and fuel economy: 23/30 city/highway mpg.  

2020 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-liter turbo

What you won’t feel

You won’t feel it, but the new architecture underpinning the new-generation 2020 Outback also improves crash energy absorption by 40 percent over the outgoing model keeping occupants safer in the event of a crash. Subaru tested previous models and says with the new platform the car can survive an impact by a heavier SUV weighing 2.5 tons at 66 mph.

After an impact, the vehicle’s A and B-pillars will retain their integrity protecting the occupants. When Subaru’s new-generation Outback gets tested by the IIHS, it will likely be the safest one the Japanese automaker has ever built.

Look for the newly-redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback to arrive in showrooms in about five weeks. As soon as dealers move the 2019 models, Subaru of America will begin shipping new models to dealers so you can take a test drive and see for yourself.

You Might Also Like: With VW Out, How the New Subaru Outback Compares With Audi, Buick, MINI, Volvo

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Photo credit: Subaru USA, Subaru Global, Torque News

Submitted by Digitaldoc (not verified) on August 21, 2019 - 12:21PM

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Definitely the turbo, as looks like too much car for that 2.5NA. That 2.5NA is underpowered for the Forester, and this Outback is even larger, so not sure why they even offer it.

Submitted by Boomer (not verified) on August 22, 2019 - 12:08PM

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This will be my first Subaru and 2020 looks like the year to buy it.I have been following the birth of the outback touring XT since it was announced.I'm all about safety and comfort and look forward to my test drive.

Submitted by Robert Murch (not verified) on August 22, 2019 - 8:55PM

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After spending a billion dollars on the car I hope they figured out how to get the throttle to be manageable from a start. My 2018 would take off like a shot from a standstill. This was particularly annoying when in a line of cars or when parallel parking.

That throttle response is a Subaru thing. They underpower the car, and then they make the throttle over responsive to make you feel like the car has more power than it has. Would be better to have a more linear response.

Submitted by Jason (not verified) on August 22, 2019 - 9:10PM

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I would buy the turbo, and while I want ventilated seats I would likely opt for the limited. That said, I will wait until the release of the next gen WRX before I decide. I want a wagon and a manual

Submitted by Susie (not verified) on February 25, 2020 - 12:49PM

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we have a 2018 limited 3.6r, the 2020 outbacks new turbo compared does not have the same power, and its very loud, so much so that it changed our minds to upgrade our car