Advantages Of Keeping Your Older Subaru Outback Vs Buying A New 2020 Model

Owners of an older Outback may be wondering what are the advantages of keeping your vehicle versus buying a new 2020 Subaru Outback wagon? This is a great question asked by one of our readers. We will start by checking out the new 2020 Outback upgrades and see if it’s worth it for you to trade in your previous-generation model for a new one.

The sixth-generation 2020 Subaru Outback is all-new and gets significant upgrades over the outgoing fifth-generation model (2015-2019). The 2020 model now comes in a new XT trim with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with more power and better fuel efficiency than the previous 3.6R trim. If you own an older Outback with a 2.5-liter engine, the wagon continues with the engine but it gets new improvements and better fuel mileage.

The 2020 Subaru Outback comes in a new XT trim

The 2.5-liter engine features 90 percent new parts as well as direct injection and auto stop/start. It gets a manufacturer-estimated 26/33 mpg city/highway, which is one mpg better than the 25/32 mpg of the previous engine. The new 2.4-liter turbo Boxer sees an even bigger improvement. The turbo engine is rated 23/30 mpg, up from 20/27 mpg with the old 3.6R flat-six. Read our comparison of the new 2.4-Liter turbo vs. the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine.

The new-generation Outback rides on the Subaru Global Platform which is 70 percent stiffer in both torsional and front-suspension rigidity, and it's twice as stiff in front lateral flexural and rear subframe rigidity compared to the old architecture. The new platform promises better ride quality, sharper handling, a quieter cabin, and improved safety. All new 2020 Outback trims come standard with the automaker’s EyeSight driver assist technology.

The 2020 Subaru Outback gets other improvements

It wouldn’t be a better version if it didn’t get bigger in most areas. For 2020, Outback measures 191.3 inches long, 66.1 inches tall, and 73 inches wide. That represents a growth of 1.4 inches in length over its predecessor. Width has increased by 0.6 inches, but the height stays the same. At 108.1 inches, the wheelbase is also unchanged. Front track width remains the same at 61.8 inches, but rear track increases 0.6 inches to 62.8 inches. Front overhang increases by just 0.1 inches, though rear overhang grows by 1.4 inches.

Cargo volume comes in at 75.7 cubic feet with the seats up, an increase from 73.3 cubes. The lift-over height, or the height you have to lift an item to get it into the back of the vehicle, has increased half an inch.

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Passengers will find more space in the rear. Legroom has increased by 1.4 inches, and the headroom has gone up 0.2 inches. Overall passenger volume has increased 0.9 cubic feet on models without the moonroof, and 1.1 cubic feet on models with the moonroof. Front headroom has decreased 0.7 inches on models without the moonroof, and 0.6 inches on models with the moonroof.

Buying a new Outback may not be your best choice

There are lots of advantages of trading up for a new 2020 Outback, but it may not be your best choice now. You need to ask yourself some questions before you go to a dealer because the salesperson wants to sell you a new model. Is your older Outback paid off or do you have a lease? If you own your car, you might want to drive it another year or two and save up money for your new model. Is your vehicle in good mechanical condition, or is it starting to need some major repairs? It may not be worth spending thousands of dollars on an older model. Are you spending as much on repairs as you would for a car payment?

You also need to ask how much more will you pay for insurance, taxes and license plates? Check with your insurance agent. You can also get an estimated purchase order from a Subaru dealer showing how much taxes will be on the new model before you buy. The county where you live can tell you how much new plates will cost. How many miles do you drive per year? Will you save money on gas with the newer Outback?

If you determine it's best to buy a new Outback, do your homework and shop for the best deal. Subaru is offering 0.9 percent financing on all 2020 models through March 2, 2020. Also, study the trim level that’s best for you. Subaru offers attractive lease deals ($249/month), but it’s only on the base model. The 2020 Subaru Outback Premium trim is generally the best model that offers the most features for the money.

You May Also Like: 7 Things To Know Before You Buy New Subaru Outback

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!

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