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One Safety Feature You Want But Can't Get On The New Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback is coming soon but it’s missing a safety feature customers want. Why doesn’t Subaru offer an Active Driving Display in the all-new sixth-generation model?
2020 Subaru Outback, new Subaru Outback, specs, safety features, head up display, safety

Subaru is bringing more safety features on the all-new six-generation 2020 Outback, but they don’t offer an Active Driving Display. The new SUV/Crossover offers customers standard safety-first features like EyeSight driver assist, surround-view cameras with blind-spot detection, and visual indicators in the side mirrors but it doesn’t offer you a head-up display (HUD) system that projects information onto the windshield.

This would give the new 2020 Subaru Outback another level of safety for customers allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Torque News has driven non-luxury cars like the Mazda6 sedan, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Prius and these vehicles all have price tags under $40,000. So why not the new 2020 Outback XT, Limited or Touring models?

2020 Subaru Outback

What was once exclusively available in luxury vehicles now come standard even on some mainstream brand cars. Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota are offering these head-up displays (HUD) like the one in the latest Toyota Prius with an MSRP of $32,200.

Mazda is another non-luxury brand that offers HUDs in several of its vehicles. But the Japanese automaker doesn’t embed expensive components in the dash or use a special windshield. Instead, they use a thin plastic lens that folds down when not in use in the Mazda3 ($27,900) and Mazda6 ($29,500) models. 

Mazda head-up display

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 small SUV is also available with Active Driving Display that projects information onto the windshield including safety system warnings, vehicle status, current speed, and route guidance. Because the most pertinent information for the driver is positioned in your line of sight, you can minimize distractions and it could keep you from getting in an accident.

The new 2020 Subaru Outback falls short and the Japanese automaker should give their customers even more safety features like a head-up display if they want to be the overall safety leader. Safety is a core value for the brand but they miss the mark in the all-new sixth-generation model.

You Might Also Like: Why Your Smart Move Is To Not Buy The All-New 2020 Subaru Outback

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Photo credit: Subaru, Mazda

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Comments

Paul (not verified)    September 22, 2019 - 7:21AM

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HUD sounds more like a distraction then anything else. Obviously I've never driven a car with one but if your so obsessed with the speed your going that it distracts you so much while driving that it become.a hazard I feel like a HUD isn't going to help that.

Dean (not verified)    September 6, 2020 - 5:04PM

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HUD was EXTREMELY useful in my 2018 Accord that I just unloaded last Friday. It's extremely helpful to stay informed that the cruise control is still activated and was not disabled from the last time I tapped the breaks. Cannot emphasize enough how helpful and reassuring I found this. It may be a deal breaker in my decision making on the Outback.

Wyatt V. (not verified)    September 22, 2019 - 2:33PM

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Call me a minimalist, but I I can't even stand the light that comes from most infotainment systems today. This mostly pertains to night driving but why would I want extra light being projected directly in my normal viewing area?

Paul (not verified)    September 23, 2019 - 11:13AM

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Why, so it makes it that much easier for a passing cop to see exactly how much over the limit I might be going?
Flicking your eyes down to the dash display, side and rear mirrors every once in a while is a good driving habit, and prevents drowsiness, which might be caused by just staring straight ahead at your windshield for the entire drive.

Gord Hippern (not verified)    August 16, 2020 - 7:04PM

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We have HUD in our 2017 CX9 and will only consider vehicles with HUD in the future. Too bad about the Outback as we we’re considering the Outback with the 2.4 Turbo engine, but without HUD we will give it a pass.

Alan (not verified)    September 22, 2019 - 1:41PM

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Early on as the 2020 Subaru was just being shown I was to understand it had HUD on the high end outback.I became disappointed they didn’t even offer it as an option.Nevertheless.....come this fall I will be driving a 2020 outback touring XT because of the new platform and many changes.This will be my first Subaru and looking forward to it.The only thing that would change my mind on this purchase will be the drivers seat comfort.As someone with back issues,it extremely important to me to have the comfort and support and still have it on long trips of more than 2 hours.So we will see.

Darren (not verified)    September 22, 2019 - 3:57PM

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I like how Subaru is reluctant to use all the new technology right away. Honestly these new vehicles have become annoying.

vladin strashun (not verified)    September 23, 2019 - 12:15AM

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HUD is a safety feature?? Tire pressure monitor IS a safety feature !! And it's missing !!