With VW Out, How the New Subaru Outback Compares With Audi, Buick, MINI, Volvo

The new seventh-generation 2020 Subaru Outback arrives later this summer with plenty of upgrades and should remain the top-seller in Subaru of America’s stable. With the Volkswagen SportWagen and Alltrack now discontinued there are other alternatives for consumers looking for a wagon. There is the Audi allroad, Buick Regal TourX, Mini Clubman, Volvo V60, and V90 Cross Country.

Starting with the lowest price to the most expensive, the MINI Clubman ($24,900) is the least expensive option and the smallest wagon in the U.S. with the exit of the VW SportWagen and Alltrack. And if you want a manual transmission, the Clubman is your only choice among all the choices as the most affordable option, and with the TwinPower turbo engine. it’s the most fun to drive. It offers a lot of practicality if you need a city commuter and it’s available with ALL4 all-wheel-drive.

The next-generation 2020 Subaru Outback, coming in September, takes the spot as the second most affordable wagon available for U.S. consumers starting at $26,645. For the 2020 model change, it gets a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a new Onyx Edition XT ($35,905) for outdoor enthusiasts. The advantage Outback has over the competition, is its 8.7-inches of ground clearance and upgraded dual-function X-Mode system that offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for even more extreme capability to go virtually wherever necessary.

The Buick Regal TourX starting at $29,070, is the next available option and is nearly the same size as the Outback and is the only wagon still available from an American automaker. What once was available from all U.S. automakers, is now just an afterthought. The TourX comes standard with all-wheel-drive making it all-weather capable, and it’s a good fit for a family looking for more luxury. It has the utility of an SUV but has a lower ride height, so it’s not for the outdoor enthusiast.

Volvo still thinks wagons are relevant and offers the new V60 T5 Momentum front-wheel-drive starting at $39,650. Offerings like the V60 are much different than the old boxy wagons of the past. For the more adventurous, Volvo offers the V60 Cross Country ($45,100) with standard all-wheel-drive. The Swedish automaker is still one of the best if safety is your number one concern. Volvo remains one of the industry leaders in this area and has loaded the new V60 with plenty of safety features. 

With Volkswagen’s exit from the wagon market, the Audi A4 allroad ($45,700) is now the VW Group's only offering. Like Outback and V60 Cross Country, the A4 allroad offers the lifted all-terrain wagon formula. It has many attributes that resemble a crossover or SUV like its cargo-carrying utility, and standard all-wheel drive. The Allroad’s cabin looks modern and luxurious, setting it apart from the competition. Being a premium offering, it comes with a premium price.

Volvo is the only automaker with two wagon offerings and brings the V90 with a base R-Design starting at $51,450. Like the V60, there’s a lifted Cross Country variant starting at $52,550. It gets an increased cargo area, a raised ride height, and standard all-wheel drive. The upper trim called the Ocean Race Edition ($60,500) is for those wanting the ultimate in luxury. The V90 is better equipped than many luxury sedans, with plenty of cabin comforts and technical features. 

For buyers with active lifestyles, the all-new 2020 Subaru Outback model change still offers the most for the money. Outback with standard X-Mode is the global vehicle that will handle extreme conditions and the Onyx Edition XT is still the best or adventurous families.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA, Audi, MINI, Buick, Volvo