What The New Subaru Outback WardsAuto 10 Best User Experience Award Means For You

The 2020 Subaru Outback is not even available for you to buy and it’s already getting awards. WardsAuto has given the all-new 2020 Outback an award for the 10 Best User Experience of its new multimedia system. WardsAuto says it’s user-friendly and they like the interior controls in the newly-redesigned cabin of the sixth-generation Outback.

The new Outback gets Subaru’s StarLink platform that has recently had problems and a class-action lawsuit. But with its new 8-inch multimedia screen, hopefully, the infotainment system issues have been fixed. Starlink offers customers available Aha, Pandora, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, iHeart Radio, weather info, and parking assistance.

2020 Subaru Outback Starlink

Wards Auto evaluated the user experience behind the wheel of 23 new cars and tested the Outback even though it's not in Subaru showrooms. They assessed each vehicle’s connectivity, design, controls, displays, navigation, and maps, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functionality, infotainment, overall value and elements “that surprise and delight”, and they give high marks for features that are easy to use and for intuitively integrated technology.

What it means for customers

If you are thinking of buying a new 2020 Outback, it features a standard (on all but the base trim), new tablet-style 11.6-inch full HD multimedia display, featuring direct touch controls for multimedia, HVAC and vehicle settings, as well as smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2020 Subaru Outback XT Onyx Edition

Like with your smartphone, app icons on the touchscreen can be moved and configured based on personal preference. The top-of-the-line 11.6-inch Multimedia with Navigation adds navigation powered by TomTom and voice-activated navigation for customers.

Here’s what else WardsAuto had to say about the new 2020 Outback. Tom Murphy was surprised and delighted to see heated and ventilated seats in the newly-redesigned Outback. Murphy says, “When Ascent launched a year ago, I distinctly remember asking if cooled seats were available yet and they said no, not on any Subarus. Well-equipped for $40,705, it’s easy to see why Subaru is one of America’s fastest-growing vehicle brands.”

Even with scoring WardsAuto 10 Best User Experience, it wasn't all positive with the new Outback. “Not the best maps we’ve seen but more than serviceable. An impressive suite of ADAS (EyeSight driver assist safety system) and fitting with Subaru’s brand. The forward camera is great for off-road. It has lots to offer at $40K including all-wheel-drive and it’ll hit the sweet spot for a lot of folks.” Amy Alexander says, “I was not crazy about the infotainment system, but the car did not lack connectivity. I don’t think $40,000 is a bad price.”

The all-new 2020 Subaru Outback will begin arriving at dealer showrooms this month. WardsAuto will be presenting 10 Best User Experience trophies October 1, 2019, at the WardsAuto User Experience Conference at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

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