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Why The 2020 Subaru Outback XT Doesn't Win Wards 10 Best Interiors Award

Does the 2020 Subaru Outback have a comfortable interior? The new wagon is nominated for Wards 10 Best Interior Award but it falls short.

The newly redesigned 2020 Subaru Outback comes with a new interior and the wagon was nominated for Wards 10 Best Interiors Award. Wards Auto picked the 10-Best interiors for models that are new or redesigned for 2020. Before last year, when the all-new Ascent family hauler was nominated, Subaru was not even considered for the award.

Subaru has never been known for having the best interiors, but they have come a long way in the last few years. In the past, they used lots of plastics, the fit and finish were inferior and materials were low quality. Subaru has upped its game and now the Japanese automaker is being recognized for cabins that stand out in a good way.

2020 Subaru Outback XT trim

Wards Auto chose the 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition for the competition which is surprising because it’s a sport model with a new StarTex water-repellant cloth material on the seats. It’s designed for easier cleanup after a day on the trail. It’s not the Outback model with the best interior.

Which Subaru Outback models have leather seats?

The Outback Limited and Touring models both come with leather seats and would have been better choices for the 10 Best Interiors Award. We would have chosen the top-of-the-lineup 2020 Outback Touring trim that comes with Java Brown Nappa leather-trimmed upholstery.

2020 Subaru Outback Touring

Touring also comes with an 8-way power driver’s seat, power moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, driver assistance steering wheel controls, a large center stack screen, ambient lighting, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Does the Outback have comfortable seats?

A new study from Consumer Reports rated cars to find out which models have the best front seats. In the mid-size SUV vehicle segment, the 2020 Subaru Outback scored one of the best models with the most comfortable front seats. The Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Kia Telluride also score high. The worst in the category is the Jeep Wrangler.

If Wards Auto would have chosen the 2020 Subaru Outback Touring trim ($38,355) for the competition, it would have had a better chance of winning. If you are looking for a Subaru Outback with the most comfortable, upscale interior, the top-trim Touring would be the best choice.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press and the founder of Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA