Subaru Outback review

The Subaru Outback makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position because all trim levels get an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Top-spec Touring models have a highly novel memory system that stores your settings then uses facial recognition to identify you and recall your preferences. 

Visibility is excellent in all directions thanks to the thin pillars, large door mirrors, huge rear window and plenty of glass in the rear three-quarters to limit blind-spots.

There isn’t anything demonstrably stylish about the Outback’s interior design, but it is functional and has plenty of supple surfaces in areas you touch regularly. Much of the plastics lower down are hard and scratchy, but the same is true of the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. A Volvo V60 Cross Country looks much smarter inside, though.

The entry-level Limited trim does without sat-nav, although the TomTom based system you get on mid-range Field and above isn’t worth forking out more for. You’re better off using the standard smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) to run apps on your phone through the touchscreen.

We’ve yet to try the 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that comes with top-spec Touring models, but the standard six-speaker set-up does a decent enough job.