2020 Subaru Outback Onyx Turbo - All The Official Details!

Will you look at that? Subaru just announced the all-new 2020 Outback, now with an optional 2.4-liter turbo and a special… Onyx edition? We have all the details on this episode of Driving Sports TV. This is the all-new 2020 Subaru Outback. Like the new Legacy announced back in February, this one also looks remarkably similar to the outgoing model considering it's riding on an all-new global architecture. Thanks to this new structure, the Outback's rigidity is much improved. This benefits overall handling and safety. All trim levels of the Outback also come standard with Subaru's EyeSight safety system for active collision mitigation. The latest version of this system also provides steering assist, as well as lane centering, which helps reduce fatigue on long highway journeys. Another new feature to the Outback is the driver-focused Distraction Mitigation System. This uses facial recognition technology to warn of driver fatigue or distraction before it becomes a safety issue. It's like a nanny riding along next to you. The new model is also available with a new front-view monitor system. This provides a 180-degree view extending from the side blind spots all the way to the front of the vehicle, which should help in parking and driving conditions. Now, let's talk about the motors. Subaru has chucked out the old H6, which was getting long in the tooth. In its place is a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine from the Subaru Ascent. Here, the motor makes 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The standard engine is still a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter, but it has been updated to now provide a peak 182 horsepower, up seven from last year's model. Torque on the naturally aspirated option is 176 pound-feet. As always, all flavors of the Subaru Outback feature Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system. If you were hoping for a manual transmission, yeah, you're living in a dream world. All drivetrains of the new Outback come standard with a CVT. It does feature an eight-speed manual mode with paddle shifters, so it does have that going for it. Towing capacity has been increased from a maximum 2,700 pounds on the outgoing model to an impressive 3,500 pounds when paired with a turbo motor. Subaru expects the EPA rating on all models to improve thanks to these drivetrain updates. Expect to see up to 26 miles to the gallon city and 33 highway for the base engine option, and up to 23 city and 30 highway for the XD Turbo models. Inside the cabin, Subaru has really focused on improving overall driver comfort, with improvements to the aircon system, seats, ride quality, and the, you can't miss it, massive 11.6-inch HD tablet infotainment system. This tablet will be standard on all but base trim levels. Of course, since it's a Subaru, it'll still come with the Starlink connectivity system, as well as apps and all that. Second row leg and headroom is also improved. Top trim levels will offer up to four USB ports and two 12-volt DC sockets. Cargo space should be excellent, with up to 75.7 cubic feet of capacity when the second row is folded down. As another first for the 2020 Outback, an optional hands-free system will open the rear door by simply waving a hand over the Subaru emblem. Now, let's talk trims. The new Outback will be available in Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, as well as Limited XT, Touring XT, and Onyx XT editions. Yes, I said Onyx XT. This new trim level will follow the current trend of providing a blacked-out trim package with some extra bonuses. It's similar to what Toyota offers with their Highlander SE. Onyx Edition cars start with the Premium trim level, then they add special 18-inch wheels, exclusive badging, a full-size spare tire, and they also feature gray two-tone interior with seats wrapped in weather-repellent materials. It also comes with the XT turbo engine, hands-free power gate, and the front-view monitor options. The Onyx is also the only way to get Subaru's new Dual-Mode X-Mode system. All other trims just get Standard X-Mode. To see how Dual X-Mode differs from Standard and why you may want it, watch our 2019 Forester X-Mode video linked here. Pricing will be released later this year. If it tracks based on last year's model with a modest increase, look for base models to probably come in around $27,000, with Loaded Touring Editions going for as high as $40,000. And before you say $40,000 is too much for an Outback, just remember, you can buy a Loaded Hyundai Santa Fe for $40,000, so it's not really as crazy as it may sound. Cars? They're just expensive. Now, let's talk about that Onyx Edition. Is it going to be the sweet spot? Is Dual-Mode X-Mode going to be worth it? Please post a comment below. For Driving Sports TV, I'm Ryan Douthit. Thanks for watching. Please leave a comment, give us a thumbs up, and subscribe. We're on our way to 100,000 subscribers by the end of the year, and to really make it, we're going to need your help. See you next week.