Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru Outback 2.0D SX Lineartronic review

The updated Subaru Outback is available with a new diesel automatic gearbox, which costs £1,500 more

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£1,780 off RRP*
Find your Subaru Outback
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Subaru has been building rugged off-road estates for years, and that expertise is clear to see in the latest Outback. All of the changes for 2014 are positive ones and the CVT gearbox is less intrusive than you might expect. But for all the practicality and mud-plugging talent that will make it perfect for some, the Outback still has familiar weaknesses that sadly mean it falls short of its more rounded mainstream rivals.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Subaru Outback is a strong seller for the brand, and even though the marque has been struggling lately, it reckons that a new diesel automatic version could hold the key to unlocking its wider appeal, and it arrives as part of an extensive 2014 facelift.

Subaru news and reviews

• Subaru Outback review

In fact, Subaru believes that there is such high demand for a self-shifter in this niche segment that it expects the new Lineartronic CVT to make up 75 per cent of all sales. Although the new transmission costs £1,500 more than the six-speed manual model, and there are small penalties in terms of economy and CO2 – which are 44.8mpg and 166g/km respectively – the auto comes with no sacrifices to the performance, with the 0-62mph benchmark sprint still taking 9.7 seconds.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Outback

2023 Subaru

Outback

48,627 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £24,999
View Outback
Outback

2023 Subaru

Outback

17,791 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £25,399
View Outback
Outback

2019 Subaru

Outback

51,028 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £16,599
View Outback

While CVT transmissions are not normally known for their driver engagement, the Lineartronic gearbox is actually well matched with the smooth and refined 2.0-litre ‘boxer’ diesel. It has chunky plastic paddles on the steering wheel for seven stepped ‘manual’ changes that give you an extra feeling of control over the revs, and it had no problem pulling us up several steep hills on our mixed test route. This engine is not the most powerful diesel around and power delivery is quite gradual rather than immediate but it has a relaxed and flexible charater that suits the high-riding setup.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There are occasions where you still miss the finesse of manual changes, but as long as you’re not too demanding with the throttle the auto Outback is quite a calming thing to drive. The suspension has been retuned for 2014, and while it still feels stiff enough to resist body roll when cornering, the low-speed ride has been much improved. Tackle a rutted country lane and it can surf over cracks and cambers with aloof comfort and the four-wheel drive system gives complete confidence that the Outback will grip in any conditions.

That means none of its prized off-road and towing ability (It can haul a 1,700kg trailer without breaking a sweat) has been lost, however, and as a complete package the Outback still struggles to truly convince. This facelift has added styling tweaks like titanium grey alloy wheels and an even more uncompromising new front-end, and inside there's a bright new colour trip display nestled between the redesigned analogue dials but both interior and exterior designs still feel a little old hat.

The cabin is let down by hard plastics and a dated digital clock that appears almost the same as when the car was first launched in 1996. Sadly the price difference between this and more desirable (if less rugged) competition like the Passat Alltrack and Honda CR-V is too small to warrant the steep drop in interior quality.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback

RRP £38,765Avg. savings £1,780 off RRP*Used from £16,599
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025