The Subaru Outback is one of the most successful models from the Japanese brand, with over 30 years of history and nearly 8 million sales worldwide since its introduction in 1994. It has now entered the era of electrification and is presented as 100% electric, with the addition of an “e” to its name. The goal is to remain a pillar of the company’s range while maintaining its characteristics as a vehicle suitable for both daily use and off-road driving.

The new Subaru e-Outback is built on the e-TNGA platform, developed in partnership with Toyota, and is produced at Subaru’s Yajima plant near Tokyo. It features a dual electric motor with a total power output of 381 horsepower and has recently arrived on the Italian market with a starting price of €53,900.

Design and Space

The e-Outback inherits the legacy of over 30 years of the Outback crossover, arriving at its seventh generation while maintaining its decided character and outdoor spirit. It features a front end with the illuminated Subaru logo and a horizontal light signature, as well as plastic protections to evoke its off-road soul. The silhouette is robust, with 18- to 20-inch wheels, depending on the trim, and standard roof bars.

The vehicle’s dimensions are notable, measuring 4.85 meters in length, 1.86 meters in width, and 1.68 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.85 meters. This allows for ample rear passenger space, with adequate knee and headroom for all three passengers, including the central one. The trunk also offers significant space, with a capacity ranging from 633 to 1,718 liters.

Inside, the environment is adventurous, with a mix of soft surfaces and harder plastics, as per the Japanese brand’s tradition. There is ample space and comfortable storage compartments, although some may find the lack of physical controls, except for the mini circular selectors for the climate control, somewhat limiting. The steering wheel features a distinctive squared shape and numerous buttons, while the central tunnel houses two wireless charging pads, the gear selector, and the X-Mode button for off-road driving.

Technology and Performance

The e-Outback features a dual digital screen on the dashboard, including a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch central touchscreen with compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, even in wireless mode. The graphics are modern, and the system is intuitive to use, although the integrated navigator’s indications could be clearer at times.

Read Also: Lancia enters four cars in Sardinia rally

When it comes to driving, the e-Outback is equipped with a dual electric motor, delivering 381 horsepower and 536 Nm of maximum torque. Combined with a 74.7 kWh battery, it offers a declared autonomy of up to 523 kilometers. The vehicle provides immediate and lightning-fast acceleration, which can be somewhat excessive for this type of car but makes it surprisingly agile, especially considering its weight of over 2,000 kg.

The e-Outback features three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. When it comes to off-road driving, the vehicle proposes an X-Mode with two settings: Snow/Dirt for uneven but dry terrain and Deep Snow/Mud for more challenging and slippery surfaces.

During the test drive, the e-Outback demonstrated stability and safety on the rocky terrain found in the Treviso pre-Alps, living up to the tradition of Subaru vehicles. After a 55 km drive, the battery level dropped from 84% to 68%, with a consumption of 17.5 kWh/100 km as reported by the on-board computer.

The battery can be recharged in alternating current up to 22 kW and in direct current up to 150 kW. The Subaru e-Outback is available in two trim levels, 4E-xperience and 4E-xperience+, with a starting price of €53,900 and €56,900, respectively.

Technical Specifications

The Subaru e-Outback has a length of 485 cm, a width of 186 cm, and a height of 166 cm, with a wheelbase of 285 cm. The vehicle is powered by an electric motor with 381 CV and 536 Nm of torque.

The Subaru e-Outback has a declared electric autonomy of up to 523 km. The vehicle’s battery is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 74.7 kWh.