Subaru Gives 2020 Outback a Refresh with Interior Tech Upgrades

In a move to expand the appeal of its bestselling model, Subaru of America worked on a redesign of the Outback for the 2020 model year.

“We needed a more functional interior,” project general manager Yoichi Hori said during a conference in Fort Bragg, California to introduce the updated Outback.

The new features are mainly tech upgrades, such as an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, Subaru says, will be offered in all Outback units save for the base trim.

Despite the model’s consistent performance in sales, the brand thinks an interior upgrade is necessary to keep the Outback more competitive in the continuously growing segment.

“The Outback does very well, but people always want a little more space, a little more technology,” car line manager Peter Tenn shared. “Customers felt the technology was a little behind the times. That’s why we tried to leapfrog the technology. No mainstream brand has that kind of head unit, that kind of infotainment,” he told Automotive News.

The infotainment system was supplied by Denso Corp. along with the crossover’s display unit and processors. It comes in a tablet-sized vertical layout, which is a new look for Subaru. But the brand stressed that they made sure the functional physical knobs for volume, radio tuning, hazard lights, and HVAC controls were retained, especially for customers who live in snowy climates and wear gloves while driving.

The upcoming sixth-generation Outback will also include a new trim, the Onyx Edition XT. It comes with a turbocharged engine, black 18-inch wheels, a two-tone interior with water repellent seats, and a full-size spare tire. It will be positioned between the non-turbo Outback Limited and the non-turbo Outback Touring.

Subaru is set to begin production for the 2020 Outback at the company’s Indiana plant, while the first deliveries are slated in the summer.