AWD SUV under $50,000

Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium Wagon 

Australians love small-to-medium size AWD SUV wagons priced under $50,000. This is one of the largest and most competitive categories on the Australian market.

Any number of vehicles could justifiably be the winner, depending on individual needs and personal taste. To come out top of the class in Australia’s Best Cars is a tough job, but to do it multiple times, as the Subaru Outback has done, is certainly an outstanding achievement.

Key to the Outback’s success is its great all-round ability and general versatility. It can cover a wide range of roles and master each better than most, making it an extremely appealing package. The 2.5i Premium model is competitively priced, generously equipped, and a standout in design and function.

It puts a slightly different meaning on the term ‘crossover vehicle’. The Outback cleverly blends the space and practicality of a conventional station wagon with the appeal and functionality of a higher-riding SUV. The premium grade cabin has an upmarket feel and the build quality is excellent.

Seat comfort is among the best in class and a spacious luggage compartment puts most SUVs to shame, while the simple folding action of the rear seats creates a flat floor and further extends the load capacity. A mild update at the end of 2017, with more equipment, better infotainment technology and upgraded safety features, as well as refinements to the 2.5i engine, transmission and suspension, make a good vehicle even better and help keep the Outback ahead of the pack.

Subaru’s focus on safety continues to shine as the Outback comes with an excellent five-star ANCAP safety rating, supported by a highly desirable suite of advanced safety technology in the latest generation ‘EyeSight’ package.

In the 2018 model update, the mechanical changes focused mainly on a smoother, more refined engine. The 2.5-litre Outback is still not the fastest or most powerful in its class, but has good performance where it is needed for responsive driving around town and relaxed cruising on the open road.

Some credit must also go to Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT-style automatic, which helps deliver respectable fuel economy, and its operation is far less intrusive than most other similar transmissions. The Outback also has class-leading ride comfort and surefooted handling.

Subaru’s constant AWD system has proven to be one of the best in the business when the bitumen gets wet and slippery or the road surface turns to gravel. While serious rock crawling adventures are beyond practically every vehicle in this class, including the Outback, its off-road ability on rutted tracks, steep inclines, or loose or muddy surfaces, is better than most people would expect or even consider attempting in this class of vehicle.

One area Subaru where does fall behind is in scheduled servicing which, at six months or 12,500km intervals, is a little more frequent than that of most other manufacturers, while the standard three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty is relatively short by current expectations.

Subaru, however, occasionally runs promotional deals with up to five years cover, which is worth looking out for.