Pricing revealed for angular new Subaru Outback

The most aggressive and controversially styled Subaru Outback to date has landed in New Zealand, with the Japanese marque confirming its specs and pricing earlier today. 

The Outback, Subaru’s most popular nameplate, is set to be offered in five different trims with two different familiar engines — the naturally aspirated 137kW/245Nm 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol boxer or the turbocharged 2.4-litre making 194kW/382Nm. 

Whilst the base 2.5-litre engine directly carries over from the outgoing Outback generation, the 2.4-litre turbo has been given a mild lift in both power and torque, with its outputs rising by 11kW and 32Nm, respectively. Both engines come paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

And, of course, all variants come with Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system. 

The Outback’s squared-off, rugged styling caught plenty of attention when it was first unveiled in North America last April. Having previously looked very station wagon–esque in its silhouette, the Outback now looks much more like a bonafide SUV. 

The local range starts with the entry-level $54,990 grade, which comes fitted with the 2.5-litre engine. Standard equipment includes Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite, a 12.1-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, synthetic leather appointments inside, and Subaru’s ‘X-Mode’ off-road calibration.

The Premium comes with the same mechanicals as the base model, but adds a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a 360-degree camera, built-in satellite navigation, power-operated front seats, and an electric sunroof. The Touring represents the top spec fitted with the 2.5-litre engine. It adds a wireless phone charger, Nappa leather interior accents, heated back seats, and more. 

New Zealand also gets two Wilderness variants. This marks the first time that the Outback Wilderness has been on sale in New Zealand. The adventurous sub-brand has previously been exclusive to North America.

The standard model, priced from $69,990 plus on-road costs, comes with the more powerful 2.4-litre turbo engine, and adds dual-mode X-Mode, electronic control dampers, a taller 240mm ground clearance, six LED front fog lights, a full-size spare wheel, and more. 

The flagship Wilderness Apex, finally, adds Harman Kardon audio, a 360-degree camera, electric sunroof, and satellite navigation.