2021 Subaru Outback Review: AWD Sport Shot

In the middle of the 2021 Subaru Outback lineup, but standing out on its own, is the mid-range Outback AWD Sport.

The Outback AWD Sport variant has a list price of $44,490 (MSRP excluding travel expenses), which puts it on par with higher-performance midsize SUVs and also directly pits against the Forester Sport from its own stable and the Toyota RAV4 Edge, which is the brand's more sporty petrol all-wheel drive SUV.

The AWD Sport trim has a number of visual differences from the base car: dark 18-inch wheels, black exterior trim, fixed roof rails, power tailgate, water-repellent interior trim with green stitching, heated front and outboard rear seats. , sports pedals, photosensitive headlights (automatic on/off) and built-in satellite navigation, as well as forward and side view monitor for parking/driving at low speed.

This is in addition to the standard equipment found on entry-level models, including LED headlights, an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, four USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, and DAB+ Digital Radio. . There are power front seats and dual-zone climate control.

And there's a plethora of safety tech in the form of the fourth generation Subaru EyeSight version with a camera-based safety system working for the front AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as lane keeping assist, speed sign recognition and more. The Outback range also comes with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as AEB reverse as standard.

As with previous models, the Outback AWD Sport is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 138kW and 245Nm of torque. It is mated to an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and has all-wheel drive as standard. Claimed fuel consumption for the Outback AWD (and all models) is 7.3 l/100 km. Load capacity 750 kg without brakes / 2000 kg with brakes.