Subaru Outback Combines Spacious Comfort with Off-Road Capability at Premium Price
The Subaru Outback, priced at 280,000 shekels in Israel, remains a unique offering in the crowded crossover market by blending traditional station wagon DNA with modern SUV traits. Despite its heritage as a rugged family wagon popular in Australia and the US, the Outback struggles locally, with only 39 units sold in 2025 amid fierce competition from seven-seater crossovers like the KGM Rexton and Mazda CX-90. Subaru has responded by elevating the seventh-generation Outback’s design with a boxier, more aggressive look and increased height, while maintaining its length at 4.88 meters, making it the longest Subaru model in Israel.
Inside, the Outback offers exceptional interior space for five passengers, with a roomy second row and a large cargo area ranging from 980 to 2,280 liters. The cabin features high-quality materials, intuitive ergonomics, and a 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen paired with physical controls for ease of use. Comfort is enhanced by heated and ventilated leather seats and excellent visibility. However, the Outback lacks a third row, which may limit its appeal in Israel where seven seats are often preferred.
Under the hood, the Outback is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine producing 180 horsepower and paired with an 8-speed continuously variable transmission. This setup delivers modest acceleration (0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds) and a narrow power band, resulting in noticeable engine noise during acceleration and a fuel consumption average of 9.5 km/l in mixed driving. Unlike in the US, the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged variant is not available in Israel.
The Outback excels in ride comfort and off-road capability, featuring independent suspension, a 2.745-meter wheelbase, 22 cm ground clearance, and Subaru’s AWD system with X-mode for enhanced traction. Its off-road angles are limited by a low front bumper, restricting extreme terrain use but allowing confident travel on dirt roads and light trails. A forthcoming Wilderness version with improved off-road features and higher ground clearance is under consideration for import.
Overall, the Subaru Outback offers a spacious, comfortable, and reliable family vehicle with genuine off-road ability, though its outdated engine and lack of hybrid options may deter some buyers. It remains a niche choice for those valuing traditional mechanics and rugged versatility over cutting-edge technology or seven-seat capacity. The Outback carries a three-year or 100,000 km warranty and has passed top US safety ratings, though European crash test results are pending.
