With the acronym GOAT trending recently, Subaru New Zealand decided to use the phrase for icons in its marketing campaign for the latest version of the Outback.

First launched in 1996, the Outback has been a huge success for the company, with New Zealand the highest performing country in the world for this model. 

Subaru has 100 pre-orders of the Outback with 500 people registering interest in the vehicle. A third of all Subaru NZ’s sales in 2020 were Outback though in the past it used to be half, and the brand expects it to be like that again in 2021 if they can supply from the factory.

So, what makes the 2021 Subaru Outback so special, and what does GOAT have to do with it?

GOAT stands for ‘Greatest Of All Time’, so Subaru added an extra ‘O’ to create the phrase, Greatest Outback Af All Time.

Subaru NZ is launching three versions of the vehicle, beginning with the self-titled Outback, priced at $49,990. This entry-level wagon features the stylish and durable cladding that was previously exclusive to the upper range variants, together with an11.6in tablet-like touch screen, power driver and passenger seats, Driver Monitoring System (DMS), 18in grey alloy wheels, smart entry and push-button ignition.

The mid-range Outback X adds water-resistant seat upholstery with green accents both inside and out, 18” dark grey alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats, hands-free power rear tailgate, and sat-nav for $54,990.

Topping the range is the Outback Touring, ($57,490) that has Nappa leather seat upholstery, a heated steering wheel, an electric sunroof and Harman Kardon audio a standard.

Subaru New Zealand’s Managing Director, Wallis Dumper, said the all-new Outback is a culmination of 25 years of technology, safety and build-quality advancements.

“Ever since the initial Outback was launched in 1996, this Subaru SUV has consistently been a game changer and sales catalyst for Subaru in New Zealand. It’s been six years since the last generation update but it will certainly have been worth the wait, as we eagerly look forward to launching this hugely-improved version of our already-popular Outback.”

“Subaru’s engineering prowess All-Wheel Drive is coupled with a more powerful new Direct Injection 2.5 litre Boxer engine. A whole suite of off-road, technology, infotainment, safety enhancements and luxury features have also been added.

“The New Zealand public are equally enthusiastic, and our 16 nationwide Subaru Authorised Centres have already received strong forward orders since the 2021 Outback was revealed in early January,” said Dumper.

The Outback sits on the new Subaru Global Platform that is used for the Impreza, XV and Levorg models. 

The 2.5-litre petrol engine is largely new with power up 7 per cent to 138kW) and torque up 4.2 percent to 245Nm compared with the previous engine.

The Outback is also 50mm  longer and 35mm wider than the previous model and to make it stand out on the road from the previous generation, it now gets the C-shaped Daytime Running Light (DRL) design. These add a real futuristic look to the Outback and added to those are the C-shaped rear combination light cluster, with a black tone surround and sharp three-dimensional look.

The integrated aerodynamic door mirror design flows from the door frame and aids noise reduction.

The rear cargo door opening is approximately 20 mm wider than the superseded model and achieves a widebody feel and silhouette. And while we’re at the rear, the X and Touring get hands free rear tailgate, though with other brands you had to ‘wave’ your foot at the rear of the car, for the Outback you place your elbow by the Subaru badge, sort of the like the Covid ‘elbow shake’.

The interior of the Outback has had an overhaul, with a more premium appeal and an update in techie stuff, like the fourth generation EyeSight. The updated version includes lane centring, autonomous emergency steering, lane keep assist, a first for Subaru with speed sign recognition, lane departure warning and prevention and pre-collision braking.

To help the driver, it has a monitoring system that via a camera notes if you take your eyes off the road too long, or if the Outback thinks you need a break.

The fitout of the interior is also top notch. I liked the new 11.6-inch head unit Centre Information Display that is in portrait layout on the dash, like an iPad, and has simple access to such functions as X-Mode that adds to the four-wheel-drive system the option of mud, sand or snow.

The system controls the engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive torque split and braking system when road conditions are challenging and there is a need to capitalize on the grip. It uses the CVT transmission to better direct power to the wheels that need the most traction. This is useful in every day driving where there is snow, ice, mud, or wet conditions on the road.

Another improvement in the cabin are the new seats that are super comfortable and easily adjustable.  There’s plenty of room for four adults in the Outback for long road trips, or five people for quick journeys.

The second-row seats fold snappily via a switch next to the headrest and open up a luggage space that goes from 522L to 1782L when the seats are folded down.

To help with road trips, there is an increase in sound proofing with the Outback, making it quieter on bitumen. 

But for the majority of the New Zealand launch, we were off-road, at the famous Nevis Valley summer road that spans from Cromwell (northern end) to Garston (southern end).

Known as Lord of the Rings country due to a lot of filming in this area for the trilogy, the track takes at least two hours one way and includes fords and provides access to the North Hector Mountains.

For the Outback the majority of the trip was effortless, and it was fine in four-wheel-drive mode, but then came some gnarly parts where we had a transverse fords via rocky tracks around blind corners. 

But nothing was too much for the Outback, including being ‘banked’ when we encountered a patch that had three route options: over the dirt bank (nope), via very rutted tracks (no) or via a ford (kinda okay). Following instructions I motored through the ford and unfortunately gave the engine a swimming lesson. Nothing that a tow rope rescue of the water by another Outback and a draining of the air filter to get it back on the track. To be honest, the closest an Outback owner would get to deep water would be driving to the beach!

Out of the Nevis, we headed down the switchback gravel road to Garston where the Outback effortlessly handled the terrain, while our main patch of bitumen was driving to Arrowtown. 

Here was time to monitor the CVT transmission system that appeared smoother than the previous model. That’s a thumbs up.

The Outback has 2000kg towing capability, an increase of 200kg over the outgoing model, and this will appeal to customers who have purchased a new toy due to staying in New Zealand during covid. So if you’ve bought a new boat or caravan, you may now be adding Outback to your potential new vehicle.

We have the Outback soon to review.