Best Wagon To Buy in 2020

The crossover SUV market is certainly a competitive one, whether you're looking for a compact vehicle for daily city driving or a larger one that can handle wagon tasks as well.

But in the opinion of leading auto review website The Car Connection, there's only one choice if you're buying an SUV in 2020. In their annual 'Best Car to Buy' award, the Subaru Outback was a clear winner in the 'wagon' category, which also covers larger SUVs and crossovers.

In the website's recent 2020 Subaru Outback review, the SUV scored highly across the board, with the reviewers being particularly impressed by its comfort, safety, value for money, and overall feature set. Here are the main factors lying behind the award-winning rating.

Engine and Performance

For 2020, the base Outback models feature a 2.5L flat-4 engine providing a respectable 182 horsepower. The continuously variable automatic transmission feeds permanent all-wheel drive, with advanced traction control to provide optimum torque for each wheel as driving conditions change.

This overall powertrain configuration makes for an efficient, capable, and comfortable ride, even if it's not entirely seat-of-the-pants thrilling. And with a combined fuel economy rating of 7.8L / 100km, the Outback isn't an expensive SUV to run.

However, things move up a level with the optional 2.4L turbo-4 engine pushing a meaty 280 horsepower through the same CVT and all-wheel drivetrain. This ups the performance ante considerably, making the turbo-equipped Outback more than capable of mountain driving or off-road adventuring.

However, the car manages this extra performance without being too thirsty, as a combined fuel economy figure of 9L / 100km shows.

Interior and Features

But it's not just under the hood that impressed the reviewers. The spacious cabin seats up to five adults in comfort, with The Car Connection describing the front seats as among 'the best from any automaker at any price'.

For cargo carrying, the Outback offers up to 1982L of space with the rear seats folded down, which is more than enough to pack the gear you'd need for a wilderness expedition.

The roomy interior isn't short of features either. Most models boast a large 11.6 inch touchscreen for infotainment, up to four USB ports for device connection and charging, dual-zone climate control, and a soundproof cabin for a quieter ride.

All these features combine to provide a ride that's far more luxurious than the Outback's affordable price tag suggests.

2020 Subaru Outback Pricing

Aside from the sheer quality of its features, it's the value for money of the 2020 Outback that most contributes to its award-winning status. With an entry price of $32,874 for the Convenience trim and a top-line of $45,974 for the Premier XT, it's a SUV that puts off-road capability, daily performance, and high passenger comfort firmly within affordable reach.

Whether you call the Outback a wagon, a SUV or a crossover, it's a worthy recipient of The Car Connection's award. Contact us online or by phone to arrange a test drive of the 2020 Subaru Outback in Toronto, and enjoy the prize-winning quality for yourself.