Free Guide to Subaru Outback Pickup Truck Options

Understanding Subaru's Truck and Crossover Lineup

Subaru has never manufactured a traditional pickup truck with an open bed in the way that Ford, Chevrolet, or Toyota do. However, the company offers several vehicles that serve similar purposes for buyers looking for cargo capacity and rugged capability. The Subaru Outback, while technically classified as a crossover or wagon, provides significantly more hauling capacity than a standard sedan and rivals some light-duty trucks in practical functionality.

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The Outback line includes different model years and generations, each with varying cargo space and towing ratings. The current generation Outback (2020-present) offers up to 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, compared to earlier generations that provided around 75 cubic feet. This space approaches what you'd find in some compact pickup trucks, though the design differs substantially since the cargo area has a roof and sides.

Subaru's vehicle classification strategy reflects modern market trends. Many buyers who historically purchased pickup trucks now choose crossovers because they offer better fuel economy, car-like handling, and weather protection for cargo. The Outback bridges this gap by combining the raised driving position and capability of a truck with the comfort and efficiency of a passenger vehicle.

Other Subaru models worth considering alongside the Outback include the Forester (smaller cargo area but lighter weight) and the Ascent (larger cargo space but heavier). Understanding these distinctions helps you determine which Subaru vehicle best matches your hauling needs and driving habits.

Takeaway: Review Subaru's current model offerings to understand where the Outback fits within the broader lineup and whether its cargo capacity meets your specific requirements.

Cargo Capacity and Towing Specifications

The Subaru Outback's cargo capabilities represent one of its primary selling points for buyers seeking truck-like functionality. Current-generation Outbacks provide 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. This compares favorably to compact pickup trucks like the Ford Maverick (52.8 cubic feet with tailgate down) and the Hyundai Santa Cruz (47.2 cubic feet).

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Where the Outback differs from traditional pickups is in cargo accessibility. The rear hatch design requires items to be lifted over the bumper rather than loaded from the side or rear like a truck bed. This can affect how easily you load heavy or bulky items. However, the covered cargo area protects contents from weather, which is an advantage over open truck beds.

Towing capacity varies by model year and engine type. Recent Outback models with the 2.5-liter engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the appropriate hitch and brake controller installed. Some previous generations offered higher towing capacities of 2,700 to 3,500 pounds depending on specifications. This towing range suits small trailers, jet skis, motorcycles, and utility trailers but falls short of what three-quarter-ton or one-ton pickup trucks provide.

Payload capacity—the weight you can carry in the cargo area—differs from towing capacity. The Outback's design distributes weight across the entire vehicle rather than concentrating it on the rear axle. Consult your vehicle's owner manual or Subaru's specifications for exact payload limits, as exceeding these can affect handling and safety.

Takeaway: Calculate the actual weight and dimensions of what you plan to transport regularly, then compare these against the Outback's specifications to ensure compatibility with your needs.

Engine Options and Fuel Efficiency Considerations

The Subaru Outback has historically offered limited engine choices compared to some competitors. The standard engine in current models is a 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder that produces approximately 180 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine delivers moderate power suitable for daily driving, highway merging, and light towing.

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Fuel economy for the standard 2.5-liter engine ranges from approximately 21 miles per gallon in the city to 28 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on driving conditions and transmission type. These figures make the Outback more efficient than most full-size pickup trucks but less efficient than sedan-based vehicles. The use of Subaru's standard all-wheel drive on most models adds slight weight and reduces fuel economy compared to front-wheel-drive alternatives.

Some model years offered turbocharged engine variants with increased power output. A turbocharged 2.4-liter option on certain generations produces around 260 horsepower but returns lower fuel economy, typically in the 19-25 mpg range depending on driving patterns. The choice between naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines involves balancing performance needs against fuel costs over the vehicle's ownership period.

Transmission options have evolved across generations. Older Outbacks used five-speed automatic transmissions, while current models feature continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). CVTs provide smoother acceleration and better fuel economy than traditional automatics but require different maintenance schedules and fluid specifications. Understanding your model year's transmission type matters for long-term maintenance planning and repair costs.

Takeaway: Calculate estimated annual fuel costs based on your driving patterns and current fuel prices, accounting for the Outback's actual fuel economy rather than EPA estimates, to understand the true cost of operation.

All-Wheel Drive Systems and Off-Road Capability

Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system comes standard on nearly all Outback models and represents a significant feature for buyers considering rugged capability. Unlike many competitors' part-time four-wheel drive systems that require manual engagement, Subaru's AWD continuously distributes power between front and rear wheels based on traction conditions. This provides improved handling in snow, rain, and light off-road situations without requiring driver input.

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The Outback's AWD system uses a center differential that allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at different speeds during normal cornering. This improves comfort and handling on paved roads compared to more aggressive full-time four-wheel drive systems. However, this design also means the Outback is not engineered for serious rock crawling or extreme off-road pursuits where locking differentials and increased ground clearance matter.

Ground clearance on the Outback ranges from 8.6 inches on current models, which is higher than sedan-based vehicles but lower than traditional pickup trucks and SUVs. This affects your ability to traverse rough terrain, ford shallow streams, or navigate severely rutted roads. For comparison, the Ford Maverick pickup truck offers 8.6 inches of clearance, while full-size trucks typically provide 9-10 inches or more.

Approach and departure angles—measurements of how steeply the vehicle can climb or descend without hitting bumpers—are another consideration for off-road capability. The Outback's car-based design results in more moderate angles than truck-based vehicles. If your plans involve serious trail driving, rock gardens, or extreme weather conditions requiring four-wheel drive engagement, a traditional pickup truck or body-on-frame SUV may prove more suitable.

Takeaway: Assess your actual driving conditions honestly. If you primarily navigate snowy roads and unpaved driveways, the standard AWD suffices. If you plan remote trail driving, research whether the Outback's capabilities match those requirements.

Interior Comfort, Technology, and Safety Features

The Subaru Outback's interior design prioritizes passenger and cargo comfort differently than traditional pickup trucks. The enclosed cabin protects occupants from weather, wind noise, and road debris. Recent models feature upgraded interiors with higher-quality materials, intuitive infotainment systems, and ergonomic seating compared to older Outback generations.

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Technology features on current Outbacks include standard touchscreen infotainment systems ranging from 6.5 to 11.6 inches depending on trim level. These systems typically support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing smartphone connectivity for navigation, music, and hands-free calling. Some models offer built-in navigation with voice recognition, though smartphone integration may prove more useful since mapping applications receive frequent updates.

Safety systems represent an area where modern Outbacks excel compared to pickup trucks. Standard features on current models include adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system