Proof that Subaru listens to their customers. High safety ratings across all models, miles per gallon, off road capability and versatility. The one area that "needs improvement across all the critics is the interior quality. With soft touch materials everywhere and an upgraded center stack, it'll be hard for the critics to find anything to not like about the new Outback's.
Aerial view of the interiors. The 2015 Subaru Outback is on the left. The 2014 Subaru Outback is on the right.
The center stack is the biggest improvement for the new Outback's. On the right you will see what we'll call a "safe" design/layout. Things are easy to find, but it's nothing to write home about. On the left you'll see a new touch screen across all models with easy to read buttons and a great new UI. Even the climate control buttons are up in quality giving the Outback a real premium feel.
The layout if the steering wheel hasn't changed much. The 2015 steering wheel feels softer in the hands but the major improvement is on the buttons. They're more responsive and rounded for a better feel and better feedback.
The gauges of the 2015 are now contained in a cylindrical format that reduces glare on the displays during the day, but give them a nice glow at night time.
Wood paneling, probably the most subtle change but the most necessary improvement. You don't realize it until you've sat in a 2014 Outback and then the 2015. The paneling in the 2014 is brighter and may not appear as real wood to some people. The dark wood on the 2015 looks elegant and doesn't stand out and grab attention away from the rest of the interior while you're looking at it.
Not much has changed in terms of the rear hatch. Now available with a power liftgate on the 2015's but the actual opening will feel very familiar with it's low load height and roomy cargo space. If it's not broke, don't fix it.