After 10 long years, the 2020 Subaru Outbackfinally gets an XT trim with a turbo engine again. The issue is there’s still one very crucial element missing.
Take a quick look at this 2006 Subaru Outback XT,the third generationof the model and the last time the Outback model had a turbo until today:
Now take a look at the 2020 Subaru Outback XT:
Spot the difference, kids. The 2020 is missing a damn hood scoop.
The only modern Subaru with a turbo and and a hood scoop in the U.S. is the WRX, and it’s badass and a massive aspect of the visual appeal of that car. It tells the world, “Yeah I suck, but my car sucks harder…. for more power!”
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But here’s what’s really upsetting about the new Outback:
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Look at all that ducting! It’s basically an inverted hood scoop to feed flow into that massive intercooler. How is this messy maze of plastic tunneling wedged under the hood any better than a functional hood scoop that also happens to look cool as fuck?
I mean, of course I’m happy that the Outback has a turbo again. But when Car And Driver reviewed the 2005 Outback XT, it opened with the line: “Turbocharging and elegant new styling put the Outback back out front.” You know what else should be back out front? A hood scoop.
The hole in the hood means something, Subaru.
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