NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Next-gen Subaru Outback confirmed for New York debut

The all-new, fourth-generation Subaru Outback will be revealed  April 17 at the New York motor show, the car-maker has confirmed.

Teased by a single picture of a car that clearly looks like a raised Liberty wagon, the 2019 Subaru Outback features a tougher black plastic front bumper, front and rear fender guards and a more rugged side sill.

Set to share much with the seventh-generation Liberty, the all-new Subaru Outback will carry over nothing from the outgoing car and migrate to the Subaru Global Platform that was introduced by the 2018 Impreza.

Like the recently-revealed 2019 Liberty, the next Outback will be offered with two engines. It is unclear, however, just when the new high-ride wagon will make it Down Under. Almost certainly, however, it will be as a MY2021 rather than any time soon.

The flagship XT models, as they’re known in the US, will come with a 194kW turbocharged direct-injection 2.4-litre flat-four-cylinder engine, while the base cars will get a less powerful 136kW naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre.

Both engines will be combined with Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and the brand’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system that now features active torque vectoring.

Once again set to feature a raised ride height and plenty of protective plastic cladding and underbody armour, the new Outback will benefit from a substantial increase in rigidity and a lower centre of gravity compared to the last car.

Thanks to pseudo-MacPherson struts up front and double-wishbone rear suspension, the 2019 Outback could leap to the top of the class for driving dynamics.

Inside, the redesigned Outback will also reap the benefits of the Liberty’s huge leap forward in tech and materials quality.

Top of the range models will come with a large 11.6-inch infotainment system incorporating Subaru’s new operating software along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Like the Liberty, the Outback will be a far more refined and quieter place to soak up the kilometres thanks to extra acoustic insulation and even thicker glass.

Finally, new driver-assist technology will include semi-autonomous cruise control that can accelerate, brake and steer the vehicle on the highway.

It’s not yet known if the new Outback wagon will touch down in Australia late this year or in early 2020.

Check out full New York Show gallery at motoring.com.au