Subaru was among the first manufacturers to place a large touchscreen that was placed vertically in the middle of the dashboards of their cars. Although Subaru Starlink made its premiere at CES in Las Vegas in 2013, the company didn’t introduce its massive 11.6-inch touchscreen in the Outback until 2020.
Subaru’s large screen was a huge thing back then, and we even gave it kudos for its elegant appearance and well-designed layout. However, in-car UI technologies have advanced so much in the last five years that Subaru’s arrangement is becoming obsolete.
Compared to the 6.5-, 7.0-, and 8.0-inch screens found elsewhere in the Subaru lineup, the 11.6-inch vertically oriented screen does provide you a ton of space to work with. When on the go, the home screen’s well-organized, vibrant visuals are easy to see. In addition, you have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which occupy 90% of the screen outside of a few fixed features (such as car diagnostics and climate control).
Thankfully, fundamental controls still have tactile buttons and knobs. A tuning knob, a rear window defroster button, and a passenger temperature control are located on the right side of the screen, while a volume knob, a front window defroster button, a danger light button, and driver temperature controls are located on the left.
Almost all of the temperature control features, with the exception of a few hard buttons, are integrated into the touchscreen’s base, which means you will have to crane your neck to the bottom of this large screen while driving. Additionally, it has a tendency to glare; even the smallest amount of sunshine can impair sight on screen.
The whole touch functionality is appalling. I repeatedly pushed and prodded the screen to access features that ought to just need a single tap. Or perhaps the screen latency was so severe that I inadvertently clicked the same choice more than once, which led me to the location I was attempting to go. It’s annoying. In some Subaru models, a button located on the steering wheel provides access to a simple voice command capability, which simplifies the process.
The general look is reminiscent of an early PlayStation 2 game, despite the large and clear visuals. The text occasionally looks compressed, as if it’s attempting to adjust for the screen’s size and orientation, and the mix of highlighted squircular boxes and a starry night background seems old. Additionally, don’t bother with the built-in navigation if you want to. With all that screen latency, it’s almost hard to utilize the comically antiquated TomTom system (remember them?).
A USB-A and a USB-C port are located up front. At least there are plenty of outlets for passengers in the second row, who also have access to their own USB-A and USB-C connectors.
The new completely digital instrument cluster is one of the few interior features of the WRX tS that stands out. Among the first Subaru models to do away with the conventional analog arrangement, this one is better off for it. The 12.3-inch screen is much more contemporary than the central touchscreen and is clean and sharp. Using the steering controls on the bottom left side of the wheel, you can instantly change some original—and really cool-looking—graphics.
The digital cluster displays a wealth of data. You can clearly see how Subaru’s EyeSight active safety features are operating in the driver-assistance view, navigate with the complete map display, and see speed and rpms on the dual-gauge display for performance driving.
However, certain added safety measures will cost more depending on the model. In addition to a few additional conveniences, Starlink Safety Plus provides roadside assistance, rear seat reminders, vehicle health reports, and automated collision notification. Subaru offers it free for the first three years, after which it charges $99.95 annually (or $9.95 each month).