The Ultimate Rough-Roader? | 2021 Subaru Outback
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- Опубліковано 20 січ 2021
- Live in the country? Own a golden retriever? Are you a lumbersexual? If so, then the Subaru Outback is the wagon, er, SUV for you! Also also apparently for me! Seriously, I don't think there is another crossover on the market today that isn't more directly targeted at my theoretical demographic: middle aged, lives in the country but works in the city, likes AWD and drives on unpaved roads daily. Hmmm. Is Subaru trying to tell me something?
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You have some of the best and most comprehensive car reviews out there. Without fluff and stupid shit.
Well said
Got that 2020 turbo. It eats up the road, snow, ice, ruts, mountains, whatever is thrown at it. Such a beast.
@K H...2020 Onyx xt...35K and fine...not the info center, tho...but the way the car drives makes up for the aforementioned poor design. Have fun!
@@darrellborland119 yeah the info center is unfortunately mediocre. Also which the seat heat buttons were physical buttons in the winter. But the driving performance is great.
I recently bought a new-to-me 2019 Outback Limited. I am completely happy with it. It has the standard 2.5L engine and I find it has enough power. I have no problems merging onto LA's speedways, you just have to put your foot into the throttle and off you go. The size is right, I can haul my 2 Rotties and stuff with room to spare. I haven't taken it off road but it's nice to know I have the ability to explore dirt roads if I want. I never considered an Outback before. I was looking for a pickup but the prices for new or used trucks are insane. So while exploring other options at Carmax I found my Outback.
This is a great comment to read sir!! Congrats on the new to you Outback! I think you made a great choice for you and the fur babies and you are accurate about trucks being so crazy high! I’m in truck country in Oklahoma. Good luck with her!
I too have been shopping for a truck, but the prices in that segment are truly absurd which rules it out entirely for me. An Outback XT certainly can't do everything a truck can do, but it's still a very practical vehicle and is at least $6000 less expensive than a comparably equipped midsize truck. I wish the Forester XT was still available because I like the more compact footprint of that model, but the base 2.5 engine is not for me.
The paddle on the lest side allows you to use engine braking in slippery conditions.
Great braking assistance in snow and ice, which is most of our Minnesota winters.
Alex. You should also mention the Outback's excellent safety ratings, it should not go overlooked with the demographic buying these vehicles and transporting their kiddos around.
Which cars are not safe today?
Volvo used to be the safest.
@@normt430 Not all cars have driver assistance tech like this one does. But many new ones do have them.
@@joeferreira4992 you don't know what you are talking about. All cars are safe today as evidence by IIHS tests. The newer the vehicle the better the rating because of features that work.
The scoring is so close that they have gone to headlight ratings. What is next taillight and turn signal ratings?
@@joeferreira4992 Um Hyundai was the safest vehicle for a long time. Still are. That’s their motto because of kiddos
If people are referencing iihs ratings, keep in mind that the ratings are for that class of vehicle. A top pick of a small car is still going to be less safe in a collision than an suv with lower scores due to physics. However, I do believe Subaru is a safer brand, not just for its collision avoidance systems, but because of the way the car crumples in a wreck. The low-sitting boxer engine is designed to be shoved under the car in a wreck instead of into the firewall, giving you a greater survival space in an accident.
Hey Alex! At the beginning of January we actually bought a 2021 Subaru Outback Touring and we love it. We found the seats to be extremely comfortable and the top trim gets and extending thigh cushion for the driver. We also love the Apple CarPlay improvement which was hindering us from the 2020 model. Love your reviews man, keep up the great work!
I purchased the 2020 Outback Touring XT model early last year and the CarPlay situation was rather frustrating. Regardless, Subaru has since released a software update that provides the 2020 model with the full screen features that is shown here in this video and I agree, it is a huge improvement. I went with the Touring model specifically for the leather seats and I'm pretty impressed at the amount of luxury for the price.
@@makopolo234 good luck stewing in your own sweat because you cheated out of the ventilated seats, jk.
I’m thinking if the onyx myself,
Took delivery of my first Outback in December, and have been loving it. 2021 Onyx XT and this thorough review made me feel even better about my Outback. I’m 6’5” and not comfortable in many mid-sized vehicles, but am super comfortable in these seats with the great legroom and headroom. (I went without the moonroof for extra headroom.)
My brother and I both got matching 2020s. It is amazing car. Seriously don't regret buying it. This car is extremely comfortable on roadtrips with the safety features.
As an owner of two CVT Subaru's with paddle shifters, a 2015 and a 2017 impreza, I still use the paddles everyday, mostly to blip down a couple ratios for overtakes or acceleration. Yes I can drive stick and enjoy it, but can't beat a cvt for daily driver fuel economy. Auto reviewers do give them a lot of grief. Btw, this is my favourite review channel
Agree. I use the paddle shifters routinely primarily for engine breaking. From time to time slip into full manual shifting. But it’s a much appreciated feature for someone that spent many years in sports cars.
@@srmtn1 how'd I not mention that. You're so right. The programming was improved as well between the generations to smooth out the engine breaking as well.
I have a 2014 with the 2.5 liter (175 horsepower at the time). I never feel it's underpowered at all. Loaded up with family for roadtrips - not a problem. And I would never take it true off-roading. It's great in the snow and wet. It's great on log roads, rutted roads, muddy roads, etc. Just don't go rock climbing, it's a station wagon.
You're completely right,I really don't understand these guys who are trying to do these kind of things with an Outback........ it's not made for that,buy a jeep.
My wife is on 5th Suubie over 30 years. Snow country gravel road, they really dig in and go. I also finally got a 16 Outback new, still have it, 42,000 miles is all, higher off ground, easy out. Had to have that Eyesight after she got it. Her new Touring is finally pretty quiet inside. At last some refinement. Love the heated steering wheel. And they gave more power to the power steering, like that a lot and the gas pedal doesn’t tip in as fast, easier to smoothly drive in town. The biggest bumps still hit spine more than I like. I’m old and liked Oldsmobile smoooth ride, but not floppy bouncey like old Buicks. Her 2011 Outback 1st Gen CVT had no "virtual gears", it whined and droned endlessly and felt like a rubber band. Next generation hugely improved. We are rather stuck on Suubies now. All around everything, especially safety. Slowly they become more refined and not just excellent deep snow traction. I actually as old guy put a keen eye on new Wilderness, but I suppose the lower gearing increased fuel, I shall go Touring, possibly Touring XT in next couple of years. Everyone likes to carp on CVT, but if not trying to seriously off road, are fine enough, they did bump up mpg’s instantly 5 mpg’s better than older Subarus. That is significant savings over life of car, and less pollution. Being able to get close to 30 highway when AWD, I find important. I do love a power motor, but I suppose for myself, will be hard to justify the turbo as long as we don’t drive in a large city and need to merge quickly. Keep costs down and MPG’s as good as can. Cuss. Less fun !! I recall big block V8’s and four barrel carbs, 2nd gear rubber with automatic and a huge sled. 11 or 12 mpg’s max-best, too !! 15 was almost remarkable. 20, maybe 22 was a manual with overdrive and probably 6 cyl. And hard starting problems hot and cold before fuel injection. Very good we are beyond that !!
The automatic start/stop defeat switch being right there next to the home button might make the Outback a strong buy for me. That remedied a big problem I had with the 2020 model.
Alex's review on the Outback was very well done, as usual. AOA is probably the best channel for new car reviews. This youtube-based clear and unbiased format is making car rags like Motor Trend and Car and Driver obsolete.
Your reviews are the best out there.
Love your work! Really like the comparison segment that you do.
Dude. First time I’m watched any of your videos. All the info vs the competition is amazing. Saving me time here. Definitely a fan
Regardless of other things, a big credit to Subaru for making active safety standard on more models!
And led lighting on the cheapest model. No one seems to focus on illumination when talking snout safety,tech. Some high end cars like Mercedes and porsches are still fitting their cuv suv with halogen projectors.
13:59 "I find paddle shifters on a vehicle with a CVT about as useful as paddles on a French poodle".
They have their uses, choosing different levels of engine brake, preemptively "downshift" for passing, etc.
I use the paddles for engine braking-especially longer hills. That helps reduce the need to ride the brakes. I never use them to accelerate ‘faster’.
I also use them for "downshifting" They work well on twisty down hill roads.
@@cocoyc495 Do they work that way on a CVT? I've always used downshifting for hill driving / engine breaking, but that was mostly on a manual and more recently on a slushbox. Can CVT take that without long-term damage?
@@mountainhobo Yep. I use it when driving in the snow. The adaptive cruise control also uses downshifting to help control speed as well.
Excellent review of the Outback and its competitors! My story is: Had a relative looking to trade in his old Grand Cherokee and asked for my opinion of the Outback compared to a used Porsche Cayenne V8. I dislike CVT and talked him out of the Outback. His wife liked his Cayenne better than her Audi Q6 and adopted his Cayenne, so he traded the Q6 on another used Cayenne, a turbo V6. Only to have my wife buy an Outback CVT while I was buying a new STI. He asked why I “let” her buy an Outback. She doesn’t mind the CVT and really likes the rest of the Outback for all the reasons Alex outlined in this video. We have 4 cars...3 manual sticks (STI 6spd, Forester 5spd, Xterra 6spd) and the Outback CVT.
This guy has done his research, I really appreciate his comparisons as will. Very well done!
Easily the best color and best trim. Wish my wife would have gone with the turbo on her 2020. With all the updates to the infotainment system that make it less buggy I have zero complaints about this car.
I love this color also
Not a fan of the green, prefer abyss blue, white & silver
Listening to Men at Work Down Under in an Outback. Sneaky little reference there ;)
...ick...
Teehee
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Edmund's long term test has had their teething issues with late model Honda's including CR-V and the latest Passport.
Now I want a Vegemite sandwich.
@@BobMar1964 no you dont
This was an absolute amazing review! Thank you for taking the time
Great vehicle. Having had other SUVs over the years, the Outback XT is definately the best we have owned.
Yeah our 2014 Outback has been very sturdy. It's sort of an appliance, but it's very reliable and we enjoy it a lot. Will probably buy a 2021 or 2022 Outback in a year or so.
Can’t wait for the Wilderness Editions!
That’s what I’m waiting for!
Are they supposed to handle the Wilderness the country is headed for?
Yes the wilderness edition would be nice but what exactly would it include to make it special? A 2 inch lift would sure be nice but that's something you can already do with any outback and it's not too expensive and its rather easy to do. To me a wilderness edition should include a 2 inch lift with under body protection, tow hooks front and back and should include all terrain tires, and should be based on the Premium trim to keep the cost down with the turbo engine being optional.
My 2011 Outback purchased new 10 years ago still runs great. Alex, thanks for pointing out the benefits of a low roofline for loading cargo. Comments like these distinguish your excellent reviews from the rest.
How many head gaskets later? Engine rebuilds due to oil consumption? How many cracked windshields and is it currently cracked?
@@normt430 My 2010 Outback has a bad head gasket I need to get replaced and no engine rebuilds yet. Ugh.
@@normt430 I bought my 2011 in 2010; no head gasket issues thus far (100K Miles); oil consumption when new was noticed, but I then changed to synthetic oil and no problem since. I do have a cracked windshield, but I live in Alaska where cracked windshields are referred to as "Alaska windshields" they are so common. For me it has been a great car, drive it mostly on snow/ice covered roads; its been driven the length of the Alcan Hwy 3 times without issues. I did replace the rear stabilizer bar with a thicker one; the Outack (2011) was too floaty on curves (went from 16 mm to 19mm), it helped. The headlights though have sucked (recalled) but still an issue.
My better half has a 2012 Outback approaching 100K....only issue was a worn wheel bearing at 60K. Looking to get the wife a 2022 next year.
@@Carlos-ig6oo I just recently learned Subaru makes a heavy steel gasket, but they only put it in the turbo XT models. I read another review where someone asked Subaru how much to put the turbo model steel gasket in their car $2,000. he bought the steel gasket from Subaru and had a friend put it in for $500. I hope this helps you. The steel gasket eliminates blown head gaskets.
I bought a 2021 Outback Premium. My 1st Subaru. I love it. Can't wait to get her out on the hay for my first road trip up to Sacramento to see a friend.
Thanks for an excellent review. I really like the additional graphical information you add to the video. It adds the sort of comparative information I want to know.
This is a my kind of crossover . Not too tall but same time not ground hugging. Perfect for most situations.
First time I’ve seen the ground clearance chart in a while. Lol
Your review pretty much sums up why the Outback is so popular and if I lived in the snow belt I would have one. But I live where it rarely snows so I prefer my front wheel drive Golf wagon that holds lots of stuff, gets over 40 mpg and the last thing I need is a giant infotainment screen. 🙂
Wow. Very thorough review. You literally went through all the steps I take when researching new vehicles to buy. Thanks for posting.
Brilliant analysis, exactly what I needed to hear this evening. Thanks so much!
Backed out of a deal for a Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid XSE and purchased an Outback Limited. Very pleased with my decision! Although the difference in price between the standard engine and the turbo was not an issue with me, I opted for the regular engine as the delivery of power was smoother and more refined than the XT. Once you got going the XT had great power but it was not immediate and I didn't feel it was worth it. The auto start stop also felt more abrupt with the turbo engine than the base. No regrets. Excellent review as always!
Excellent review! Thanks for firming up my upcoming move to buy the Subaru outback onyx XT. This was very thoughtful and thorough. This is the only review that I've found that covered as much as you did! Thanks again!
This review has been very helpful to me as I am leaning toward the Outback 2.4L Turbo 260 HP version to eventually tow a teardrop camper. I love the safety features, seats and features on the dash LCD. Wondering if you can get a factory installed tow package on the Outback 2.4L Turbo 260HP? Love the comparisons to other similar SUVs too. Keep up the great job!!
Great review! Definitely looking to buy the turbo version now for my other son. We have the 2016 Outback 2.5 and it's been a great vehicle.
Your reviews are outstanding! Greetings from Cincinnati!
I have a 2012 Outback 2.5i Lited. 10 years later and 106,400 miles on it, it runs like a dream! Only oil changes so it's pretty reliable for me. Comfortable and practical too. I live in New Jersey but my parents live in Upstate NY with lots of bumpy roads and tall mountains. Where I visit my parents it also gets tons of snow up there so having an Outback takes the stress off of me when I make the drive there. It's very competent on the highway too and it's good for the two-hour drive to get up there. I think this new one would be just as capable and strong! Except for no physical HVAC controls, nothing here really bothers me
Fantastic review. Thanks for being so thorough.
I got the 2022 on Monday, premium trim. I love the touch screen. It’s pretty fast and responsive and looks great. Adaptive cruise is new to me and it’s amazing
Ive just got a 2016 Outback in the UK. Fabulous car. Hope to keep it a very long time with plenty of fun to be had.
A very valid point about the roof height when you want to load things. SUV roofs are just too high for that in comparison with vehicles like the Outback.
I appreciate the comparisons at the end. I think many more people do as well.
Just bought an Outback Limited with all available options. Love this vehicle.
We have a 2017 3.6 with the low profile roof rails. I think we'll be happy with it for many more years. No low profile roof rails in this version is a deal breaker for my wife, etc.
70K on my 2016 3.6R and going strong in all regards (and I tow my camper a lot) and 26mpg average. I've owned two chevys that kept slipping before having complete transmission failures and a jeep cherokee that shifted hard and hunted for gears. The Subaru 3.6R w/CVT is quiet and smooth. CVTs lack the bottom end gitty-up a regular transmission has, and to each their own, but most buyers will be happy with it. I'm thinking a lot of the CVT hate in the comments comes from people who have never owned one/owned a Nissan CVT.
Very comprehensive and professional review resulting in a new subscriber.
Great job Alex. Just test drove the 21 Outback with the base engine. It has the on/off when waiting at a light which is a little hybrid like. My wife liked the Outback very much.
Can you shut off the engine on/off?
14:00 Those paddle shifters are the literal difference between life and death in certain parts of the country. On icy, curvy mountain highways, they allow you to slow the wheels if your studded snow tires and brakes aren't gripping on steep, icy descents. Looking at you, Idaho side of Lolo Pass.
Exactly! I don’t know why people hate on simulated gear shift functionality on CVTs... being able to gear down for steep descents to save brakes, or for staying in the power band on steep ascents is useful no matter what kind of transmission.
My gripe isn't that you shouldn't be able to control the ratio, but why stepped gears? I would MUCH rather have paddles that commanded say a specific engine RPM and the transmission varied ratios around that. The result would be excellent and smooth engine braking downhill, sort of like variable regen braking on an EV.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide I think Nissan tried that with some of their CVTS with a L Selection on the gear lever, raised the rpms and still functioned with its Continuous Variability. Personally, I use my stepped ratios in our CVT all the time and I think it is very useful; holding in peak power and engine braking while making moves in traffic, Up & Down Grades, downshifting into corners & twisties. Very Handy
Very helpful presentation. Leaning more to outback now in our new car search
Getting my 2023 Touring XT in 2 weeks, and I can’t wait. Alex, thanks for your review!
Another excellent and highly informative video, Alex!
Just purchased the 2021 Subaru Outback touring xt. I have only 150 miles on it, but so far so good. Love the interior seats and 11.6 screen and the leg extender for the driver.I would only get the XT
I've had my Onyx XT for nearly 10K miles now and I LOVE this thing. Appreciate the video!
It’s good to hear a real world view! Thank you! I’m considering one of these
@@2004cyrus You can not go Wrong with Subaru cars..... It can Handle In All Weather Conditions with proper tires.
I own 2014 for 7 years now with little to no issue. Most Auto have 3-5 recalled on them...
But Subaru only One recalled.
@@Honestandtruth that means a lot to helping me with a decision! Thank you so much for taking the time to help me!
@@Honestandtruth Only one recall or one model per their whole lineup? There is a growing concern about the windsheilds on the Outback, Legacy and Ascent. I"m not sure about the last two but the Outback is of particular interest of mine and some are getting very fragile cracking on these. It has to do with a manufacturer they used for the glass. No recall for this issue but probably warrants one.
@@2004cyrus m/
Agree 100% - we have been swapping Toyota for Subaru over the last few years. Daughter drives a new Crosstrek, son drives a Forester and I am about to trade my Rav 4 hybrid for an XT Outback. The loss of fuel efficiency was the ONLY drawback between the two.
Ford awd systems overheat very quickly and go into 2wd to protect itself. A lot of manufacturers have a similar issues. Subaru does not have that problem so keep that in mind if your planning on doing any type of off roading.
thanks!
Looking at buying one currently. Funny you came out with this today, I'd been looking at your older scoring lol.
The base model is gold for me in Canada.
Get touring at least for thr heated steering wheel.
Subie......I love my Subaru Ascent ! The turbo is powerful and the AWD system is great in snow. Peacefrom510 .
The competitive statistics shown in the video are informative and helpful. Nice presentation and excellent descriptions provided with your narrative!
this is a great and well done review. thank you.
Just purchased a 2021 Outback Touring XT a few days ago and absolutely love it. The limited and Touring have sound insulating glass in the front and it does quiet it down inside compared to the other trims. I was shooting for a 2022 Limited XT, but when the dealer had a 2021 Touring XT on the lot, for a few bucks more a month, I took it for a spin and fell in love with it. The seats are very comfortable and I liked the ventilated seats more than I thought I would. Gobs of power to spare in the XTs. I was not impressed with the base engine; it will get the job done, but that's about it, which is why I "required" an XT model.
Now, if they'd just offer the blacked out badging and wheels as options on other XT trim levels, it would be perfection!
That's great to hear 👍🏻 Onyx is your answer 😀
Thanks for the great review. I'm getting a Premier XT next month!
Have an ‘18 Forester, my first Subaru...adore it. However, had some service done the other day, had a loaner of a ‘21 Limited Outback. Ohhhh...my. I fell in love. It may be next.
Thats why the Dealership gave you one to drive…..”He’ll be back”
Bought a STI (with those, ahem, locking differentials) in the Fall, but the Outback XT was a close second with practicality in mind. I suspect that I'll migrate into the Outback in several years. The Outback is such a great car that can readily haul four adults and chew through highway miles with ease. The cargo capacity is perfectly fine and the length is a real plus for tools.
My wife drives a Forester & loves it after driving Honda’s for years - could well spring for Outback next - really liked interior amenities of the Touring. Great review - have UA-cam on my 65” smart tv - engine revs sound great on the sound bar! 😂. Really great review, guys - you two look like stars on the big screen!! 😎
Who is you two? Alex and ?
I just bought an Onyx Edition XT and it is Subaru #4 and the best car I have ever owned. It is so good! I would love to have a hybrid or plug in electric option, but this is great for everything I need my vehicle to do.
I don’t think I can go back to the NA 2.5 after this.
MPG average on fuelly dot com is about 23 mpg for 2.4t.
Great vídeo, Alex!
I think you're probably right about the gearing. The Outback with the turbo has a low ratio in the CVT of 3.23:1 and a final drive of 4.11:1 which isn't terrible for an automatic transmission. However, from doing a little research I found that the torque converter clutch is designed to lock up at very low RPM. Good for fuel economy, but you'd normally be getting additional multiplication while the TC is doing its thing (typically ~2:1 - manufacturers haven't published TC ratios for decades, sadly).
Years ago, Jeep had an optional CVT in the Patriot that could do a 19:1 (!!!) ratio. I'm not exactly sure how that was accomplished (whether the pulleys themselves could yield that ratio or if there was a underdrive gear), but it wasn't very expensive so it couldn't have been all that complicated. I'm surprised Subaru has never done something similar.
I’ve always had a negative attitude towards the Subaru, because I hadn’t seen a good review. My Sister has an Outback, and I wanted to know if she is in good hands. After watching your review, I’m impressed with the vehicle. A lot better vehicle than I imagined. Thanks for a great review. 👍🏻
Your car reviews are the best around
Alex, I love your videos, please include closed captioning for those of us that are hearing impaired. Thank you!
Paddle shifters when offroad or snow with x-mode is useful. Keeping the car in "1st gear" is useful indeed. The turbo has a way of getting away from you. 1st and 2nd gear keep you in the sweet spot without a low range.
Thx as always for another excdllent review Alex. For those 'few' of us with Android phones... Does the infotainment system render the same large screen for Android Auto as Apple CarPlay?
FULL SIZE SPARE!
Not in every country !
Never have i once needed a full aize apare in my 30 years of driving. Ill take a donut. Especially if i have to replace all four tires anyways if one is destroyed
@@Hallowsaw then you're very lucky, even in the middle of the Sahara desert I got a flat one because of a huge nail.
You need a full size spare for the symmetrical AWD system. A wheel of different size would damage it.
I purchased a 2021 Outback Limited in early November and so far am pretty happy with my choice but wish I had gone for the XT. I think the extra 2 grand would have been well worth the upgrade. The base engine seems at times to be underpowered when merging onto a highway or going up a steep hill. I was surprised to see that a recent software update now includes an auto start/stop button on the bottom of the main screen to the right of the car icon. I wish my car had that feature.
Great review!
Awesome review. Big difference to the 2019? I'm comparing both to buy one or the other
Awesome video, Alex! Please review the 2023 Subaru Electric! You really found your niche. Thank you for a great vid.
One should also mention, that the software tweaks made to improve the infotainment are likely available if owners of the 2020 models connect to wifi, go to the settings and check for updates. Subaru seems to be putting effort into making software updates easy for owners to install, without a trip to the dealership.
what would I put my cash towards? I've got a '20 onyx and i love it. I would buy it again given the choice. It's perfect "for me". sure it isnt going to go rock crawling in the moab but it gets me to the trail head, has great pickup, is really comfortable and an infotainment system i love.
I have the 2021 outback onyx and drove it in the mountains with a bad experience. Going over rocks I cracked and broke my rear suspension. I took it to the subaru dealer and an estimate of ten thousand dollars in damages. In the repair I asked them to make my suspension stronger so they put in a 2 inch lift. I thought my car was stronger than that but I still love my outback and maybe next time I wont break anything in the suspension.
Great vehicle. After 2 years of ownership, we love the comfort, performance, reliability and surprisingly good handling of our Outback XT.
miles per gallon..?
@@johnroberthanna1623 Just over 30 on our last 2500 mile trip to California and back.
Good morning. Nice video, very informative. With respect to the info entertainment system, does the portait mode is also available to Android Car Play?
Great car for trips. Took mine thru 20 states. Great on dirt roads too but that’s it. Not that good off road. Thought the same thing when I brought my 2017. Not enough suspension articulation. Bottoms out very easily. Have a Tacoma now and am much more pleased off road. A 2” lift and bigger wheels will kill the MPG, which is about best thing about the outback. Average about 550 miles per tank at 78mph avg.
Great review as always Alex. Currently driving 2015 OB Ltd 2.5i its a great car. 2021 OB is a notch up. The only thing OBs lack is better mpg, especially in town.
Looking to replace or 2015 , our small garage is a limiting factor. Looking for a car with equal or greater utility (needs to be able to swallow my bike), comfort, reliability, and better fuel economy than current beloved 2015 Subaru Outback; but not larger outside dimensions. Definitely want a Hybrid which unfortunately Subaru doesn't make. Visually Sorento a S Fe look larger compared to Outback but dimensions are not larger.
Looking forward to you Santa Fe review, hoping it will be the Hybrid model.
Cross shopping Sorento (don't really need 3 seats, but the overall size fits), Santa Fe, and Honda CR-V. CVR looks like the least expensive cost to own, Santa Fe looks like it has the best equipped of the bunch and I am willing to pay for 360 view and blind spot cameras, 8 - 10 adjustable passenger seat... I'm waiting till the PHEV versions are out then will start test driving with my tape measure in hand. I'm hoping PHEV will have all the goodies and the $7,500 tax credit.
I live in the mountains. I bought a lightly used 2020 Onyx XT and I am absolutely delighted with it. I love changing stuff on cars, customizing, but so far I have not come up with anything I want to change. I did install the OEM receiver hitch and was very impressed with the design, integration and quality of the hitch. PITA to install it, but I know a lot more about the ass end of my car now. ;-)
I wished my Forester had a similar front face. The new gen Forester has a strange styling.
I like the looks of the Outback, but it's too long for Japanese roads and my usecase. I am rather happy with the Forester e-boxer though :)
I use the paddles for down hill engine braking. Works fine up in the mountains
I looked at all of those and bought a Forester XT. (2018)
How is the road noise with your Forester? I've heard it doesn't have the sound insulation like the outback has.
A friend of mine used to love their Subaru, and we both wish they were an option. The problem, much like Mazda (for another friend), is dealership access for the required "factory approved" maintenance in the local area during the warranty period.
No "factory approved shops" in the local area (when buying new) and no "trusted" shops that want to touch the boxer engine (for used ones), means no Subaru should be purchased in my rural area.
This is my favorite Subaru! If I could have one I would!
I had a 2016 Nissan Murano that had the 360 degree camera - it NEEDED it. Visibility was not that great. I now have a 2020 Outback Touring XT and I rarely even use the front camera - it doesn't need it. Visibility is fantastic!
I used it a lot especially in cities
Visibility in Subarus has always been one of their best features.
@@SakuraSakura8596 - I would LIKE the Outback to have a 360 camera, I just don't feel it's necessary, unlike with the Murano which would very hard to park without one.
I had a 2004 Subaru Forester XT and loved it. The Outback always calls to me. Looks like Subaru has done just about everything right for 2021. I do lament the loss of the cleanly squared off rear and the resulting crazy good visibility of the older models. Another great review, Alex! Thanks!
While I've lived and skied on the top of the Sierra Nevada, driven all over the backroads of the Eastern Sierra, and slithered through the backroads of the Santa Cruz mountains, I've never really considered the Outback. It was only recently when I started considering an adventurous AWD SUV that, initially, I was only marginally exposed to Subaru preferring offerings from other makers. But as I compared on paper and through reviews on all prospective vehicles, the Outback slowly and surely crept to the top of my list. Now only the Forester is my only other consideration.
My poodle has paddles amd i find them quite useful thank you Sir! 😂
So...is it a Standard Poodle?
I absolutely love this car! This is so practical in all the ways:) Still it has some Japanese sci-fi design in it. Perfection!!!
@Alex on Autos - interesting to watch this as I found your channel when I was shopping for my '19 Outback a few years ago. Seems like the major changes are to the infotainment system and engine choices. Frankly, hate the infotainment system. It is really a poor implementation and connection to iOS device for CarPlay is very unreliable. Not a huge fan of the CVT either until it comes to stopping for fuel. On a long haul trip (before Covid 19) I got 31 mpg average roundtrip! Battery also too small - I suspect to save weight and cost. Mine also outright failed and was replaced under warranty. I think there was a lawsuit about that specific issue. Those are the cons. Overall, far far more pros. Nothing is perfect and I very much do like the car. Battery issue aside, it has been reliable (but there was a recall for a fuel pump which was handled by the dealer). My fuel pump did not give me any trouble before it was replaced.
Subaru Outback: the SUV for people who don’t want an SUV. It strikes a nice balance between a sedan/station wagon and a crossover/SUV. My only reservation is the towing capacity, but it would handle 100% of my current needs while still being able to pull a small camper or trailer.
I love my 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx XT. However even with the latest firmware the infotainment system can be extremely buggy and annoying. Apple CarPlay sometimes won't connect and/or loses connection in the middle of driving. The system will sometimes reboot while you're driving. Overall however I would still buy this vehicle. It's just such a wonderfully practical vehicle. Handles pretty much any situation really well. Utility of an SUV without the compromise of fighting to back out of tight parking spaces in crowded supermarkets. Not to mention pretty good gas mileage.
on a cvt the manual mode can help for towing. leave it in auto mode to get to speed, then used fixed gear while driving to smooth things out. the cvts can be jerky under load.
Towing? With a CVT?? Enjoy your transmission exploding on you...
...no, wait, that’s normal CVT behavior...
CVT sucks
@@MacTechG4 cvts are fine if you take care of them
@@triarii_00 still boring as shit and destroy driving enjoyment