I don’t know many car companies that stand behind their vehicles with high mileage. Subaru N. America exceeded my expectations and agreed to replace engine at 140k miles due to issues. Customer for life.
I'm not really the target consumer for Subaru, but I appreciate how they stick to what makes their cars unique and well suited for their target customers.
@@petergozinya6122also rocky mountain dwelling Patagonia/Arc'Teryx-clad accountants who make their own granola and espresso, who go hiking and car camping.
22 Outback owner here…..thank you for mentioning the driver monitoring system, I can’t even scratch the back of my head without being told to keep my eyes on the road. 😃 And yes physical buttons for the HVAC would be better.
2018 outback owner here, driving monitor system not as intrusive, still has buttons for hvac, port injection 2.5 which yeilds me 30mpg. great car in all weather conditions.
@@chompybigblock I just don't understand why people get so upset at something that you can turn off if you don't like. Personally I don't find it that intrusive.
I thought the digital rear view mirror was weird and unnecessary. Until we had a fully loaded car with people and gear, so you can’t see out the back. Boom, camera view to the rescue! Now you have a perfect view with no blind spots. Amazing! 🙌
Since I only need reading glasses, when I do flip the mirror up to use the digital display, it gives me a slight dizzy feeling over just using the mirror.
It works until you have a bike rack or a trailer lol but yes i love it for the most part specially where i live having to back into the road from my driveway this camera is a lifesaver
@@jensha8898 it's all about. It is standard on the Subaru Outback touring XT which is a top-level trim. I don't think people want to pay all that extra money for something they may never have to need for.
@@m3rdpwrit would save lifes….i often see it on our highways in Germany …People often load their car to the top and cant see trough the rear mirror….when they change lanes and dont have a proper look back they often crash when a faster car comes on that lane
I've had a 2024 Outback Wilderness for 8 months and 16k miles. It's a good car but not great. I've owned a lot of different makes and models of cars over the past 15+ years, and this one is well above average overall. I'd say it's a good value for what you get, and I understand why so many folks are Subaru loyalists, but I don't see myself falling into that category. Quick side note on the diver monitor system: I believe the Wilderness trim is about the highest trim you can get the Outback in without getting that driver monitoring spy-cam included. This was one of the reasons I went with the Wilderness trim, plus I wanted the extra ground clearance as I will be using this for light trail use for scenic drives. The good: -It's a comfortable and quiet ride over most surfaces (even with the all-terrain tires). It does occasionally get rough on some surfaces, but for most roads, especially potholes and corrugations, it handles it as well or better than many luxury cars. -Interior room is good for its exterior size. This is a mid-size vehicle, but I'm 6'2" tall and have plenty of legroom and headroom without needing to push the seat back all the way in its track. -Features are actually fairly good for the price. You get a lot of car for the money, especially considering this costs less than the average new car purchase price in the US. -Capability in snow/ice/wet is top notch. It has 3-mode Xmode which is purely how the software handles the traction/stability control systems. Base mode is what you get when you first start the car. Snow/Dirt is for most snow conditions and is very aggressive at limiting wheel slip and lateral sliding. Deep Snow/Mud is very close to no traction control at all, allowing greater amounts of wheel spin to permit clearing of the mud/snow from the tire treads. The biggest problem with the AWD capability, if there is one, is that it gives people too much confidence. I've seen many Subaru drivers get in trouble, especially in deep snow, because they got high centered on mounds of snow along the side of the road when turning into/out of side roads or parking lots where plows have plowed. It can make people not drive sensibly in bad weather because they feel invincible in their Subaru. Yet as you mentioned, most Subaru drivers are sensible and careful. The bad: - Slow infotainment screen. It's highly variable and unpredictable, but there are times when you get in the car and it will take over a minute for it to let you change radio stations or volume or switch from the Apple Car Play screen to the radio screen. Other times it's almost instantaneously responsive. Even on its best day, fully booted up/warmed up after driving for an hour, the screen switching is often slow to respond and clunky. - CVT/Turbo lag is horrendous. I've had a few turbocharged cars in the past 10 years, but this one is by far the laggiest one I've ever driven. The combination of turbo lag and CVT fake downshifts/shifts means I can frequently count to 3 or 4 between mashing the gas pedal and actually getting acceleration to pull out from a stop sign or parking lot into traffic. It's actually dangerous and impossible to predict how the system will respond. It also makes it difficult to drive smoothly, since in traffic at part throttle you have to press the gas pedal much further than you think you should just to "wake up" the turbo/CVT and then the power surges far more than you want and you have to hit the brakes. It's difficult to maintain a steady gap between your front and the rear of the car in front of you. Similarly, the fake downshifts mean it is often impossible to come to a smooth and easy stop at a stop light/sign as the whole car surges and decelerates, back and forth, as it fake downshifts about half the time (the other times it behaves normally). It feels similar to having warped brake rotors, but has been present since day one of ownership. - Gas mileage is not great for this small of a car/engine. EPA estimates 22 city, 26 highway, 24 combined for the Outback Wilderness. I wish. I average 19-20 in mostly highway driving/commuting, and the trip computer is optimistic by about 1.5-2mpg vs. hand calculations. Best highway I've seen is 26 on long trips, but I typically get only 22-23mpg at best, often only 20mpg. This is in a stock, no roof rack, empty car other than driver and a small suitcase. - Subaru is very quirky in its design. Best I can compare it to is sort of the Japanese version of Saab. They do things weird just because they want to be different. That means the cupholders are the worst in any modern car I've been in. The auto high beams cannot be turned off without turning off automatic on/off headlights as well. The whole interior is not a cohesive unit but feels more like the designers checked off feature check boxes without bothering to integrate them in a stylish or user-friendly design. - Styling leaves much to be desired. It wouldn't take much for them to make it at least decent looking from the outside. They did so with the BRZ. Yet they seem addicted to odd angles, sharp edges, and slopes rather than making it more stylish. I wish they had the visual appeal of the Volvo wagons but the mechanicals of Subaru. This is certainly not a bad car, but it's not the best, either. No company is perfect, and this is better than most. Toyota has their own quirks, as does Honda, but this is a sort of sensible option. I don't think you'll find a better AWD system in this price range, though Honda has a decent system on their latest Pilot and Passport. To match it, you'd have to step up to a Land Rover or a Land Cruiser/GX.
I also have a '24 OBW and while the subjective complaints are personal and valid, I do feel that some of your issues may be software related and could be updated. My infotainment hasn't bothered me once. I use CarPlay almost exclusively and have had no issues. It automatically picks up my phone and starts up the music where I left off within 5 seconds of the car turning on. Your issues with this could be software that can be delivered OTA or at the dealer and I would highly recommend getting it looked at. CVT performance has been pretty good for me overall. I can feel it learning my driving habits and it has settled into a nice character that serves well for around town driving. The choppy downshift has happened to me once and as another mentioned its the CVT dealing with the torque converter disconnect. It takes place around 15mph and it seems the transmission software has figured it out for my driving habits. There are procedures for retraining the CVT that you can do at home or you can have the dealer do it. Gas mileage around town is pretty disappointing but its also a 4 thousand pound wagon on AT tires with 9.5 inches of clearance in full time AWD. Buying this car expecting good gas mileage isn't realistic. On highway I have definitely gotten over the rated 26mpg by just using cruise control at 65-70mph.
I'm really glad you've had a more positive experience with your OBW than I have so far. I'll try and answer your questions/points one by one. 1. If you look at almost any review of any Subaru running this infotainment system, the sluggish performance is perhaps the single most common complaint about these vehicles. I'm running the most current software version for the infotainment system according to Subaru. It has done two OTA updates since I purchased the vehicle in late 2023, and neither offered any performance benefit. I run into this problem daily, usually multiple times a day, mostly at startup. It's not an unusual issue with modern infotainment systems, but Subaru's is by far the worst I've ever encountered. The perplexing part is that sometimes, perhaps half the time, it starts up and becomes responsive within a few seconds, much like you describe. Other times it can take over a minute to become responsive (that's the extreme and most rare case). My feeling is that it's either a software issue with poorly optimized software or a hardware issue with a grossly underpowered CPU. My bet is the former, and Subaru hasn't bothered to make this a priority. 2. That's a good tip on the CVT-torque converter issue. I'll bring it up to my dealership the next time I go in for a service and maybe they can reset it. I can't honestly say that I have noticed the CVT learning my driving style at all. I'm accustomed to more traditional automatic transmissions doing so, so I know what you're talking about, but this one seems brain dead. I'm hoping your suggestion pays off. 3. Gas mileage is significantly overestimated by my Outback's computer. If it reads 22mpg, it's typically 19-20mpg when hand calculated. The best the computer has ever read for me over a long highway distance at interstate speeds was 28, but when I calculated it by hand (which I always do), it was 26mpg. I typically average 22mpg (hand calculated) at best on highway and 18-20 in city. This is substantially below the EPA estimated mileage. Subarus were never known for good gas mileage anyway, but this is rather poor even when considering its weight and size. There are many SUVs and trucks with more powerful engines, heavier weights, and less aerodynamic shapes that get considerably better mpg (e.g., Honda Passport, to name just one that is roughly in the same competitive category). It's not unrealistic to expect this vehicle to get at least close to its EPA estimate, but even when I drive it under ideal conditions (flat terrain, 55mph, highways) it struggles to get 26mpg. Had I been getting this primarily for gas mileage rather than its AWD capability and reliability, I would be much more upset. My point is that no one should believe the EPA estimates on this particular Subaru.
The CD player is a must. Here in Alaska, you don’t always have cell service or radio, and definitely no Sirius satellite service. We use our CD player a bunch. Since Subaru goes outback, away from technology, they live up the name, Outback.
Review from long term owner. 3rd Subaru first 2 over 200k no issues normal maintenance. Current 2021 Outback Touring 2.5 90k normal maintenance oil change etc. no issues. The screen was very buggy at the beginning but once a software update came out it has been flawless also the temp controls are completely fine I don’t fidget or touch buttons all the time so this is why people complain. Average always over 33mpg almost 600 miles to a take and awesome safe reliable road trip vehicle. 💯 percent recommend.
Just purchased an Outback Touring XT in the exact color combo on this video, green exterior with brown seats. Absolutely love this vehicle. Are there quirks? Absolutely, it’s Subaru. Subaru has always made decisions that made me think ‘why did they do that’ or ‘why didn’t they do this’. I traded my 2018 Forester for this Outback and boy oh boy what a difference. The seats, while not perfect, are much more comfortable and I do love the extra thigh support. The driver mitigation system seems ok, not as sensitive as some say but I can always turn it off if it gets too annoying. The infotainment screen, I love the size but I agree it could be quicker to boot up, I’m usually 1/2 way down my street before everything is completely booted. On the plus, it’s quality is top notch, it’s quiet and sophisticated for being a mild off roader. Very happy with my purchase.
Your videos are excellent and credible. Your review here is spot on. I own an OB wilderness. 2022 model. Having owned many other car brands in past the only reason I have an OB is because at the time no other car dealers had cars in stock due to supply chain issues at the time. I knew Subaru was good. In New England/Vermont you see them everywhere. I knew there was a reason why. Having owned my OB wilderness now I can say impressed is an understatement. I actually am questioning whether I’d ever buy anything other than a Subaru. It’s incredible in snow. It’s reliable. It’s comfortable. The maintanence on it is not break the bank. I had an X5 years before and loved it until it fell apart quick bleeding oil amongst other things. I’ve got close to 50k on my wilderness and about to buy new tires for winter is about it. Subaru does it right. The info screen agree here. It needs upgrading. However, here’s the big one, Subaru is coming out w a re designed outback in 2025. They actually delayed the release. Wa supposed to be this fall but they want to get it right. It’s their #1 seller. Kudos to them. Makes me appreciate even more and with that being said I gotta believe they’ll knock it outta ballpark.
Rumor has it as well the Outback redesign (2026 model release) will also be getting a revised infotainment and physical climate controls. And a hybrid in 2027. Those things will basically fix my last gripes about the car, so I plan to get a 27 or 28 and drive til it dies.
Many of the positive traits of Subaru date back even 10 years prior… the build quality, the feel of the CVT, their simple engine design. They are just consistently good and that’s great for the owners
Being a resident of NC and a avid trout fisherman, I wouldn't own any other vehicle but an Outback. What makes the Outback my vehicle of choice is due to the vehicle's effortless ability to climb steep mountains to my favorite trout waters. The vehicle has a smooth quiet ride and I'm never fatigued when taking it on long road trips. In addition to the vehicle's dependability, I can personally tell you that the Outback is well constructed. Three years ago my wife totalled her Outback on the highway and while the other driver's needed medical attention, my wife just got out of her Outback and waited for me to pick her up. That's why my family will always drive Subarus, they're just safe and dependable vehicles to own.
It's an option on most (all?) new Subarus. It's kinda expensive, so I'm surprised they plunked it in this one: there are so many OTHER choices that more would want!
ME TOO!!! It's still a viable medium for listening to music, even in 2024! In fact, I have a large collection of CDs because I still want all the physical media I can get. Streaming is convenient and awesome until it's unavailable and then it's beyond annoying.
I owned a 2019 Forester 2.5L for 6 years (169,000 km). First Subaru I owned. Really liked it - almost nothing I didn’t like. Bought a 2024 Outback 2.5L about 3 months ago. I like the lane centring and the 3rd camera. The slow infotainment is not a problem for me compared to Forester. Let it boot up CarPlay while you are driving down your driveway. Not a problem. Set climate on Auto and I rarely change it. Still has physical buttons to change temp which is all I change for climate controls. Really happy with the new car.
@chrisgillard9940 Does rear camera work immediately though? I need to back out from my garage through a narrow door and if camera works only after a minute it's not good.
I have a 24' Outback Onyx XT with 18k miles and it's one of the best riding cars out there for its price point. It was a beast in Winter. The only gripe I have with it is the HVAC controls in the screen. And the only issue I've had was the front monitoring camera that was remedied by doing a quick reprogramming. All in all, I would highly recommend.
Just bought a 2024 touring XT today. This is our 3rd Subaru with a 2014 Forester and 2018 Outback we adore. Honestly this gentleman on the video could not be more correct. I HATE the climate controls are on that giant screen as opposed to physical buttons. I want the buttons back that I can feel from muscle memory and find without staring at a screen and mashing on a screen. I truly do not want to have to mess with a touch screen for something I need to adjust or change frequently while driving 70+MPH or in traffic. That is a big fail and dangerous if you are someone like me who frequently changes the climate controls due to the kind of internal temperature battles women and men of a certain age experience due to hormonal issues. That unexpected "upgrade" alone almost killed buying this for me along with the lack of up front storage caused by eliminating the nice little cargo door in the dash that was there and isn't anymore to make room for the huge screen that is wildly unnecessary and the charger array, most of which I don't need or want. I'm particularly concerned that if that screen doesn't work, not only am I out my entertainment feature and nav system but also more importantly I no longer have the ability to control my physical comfort. Just a bad design decision.
Since 1982, my wife and I have had 8 Subarus. Plus, I purchased 3 more for my office. Just purchased a 2024 Outback Premium and we are quite pleased. CVT is better than my Honda CRV. Mileage is hovering around 32 MPG and of course, we expect it will do well in the snow. The "infotainment" system has quite a learning curve, but we are getting there!
I love how you talk in a normal speed and I also appreciate you speaking in a laym😮s language. What I'm trying to say is that you just say what's on your mind. And you don't over complicate the wording
been wanting to mention this for ages, but the camera person is doing an awesome job! sticks meticulously to the narrative, as if we were there in real life.
The Outback does really well in snowy, icy conditions. It has many standard safety features that are options on other cars. Plus with all the features, its costs less than 40k. This is where Subaru has done a pretty good job, continuing to make its cars affordable despite adding more features. Subarus are also very reliable and only need the regular maintenance. I’ve owned two Outbacks, and my current one is at 110k miles without any problems.
@@FordEnthusiast413 Generally, the programming on most CVTs makes it harder to use the power of the engine. If the CVT is programmed for fuel economy, like most are, it will limit the use of engine power to achieve that economy and the car will feel sluggish and unresponsive. Some people also complain about how CVTs will hold the engine at one RPM for too long, creating a droning sound. If they allowed more driver customization of the programming, or had more distinctly programmed drive-modes, they might be some of the best transmissions available. Also, older generation CVTs tended to be unreliable and couldn't handle higher-horsepower engines without breaking. Even modern ones are generally considered slightly less reliable than a regular multi-gear automatic transmission, though it's not as much of a concern as it used to be (especially with good maintenance).
As a mechanic, Subaru is one of the easier cars to work on. I can have a 2.5 engine out in 1-1.5 hours. BUT in the rust belt, some of the items get tricky such as rusty ball joints and hub bearings.
Have you had any issues with the cvt transmission? Some reviews say to steer clear and stick with the 8 speed automatic. I'm going back and forth between Toyota Rav 4, Mazda 50 and the Subaru.
I have a 2017 Forester Premium that I bought used in 2020. The airy-ness of the inside cabin is really what sold me. So much less claustrophobic than other small SUVs. But since then, I have fallen in love with all things Subaru. Although the CVT is not my preference, what a great vehicle overall. Built well, and the two dealers I use for service are really top notch. In my area of Southeastern PA, there is no shortage of Subarus on the road! Whenever I at the dealer for anything--- there are always half a dozen people buying a new one!
@@jamesbenning9665 theyre very reliable and refined, especially Subarus fuji industry CVTs. the bad hype was originated with Nissans. just have your fluid changed every 30k-50k and itll last as long as any other transmission.
I bought 2024 Outback touring last June. I decided to get the non XT engine for a better MPG, I'm not a heavy foot driver anyway. The only option I missed on the Outback is the 3D view camera. Thank you again for your review on the 2024 Outback touring.
Totally agree about the 3D camera….also the front parking sensors. The front camera is nice (needs better resolution) but I miss the front sensors that my 2018 Forester had when parking in the garage. Why Subaru would delete that, I have no idea.
Have a 2022 Outback, which is my 4th Subaru to date, my 3rd was the 2004 Liberty sedan that went for 18 years, over 200 kms. Love the current Outback, very quiet and comfortable, huge cargo capacity when I needed it, and excellent mileage on country trips. And when the conditions/weather become treacherous, the ground clearance, and safety & grip of the AWD are a godsend.
I really enjoy my '24 Outback XT Limited - Agreed it is a good car for the money, quiet, surprisingly quick, decent gas mileage and yes the Entertainment center is slow to boot up. One point that you did not mention that is on the bad side is the Auto Reverse Braking. I have a steep driveway that has a deep gutter at the end and the road is elevated. If I don't CRAWL across the gutter the Auto Reverse Braking slams on. The need to tweak the field of vision of the back up system. Edit: Also the forward collision detection system goes crazy if I pull into my garage at any decent speed. Edit Edit: Also agree on the annoying driving monitor beeping madness - If they don't want my eyes off the road give a damn button.
For a long time, we always buy Toyota trucks and Subaru cars/suvs. I love the newer Outback XT for the money. We’re on our 9th Subaru in our family, almost zero problems. Very reliable & well made.
Fantastic review! My wife and I were shopping between a Tiguan and an Outback. We watched your Tiguan review two days ago and she said "It would be great if he had an Outback review." And, two days later, you have! Thank you for such a comprehensive review, it has helped us tremendously. Thanks again from a new subscriber!
Don't buy the Tiguan - VW is very unreliable: #27 in the reliability ranking of Consumer Reports annual reliability survey, while Subaru is reliable (#6 in CR reliability survey).
@@codincoman9019 Not really useless. I work at a VW dealership and the customer who buys an extended warranty actually pay itself in the end. Sunroof leaks, water pump, cylinder head, etc, all pays for itself in the end and it’s worth it if you plan on keeping the car long term. However, once the warranty runs out you better part ways or have the cash to spend on repairs when things fail. Nothing is perfect and all brands has their own set of issues. Some are just worse than others.
@@arthurfernandes2402, I guess we have a similar take on this VW clunker. The extended warranty is as useless for wealthy/smart people as buying that Tiguan. I am thinking beyond the money, at something more important (that can be translated by some in money): time. Time is the most important and finite resource we have and smart people don't want to waste it on car repairs (even on warranty), thus they will not waste it on unreliable cars (like the VW Tiguan).
Thanks, as always, for a detailed review! I leased a 2020 Outback Limited XT. Really quick, quiet, comfortable. After 3 yrs. the purchase price + loan = very high. Got a 2023 Forester Limited. Slower but adequate. (I like the S button for higher revs on highway merges). Comfortable if noisier. No power passenger seat. But no buzzers for looking away from the road. No large, slow, distracting screen (my wife got a 2024 Forester because we knew in '25 the big screen was coming). Love the rear camera and safety features. Great visibility. Fun to drive in a different, more primitive way than the Outback. CD player gone in the '24. QC better in the Japan-made Forester (some sloppy stitching, defective oil level sensor and in first few months battery drain problems in the US-made Outback). Very happy with our Foresters and our knobs/buttons for climate, heated seats, etc. Since 1999 we've had 4 Outbacks (we're old), 2 Foresters, and 1 Legacy 3.6R. Great cars.
Realize that half of the complaints you read & hear are from Subaru-hating trolls. I have a '22 OB Limited XT... over three years of ownership, no problems, including the screen that all of these people are whining about. It's a VERY good car.
My family members are all Subaru owners and they have been pushing us into buying one. We visited Subaru and test drove an Outback. Very nice but we decided to wait as there are other choices we wanted to explore. This video has been a big help in what was missed during our dealer visit. Thanks!
I own a 2019 Outback 3.6 6 cylinders Touring, the last year before the big update. I specifically wanted to avoid that big screen and I love the physical buttons. One thing he forgot to add about the Outback in general is the driver seating position, it feels like seating in a sedan but with an SUV ground clearance and space. It’s a keeper.
My 21 Forester has the driver monitor, I agree it nags more than it should. The screen was one of the reasons I went with the Forester over the Outback but I see that has changed with the 2025 model. After three years of Subaru ownership I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Yeah my 2019 Out ack 3.6 R 6 cyc. Is now 5 yrs old no issues , just one recall for battery drain , they retired relay module, new battery. All good , good mileage. One complaint the passenger seat has no height control , which it could tilt and move up . But it’s been a very reliable car . I’d buy another but Iknow 6 has been canceled, it’s much smoother than 4 turbo. . Don’t want to give up 6 .
You are my favorite car reviewer. You take your time and speak in layman's terms. Your reviews are very detailed and leave very few unanswered questions. Looking forward to your next review.
Great review! My 2015 Subaru Outback (2.5) just had the catalytic converter replaced for free under a voluntary recall. The dealership gave me a 2024 Outback for a loaner while the repair was done. The newer Outback felt familiar in every way but just updated with the newer technology. Even with over 180K miles on the odometer, my 2015 Outback feels more solid and better handling than a 2024 Buick Encore I rented last week. When I buy another new car, I think it will be a Subaru.
Glad you mentioned seats! Have has a 2017 since new, and the seats are so uncomfortable for me (my back). I don't understand how so many people say the same thing, with no improvements. The driver monitor/light/beeping is a no sale...ridiculous. Thanks GB
2023 outback premium. drove over a 6 inch high curb I didnt see a week ago, cant believe it , no damage. Even plastic covers underneath werent scratched and didnt take it out of alignment
I have the 2024 non-turbo premium trim. I really like it and agree with your dislikes. I plan on doing my oil changes every 4,000 to 5,000 miles and hope it will last a long time. I must say that I am impressed with the interior build quality. The doors feel like those of a solid German car when closing, and the drive is surprisingly quiet.
Thank you for doing this much-awaited review of the Subaru Outback XT! I had been hoping and hoping for the past year that you'd be able to have one pass your way for your extremely detailed breakdown of the mechanical aspects of how the turbo engine mates together with the raised station-wagon chassis of the Outback. And as expected, you've done another stellar job of highlighting the pros and cons. Truly quality content!
The protrusion in the head light is most likely for aero dynamics, to break the wind reaching the mirror, hence decreasing wind noise from the mirrors.
something AMD probably didn't know, but the roof rails have a built in lift knobs that convert them into to cross bars for a roof rack or roof tent. I have a 2020 Outback Limited xt, great car, except for the cvt, and lack of physical hvac controls.
The face monitor is great if there are two drivers - in my case, my wife and me. The car recognizes our faces and changes the outside mirror and seat settings automatically, which is great for safety and convenience. The constant beeping bothered me as well, until I discovered you can turn it off, and once off it stays off. For me (I'm 6'1") the leather seats in the touring xt are very comfortable, and I appreciate the addition thigh support. I'm glad the CCN mentioned how quiet this car is. Other benefits: it takes regular gas, even in the turbo model; the proximity key turns on the lights at night as you approach the car; there is a front facing camera; the headlights are LED and very good as is the visibility. I like my '21 and am about to get a '24, so for me and my wife it's Subi all the way.
The driver monitor can be turned off at any time. The monitor not only adjusts the seats and mirror for each registered driver it also keeps track of each registered drivers gas mileage. Pretty cool. Good and accurate overall review.
Driving monitoring system can no longer be turned off permanently you have to turn it off every time your car goes through a reset cycle I am a Subaru fan and Subaru owner but this is a feature they need to discontinue. I have to cover the sensor with a strip of black electrical tape in order for driver monitoring system to be turned off automatically every time I turn my new car on. I took it to the dealer to get this feature removed or turned off permanently and was told that it was impossible
@magdalenomayorga8233 Yes, you have to turn it off each time you want it off. You can do it while you're driving, though. The car doesn't have to be in park.
@johanmarnfeldt5262 It is on my 2024 Outback Limited with driver monitoring. It is on the infotainment screen at the top where you get the option of 3 different things to see.
One feature that often get skipped is the voice command system. You can push the talk button on the steering wheel and say things like "set temperature to 72" or "set fan speed to low". It works pretty well, and keeps your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.
We have owned 6 outbacks for many of the reasons mentioned in the review. My wife test drove four vehicles for her next purchase and opted for a rav. The subie screen was too complicated when driving and my wife loved the big tactile hvac/radio controls in the rav. She misses driving a Subaru but at 50k miles we have only changed oil and replaced tires/wiper blades. I wish subie would go back to basics
Agreed. They need to replace the screen, its ignorance, distracting, backup camera or on screen viewing is awkward, and no shiney black around the screen, please.
I have a 2019 Outback limited and really like it. It has an infotainment system but it has physical controls for the AC and heated seats thank God. The screen stopped working after awhile. It was a $2000 replacement and it took months to get the new part. Had the climate control been built into the screen like the new Outback, the car would have been undriveable
2020 Outback Premium 2.5 here. I previously had a 2003 5-speed Jetta Wagon TDI (I tend to keep my cars a long time.) It was rusting out, and I was finding the manual transmission and low ground clearance were not suiting me as I grew older. My daughter has a 2017 Outback, and I was impressed with the quality and ride. I decided to retire the Jetta and get a new Subaru, and I've had no regrets since. In short, I love this car!
Oh yeah my Eyesight has worked flawlessly! No issues , the cars also yells at me to get my hands back on the wheel , I can live with it , and I got very used to the back up camera, I very helpful!
Our family has owned 7 Subarus. Current one is a factory ordered 2023 Subaru onyx 2.5 without sunroof or GPS. Startex seats are easier to clean and cooler than leather. More head room for camping without sunroof. Non turbo engine gets highway 35 mpg and has a 4-500 mile range. Great roof rail system. Wireless apple car play works well. Wireless phone charger gets phone to hot. Forest service roads here in the PNW recommend over 8” ground clearance which this car has. Our other around town car is a small EV. So we have a hybrid fleet: ICE for road trips, EV for in town use. To summarize, for about $35K msrp, this Subaru without the extra expensive bells and whistles is a very good value. The only other thing I wished it had was perhaps a hybrid option and a surround view camera for tight parking garages..
We had a 1992 Subaru Legacy wagon that our Dad gave to us in 2002 when they replaced it for a beautiful, new Avalon. It was black and underpowered but ran good but the a/c compressor blew up so needed a new one…estimate was thousands, more then it was worth so Dad let us trade it in.
Bought a Subaru Outback Limited 2024 to replace Lexus Gx. Very happy with the purchase. The Outback is exceeding my expectations. Features wise I lost power folding mirrors and cooling seats but build quality and interior noise are very much on par. Love the ease of getting in and out. I feel the center screen is easy to use and find it has typically loaded before I start pulling out of garage. No complaints love the car and the dark mahogany color is awesome
Not having physical buttons for A/C, etc.is why I bought a Toyota. Also, I did not like their screen. Too in your face. But, I’ve had a Subaru before. Love their quality.
The seats in the Outback are much better than in the Forester. If there is more than one driver, the face scanning system is super comfortable because it adjusts the seat position, outside mirrors and the infotainment system for each driver. The temperature control is done using physical buttons and for detailed definition of the vents everything is available at the touch of a button on the display. I have a 2022 Forester and a 2024 Outback and I consider the Outback to be a great and comfortable vehicle for long trips.
The lack of physical switches for the ventilation controls are a knock down for me. But the worst thing about a Subaru are the seats. They are usually very short on cushion length, with lack of thigh support. The seats seem to be made for people of short stature only. That's basically the reason why I can't buy Subarus 😢 and I really wanted to get one.
I disagree. I am 6ft tall (in decent shape) and have driven a 2022 Forester for several multi-state trips, including 8-10 hours of driving a day and thought the seats were super comfortable. They were better than my old Honda CR-V and those were generally good.
13:33 That's one of the main reasons why I bought my '24 Crosstrek: the high ground clearance (and tall roofline): no having to slow down to 2 mph to avoid scraping the bottom of the front of the car on a driveway with a steep angle, for example.
We live in north central Washington state, 5 miles from town up in the mountains. We get 5-7 feet of snow every winter. We have to plow and maintain our private road ourselves. Three years ago I bought my wife a 2 year lease returned Outback with only 5,600 miles. We’ve driven Toyota’s for 40+ years and every winter we have to put studded snow tires on them, (except for our 4WD pickups). My wife drove around on her factory tires year round until they wore out. I put a set of Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires. They’re Awesome Tires for all 4 seasons. My wife’s Outback is now 5 years old with only 37K miles. Both of her brothers and their wives live in Montana and they too drive Outback’s. My brother and his wife live in Portland Oregon and they too own an Outback. My sister who lives in southern California just bought her first Outback. I told my sister to buy a Toyota because she’s not good about maintaining a vehicle. Whereas I’m a maintenance freak.
Wow.. My car. Same year, same color, same trim. I actually like the side plastic claddings. I lean my kayaks on the side of the car all the time before I load it to the top roof rack. Don't need to worry about scratches to the paint. Im glad you pointed out the downsides, and I agree with most of them. Especially the infotainment system. The auto start top function also seemed like an afterthought for Subaru. Every time the engine starts up, it feels like the motor will fall out.
I drive a 2014 Outback with 240k miles. When I bought it new I was told that the transmission oil was good for the life of the transmission. When the CVT failed at 90k I started doing some research. Everywhere else in the world the CVT service interval is 35k miles/50 kilometers. When asked what they consider the life of the CVT is, my dealer said 60k miles. That is a $7k repair. I now service my CVT every 35k.
Nice job, Ahmed. A few things you missed: RAB which save me from nighttime backup collision, concealed crossbars in roof rack, can disable driver watchman feature, has winter package giving fully heated steering wheel, heated seats, heated bottom of windshield in case wiper blacked are frozen in place, ventilated drivers seat blows cool air in hot summer, front camera on grill helps you park toward such as in garage, paddles behind steering wheel to downshift say getting off highway exit or downshifting if you need a bit more power to accelerate. Eyesight is a new generation with improved sighting of pedestrian and bicyclists. Most important is the noise level driving different engines. The N.A. 2.5L is loud past 2,000 rpm but I’m on my third and got used to it. The power is sufficient. The XT is the 2.4L turbo engine and rated at 260 hp. It is very fast and the sound is similar to a European car. I think it has more firewall soundproofing. Thanks for your great reviews.
@@richardepstein3494 take out the battery, the breather box and hose and gives you all the space u need. I use low profile ratchet and swivel, socket, never had an issue.
Bought a 2024 Subaru Outback Limited in March. Love it! My husband has had issues with the driver seat adjusting when the driver gets in and out. I love the ride, it gets 30 mpg and the engine isn’t even broke in yet. I would have liked knobs for the A/C and heat. I have always wanted an Outback! Seats are comfortable. Love my built in CD player. Wish the Limited came with a physical key and keyless entry like on our Ford driver’s door. I think the carpeting could be thicker. Oh and the circulation of air thru the center console to the back is awful! Should have vents in the ceiling like our Ford Expedition has. The front vents suck too. They need the circle vents like our Ford Expedition has. They may look dated but you can rotate and circulate air and heat in every direction with the circle vents. Love my new 2024 Subaru Outback Limited. I hope to have it for 20 years and by then I will appreciate the bells and whistles that make driving easier, since I will be elderly in 20 years. We have driver assist turned off right now. I don’t like the camera scan but all new cars have them. Oh, loved your review. And your camera person was terrific. I can tell you are a Subaru Outback fan. You would be a good salesman. Very knowledgeable. After watching this video, I feel like I chose the right car to buy, thanks!
I purchased my 2024 Limited 3 weeks ago and so far I'm loving almost everything about it this vehicle. Haven't found the CD and honestly I tossed all my CDs years ago. I like how Android Auto immediately loads and starts my music, maps, more. The Lane Centering is completely garbage, but so far with 2K miles I'm liking Lane Keep Assist (we'll see) as it seems to gently nudge remind me I'm wandering. There's just hundreds of little thoughts they put into this car I'd never dreamed of... Like when you put the car into reverse the side mirror rotates and aims down at the curb for parallel parking. Nice. And I kinda like how my car lights up the ground when I walk towards it at night
We've owned and wanted to buy another Outback, but the infotainment and lack of buttons is just enough to make us say, "no, thank you." It's just a me-too addition. The annoying monitoring is also a big downer.
Interesting about the seat comfort… I traded a tundra for my Outback and find the seats in the Outback limited so much better. I couldn’t get comfortable in the 4Runner seats either. After owning many Toyotas I feel like Toyota does not know how to design comfortable seats. The Subaru has been much better for me on long trips. Might be just different body types but great review!
I have a 2015 4Runner and the seats are not that comfortable once I get OUT of it. They make my hips very stiff. But driving they are very comfortable and don't have to fidget at all.
I bought a 2016 Outback Limited new. Great car. I have the old style HVAC system with hard buttons. I live in northern Ohio and the all wheel drive system is almost unstoppable in snow. It just goes. And my wheel moldings are normal! Those new asymmetrical things bother my OCD too. I appreciate your logic and sensibility. I hope Subaru watches your videos and takes them to heart.
I have a 2023 Outback XT Touring here in Australia 🇦🇺. All our Outback models have a full size alloy spare wheel. I'm 5'11" and using the thigh extender. I turnoff the driver monitor system. Our Subaru's are imported from Japan. Enjoy your reviews.
I have an 2024 Outback Premium (my third). Many of the things you didn’t like are not on this model. No CD player, the backup camera is above the license plate, no sun roof and nice cloth seats.
I had a 23 Outback premium and now I have a 24 Limited. I find the front seats in the limited really comfortable. The simpler seats in the premium were just average. As far as the screen goes, it’s fine. I rarely ever have to wade into the climate screen as there are buttons to change the temp and for defrost. Basically set it and forget it. The cvt works great. It never drones, and isn’t noisy. It’s totally smooth under lighter throttle and it fake shifts very well under heavier throttle. The auto start/stop system is trash and you have to turn it off after every start. They should allow you to permanently disable it. You can switch off the driver monitoring but I don’t find it that intrusive. The awd is great and the design of the car is hugely practical. All in all I can’t think another car I would rather spend my money on.
We have two Subarus with that large screen and driver monitoring. In the Subaru forums, it is known as TSFH - The Screen From Hell. We actually like it. Both cars can have either one of us driving at any point, and it is way cool to just sit down, be recognized, and have all the seats mirrors and settings change for each driver. Yes, you can do this from the seat memory button. But this is more fun. Also, the Outback has an 18 gallon tank and very decent mileage. That makes for great highway range.
I chatted with a woman yesterday who owns one. She said he loves her Outback - she's from a family who has owned Suburus. The only thing she didn't like is it's not peppy - she must have the non-turbo.
Yeah, other than the WRX and BRZ, Subarus aren't known for being on-road sporty. I remember checking the specs and noticing that my old early-2000s Impreza actually had more horsepower than the 2020 one.
I have 2 Subarus and like both. 2018 Outback and 2019 Ascent. I furnished my own cars for over 20 years (now retired) and I can't think of one I'm happier with - and I've had them all. I wish they'd do something with the 2.5L's powers without going turbo. I have the oil changed every 3000 mi, and I'll get the transmission serviced at 60,000; there is no "lifetime" no need for service in my world; cars are machines, and machines need servicing. The Touring model will be my next one, but with only 56K on the 2018, I'm not sure when that will be. The digital mirror is great for a fully loaded back or when towing...
I bought a new 2025 Outback Premium two days ago. Hate the driver assist, but it can be disabled. The pre-collision is horrible and can be dangerous, but I understand this is probably true with all new cars as it is a federal mandate. In fact, the pre-collision braked and squealed wheels on me the minute I left the dealer lot. I was making a right turn, and another car was making a right turn from the road I was getting onto. I guess the system thought the car was crossing in front of me, but it was very startling and unnecessary. However, this can also be disabled, but you have to do it every time you start the car and it takes five or six steps on the display. I don't mind because I don't drive as much as I used to, so I just turn it off every time I start the car. Otherwise, I believe I am going to be very happy with it. The things I read people complaining about are real, but they don't matter to me. (Sluggish display, doesn't go from 0 to 60 fast enough, etc.) I upgraded from a 2008 Subaru Outback and it's one of the best cars I have ever owned. Over 200,000 miles and it's still running, and everything still works damn near like it was new! It runs great. Yea, it's needed some repairs over the years, but no more than any other car. Needs the exhaust manifold repaired right now, but I am going to have it fixed and keep it. I will probably drive the old one more than the new one, because I still love it.
@@johanmarnfeldt5262 I will give it a try and get back to you. I also have an appointment with Subaru to go over how the electronics work, and I will ask them. My new car is currently being detailed with the ceramic coating, so I won't have it for a few days. I've bookmarked this conversation so I can easily find it and give you a good answer.
@@markanderson1179 Have you been able to confirm that you could store settings in a "profile" which would disable the "pre-collision" feature ? Any advice would be most appreciated....
@@rschier1 Setting up a profile to keep "pre-collision" turned off does not work. You can set up a profile that will retain just about all of the other settings which would be beneficial if you have multiple people driving the car. However, I am the only person driving the car, so creating a profile would do nothing for me. I have it down to four "taps" on the touch screen to turn off "pre-collision". There is a separate button at the bottom of the touch screen to easily tun off "driver assist" which also defaults to "ON" every time you start the car. (Would be nice if they had a single button for pre-collision.) So, five "taps" and I am ready to roll. All of the other settings I changed have been retained as default. It is just "pre-collision" and "driver assist" that are always "ON" when you start the car. I don't drive much these days, so all-in-all it's not much of a nuisance for me. The screen can be sluggish as some have pointed out, but not enough to be concerned about in my opinion.
@@markanderson1179 Thank you kindly for the info. Looks like they've been changing the menus. I have a "car" icon that makes it pretty easy to navigate to the driver assist screen where you can turn off the "pre-collision" as well as a similar feature for the rear of the vehicle. I believe turning these off constitutes the elimination of the offensive actions the car can take on its own. I also have a button to shut of the auto stop/start which I will disable each time I start the vehicle as well. So in short, I believe it is only the "pre-collision" and "Stop/Start" functions that have to been turned off each time, as the others remain static upon them being turned off. Thank you again.
I love your videos, your the only car reviewer that talks about build quality and reliability. Most other reviewer no nothing about vehicle mechanics. Thank you Sir!
The large screen is actually very easy to understand and use. Climate control is usually used on Auto and there are physical buttons for both front seats to change temperatures. There are physical buttons for audio volume and tuning. There is a physical button for emergency flashers as well as separate physical buttons for heating each of the front seats. The menu system is also super easy to use. Learnt how to use it in a matter of minutes. I have also not found response speed to be a problem - and is no worse than most other vehicles I have driven. All in all, I love the large screen and how it is set up. And, if you just can’t bring yourself to push a button, you can also use voice control.
I agree. The big screen works really nice. No lag after about 15-30 seconds from startup. I use my wireless Android Auto with the Google Maps in satellite mode and its like driving a Tesla. A major selling point for me.
@@3Blades Me too. My family is very happy with our '22 OB Limited XT, more than we had expected. There's a whole lotta.... "misinformation" (aside from the lies from the Subaru-hating trolls) being spread out on UA-cam about Subarus. Frankly, if people are stupid enough to believe this crap, let 'em.
I have a 2022 subaru outback, in Australia. Its the most comfortable vehicle i have ever owned. I dont call it a suv , its a wagon . . So practical such a great car to own
Thanks AMD for the review. Wanted to comment on the Driver Monitoring system, first, it recognizes you for the memory seat and side mirrors adjustments, second, it takes two hand gesture commands for the temp setting, if you wave your hand in front of the red LED, it increases the temp setting by two degrees, and if you wave your fist, with fingers facing the monitor, you drop the temp by two degrees. Also, the monitoring itself has caught me couple times zoned while I was still looking ahead. Subaru safety really delivers. When’s your 2025 Forester review coming out?
That's a pretty dumb feature when one could simply press the temperature control buttons instead of a hand gesture which can be misinterpreted by the camera.
I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I find them informative, thoughtfully honest and to the point. So I was glad you covered the 24 Outback when you did, as I was contemplating purchasing one. Watching your review put me over the top to go forward with my decision. I bought the touring xt as reviewed here days after this review hit. I’m 6’6” and find this to be one of if not the most comfortable car I had test drove. I tested Volvo v60, Acura RDX & MDX, Mazda CX70, Cadillac XT5, Mercedes C class suv, and more. I love how quiet and smooth it rides. There is more than enough power. The CVT in this car doesn’t leave me wishing it wasn’t a CVT. The screen has given me no more issues than any piece of electronic technology, which is to say livable with very minor inconvenience. I’m three weeks into ownership and have no regrets with my purchase. To be more specific I’m enamored with my purchase. The dealer in Colorado Springs had a program where you could rent the car with unlimited mileage for $35 per day. I rented it for a week so as to see what it was like to live with. So glad I did, as it is the best test drive I have ever taken.
I have this car. Same color and everything. I don't have the turbo engine. I don't understand your negative comments about the driver monitor system. Maybe you don't realize that you can turn it off if you don't want to use it. Also, I've never had it beep at me while using the center screen. Sometimes when I hold a cup up to my face it beeps but that's it. You can also adjust the volume of the "beeping" if you want. I don't consider the infortainment system to slow either. It seems to work as well as any other that I've seen. Your comments about the appearance is also very subjective. It looks like a Subaru. Those of us that love this brand expect that.
I have had my ‘24 Outback Limited XT for nearly a year, and I’m still extremely happy with it. These are the features I’m most happy with: turbo power at lower RPMs, 12-speaker Harmon-Kardon sound system, adaptive cruise control, and adjustable thigh support with 12-way driver seat. Less thrilling features: laggy infotainment system, annoying warning alert when I’m simply wanting to view the countryside, steering assist that constantly bounces from left to right. Would I buy it again? Absolutely! May trade in for a ‘26 model IF they fix those issues AND if the design is updated.
My brother and his wife just got a new Forester (the off roady spec, wilderness or something?) and they LOVE it. They load it up with the kids, and have this whole process to pack all their camping supplies in the back and on the roof rack. It's a convenient car for families.
Hi @TheCarCareNutReviews, As the owner of the European version of the Subaru Outback Touring (without turbo) in Kyiv, Ukraine, I can point out the differences between headlights and front bumper. We have a different look which might be more liked by you. Also, I want to point out the difference in service requirements for CVT. In our manual, we must change the fluid in CVT every 60000 km. In the US, there is no such requirement. Also, we don't have an option for a shark fin camera for the rear mirror. We have a regular mirror. Regarding the driver monitoring system, in our case, it is triggered only on my wife when she is laughing; it seems that the monitoring system is detecting that, at some point, she is closing her eyes. No triggering when we are changing AC settings. What I also like about driver monitoring system is that when you create accounts, you can save seat and mirror settings per driver and choose primary phone to connect. So, when I'm driving the car, it ignores my wife's phone unless I manually choose to connect to it. Regarding seats and mirrors, the same could be done with the key. You can save settings to your key, and everything changes to your settings. I have a difference in height with my wife, about 12", so for me, this is important. When the warranty for the car ended, 3 years or 100,000 km, we decided to replace the vehicle with a new Subaru Outback. Thank you for your review. Have a nice day!
Agree. Physical bottons are preferred over touch screen buttons! I don't like touch screen controls. Dont need my car to pretend it is a smartphone.
I don’t know many car companies that stand behind their vehicles with high mileage. Subaru N. America exceeded my expectations and agreed to replace engine at 140k miles due to issues. Customer for life.
I'm not really the target consumer for Subaru, but I appreciate how they stick to what makes their cars unique and well suited for their target customers.
They are kind of like apple, stick to the same ios and layout of every phone, major success
So I’m guessing you’re not a woman with short hair who wears flannel shirts and listens to the Indigo Girls ?
@@petergozinya6122also rocky mountain dwelling Patagonia/Arc'Teryx-clad accountants who make their own granola and espresso, who go hiking and car camping.
Lol@@petergozinya6122
With a pink hair strip
22 Outback owner here…..thank you for mentioning the driver monitoring system, I can’t even scratch the back of my head without being told to keep my eyes on the road. 😃 And yes physical buttons for the HVAC would be better.
Can that stuff be disabled?
You can turn the driver monitor off if you don't like it.
@@bradh6185no it’s locked into the car. I work for an auto glass replacement company and I hate doing calibrations on Subaru eyesight systems.
2018 outback owner here, driving monitor system not as intrusive, still has buttons for hvac, port injection 2.5 which yeilds me 30mpg. great car in all weather conditions.
@@chompybigblock I just don't understand why people get so upset at something that you can turn off if you don't like. Personally I don't find it that intrusive.
I thought the digital rear view mirror was weird and unnecessary. Until we had a fully loaded car with people and gear, so you can’t see out the back. Boom, camera view to the rescue! Now you have a perfect view with no blind spots. Amazing! 🙌
Since I only need reading glasses, when I do flip the mirror up to use the digital display, it gives me a slight dizzy feeling over just using the mirror.
It works until you have a bike rack or a trailer lol but yes i love it for the most part specially where i live having to back into the road from my driveway this camera is a lifesaver
I think digital rear view mirror should be a must have into a car. This is really a very good feature
@@jensha8898 it's all about. It is standard on the Subaru Outback touring XT which is a top-level trim. I don't think people want to pay all that extra money for something they may never have to need for.
@@m3rdpwrit would save lifes….i often see it on our highways in Germany …People often load their car to the top and cant see trough the rear mirror….when they change lanes and dont have a proper look back they often crash when a faster car comes on that lane
I've had a 2024 Outback Wilderness for 8 months and 16k miles. It's a good car but not great. I've owned a lot of different makes and models of cars over the past 15+ years, and this one is well above average overall. I'd say it's a good value for what you get, and I understand why so many folks are Subaru loyalists, but I don't see myself falling into that category.
Quick side note on the diver monitor system: I believe the Wilderness trim is about the highest trim you can get the Outback in without getting that driver monitoring spy-cam included. This was one of the reasons I went with the Wilderness trim, plus I wanted the extra ground clearance as I will be using this for light trail use for scenic drives.
The good:
-It's a comfortable and quiet ride over most surfaces (even with the all-terrain tires). It does occasionally get rough on some surfaces, but for most roads, especially potholes and corrugations, it handles it as well or better than many luxury cars.
-Interior room is good for its exterior size. This is a mid-size vehicle, but I'm 6'2" tall and have plenty of legroom and headroom without needing to push the seat back all the way in its track.
-Features are actually fairly good for the price. You get a lot of car for the money, especially considering this costs less than the average new car purchase price in the US.
-Capability in snow/ice/wet is top notch. It has 3-mode Xmode which is purely how the software handles the traction/stability control systems. Base mode is what you get when you first start the car. Snow/Dirt is for most snow conditions and is very aggressive at limiting wheel slip and lateral sliding. Deep Snow/Mud is very close to no traction control at all, allowing greater amounts of wheel spin to permit clearing of the mud/snow from the tire treads. The biggest problem with the AWD capability, if there is one, is that it gives people too much confidence. I've seen many Subaru drivers get in trouble, especially in deep snow, because they got high centered on mounds of snow along the side of the road when turning into/out of side roads or parking lots where plows have plowed. It can make people not drive sensibly in bad weather because they feel invincible in their Subaru. Yet as you mentioned, most Subaru drivers are sensible and careful.
The bad:
- Slow infotainment screen. It's highly variable and unpredictable, but there are times when you get in the car and it will take over a minute for it to let you change radio stations or volume or switch from the Apple Car Play screen to the radio screen. Other times it's almost instantaneously responsive. Even on its best day, fully booted up/warmed up after driving for an hour, the screen switching is often slow to respond and clunky.
- CVT/Turbo lag is horrendous. I've had a few turbocharged cars in the past 10 years, but this one is by far the laggiest one I've ever driven. The combination of turbo lag and CVT fake downshifts/shifts means I can frequently count to 3 or 4 between mashing the gas pedal and actually getting acceleration to pull out from a stop sign or parking lot into traffic. It's actually dangerous and impossible to predict how the system will respond. It also makes it difficult to drive smoothly, since in traffic at part throttle you have to press the gas pedal much further than you think you should just to "wake up" the turbo/CVT and then the power surges far more than you want and you have to hit the brakes. It's difficult to maintain a steady gap between your front and the rear of the car in front of you. Similarly, the fake downshifts mean it is often impossible to come to a smooth and easy stop at a stop light/sign as the whole car surges and decelerates, back and forth, as it fake downshifts about half the time (the other times it behaves normally). It feels similar to having warped brake rotors, but has been present since day one of ownership.
- Gas mileage is not great for this small of a car/engine. EPA estimates 22 city, 26 highway, 24 combined for the Outback Wilderness. I wish. I average 19-20 in mostly highway driving/commuting, and the trip computer is optimistic by about 1.5-2mpg vs. hand calculations. Best highway I've seen is 26 on long trips, but I typically get only 22-23mpg at best, often only 20mpg. This is in a stock, no roof rack, empty car other than driver and a small suitcase.
- Subaru is very quirky in its design. Best I can compare it to is sort of the Japanese version of Saab. They do things weird just because they want to be different. That means the cupholders are the worst in any modern car I've been in. The auto high beams cannot be turned off without turning off automatic on/off headlights as well. The whole interior is not a cohesive unit but feels more like the designers checked off feature check boxes without bothering to integrate them in a stylish or user-friendly design.
- Styling leaves much to be desired. It wouldn't take much for them to make it at least decent looking from the outside. They did so with the BRZ. Yet they seem addicted to odd angles, sharp edges, and slopes rather than making it more stylish. I wish they had the visual appeal of the Volvo wagons but the mechanicals of Subaru.
This is certainly not a bad car, but it's not the best, either. No company is perfect, and this is better than most. Toyota has their own quirks, as does Honda, but this is a sort of sensible option. I don't think you'll find a better AWD system in this price range, though Honda has a decent system on their latest Pilot and Passport. To match it, you'd have to step up to a Land Rover or a Land Cruiser/GX.
Thanks for the detailed review
The low speed jerkiness when coming to a stop if from the torque converter. I guess it’s normal.
i have a Outback Limited XT and get 26.2 overall
I also have a '24 OBW and while the subjective complaints are personal and valid, I do feel that some of your issues may be software related and could be updated.
My infotainment hasn't bothered me once. I use CarPlay almost exclusively and have had no issues. It automatically picks up my phone and starts up the music where I left off within 5 seconds of the car turning on. Your issues with this could be software that can be delivered OTA or at the dealer and I would highly recommend getting it looked at.
CVT performance has been pretty good for me overall. I can feel it learning my driving habits and it has settled into a nice character that serves well for around town driving. The choppy downshift has happened to me once and as another mentioned its the CVT dealing with the torque converter disconnect. It takes place around 15mph and it seems the transmission software has figured it out for my driving habits. There are procedures for retraining the CVT that you can do at home or you can have the dealer do it.
Gas mileage around town is pretty disappointing but its also a 4 thousand pound wagon on AT tires with 9.5 inches of clearance in full time AWD. Buying this car expecting good gas mileage isn't realistic. On highway I have definitely gotten over the rated 26mpg by just using cruise control at 65-70mph.
I'm really glad you've had a more positive experience with your OBW than I have so far. I'll try and answer your questions/points one by one.
1. If you look at almost any review of any Subaru running this infotainment system, the sluggish performance is perhaps the single most common complaint about these vehicles. I'm running the most current software version for the infotainment system according to Subaru. It has done two OTA updates since I purchased the vehicle in late 2023, and neither offered any performance benefit. I run into this problem daily, usually multiple times a day, mostly at startup. It's not an unusual issue with modern infotainment systems, but Subaru's is by far the worst I've ever encountered. The perplexing part is that sometimes, perhaps half the time, it starts up and becomes responsive within a few seconds, much like you describe. Other times it can take over a minute to become responsive (that's the extreme and most rare case). My feeling is that it's either a software issue with poorly optimized software or a hardware issue with a grossly underpowered CPU. My bet is the former, and Subaru hasn't bothered to make this a priority.
2. That's a good tip on the CVT-torque converter issue. I'll bring it up to my dealership the next time I go in for a service and maybe they can reset it. I can't honestly say that I have noticed the CVT learning my driving style at all. I'm accustomed to more traditional automatic transmissions doing so, so I know what you're talking about, but this one seems brain dead. I'm hoping your suggestion pays off.
3. Gas mileage is significantly overestimated by my Outback's computer. If it reads 22mpg, it's typically 19-20mpg when hand calculated. The best the computer has ever read for me over a long highway distance at interstate speeds was 28, but when I calculated it by hand (which I always do), it was 26mpg. I typically average 22mpg (hand calculated) at best on highway and 18-20 in city. This is substantially below the EPA estimated mileage. Subarus were never known for good gas mileage anyway, but this is rather poor even when considering its weight and size. There are many SUVs and trucks with more powerful engines, heavier weights, and less aerodynamic shapes that get considerably better mpg (e.g., Honda Passport, to name just one that is roughly in the same competitive category). It's not unrealistic to expect this vehicle to get at least close to its EPA estimate, but even when I drive it under ideal conditions (flat terrain, 55mph, highways) it struggles to get 26mpg. Had I been getting this primarily for gas mileage rather than its AWD capability and reliability, I would be much more upset. My point is that no one should believe the EPA estimates on this particular Subaru.
The CD player is a must. Here in Alaska, you don’t always have cell service or radio, and definitely no Sirius satellite service. We use our CD player a bunch. Since Subaru goes outback, away from technology, they live up the name, Outback.
Portable CD player and a old school FM transmitter ( my current car dosent have bluetooth)
I wonder eho makes it, Panasonic?
The CD player seems like a marketing attempt for older buyers. No complaints with that
And for sure, my old CDs won’t be wasted..😊😊
I’m surprised that you don’t get SXM coverage out there
Review from long term owner. 3rd Subaru first 2 over 200k no issues normal maintenance. Current 2021 Outback Touring 2.5 90k normal maintenance oil change etc. no issues. The screen was very buggy at the beginning but once a software update came out it has been flawless also the temp controls are completely fine I don’t fidget or touch buttons all the time so this is why people complain. Average always over 33mpg almost 600 miles to a take and awesome safe reliable road trip vehicle. 💯 percent recommend.
The best car in the world. No doubts.
How is the CVT?
@@woodjunkjrjr2689Great. No issues at all I do the CVT drain and fill every 60k. Been very reliable.
@@thomasb.1124 Nice, if I get an Outback, do I have to dye my hair purple? I live near Seattle🙄
@@woodjunkjrjr2689 Don’t think it’s a requirement.
Just purchased an Outback Touring XT in the exact color combo on this video, green exterior with brown seats. Absolutely love this vehicle. Are there quirks? Absolutely, it’s Subaru. Subaru has always made decisions that made me think ‘why did they do that’ or ‘why didn’t they do this’. I traded my 2018 Forester for this Outback and boy oh boy what a difference. The seats, while not perfect, are much more comfortable and I do love the extra thigh support. The driver mitigation system seems ok, not as sensitive as some say but I can always turn it off if it gets too annoying. The infotainment screen, I love the size but I agree it could be quicker to boot up, I’m usually 1/2 way down my street before everything is completely booted.
On the plus, it’s quality is top notch, it’s quiet and sophisticated for being a mild off roader. Very happy with my purchase.
Your videos are excellent and credible. Your review here is spot on. I own an OB wilderness. 2022 model. Having owned many other car brands in past the only reason I have an OB is because at the time no other car dealers had cars in stock due to supply chain issues at the time. I knew Subaru was good. In New England/Vermont you see them everywhere. I knew there was a reason why. Having owned my OB wilderness now I can say impressed is an understatement. I actually am questioning whether I’d ever buy anything other than a Subaru. It’s incredible in snow. It’s reliable. It’s comfortable. The maintanence on it is not break the bank. I had an X5 years before and loved it until it fell apart quick bleeding oil amongst other things. I’ve got close to 50k on my wilderness and about to buy new tires for winter is about it. Subaru does it right. The info screen agree here. It needs upgrading. However, here’s the big one, Subaru is coming out w a re designed outback in 2025. They actually delayed the release. Wa supposed to be this fall but they want to get it right. It’s their #1 seller. Kudos to them. Makes me appreciate even more and with that being said I gotta believe they’ll knock it outta ballpark.
Rumor has it as well the Outback redesign (2026 model release) will also be getting a revised infotainment and physical climate controls. And a hybrid in 2027. Those things will basically fix my last gripes about the car, so I plan to get a 27 or 28 and drive til it dies.
Many of the positive traits of Subaru date back even 10 years prior… the build quality, the feel of the CVT, their simple engine design. They are just consistently good and that’s great for the owners
Subaru = consisten t problem ✌️
Being a resident of NC and a avid trout fisherman, I wouldn't own any other vehicle but an Outback. What makes the Outback my vehicle of choice is due to the vehicle's effortless ability to climb steep mountains to my favorite trout waters. The vehicle has a smooth quiet ride and I'm never fatigued when taking it on long road trips. In addition to the vehicle's dependability, I can personally tell you that the Outback is well constructed. Three years ago my wife totalled her Outback on the highway and while the other driver's needed medical attention, my wife just got out of her Outback and waited for me to pick her up. That's why my family will always drive Subarus, they're just safe and dependable vehicles to own.
HARRIS 2024😅😂😂
you are the best car reviewer on UA-cam
I test drove an Outback Wilderness, loved it. The turbo is pretty awesome, and the car very capable. Might be my next Subaru 😊
only a biden voter would buy a turbo. rofl.
@@dmimcg thats weird, im voting for trump and i have a turbo outback.
I love that there is a CD player
Wow, most new cats don't have one.
I was surprised to find one in my used 18 f150, that shows how deep the CD player removal on cars had gotten.
It's an option on most (all?) new Subarus. It's kinda expensive, so I'm surprised they plunked it in this one: there are so many OTHER choices that more would want!
YES! I'm an ole fart, & I miss CD players in my gen 4 Prius.
ME TOO!!! It's still a viable medium for listening to music, even in 2024! In fact, I have a large collection of CDs because I still want all the physical media I can get. Streaming is convenient and awesome until it's unavailable and then it's beyond annoying.
I didn’t even know we had a CD player until watching this video
You can always tell how quality a car is by how much or how little Ahmed says “but that’s okay” on his reviews
True. Did he say it once?
@@paulbegemann4308 he said it a few times on this one...LOL
I owned a 2019 Forester 2.5L for 6 years (169,000 km). First Subaru I owned. Really liked it - almost nothing I didn’t like. Bought a 2024 Outback 2.5L about 3 months ago. I like the lane centring and the 3rd camera. The slow infotainment is not a problem for me compared to Forester. Let it boot up CarPlay while you are driving down your driveway. Not a problem. Set climate on Auto and I rarely change it. Still has physical buttons to change temp which is all I change for climate controls. Really happy with the new car.
@chrisgillard9940 Does rear camera work immediately though? I need to back out from my garage through a narrow door and if camera works only after a minute it's not good.
I have a 24' Outback Onyx XT with 18k miles and it's one of the best riding cars out there for its price point. It was a beast in Winter. The only gripe I have with it is the HVAC controls in the screen. And the only issue I've had was the front monitoring camera that was remedied by doing a quick reprogramming. All in all, I would highly recommend.
Just bought a 2024 touring XT today. This is our 3rd Subaru with a 2014 Forester and 2018 Outback we adore. Honestly this gentleman on the video could not be more correct. I HATE the climate controls are on that giant screen as opposed to physical buttons. I want the buttons back that I can feel from muscle memory and find without staring at a screen and mashing on a screen. I truly do not want to have to mess with a touch screen for something I need to adjust or change frequently while driving 70+MPH or in traffic. That is a big fail and dangerous if you are someone like me who frequently changes the climate controls due to the kind of internal temperature battles women and men of a certain age experience due to hormonal issues. That unexpected "upgrade" alone almost killed buying this for me along with the lack of up front storage caused by eliminating the nice little cargo door in the dash that was there and isn't anymore to make room for the huge screen that is wildly unnecessary and the charger array, most of which I don't need or want. I'm particularly concerned that if that screen doesn't work, not only am I out my entertainment feature and nav system but also more importantly I no longer have the ability to control my physical comfort. Just a bad design decision.
Since 1982, my wife and I have had 8 Subarus. Plus, I purchased 3 more for my office. Just purchased a 2024 Outback Premium and we are quite pleased. CVT is better than my Honda CRV. Mileage is hovering around 32 MPG and of course, we expect it will do well in the snow. The "infotainment" system has quite a learning curve, but we are getting there!
I love how you talk in a normal speed and I also appreciate you speaking in a laym😮s language. What I'm trying to say is that you just say what's on your mind. And you don't over complicate the wording
Subaru service advisor here. The outbacks are a favorite amongst me and my coworkers. I just wish that we were able to keep the 3.6l engine.
3.6l a lot transmission front pump leak service advisor extra bonus
I wish Subaru would axe the CVT and use a Toyota automatice transmission.
@@trentrizza4572and engines :)
@@trentrizza4572I wish alot of cars would just run Toyota guts.
been wanting to mention this for ages, but the camera person is doing an awesome job! sticks meticulously to the narrative, as if we were there in real life.
The Outback does really well in snowy, icy conditions. It has many standard safety features that are options on other cars. Plus with all the features, its costs less than 40k. This is where Subaru has done a pretty good job, continuing to make its cars affordable despite adding more features. Subarus are also very reliable and only need the regular maintenance. I’ve owned two Outbacks, and my current one is at 110k miles without any problems.
Cvt is the only downside.😢😢😢
They are actually money pits.
@@KingKong- what is the downside of the CVT?
@@FordEnthusiast413 overheats on offroading, cheaper to make hence less longivity
@@FordEnthusiast413 Generally, the programming on most CVTs makes it harder to use the power of the engine. If the CVT is programmed for fuel economy, like most are, it will limit the use of engine power to achieve that economy and the car will feel sluggish and unresponsive. Some people also complain about how CVTs will hold the engine at one RPM for too long, creating a droning sound.
If they allowed more driver customization of the programming, or had more distinctly programmed drive-modes, they might be some of the best transmissions available.
Also, older generation CVTs tended to be unreliable and couldn't handle higher-horsepower engines without breaking. Even modern ones are generally considered slightly less reliable than a regular multi-gear automatic transmission, though it's not as much of a concern as it used to be (especially with good maintenance).
As a mechanic, Subaru is one of the easier cars to work on. I can have a 2.5 engine out in 1-1.5 hours. BUT in the rust belt, some of the items get tricky such as rusty ball joints and hub bearings.
Have you had any issues with the cvt transmission? Some reviews say to steer clear and stick with the 8 speed automatic. I'm going back and forth between Toyota Rav 4, Mazda 50 and the Subaru.
I have a 2017 Forester Premium that I bought used in 2020. The airy-ness of the inside cabin is really what sold me. So much less claustrophobic than other small SUVs. But since then, I have fallen in love with all things Subaru. Although the CVT is not my preference, what a great vehicle overall. Built well, and the two dealers I use for service are really top notch. In my area of Southeastern PA, there is no shortage of Subarus on the road! Whenever I at the dealer for anything--- there are always half a dozen people buying a new one!
Hi, mind me asking how many miles you have on the CVT, any reliability issues with it?
@@jamesbenning9665 theyre very reliable and refined, especially Subarus fuji industry CVTs. the bad hype was originated with Nissans. just have your fluid changed every 30k-50k and itll last as long as any other transmission.
@@jamesbenning9665 so far no issues with cvt. I have 117,000 miles on the car
I bought 2024 Outback touring last June. I decided to get the non XT engine for a better MPG, I'm not a heavy foot driver anyway.
The only option I missed on the Outback is the 3D view camera.
Thank you again for your review on the 2024 Outback touring.
Totally agree about the 3D camera….also the front parking sensors. The front camera is nice (needs better resolution) but I miss the front sensors that my 2018 Forester had when parking in the garage. Why Subaru would delete that, I have no idea.
Have a 2022 Outback, which is my 4th Subaru to date, my 3rd was the 2004 Liberty sedan that went for 18 years, over 200 kms. Love the current Outback, very quiet and comfortable, huge cargo capacity when I needed it, and excellent mileage on country trips. And when the conditions/weather become treacherous, the ground clearance, and safety & grip of the AWD are a godsend.
I really enjoy my '24 Outback XT Limited - Agreed it is a good car for the money, quiet, surprisingly quick, decent gas mileage and yes the Entertainment center is slow to boot up. One point that you did not mention that is on the bad side is the Auto Reverse Braking. I have a steep driveway that has a deep gutter at the end and the road is elevated. If I don't CRAWL across the gutter the Auto Reverse Braking slams on. The need to tweak the field of vision of the back up system.
Edit: Also the forward collision detection system goes crazy if I pull into my garage at any decent speed.
Edit Edit: Also agree on the annoying driving monitor beeping madness - If they don't want my eyes off the road give a damn button.
Same. I turn off RAB when backing down my driveway
For a long time, we always buy Toyota trucks and Subaru cars/suvs. I love the newer Outback XT for the money. We’re on our 9th Subaru in our family, almost zero problems. Very reliable & well made.
Fantastic review! My wife and I were shopping between a Tiguan and an Outback. We watched your Tiguan review two days ago and she said "It would be great if he had an Outback review." And, two days later, you have! Thank you for such a comprehensive review, it has helped us tremendously. Thanks again from a new subscriber!
Don't buy the Tiguan - VW is very unreliable: #27 in the reliability ranking of Consumer Reports annual reliability survey, while Subaru is reliable (#6 in CR reliability survey).
Make sure you buy the extended warranty if you get the Tiguan!
@@arthurfernandes2402 The extended warranty is another useless expenditure for that Tiguan lemon.
@@codincoman9019 Not really useless. I work at a VW dealership and the customer who buys an extended warranty actually pay itself in the end.
Sunroof leaks, water pump, cylinder head, etc, all pays for itself in the end and it’s worth it if you plan on keeping the car long term.
However, once the warranty runs out you better part ways or have the cash to spend on repairs when things fail.
Nothing is perfect and all brands has their own set of issues. Some are just worse than others.
@@arthurfernandes2402, I guess we have a similar take on this VW clunker.
The extended warranty is as useless for wealthy/smart people as buying that Tiguan.
I am thinking beyond the money, at something more important (that can be translated by some in money): time.
Time is the most important and finite resource we have and smart people don't want to waste it on car repairs (even on warranty), thus they will not waste it on unreliable cars (like the VW Tiguan).
Thanks, as always, for a detailed review! I leased a 2020 Outback Limited XT. Really quick, quiet, comfortable. After 3 yrs. the purchase price + loan = very high. Got a 2023 Forester Limited. Slower but adequate. (I like the S button for higher revs on highway merges). Comfortable if noisier. No power passenger seat. But no buzzers for looking away from the road. No large, slow, distracting screen (my wife got a 2024 Forester because we knew in '25 the big screen was coming). Love the rear camera and safety features. Great visibility. Fun to drive in a different, more primitive way than the Outback. CD player gone in the '24. QC better in the Japan-made Forester (some sloppy stitching, defective oil level sensor and in first few months battery drain problems in the US-made Outback). Very happy with our Foresters and our knobs/buttons for climate, heated seats, etc. Since 1999 we've had 4 Outbacks (we're old), 2 Foresters, and 1 Legacy 3.6R. Great cars.
I own this exact car, I have no issue with any of the complaints. All stuff you get used to.
Realize that half of the complaints you read & hear are from Subaru-hating trolls. I have a '22 OB Limited XT... over three years of ownership, no problems, including the screen that all of these people are whining about. It's a VERY good car.
My family members are all Subaru owners and they have been pushing us into buying one. We visited Subaru and test drove an Outback. Very nice but we decided to wait as there are other choices we wanted to explore. This video has been a big help in what was missed during our dealer visit. Thanks!
I own a 2019 Outback 3.6 6 cylinders Touring, the last year before the big update. I specifically wanted to avoid that big screen and I love the physical buttons. One thing he forgot to add about the Outback in general is the driver seating position, it feels like seating in a sedan but with an SUV ground clearance and space. It’s a keeper.
My 21 Forester has the driver monitor, I agree it nags more than it should. The screen was one of the reasons I went with the Forester over the Outback but I see that has changed with the 2025 model. After three years of Subaru ownership I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Yeah my 2019 Out ack 3.6 R 6 cyc. Is now 5 yrs old no issues , just one recall for battery drain , they retired relay module, new battery. All good , good mileage. One complaint the passenger seat has no height control , which it could tilt and move up . But it’s been a very reliable car . I’d buy another but Iknow 6 has been canceled, it’s much smoother than 4 turbo. . Don’t want to give up 6 .
You are my favorite car reviewer. You take your time and speak in layman's terms. Your reviews are very detailed and leave very few unanswered questions. Looking forward to your next review.
Been waiting for this - I’ve had two XT outbacks of this generation. Great cars for the space, efficiency and price.
Great review! My 2015 Subaru Outback (2.5) just had the catalytic converter replaced for free under a voluntary recall. The dealership gave me a 2024 Outback for a loaner while the repair was done. The newer Outback felt familiar in every way but just updated with the newer technology. Even with over 180K miles on the odometer, my 2015 Outback feels more solid and better handling than a 2024 Buick Encore I rented last week. When I buy another new car, I think it will be a Subaru.
Glad you mentioned seats! Have has a 2017 since new, and the seats are so uncomfortable for me (my back). I don't understand how so many people say the same thing, with no improvements. The driver monitor/light/beeping is a no sale...ridiculous. Thanks GB
2023 outback premium. drove over a 6 inch high curb I didnt see a week ago, cant believe it , no damage. Even plastic covers underneath werent scratched and didnt take it out of alignment
I have the 2024 non-turbo premium trim. I really like it and agree with your dislikes. I plan on doing my oil changes every 4,000 to 5,000 miles and hope it will last a long time. I must say that I am impressed with the interior build quality. The doors feel like those of a solid German car when closing, and the drive is surprisingly quiet.
Thank you for doing this much-awaited review of the Subaru Outback XT! I had been hoping and hoping for the past year that you'd be able to have one pass your way for your extremely detailed breakdown of the mechanical aspects of how the turbo engine mates together with the raised station-wagon chassis of the Outback. And as expected, you've done another stellar job of highlighting the pros and cons. Truly quality content!
The protrusion in the head light is most likely for aero dynamics, to break the wind reaching the mirror, hence decreasing wind noise from the mirrors.
something AMD probably didn't know, but the roof rails have a built in lift knobs that convert them into to cross bars for a roof rack or roof tent.
I have a 2020 Outback Limited xt, great car, except for the cvt, and lack of physical hvac controls.
The face monitor is great if there are two drivers - in my case, my wife and me. The car recognizes our faces and changes the outside mirror and seat settings automatically, which is great for safety and convenience. The constant beeping bothered me as well, until I discovered you can turn it off, and once off it stays off. For me (I'm 6'1") the leather seats in the touring xt are very comfortable, and I appreciate the addition thigh support. I'm glad the CCN mentioned how quiet this car is. Other benefits: it takes regular gas, even in the turbo model; the proximity key turns on the lights at night as you approach the car; there is a front facing camera; the headlights are LED and very good as is the visibility. I like my '21 and am about to get a '24, so for me and my wife it's Subi all the way.
I've had the 22 Crosstrek for 2 years now. 2.5 boxer is great IMO and i love it
The driver monitor can be turned off at any time. The monitor not only adjusts the seats and mirror for each registered driver it also keeps track of each registered drivers gas mileage. Pretty cool. Good and accurate overall review.
Driving monitoring system can no longer be turned off permanently you have to turn it off every time your car goes through a reset cycle I am a Subaru fan and Subaru owner but this is a feature they need to discontinue. I have to cover the sensor with a strip of black electrical tape in order for driver monitoring system to be turned off automatically every time I turn my new car on. I took it to the dealer to get this feature removed or turned off permanently and was told that it was impossible
@magdalenomayorga8233
Yes, you have to turn it off each time you want it off. You can do it while you're driving, though. The car doesn't have to be in park.
@@mickeybrumfield764 Can it not be stored in a profile?
@johanmarnfeldt5262
It is on my 2024 Outback Limited with driver monitoring. It is on the infotainment screen at the top where you get the option of 3 different things to see.
@@johanmarnfeldt5262
Yes.
2023 Outback Touring XT owner here. Absolutely love this car, it is highly configurable in case you want to disable some or most of the tech.
One feature that often get skipped is the voice command system. You can push the talk button on the steering wheel and say things like "set temperature to 72" or "set fan speed to low". It works pretty well, and keeps your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.
We have owned 6 outbacks for many of the reasons mentioned in the review. My wife test drove four vehicles for her next purchase and opted for a rav. The subie screen was too complicated when driving and my wife loved the big tactile hvac/radio controls in the rav. She misses driving a Subaru but at 50k miles we have only changed oil and replaced tires/wiper blades. I wish subie would go back to basics
Agreed. They need to replace the screen, its ignorance, distracting, backup camera or on screen viewing is awkward, and no shiney black around the screen, please.
You'll come back to Subaru! It's only a mater of time lol.
both our vehicles are subies and I’ve been paying attention to all new vehicles - this review is so accurate - exactly how I feel
I have a 2019 Outback limited and really like it. It has an infotainment system but it has physical controls for the AC and heated seats thank God. The screen stopped working after awhile. It was a $2000 replacement and it took months to get the new part. Had the climate control been built into the screen like the new Outback, the car would have been undriveable
2020 Outback Premium 2.5 here. I previously had a 2003 5-speed Jetta Wagon TDI (I tend to keep my cars a long time.) It was rusting out, and I was finding the manual transmission and low ground clearance were not suiting me as I grew older. My daughter has a 2017 Outback, and I was impressed with the quality and ride. I decided to retire the Jetta and get a new Subaru, and I've had no regrets since. In short, I love this car!
I bought a '24 Outback 2.5 last October and I've been waiting for this review!
I bought a premium model, and absolutely love it.
I tow a 1500 lb trailer with it and all is good.👍👍😊😊
Oh yeah my Eyesight has worked flawlessly! No issues , the cars also yells at me to get my hands back on the wheel , I can live with it , and I got very used to the back up camera, I very helpful!
Our family has owned 7 Subarus. Current one is a factory ordered 2023 Subaru onyx 2.5 without sunroof or GPS. Startex seats are easier to clean and cooler than leather. More head room for camping without sunroof. Non turbo engine gets highway 35 mpg and has a 4-500 mile range. Great roof rail system. Wireless apple car play works well. Wireless phone charger gets phone to hot. Forest service roads here in the PNW recommend over 8” ground clearance which this car has. Our other around town car is a small EV.
So we have a hybrid fleet: ICE for road trips, EV for in town use. To summarize, for about $35K msrp, this Subaru without the extra expensive bells and whistles is a very good value. The only other thing I wished it had was perhaps a hybrid option and a surround view camera for tight parking garages..
We had a 1992 Subaru Legacy wagon that our Dad gave to us in 2002 when they replaced it for a beautiful, new Avalon. It was black and underpowered but ran good but the a/c compressor blew up so needed a new one…estimate was thousands, more then it was worth so Dad let us trade it in.
I'm on the fence between the Outback and Land Cruiser 250.
I extremely appreciate the fact you have reviewed both.
I still prefer the Subaru from the 1990's. I had a Legacy Outback that I still miss. That car was perfect.
Bought a Subaru Outback Limited 2024 to replace Lexus Gx. Very happy with the purchase. The Outback is exceeding my expectations. Features wise I lost power folding mirrors and cooling seats but build quality and interior noise are very much on par. Love the ease of getting in and out. I feel the center screen is easy to use and find it has typically loaded before I start pulling out of garage. No complaints love the car and the dark mahogany color is awesome
Not having physical buttons for A/C, etc.is why I bought a Toyota. Also, I did not like their screen. Too in your face. But, I’ve had a Subaru before. Love their quality.
I might have to buy a Toyota or Honda too.
The seats in the Outback are much better than in the Forester. If there is more than one driver, the face scanning system is super comfortable because it adjusts the seat position, outside mirrors and the infotainment system for each driver. The temperature control is done using physical buttons and for detailed definition of the vents everything is available at the touch of a button on the display. I have a 2022 Forester and a 2024 Outback and I consider the Outback to be a great and comfortable vehicle for long trips.
The lack of physical switches for the ventilation controls are a knock down for me. But the worst thing about a Subaru are the seats. They are usually very short on cushion length, with lack of thigh support. The seats seem to be made for people of short stature only. That's basically the reason why I can't buy Subarus 😢 and I really wanted to get one.
I disagree. I am 6ft tall (in decent shape) and have driven a 2022 Forester for several multi-state trips, including 8-10 hours of driving a day and thought the seats were super comfortable. They were better than my old Honda CR-V and those were generally good.
13:33 That's one of the main reasons why I bought my '24 Crosstrek: the high ground clearance (and tall roofline): no having to slow down to 2 mph to avoid scraping the bottom of the front of the car on a driveway with a steep angle, for example.
We live in north central Washington state, 5 miles from town up in the mountains.
We get 5-7 feet of snow every winter.
We have to plow and maintain our private road ourselves.
Three years ago I bought my wife a 2 year lease returned Outback with only 5,600 miles.
We’ve driven Toyota’s for 40+ years and every winter we have to put studded snow tires on them, (except for our 4WD pickups).
My wife drove around on her factory tires year round until they wore out.
I put a set of Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires. They’re Awesome Tires for all 4 seasons.
My wife’s Outback is now 5 years old with only 37K miles.
Both of her brothers and their wives live in Montana and they too drive Outback’s.
My brother and his wife live in Portland Oregon and they too own an Outback.
My sister who lives in southern California just bought her first Outback.
I told my sister to buy a Toyota because she’s not good about maintaining a vehicle. Whereas I’m a maintenance freak.
Wow.. My car. Same year, same color, same trim.
I actually like the side plastic claddings. I lean my kayaks on the side of the car all the time before I load it to the top roof rack. Don't need to worry about scratches to the paint.
Im glad you pointed out the downsides, and I agree with most of them. Especially the infotainment system. The auto start top function also seemed like an afterthought for Subaru. Every time the engine starts up, it feels like the motor will fall out.
Finally, this is what ive been waiting for.
I drive a 2014 Outback with 240k miles. When I bought it new I was told that the transmission oil was good for the life of the transmission. When the CVT failed at 90k I started doing some research. Everywhere else in the world the CVT service interval is 35k miles/50 kilometers. When asked what they consider the life of the CVT is, my dealer said 60k miles. That is a $7k repair. I now service my CVT every 35k.
That driver attention bullshit is going to be in every car in a couple years. It sucks.
Nice job, Ahmed. A few things you missed: RAB which save me from nighttime backup collision, concealed crossbars in roof rack, can disable driver watchman feature, has winter package giving fully heated steering wheel, heated seats, heated bottom of windshield in case wiper blacked are frozen in place, ventilated drivers seat blows cool air in hot summer, front camera on grill helps you park toward such as in garage, paddles behind steering wheel to downshift say getting off highway exit or downshifting if you need a bit more power to accelerate. Eyesight is a new generation with improved sighting of pedestrian and bicyclists. Most important is the noise level driving different engines. The N.A. 2.5L is loud past 2,000 rpm but I’m on my third and got used to it. The power is sufficient. The XT is the 2.4L turbo engine and rated at 260 hp. It is very fast and the sound is similar to a European car. I think it has more firewall soundproofing. Thanks for your great reviews.
I love Subaru. So easy for a DIY mechanic to take care of.
Except spark plugs. 😊
@@dB_944those are easy too, you don’t have to take a he engine out!
@@carls.7954I would hope not
@@carls.7954 They are NOT easy!
@@richardepstein3494 take out the battery, the breather box and hose and gives you all the space u need. I use low profile ratchet and swivel, socket, never had an issue.
Bought a 2024 Subaru Outback Limited in March. Love it! My husband has had issues with the driver seat adjusting when the driver gets in and out. I love the ride, it gets 30 mpg and the engine isn’t even broke in yet. I would have liked knobs for the A/C and heat. I have always wanted an Outback! Seats are comfortable. Love my built in CD player. Wish the Limited came with a physical key and keyless entry like on our Ford driver’s door. I think the carpeting could be thicker. Oh and the circulation of air thru the center console to the back is awful! Should have vents in the ceiling like our Ford Expedition has. The front vents suck too. They need the circle vents like our Ford Expedition has. They may look dated but you can rotate and circulate air and heat in every direction with the circle vents. Love my new 2024 Subaru Outback Limited. I hope to have it for 20 years and by then I will appreciate the bells and whistles that make driving easier, since I will be elderly in 20 years. We have driver assist turned off right now. I don’t like the camera scan but all new cars have them. Oh, loved your review. And your camera person was terrific. I can tell you are a Subaru Outback fan. You would be a good salesman. Very knowledgeable. After watching this video, I feel like I chose the right car to buy, thanks!
I purchased my 2024 Limited 3 weeks ago and so far I'm loving almost everything about it this vehicle. Haven't found the CD and honestly I tossed all my CDs years ago. I like how Android Auto immediately loads and starts my music, maps, more. The Lane Centering is completely garbage, but so far with 2K miles I'm liking Lane Keep Assist (we'll see) as it seems to gently nudge remind me I'm wandering. There's just hundreds of little thoughts they put into this car I'd never dreamed of... Like when you put the car into reverse the side mirror rotates and aims down at the curb for parallel parking. Nice. And I kinda like how my car lights up the ground when I walk towards it at night
We've owned and wanted to buy another Outback, but the infotainment and lack of buttons is just enough to make us say, "no, thank you." It's just a me-too addition. The annoying monitoring is also a big downer.
Fantastic cars, happy to see Subaru making high quality family vehicles with a focus on safety,
Interesting about the seat comfort… I traded a tundra for my Outback and find the seats in the Outback limited so much better. I couldn’t get comfortable in the 4Runner seats either. After owning many Toyotas I feel like Toyota does not know how to design comfortable seats. The Subaru has been much better for me on long trips. Might be just different body types but great review!
I don’t like the seats in my mom’s outback. I feel like it pushes my head down, and they are very firm
I discovered Toyota does know how to make comfortable seats when I sat in a Lexus, at least between the Rav and NX.
I have a 2015 4Runner and the seats are not that comfortable once I get OUT of it. They make my hips very stiff. But driving they are very comfortable and don't have to fidget at all.
I bought a 2016 Outback Limited new. Great car. I have the old style HVAC system with hard buttons. I live in northern Ohio and the all wheel drive system is almost unstoppable in snow. It just goes. And my wheel moldings are normal! Those new asymmetrical things bother my OCD too. I appreciate your logic and sensibility. I hope Subaru watches your videos and takes them to heart.
I have a 2023 Outback XT Touring here in Australia 🇦🇺. All our Outback models have a full size alloy spare wheel. I'm 5'11" and using the thigh extender. I turnoff the driver monitor system. Our Subaru's are imported from Japan. Enjoy your reviews.
I have an 2024 Outback Premium (my third). Many of the things you didn’t like are not on this model. No CD player, the backup camera is above the license plate, no sun roof and nice cloth seats.
I had a 23 Outback premium and now I have a 24 Limited. I find the front seats in the limited really comfortable. The simpler seats in the premium were just average. As far as the screen goes, it’s fine. I rarely ever have to wade into the climate screen as there are buttons to change the temp and for defrost. Basically set it and forget it. The cvt works great. It never drones, and isn’t noisy. It’s totally smooth under lighter throttle and it fake shifts very well under heavier throttle. The auto start/stop system is trash and you have to turn it off after every start. They should allow you to permanently disable it. You can switch off the driver monitoring but I don’t find it that intrusive. The awd is great and the design of the car is hugely practical. All in all I can’t think another car I would rather spend my money on.
Likely you cannot permanently disable the auto start/stop due to the Feds....
We have two Subarus with that large screen and driver monitoring. In the Subaru forums, it is known as TSFH - The Screen From Hell. We actually like it. Both cars can have either one of us driving at any point, and it is way cool to just sit down, be recognized, and have all the seats mirrors and settings change for each driver. Yes, you can do this from the seat memory button. But this is more fun.
Also, the Outback has an 18 gallon tank and very decent mileage. That makes for great highway range.
I chatted with a woman yesterday who owns one. She said he loves her Outback - she's from a family who has owned Suburus. The only thing she didn't like is it's not peppy - she must have the non-turbo.
Yeah, other than the WRX and BRZ, Subarus aren't known for being on-road sporty. I remember checking the specs and noticing that my old early-2000s Impreza actually had more horsepower than the 2020 one.
Yes, it has to be the 6 cylinders or a turbo, the 2.5 non turbo has a painful slow acceleration.
I have 2 Subarus and like both. 2018 Outback and 2019 Ascent. I furnished my own cars for over 20 years (now retired) and I can't think of one I'm happier with - and I've had them all. I wish they'd do something with the 2.5L's powers without going turbo. I have the oil changed every 3000 mi, and I'll get the transmission serviced at 60,000; there is no "lifetime" no need for service in my world; cars are machines, and machines need servicing. The Touring model will be my next one, but with only 56K on the 2018, I'm not sure when that will be. The digital mirror is great for a fully loaded back or when towing...
I bought a new 2025 Outback Premium two days ago. Hate the driver assist, but it can be disabled. The pre-collision is horrible and can be dangerous, but I understand this is probably true with all new cars as it is a federal mandate. In fact, the pre-collision braked and squealed wheels on me the minute I left the dealer lot. I was making a right turn, and another car was making a right turn from the road I was getting onto. I guess the system thought the car was crossing in front of me, but it was very startling and unnecessary. However, this can also be disabled, but you have to do it every time you start the car and it takes five or six steps on the display. I don't mind because I don't drive as much as I used to, so I just turn it off every time I start the car. Otherwise, I believe I am going to be very happy with it. The things I read people complaining about are real, but they don't matter to me. (Sluggish display, doesn't go from 0 to 60 fast enough, etc.) I upgraded from a 2008 Subaru Outback and it's one of the best cars I have ever owned. Over 200,000 miles and it's still running, and everything still works damn near like it was new! It runs great. Yea, it's needed some repairs over the years, but no more than any other car. Needs the exhaust manifold repaired right now, but I am going to have it fixed and keep it. I will probably drive the old one more than the new one, because I still love it.
Someone here wrote that if you setup a profile and store your settings there it will be loaded every time you start the car, can you confirm?
@@johanmarnfeldt5262
I will give it a try and get back to you. I also have an appointment with Subaru to go over how the electronics work, and I will ask them. My new car is currently being detailed with the ceramic coating, so I won't have it for a few days. I've bookmarked this conversation so I can easily find it and give you a good answer.
@@markanderson1179 Have you been able to confirm that you could store settings in a "profile" which would disable the "pre-collision" feature ? Any advice would be most appreciated....
@@rschier1
Setting up a profile to keep "pre-collision" turned off does not work. You can set up a profile that will retain just about all of the other settings which would be beneficial if you have multiple people driving the car. However, I am the only person driving the car, so creating a profile would do nothing for me. I have it down to four "taps" on the touch screen to turn off "pre-collision". There is a separate button at the bottom of the touch screen to easily tun off "driver assist" which also defaults to "ON" every time you start the car. (Would be nice if they had a single button for pre-collision.) So, five "taps" and I am ready to roll. All of the other settings I changed have been retained as default. It is just "pre-collision" and "driver assist" that are always "ON" when you start the car. I don't drive much these days, so all-in-all it's not much of a nuisance for me. The screen can be sluggish as some have pointed out, but not enough to be concerned about in my opinion.
@@markanderson1179 Thank you kindly for the info. Looks like they've been changing the menus. I have a "car" icon that makes it pretty easy to navigate to the driver assist screen where you can turn off the "pre-collision" as well as a similar feature for the rear of the vehicle. I believe turning these off constitutes the elimination of the offensive actions the car can take on its own. I also have a button to shut of the auto stop/start which I will disable each time I start the vehicle as well. So in short, I believe it is only the "pre-collision" and "Stop/Start" functions that have to been
turned off each time, as the others remain static upon them being turned off. Thank you again.
I love your videos, your the only car reviewer that talks about build quality and reliability. Most other reviewer no nothing about vehicle mechanics. Thank you Sir!
The large screen is actually very easy to understand and use. Climate control is usually used on Auto and there are physical buttons for both front seats to change temperatures. There are physical buttons for audio volume and tuning. There is a physical button for emergency flashers as well as separate physical buttons for heating each of the front seats. The menu system is also super easy to use. Learnt how to use it in a matter of minutes. I have also not found response speed to be a problem - and is no worse than most other vehicles I have driven. All in all, I love the large screen and how it is set up. And, if you just can’t bring yourself to push a button, you can also use voice control.
I agree. The big screen works really nice. No lag after about 15-30 seconds from startup. I use my wireless Android Auto with the Google Maps in satellite mode and its like driving a Tesla. A major selling point for me.
@@3Blades Me too. My family is very happy with our '22 OB Limited XT, more than we had expected. There's a whole lotta.... "misinformation" (aside from the lies from the Subaru-hating trolls) being spread out on UA-cam about Subarus. Frankly, if people are stupid enough to believe this crap, let 'em.
I have a 2022 subaru outback, in Australia. Its the most comfortable vehicle i have ever owned. I dont call it a suv , its a wagon . . So practical such a great car to own
Thanks AMD for the review. Wanted to comment on the Driver Monitoring system, first, it recognizes you for the memory seat and side mirrors adjustments, second, it takes two hand gesture commands for the temp setting, if you wave your hand in front of the red LED, it increases the temp setting by two degrees, and if you wave your fist, with fingers facing the monitor, you drop the temp by two degrees. Also, the monitoring itself has caught me couple times zoned while I was still looking ahead. Subaru safety really delivers. When’s your 2025 Forester review coming out?
does the hand thing really work???.....if it does, that is pretty cool or warm...LOL
That's a pretty dumb feature when one could simply press the temperature control buttons instead of a hand gesture which can be misinterpreted by the camera.
I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I find them informative, thoughtfully honest and to the point. So I was glad you covered the 24 Outback when you did, as I was contemplating purchasing one. Watching your review put me over the top to go forward with my decision. I bought the touring xt as reviewed here days after this review hit. I’m 6’6” and find this to be one of if not the most comfortable car I had test drove. I tested Volvo v60, Acura RDX & MDX, Mazda CX70, Cadillac XT5, Mercedes C class suv, and more. I love how quiet and smooth it rides. There is more than enough power. The CVT in this car doesn’t leave me wishing it wasn’t a CVT. The screen has given me no more issues than any piece of electronic technology, which is to say livable with very minor inconvenience. I’m three weeks into ownership and have no regrets with my purchase. To be more specific I’m enamored with my purchase. The dealer in Colorado Springs had a program where you could rent the car with unlimited mileage for $35 per day. I rented it for a week so as to see what it was like to live with. So glad I did, as it is the best test drive I have ever taken.
I have this car. Same color and everything. I don't have the turbo engine. I don't understand your negative comments about the driver monitor system. Maybe you don't realize that you can turn it off if you don't want to use it. Also, I've never had it beep at me while using the center screen. Sometimes when I hold a cup up to my face it beeps but that's it. You can also adjust the volume of the "beeping" if you want. I don't consider the infortainment system to slow either. It seems to work as well as any other that I've seen. Your comments about the appearance is also very subjective. It looks like a Subaru. Those of us that love this brand expect that.
Loving our 2018 OB and may consider a 2024 in 2-3 years. Thanks!
I have had my ‘24 Outback Limited XT for nearly a year, and I’m still extremely happy with it. These are the features I’m most happy with: turbo power at lower RPMs, 12-speaker Harmon-Kardon sound system, adaptive cruise control, and adjustable thigh support with 12-way driver seat. Less thrilling features: laggy infotainment system, annoying warning alert when I’m simply wanting to view the countryside, steering assist that constantly bounces from left to right. Would I buy it again? Absolutely! May trade in for a ‘26 model IF they fix those issues AND if the design is updated.
I'd like to hear a mechanic's opinion of Eyesight. As a driver, I'm not a fan. But that's true of any "assist" system.
As long as you follow the maintenance schedules(every 6k miles), the vehicle will easily last you 200k+.
Picked up a 24 Outback Onyx so far no complaints.
Cmon Car Nut!!! do a FORESTER review!!! PLLLSSSSSS
With you on that one!!
@@1linkbelt why he doesn't do a forester review?
Are you a short haired woman who wears flannel shirts and goes to Indigo Girls concerts by any chance ?
My brother and his wife just got a new Forester (the off roady spec, wilderness or something?) and they LOVE it.
They load it up with the kids, and have this whole process to pack all their camping supplies in the back and on the roof rack. It's a convenient car for families.
@@petergozinya6122 nope, long hair escort...handy, loyal and cheap...like the Forester...who can ask for more?
Hi @TheCarCareNutReviews,
As the owner of the European version of the Subaru Outback Touring (without turbo) in Kyiv, Ukraine, I can point out the differences between headlights and front bumper. We have a different look which might be more liked by you. Also, I want to point out the difference in service requirements for CVT. In our manual, we must change the fluid in CVT every 60000 km. In the US, there is no such requirement. Also, we don't have an option for a shark fin camera for the rear mirror. We have a regular mirror.
Regarding the driver monitoring system, in our case, it is triggered only on my wife when she is laughing; it seems that the monitoring system is detecting that, at some point, she is closing her eyes. No triggering when we are changing AC settings.
What I also like about driver monitoring system is that when you create accounts, you can save seat and mirror settings per driver and choose primary phone to connect. So, when I'm driving the car, it ignores my wife's phone unless I manually choose to connect to it. Regarding seats and mirrors, the same could be done with the key. You can save settings to your key, and everything changes to your settings. I have a difference in height with my wife, about 12", so for me, this is important.
When the warranty for the car ended, 3 years or 100,000 km, we decided to replace the vehicle with a new Subaru Outback.
Thank you for your review.
Have a nice day!
I'm surprised you haven't reviewed a Honda HR-V yet. Old-school port injected K-Series engine... ;)