My first car ever was a 2012 Outback I bought three years ago. The new models look really good and seem to be massively improved even from the 2018 models. The reason I bought it is because I needed a good car for college and I live in the northeast where we get lots of snow. It's been great so far, and I plan on keeping it until either 5 years past or I hit 160,000 miles
When the Ascent was introduced last year and the Forester continuing to grow year after year like a high school football player I wondered if the Outback would still have a place in the Subaru lineup. Obviously, they've found a place with the Outback XT. The same engine as the Ascent finds a much more appropriate home in the Outback with a 700 lb lower curb weight. (3900 lb vs 4600 lb). Add fuel, passengers, and gear and the difference is closer to half a ton! Further, in the past Subaru owners have often had to apologize for the interiors of their vehicles in terms of features and materials. The Subaru's standard AWD system meant being price competitive with rivals called for cost cutting somewhere. Obviously, Subaru has found a way to significantly improve their interiors while still offering AWD as a standard feature. All in all it's an impressive effort. Here in the Pacific Northwest (US), Subaru owners are a fanatic group. Very polite folks but still fanatics. :) Even the mildest criticism risks losing friends, invitations to neighborhood gatherings and Thanksgiving dinners. Fortunately, the Outback doesn't appear to risk those dangers.
The 2019 Outback's interior was pretty good. Maybe not as good as Audi, but certainly nothing to apologize for :) Good thing 2020 model is even better though.
Planned to buy RAV4 but ended at Outback. Got the outback Limited trim 3 days back. Ride is awesome. The reason opt out RAV4 is the interior feels like I’m in a old car.
Someone needs a long long vacation!!!! Loved it! Approved! I'm going to get mine soon. Excellent product and high quality with great reliability. It's gonna be a long time investment and happiness. Thanks, Subaru! We love you!
We have the 2014 Diesel with the manual. Drove through 40cm of fresh snow during a skiing holiday in Italy. On standards winter tires. Never ever flinched. The car perfectly does what you want it to do without goofing around. We do skiing trips of 10 days 3x a year to Switzerland, Austria or Italy. Never had ANY issues. Our former car, a BMW 530d had RWD and needed chains regularly. It had more oompff but was heavier and not as well suited to this stuff. Also we now got a aftermarket Webasto heater (we bought the car in Germany) So the cabin is at 20°C, defogged and oil is on operating temperature by the time you got off the skilift 😂 It also pulled a 890kgs diesel generator on a trailer up a muddy slope in a field. We tried with a Citroën FWD car first but it dug itself in the mud. Coupled the trailer to the Outback and it pulled through like it was on tarmac 🤷🏼♂️ The legroom in the back is awesome. I’m 6’4” and can sit behind myself. This is impossible in a BMW 5-series. Maybe in the 7, but they’ll need to make a estate version before we buy one lol. The car is practical, reliable, affordable to run. Insure and maintain. The only downside is power. While 150hp and 360Nm are okay-ish The BMW had more grunt, at 192hp and 410Nm. And its seats were nicer. Since it was a old 5-series from way back when our German neighbors made better cars than they do now 🙄 So a Twin-Turbo 2.0l Diesel 😂 or a more hi-powered gas version would have been great. We gonna drive this one until its dead. Its at 130k now. Without any big issues. Next one will probably be a XT or if me and my brother move out something sporty. Like a 440i or a M2 or something
I have a 2013 Outback premiere. LOVE it. I’m about 2 years out from my next one. Been watching a lot a reviews. I’m in LOVE with the 2020. I was thinking about looking at Toyota Rav 4. The more reviews I see of the Outback. I think I’m sticking with Subaru Outback. Can’t wait. LOVE Subaru 😊👍🏻
@@pleco101 yes I am! My previous car was Subaru Outback 2016 and I was happy with it. But now I understand how new is better than the previous. Subaru did the huge step forward ! I would ask them to make all outback models with integrated hith. This is what I miss. There are no more complaints besides this.
I had a 2005 Outback and currently a 2013. I kept the first one 10 years, and plan on doing the same with the 2013, but these new models are very tempting. For those complaining about the price, the middle range Outback always looks like the best value. While the Turbo sounds like a great engine, there really is nothing wrong with the base 2.5 motor. Honestly, if you want something that goes fast... get a Jaguar XF Sport Brake before it gets discontinued.
I’ve had my first ever forester since 2014. I live in Quebec so very accustom to lots of snow and ice. I’m in the market for another forester but with the turbo. So I’m praying to the Subaru Gods let there be turbo in forester. Great video and commentary thanks.
This! Turbo was exactly what was missing in the rental outback I got for a road trip in California. You could feel the lack of tongue at higher altitudes. Turbo is the natural solution. I am glad they added it. I am a big after driving for a week in the city, highway and off road. Well laid out, comfortable, utilitarian and now safe with cameras. Excellent job Subaru.
No car reviewer easily found on the Internet knows their vehicles as well as you do. Nor have I found a reviewer who presents so concisely, clearly and enjoyably.. Very nicely done-consistently so. You are the Garrison Keillor of car reviewers, presenting your unique version of "Prairie Home Companion" for car lovers. Thank you. Robert H.
Thanks Zach... I've been waiting for this review. It's on my short list as I am looking for a new vehicle... unfortunately my wife and daughter think the Outback is ugly. 😕
I never was into wagons (even though I had a 2014 Impreza wagon hand me down for a while) until I saw the new Volvo V60 T6 Inscription. I was smitten!! And the new 3 series touring looks great but we can't get it in NA. And don't get me started on the new RS6 Avant... that thing looks positively wicked!! I had to agree with my girls that the Outback isn't a looker but I was far more interested in its capabilities. But I already have a crossover (2018 BMW X3) and today decided to buy a supercar in disguise. After months of test drives and research pulled the trigger on a 2020 BMW M340. Can't wait to take it home.
@@mikev3999 yes, go for a wagon. We here in Europe have wagons extremly common, 2 of 3 families have wagon (not SUV or van), very common on our roads are Skoda Octavia wagon, Skoda Superb wagon, VW Passat wagon, Audi A4 avant/wagon, Kia Ceed wagon, ... You have the same or very similar length, but much room inside, and driving abilities/handling for highways and curvy roads, lower center of gravity etc. You have mentioned Audi RS6 Avant- yes, it is a masterpiece and finally also NA customers could feel that wagon can be extremely sport car
Ladislav Danek I ended up buying a 2020 BMW M340. We don’t get the wagon version here anymore. But we do get 382hp and 369 lb feet of torque which is more than Europe due to different emissions regulations. I’m ok with my choice as I also have a 2018 X3. Once my wife agreed to let me put crossbars on the rails when I want to take my kayak around I was happy to get something sporty for my daily driver. Since it is comfortable and has AWD for winter but is faster than any previous gen M3, I really think I got an excellent all rounder.
Spinning tires in the sand takes its toll on the driveline. I wonder what the temps were doing? Other than hill decent I personally don't care for "modes". Give me maximum, always!
Woodstock Dave I would be interested too. It does have a digital transmission temperature gauge option at the top of the big screen so you could at least monitor that.
i work at a shop that specializes in subarus. i can tell you for a fact that all their automatic transmission, cvt or with gears, are using a transmission cooler. We get outbacks anywhere from 2000 up to 2010 with over 150-180k miles on them that run in conditions like the ones youve seen in this video. If you are worried about longevity with these drivetrains then you have nothing to worry about.
Considering it uses a CVT, the spinning tires can burn out the driveline pretty quick. Need to treat a CVT gently or you are looking at a new transmission.
I purchased a new Outback in 2017. It had RAB and many other electrical problems from the start. I had it in the shop 10 times for repair. towed to the dealer no less than 4 times. Went a total of 42 days without my car. It was a Lemon. Even the district service manager told me to contact Subaru Customer service to get a full refund, as they could not figure out what is wrong with the car. After months of being given the run around, Subaru customer service did not refund my money as they should have. I traded my car in, still under warranty, still not fixed. I lost over $14,000 because Subaru does not stand behind their cars. Toyota is looking better all the time.
Do you have any info on wear and reliability of the turbo engine? I understand that the higher pressure and heat can be an issue on turbos. Don't know how Subaru fares in that regard.
@@MrKingmino No, it has issues with angles - especially the front angle is pretty bad for any offroading. I have Forester and its the same - the "nose" sticks too much forward. Also its too long, in forest you are very limited with maneuvering. But dont take me wrong, it is wery capable SUV/wagon that can put to shame many other SUVs, it just has its limits and you reach them very soon as you leave tarmac...
These are not cheap cars. I priced out the OutDoor trim, the lowest of the bunch with the turbo engine because this car isn't light and it came out to $48,000 after all is said and done. I'm honestly looking to get into a Subaru for its great utility and that meant starting off with the Crosstrek. While the Crosstrek is a great car in its own right, it's limited storage will become apparent very quick once you either need to fit stuff more than your groceries or your family grows. The Convenience trim does seem like a great place to start. They do give you good amount of amenities and safety features.
It's cool this year how Subaru is offering dealer installed skid plate protection for the engine and differential. It's still annoying, however, how they package features. For example, you can only get the 2-mode X-mode and front camera on the Outdoor/Onyx versions, and you can only get the Harmon Kardon audio on the the Limited and Touring. There is a nice Rockford Fosgate upgrade for the base stereo, but given the price of the Outdoor, the H/K system should be there, too.
@@stevenperlman5811 I think Subaru uses the same Jatco cvt trans in most of their models now as does Nissan and we know it's in the bottom in reliability.l'll stick with naturally aspirated engines and geared tranny. Just buy a Toyota, but if someone needs a huge info screen to keep busy while driving buy a Tesla,lol.
@@itlogutube You've been watching too much Scotty., he's repeated that over and over without even so much as looking it up and verifying it. There's even a third party industry market report out there stating that Lineatronic is in-house.
Any thoughts on the cvt transmission ? That would be the one thing that would keep me out of a Subaru that didn't have the option of a standard transmission now.
Have the current gen outback, and the CVT has never bothered me. Should test drive one and experience it. I find the Subaru CVT does not behave like other brand CVTs operate.. Subaru does it much better - and I’ve towed with it too with no issue.
@@Motormouth... is there a Lexus model that has all these features that are also elderly/senior-ride friendly (in terms of seat height) and the comfort of a luxury trim?
A. Muhammad I'm not yet a senior, but a 50 ish guy with occasional back problems and I'm looking at the Outback for this reason, among others. I test drove one today, and it sits noticeably taller than my Legacy. Of course the power seats will put you any where you need. And certain trim levels have power seats on both sides. Test drive one and you'll likely have no problem with entry/exit.
@@RobPetty622 I was trying to consider for my senior parents, but since i am the one driving the car, i wanted to get a Lexus SUV that can be senior friendly with the same features and height as an Outback! That was my question. I drive Lexus ES now, it is too low for them. We had an RX before which was ok. I wsnted to get a GX460 idk how it would be their ride! I have sesrched most websites recommend Subaru Outback, idk why! Honestly i personally prefer Japanese luxury cars, unless there's no other option.
Really too bad that Volkswagen is not going to be offering the Alltrack going forward. Way more fun to drive on pavement than the Subaru. I have a 2018 Alltrack. 2018 Subaru was so vanilla. Hopefully the new turbo engine improves that. The CVT though really is what held it back IMHO.
I bought a 2019 Touring 2.5L last December. The 2020 model wouldn't be worth it for me to trade up but why would Subaru NOT make their flagship model the first model to receive the new "global chassis"? It seems a$$ backwards to me. Doesn't every other manufacturer start with the flagship, then work down their model lines when introducing major upgrades? Just saying.
I wish another mainstream company did a station wagon with a mid sized cars rear seat leg room and station wagon sized trunk. Something with a real car feel to drive but with some utility.
I have a 2004 Outback which I love but I want to buy a smaller car so.... XV I wonder if you have heard if the 2020 version of the XV will be getting any of this stuff? Specifically the Outdoor version with the faux leather and the improved X-Mode, and a TURBO!
I would love to buy one. I used to love their older 5-spd packages. They were a snug but quite toss-able fun car. But at $44,ooo (premium pig) with a CVT... I don’t think I’ll bite. But for our Winters?... maybe ... used. Thanks for the video.
Does the radio automatically go on every time the car turns on. That would be the thing I would change on my 2019🤨. I will turn on the radio if I want to listen to music.
Mohamad Arouk I wish they would put the STi 6 speed manual in the Outback and dump the eyesight in that model. I need a bigger vehicle for the kids but I still would like to have some excitement. I miss both the STi’s that I have owned.
I have a 17 Forester XT and it's a blast to drive. It's really responsive. I drove a new Outback XT, and it's really smart about anticipating what you want it to do. It's really quick.
Starts at 26k here in the US. Also, Younger buyers doesn’t necessarily mean 18 years old. The median age of someone who purchases an outback is 45 years old. They could be looking to get into the market of people in their late 20s or early 30s, which would be “younger”
33 cubic feet of cargo space seats up I read elsewhere. Seems small for the Outback. Less space than some compact SUV's it seems. Not crazy about the giant screen but we used to say that about smartphones too. Now I want to see the Carcross Desert for myself.
Be careful you're comparing apples. The standards on measurement actually changed recently. The new outback uses the new standard which actually makes it seem worse than it is. Many older models of all CUVs measure it differently. On the old standard, this outback cargo is bigger than the old one.
That's a nice big screen that can distract the driver. Want proof? These commercials always show the driver operating the display with the car STOPPED. Let's see them play with those icons while at highway speeds. They won't because the video would end with an accident.
not expensive in US or Canada. Look at the prices in Europe. They are when converted to the same currency 2x more expensive in Europe :( We can buy for 73k Canadian Dollars (when converted) e.g. Skoda Kodiaq with 176kW 2.0 diesel engine, and Skoda is lower brand of VW group, so this to the prices you are complaining in north America. We always laugh how extreme cheap are new cars in Canada an US. Enjoy it, not complaint. I am from eastern Europe, we earn less than a quarter of what you earn in Canada, but we have to pay 2x higher price for the same car, same trim (is also due to our regulations, much more additional environmental taxes, ...). Remember that please, Subaru is cheap in Canada.
In Belgium were a bit better off than my east-european friend here. But still... its mainly the taxes and insurance. We currently have 3 cars: -2014 Subaru outback (2.0l Diesel) -1998 Lexus SC400 (4.0l 32v V8) imported from Canada.. -Suzuki Swift (1,2l 16v) The Subaru is about 400€ a year just on Tax for the engine.. not talking about the road or ECO tax. Our former car, a BMW 530d with a 3.0l Turbo Diesel was about 800€ a year tax bcs it was a ‘big engine’ at 3.0l and 6-cyl. Not too bad but okay 🤷🏼♂️ And the cherry is the Lexus. With its magnificent 1UZ-FE V8, a strong and well-engineered engine that did 270k now without big issues. Over 22y now. (We’re lucky, bcs these engines are impossible to find in the EU...) They ask no less than 2500€ of tax each year for the engine. This is 55.000€, you can buy a basic Audi A6 with this. This is why y’all shouldn’t complain about money. Especially taxes. This is also part of the reason why these cars, except for Germany and Switzerland are not a big big hit. Bcs they have 2.0l or above. The 2,4l Turbo will be like 600-800€ as well. Bcs it is relatively powerful. To give you an idea, VW thinks its a good idea to stuff a 1,6l Diesel engine in a Kodiaq. Wich is built on the same chassis as a Audi Q7... it is a massive, heavy car with a small engine.. they don’t last long.
Its not that we can’t afford all this nonsense. We have 10x the average monthly household income every month 🤷🏼♂️ But seeing so much of that hard earned money flow down a drain. In the politicians pockets is quite painful... Our country is screwed up due to corruption. And the car manufacturers use this. The government heavily taxes engine volume. So they sell cars with small engines. Big cars, bcs most people feel insecure about their tiny dick and think that driving a big heavy (company car most often) vehicle will make them look more succesful and better off. While the cars will probs die earlier bcs due to cutting corners (yes VW does..) and small engines having to work overtime. So people buy a new vehicle, paying tax to insert it in the system (was 10.000€ for the Lexus..) it just keeps on going.
@T R It might come up a hybrid in Japan. There is XV and Forester hybrid, with silly little 15hp motor. Outback hybrid might be good choice for me. There is also CR-V hybrid or I will noise isolate RAV4 ;) I like how the CVT drive, I worry about the reliability of belt/chain types. The e-CVT will fit my driving style.
T R My gas 2019 RAV4 LE AWD is much quieter once it warms up. Toyota uses a tumble control valve during warm up to reduce emissions. Engine insulation is a place for mice to nest, no thanks. I’m getting over 40 mpg in my RAV in mixed driving. Subaru can’t get anywhere close to that mpg in the real world. The CVT is not good off road. The RAV4 will go places the Outback cannot because it has a conventional transmission and a shorter wheelbase.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q RAV4 comes with 2.0l gasoline connected to direct shift CVT in my market (Japan). Because of that, Harrier 2.0l turbo with conventional AT is also something I consider. Hybrid eAWD RAV4/Harrier may make sense for me as I'll do lots of mountain drives. Will see. Thanks for info :)
Unless subaru finds a solution for the cvt transmission fiasco these cars will drop in value like a lead canon ball. Check the used car listings. These once great cars drop in value so fast its embarrassing
@@worrywart1311 I thought the same at one point but then I reviewed the cost to replace a CVT transmission and realized that transmission repair shops are either not embracing the replacement or repair of these transmissions or the cost to repair them at this point is prohibitive. CVT's have a comparatively short life span and it is a very expensive fix which is starting to reflect the resale value these once great cars.
Gosh! Look at the head light shape is like a fork. and CVT transmission might for road car not for Outback. Subaru check out any competitors (usual behind subaru) RAV 4 or Edge are 8 speeds transmission. My patient is about running out for replace my old 2006 subaru. Come on Subbies
I just don’t like the black rims and those extra black colored trims on the inside I prefer a cleaner or class you’re looking for the outback special. Instead of trying to make it look like a sporty civic
@@anasibndawood6696 get the touring version then instead of the oynx edition. The oynx one is the only one with all the blacked out features, the touring has nappa leather throughout the inside in a brown color. No civic has that
As a reference, Impreza has 130mm of clearance, while a Wrangler has approx. 255mm (10"). So 220mm for a "station wagon" as the Outback is quite a lot.
It’s not 100% new. It’s the same body, the same Gutless 4cyl naturally aspirated engine and Worthless CVT. 1990 Gloomy Grey or Boring Black interior colors !
My first car ever was a 2012 Outback I bought three years ago. The new models look really good and seem to be massively improved even from the 2018 models. The reason I bought it is because I needed a good car for college and I live in the northeast where we get lots of snow. It's been great so far, and I plan on keeping it until either 5 years past or I hit 160,000 miles
I wish that engine was in Forester!
When the Ascent was introduced last year and the Forester continuing to grow year after year like a high school football player I wondered if the Outback would still have a place in the Subaru lineup. Obviously, they've found a place with the Outback XT. The same engine as the Ascent finds a much more appropriate home in the Outback with a 700 lb lower curb weight. (3900 lb vs 4600 lb). Add fuel, passengers, and gear and the difference is closer to half a ton! Further, in the past Subaru owners have often had to apologize for the interiors of their vehicles in terms of features and materials. The Subaru's standard AWD system meant being price competitive with rivals called for cost cutting somewhere. Obviously, Subaru has found a way to significantly improve their interiors while still offering AWD as a standard feature.
All in all it's an impressive effort. Here in the Pacific Northwest (US), Subaru owners are a fanatic group. Very polite folks but still fanatics. :) Even the mildest criticism risks losing friends, invitations to neighborhood gatherings and Thanksgiving dinners. Fortunately, the Outback doesn't appear to risk those dangers.
The 2019 Outback's interior was pretty good. Maybe not as good as Audi, but certainly nothing to apologize for :)
Good thing 2020 model is even better though.
Planned to buy RAV4 but ended at Outback. Got the outback Limited trim 3 days back. Ride is awesome. The reason opt out RAV4 is the interior feels like I’m in a old car.
A Forester is closely like a RAV4 , CR-V and Rogue. Wise decision going with an Outback is a wagon! I love my 2018 2.5 Premium.
love that guy's driving skills at @11:22! he sure can drive sideways on a sand dune! Must be a guy from the Est!
Handsome too
Someone needs a long long vacation!!!! Loved it! Approved! I'm going to get mine soon. Excellent product and high quality with great reliability. It's gonna be a long time investment and happiness. Thanks, Subaru! We love you!
We have the 2014 Diesel with the manual.
Drove through 40cm of fresh snow during a skiing holiday in Italy. On standards winter tires. Never ever flinched. The car perfectly does what you want it to do without goofing around. We do skiing trips of 10 days 3x a year to Switzerland, Austria or Italy.
Never had ANY issues. Our former car, a BMW 530d had RWD and needed chains regularly. It had more oompff but was heavier and not as well suited to this stuff. Also we now got a aftermarket Webasto heater (we bought the car in Germany)
So the cabin is at 20°C, defogged and oil is on operating temperature by the time you got off the skilift 😂
It also pulled a 890kgs diesel generator on a trailer up a muddy slope in a field.
We tried with a Citroën FWD car first but it dug itself in the mud. Coupled the trailer to the Outback and it pulled through like it was on tarmac 🤷🏼♂️
The legroom in the back is awesome. I’m 6’4” and can sit behind myself. This is impossible in a BMW 5-series.
Maybe in the 7, but they’ll need to make a estate version before we buy one lol.
The car is practical, reliable, affordable to run. Insure and maintain. The only downside is power. While 150hp and 360Nm are okay-ish
The BMW had more grunt, at 192hp and 410Nm. And its seats were nicer. Since it was a old 5-series from way back when our German neighbors made better cars than they do now 🙄
So a Twin-Turbo 2.0l Diesel 😂 or a more hi-powered gas version would have been great.
We gonna drive this one until its dead. Its at 130k now. Without any big issues. Next one will probably be a XT or if me and my brother move out something sporty.
Like a 440i or a M2 or something
I have a 2013 Outback premiere. LOVE it. I’m about 2 years out from my next one. Been watching a lot a reviews. I’m in LOVE with the 2020. I was thinking about looking at Toyota Rav 4. The more reviews I see of the Outback. I think I’m sticking with Subaru Outback. Can’t wait. LOVE Subaru 😊👍🏻
I just bought it yesterday after 1 hour drive test. Yeaaah!
@@pleco101 yes I am! My previous car was Subaru Outback 2016 and I was happy with it. But now I understand how new is better than the previous. Subaru did the huge step forward ! I would ask them to make all outback models with integrated hith. This is what I miss. There are no more complaints besides this.
I had a 2005 Outback and currently a 2013. I kept the first one 10 years, and plan on doing the same with the 2013, but these new models are very tempting. For those complaining about the price, the middle range Outback always looks like the best value. While the Turbo sounds like a great engine, there really is nothing wrong with the base 2.5 motor. Honestly, if you want something that goes fast... get a Jaguar XF Sport Brake before it gets discontinued.
I’ve had my first ever forester since 2014. I live in Quebec so very accustom to lots of snow and ice. I’m in the market for another forester but with the turbo. So I’m praying to the Subaru Gods let there be turbo in forester. Great video and commentary thanks.
This! Turbo was exactly what was missing in the rental outback I got for a road trip in California. You could feel the lack of tongue at higher altitudes. Turbo is the natural solution. I am glad they added it. I am a big after driving for a week in the city, highway and off road. Well laid out, comfortable, utilitarian and now safe with cameras. Excellent job Subaru.
Whoah! Breakout by Swing Out Sister on the radio during review. Hadn't thought about that group in forever!
Haha.
--Michael
Welcome to the Yukon. 🙌🏼😎
Great review! Very informative, fun to watch, and well done
Someone needs to put down the rear seats and lay down in one of these.
I sleep in my gen 4 in a swag when snowboarding. .....im a Young family bloke and 40K ... Hahaha
Ben Baker u wut?
I think the value is there. Expensive but not overpriced. I just wished I liked how they looked.
No car reviewer easily found on the Internet knows their vehicles as well as you do. Nor have I found a reviewer who presents so concisely, clearly and enjoyably.. Very nicely done-consistently so. You are the Garrison Keillor of car reviewers, presenting your unique version of "Prairie Home Companion" for car lovers. Thank you.
Robert H.
Thank you very much for the kind words.
i have a 2021 premium outback non turbo but loving it tho
Thanks Zach... I've been waiting for this review. It's on my short list as I am looking for a new vehicle... unfortunately my wife and daughter think the Outback is ugly. 😕
People do think they are ugly until they start drive one.
U will get hook.
I never was into wagons (even though I had a 2014 Impreza wagon hand me down for a while) until I saw the new Volvo V60 T6 Inscription. I was smitten!! And the new 3 series touring looks great but we can't get it in NA. And don't get me started on the new RS6 Avant... that thing looks positively wicked!! I had to agree with my girls that the Outback isn't a looker but I was far more interested in its capabilities. But I already have a crossover (2018 BMW X3) and today decided to buy a supercar in disguise. After months of test drives and research pulled the trigger on a 2020 BMW M340. Can't wait to take it home.
@@mikev3999 yes, go for a wagon. We here in Europe have wagons extremly common, 2 of 3 families have wagon (not SUV or van), very common on our roads are Skoda Octavia wagon, Skoda Superb wagon, VW Passat wagon, Audi A4 avant/wagon, Kia Ceed wagon, ... You have the same or very similar length, but much room inside, and driving abilities/handling for highways and curvy roads, lower center of gravity etc. You have mentioned Audi RS6 Avant- yes, it is a masterpiece and finally also NA customers could feel that wagon can be extremely sport car
Ladislav Danek I ended up buying a 2020 BMW M340. We don’t get the wagon version here anymore. But we do get 382hp and 369 lb feet of torque which is more than Europe due to different emissions regulations. I’m ok with my choice as I also have a 2018 X3. Once my wife agreed to let me put crossbars on the rails when I want to take my kayak around I was happy to get something sporty for my daily driver. Since it is comfortable and has AWD for winter but is faster than any previous gen M3, I really think I got an excellent all rounder.
Dare I say this is now a beautiful vehicle. SUBARU nailed it. So glad they make this car 👍
I going to black out my Forest green 2018, The Onyx XT are awesome
Really hoping Subaru puts this turbo engine on the new Forester as well
How does the 2.4turbo compare to the 3.6r?
Love the Canada angle. "A'
No manual transmission option. :-(
Jim fuel economy trumps old converter autos.
@Jim The old 4EAT was built by JATCO though, and wasn't really very reliable. The manuals, rubbery as they were, at least lasted a while.
Spinning tires in the sand takes its toll on the driveline. I wonder what the temps were doing? Other than hill decent I personally don't care for "modes". Give me maximum, always!
Woodstock Dave I would be interested too. It does have a digital transmission temperature gauge option at the top of the big screen so you could at least monitor that.
Transmission cooler should be added if actually off-roading in any volume.
@@TD05SSLegacy they all have transmission coolers
i work at a shop that specializes in subarus. i can tell you for a fact that all their automatic transmission, cvt or with gears, are using a transmission cooler. We get outbacks anywhere from 2000 up to 2010 with over 150-180k miles on them that run in conditions like the ones youve seen in this video. If you are worried about longevity with these drivetrains then you have nothing to worry about.
Considering it uses a CVT, the spinning tires can burn out the driveline pretty quick. Need to treat a CVT gently or you are looking at a new transmission.
I purchased a new Outback in 2017. It had RAB and many other electrical problems from the start. I had it in the shop 10 times for repair. towed to the dealer no less than 4 times. Went a total of 42 days without my car. It was a Lemon. Even the district service manager told me to contact Subaru Customer service to get a full refund, as they could not figure out what is wrong with the car. After months of being given the run around, Subaru customer service did not refund my money as they should have. I traded my car in, still under warranty, still not fixed. I lost over $14,000 because Subaru does not stand behind their cars. Toyota is looking better all the time.
Do you have any info on wear and reliability of the turbo engine? I understand that the higher pressure and heat can be an issue on turbos. Don't know how Subaru fares in that regard.
Now bring back the Forester XT with 6-speed manual, and then we’ll talk Subaru. Until then, I’m still mad at you
Subaru: keep being mad then
I think, outback is not SUV, this is slightly lifted wagon
It has higher clerance than most of other SUVs.
It's way more capable off road than any SUV. Give it the right tyres and it craps on most 4x4's in mud and sand ;)
@@MrKingmino No, it has issues with angles - especially the front angle is pretty bad for any offroading. I have Forester and its the same - the "nose" sticks too much forward. Also its too long, in forest you are very limited with maneuvering. But dont take me wrong, it is wery capable SUV/wagon that can put to shame many other SUVs, it just has its limits and you reach them very soon as you leave tarmac...
These are not cheap cars. I priced out the OutDoor trim, the lowest of the bunch with the turbo engine because this car isn't light and it came out to $48,000 after all is said and done. I'm honestly looking to get into a Subaru for its great utility and that meant starting off with the Crosstrek. While the Crosstrek is a great car in its own right, it's limited storage will become apparent very quick once you either need to fit stuff more than your groceries or your family grows.
The Convenience trim does seem like a great place to start. They do give you good amount of amenities and safety features.
What are the MPG's on this vehicle? Please n thanks.
Asks the guy with an internet connection
27/ 33 MPG for the 2.5 non turbo, on long road trips, I can get 500 miles per tank easy
@@Motormouth... says the guy who took the time to respond, but did it sarcastically instead of helpfully
Had to watch an Outback ad to get here
How does the infotainment compare to Mazda? Does it feel premium as Mazda does?
I’d lift this outback 1.5 “. Off road rims and tires with ko2. That’ll be sick !!!!
It's cool this year how Subaru is offering dealer installed skid plate protection for the engine and differential. It's still annoying, however, how they package features. For example, you can only get the 2-mode X-mode and front camera on the Outdoor/Onyx versions, and you can only get the Harmon Kardon audio on the the Limited and Touring. There is a nice Rockford Fosgate upgrade for the base stereo, but given the price of the Outdoor, the H/K system should be there, too.
I just got my first Subaru car 2021 outback premier XT a really really good car.
is the 2.4 turbo as bad as the 2.5 head gasket/ overheating problem that brought about the class-action lawsuit?
Weird, cvt trans not highlighted. I wonder why....
I agree, I want to know about the reliability of the cvt transmission. I am not confident from everything I’ve read about cvt transmissions
@@stevenperlman5811 I think Subaru uses the same Jatco cvt trans in most of their models now as does Nissan and we know it's in the bottom in reliability.l'll stick with naturally aspirated engines and geared tranny. Just buy a Toyota, but if someone needs a huge info screen to keep busy while driving buy a Tesla,lol.
Not weird. I have 2 subaru’s and never had a problem. Best to take one for a test drive and see for yourself
@@itlogutube You've been watching too much Scotty., he's repeated that over and over without even so much as looking it up and verifying it. There's even a third party industry market report out there stating that Lineatronic is in-house.
Steven Perlman you must have read a lot about Nissan JATCO’s CVT 😂
Run those CVT's more uphill.
@alelx jines Per the video go 80 mph up an offroad hill. No problems right?
Is this all new? Looks like a mild facelift to me..
Is the outdoor trim the same as the onyx
Yep.
I have Subaru Outback limited 2005 with 275000 on it,still runs like charm and was looking to upgrade to this new model but why CVT transmission???
Any thoughts on the cvt transmission ? That would be the one thing that would keep me out of a Subaru that didn't have the option of a standard transmission now.
Have the current gen outback, and the CVT has never bothered me. Should test drive one and experience it. I find the Subaru CVT does not behave like other brand CVTs operate.. Subaru does it much better - and I’ve towed with it too with no issue.
The OPTION of a STANDARD transmission? Nice oxymoron.
I think all Japanese cars use CVT.
My 2010 has a CVT, almost 200,000 miles, works great, never bothered me at all.
Informative and well presented review. One question: Do the Limited XT and Premier XT trim levels also have Dual X-mode or just the Standard X-mode?
Standard, onlt Outdoor gets dual mode.
@@Motormouth... Thanks.
@@Motormouth... is there a Lexus model that has all these features that are also elderly/senior-ride friendly (in terms of seat height) and the comfort of a luxury trim?
A. Muhammad I'm not yet a senior, but a 50 ish guy with occasional back problems and I'm looking at the Outback for this reason, among others. I test drove one today, and it sits noticeably taller than my Legacy. Of course the power seats will put you any where you need. And certain trim levels have power seats on both sides. Test drive one and you'll likely have no problem with entry/exit.
@@RobPetty622 I was trying to consider for my senior parents, but since i am the one driving the car, i wanted to get a Lexus SUV that can be senior friendly with the same features and height as an Outback! That was my question. I drive Lexus ES now, it is too low for them. We had an RX before which was ok. I wsnted to get a GX460 idk how it would be their ride! I have sesrched most websites recommend Subaru Outback, idk why! Honestly i personally prefer Japanese luxury cars, unless there's no other option.
Where in Yukon are those sand dunes and those beautiful views? Would love to visit that place
Carcross. The entire Yukon Territory is beautiful
Why are you wearing a down jacket in the car? Doesnt it have heating?
Great video Zac!
Dos this year have the engine stop/start feature?
Where are they driving this ???
Really too bad that Volkswagen is not going to be offering the Alltrack going forward. Way more fun to drive on pavement than the Subaru. I have a 2018 Alltrack. 2018 Subaru was so vanilla. Hopefully the new turbo engine improves that. The CVT though really is what held it back IMHO.
Subaru tries so hard not to mess up with their design, and then they put that monstrous screen in the center of the dash. What the?
Large screens are just the way of the future. Besides that, the interior design is still quite conservative. ...
I think the screen comes from Prius spare parts since Toyota owns a part of Subi
@@ianm112 Might be. Hopefully, since it would make it cheaper to replace.
What has less road noise on the highway, this or the volvo v60 cross country?
2:01 check how the cameraman is driving on the wrong side, isn't that dangerous?
It's refreshing to watch a car review video produced by a true professional.
If it was your money would you prefer this and save some money over the v60 cross country?
I like the A4 Allroad the best
I bought a 2019 Touring 2.5L last December. The 2020 model wouldn't be worth it for me to trade up but why would Subaru NOT make their flagship model the first model to receive the new "global chassis"? It seems a$$ backwards to me. Doesn't every other manufacturer start with the flagship, then work down their model lines when introducing major upgrades? Just saying.
I wish another mainstream company did a station wagon with a mid sized cars rear seat leg room and station wagon sized trunk. Something with a real car feel to drive but with some utility.
Buick has the Regal TourX.
Resale value aside, that TourX is better vehicle than Outback is most categories.
I have a 2004 Outback which I love but I want to buy a smaller car so.... XV
I wonder if you have heard if the 2020 version of the XV will be getting any of this stuff?
Specifically the Outdoor version with the faux leather and the improved X-Mode, and a TURBO!
I think that’s the Onyx model not the outdoor. Great video.
In Canada they have different names for the models. But you are right that is the Onyx model in the US
I wish the Forester would have a Turbo. And its still 6 speed
Subaru isn't about to cannibalize sales of its best selling model (the Outback) by offering the same engine option in the Forester.
As of now, the thumbnails says “all new forester”, not outback! 😆
confirmed
Brain fart. Fixed now.
I would love to buy one. I used to love their older 5-spd packages. They were a snug but quite toss-able fun car. But at $44,ooo (premium pig) with a CVT... I don’t think I’ll bite. But for our Winters?... maybe ... used. Thanks for the video.
Btw. I used to live/work in Elsa (
Does the radio automatically go on every time the car turns on. That would be the thing I would change on my 2019🤨. I will turn on the radio if I want to listen to music.
So how would you compare this to a more premium option say something like the Audi Allroad. Which would you want to take off-road etc on.
Buick made one which is amazing .
Not sold in Canada. Too bad
how is the CVT with the turbo?
do u feel that CVT kills the turbo engine?
Mohamad Arouk I wish they would put the STi 6 speed manual in the Outback and dump the eyesight in that model. I need a bigger vehicle for the kids but I still would like to have some excitement. I miss both the STi’s that I have owned.
I have a 17 Forester XT and it's a blast to drive. It's really responsive. I drove a new Outback XT, and it's really smart about anticipating what you want it to do. It's really quick.
Outgoing model is definitely more handsome than this one... Some of the corners and angles on the exterior just don't work
They trying to increase their customer age range, and it’s working..
'Younger buyers' with a price tag of $40k?!?! ummm, yeah right.
Well they got me lol
hahaha ikr. ima stick to my OG subies much more sensible
Starts at 26k here in the US. Also, Younger buyers doesn’t necessarily mean 18 years old. The median age of someone who purchases an outback is 45 years old. They could be looking to get into the market of people in their late 20s or early 30s, which would be “younger”
Time to do some savings, manage your money that is the key to all
What is quieter, this or the volvo v60 cross country?
Why don't you drive them both and pick the one you like
They gone back to the gen 4 look but updated. I love gen four and 6.
so much better than what ford did with the explorer where they superglued an ipad to the top of the dash...
Interior is a nice step up, but they really amped up the exterior cladding on this generation, a bit overboard!
33 cubic feet of cargo space seats up I read elsewhere. Seems small for the Outback. Less space than some compact SUV's it seems. Not crazy about the giant screen but we used to say that about smartphones too. Now I want to see the Carcross Desert for myself.
Be careful you're comparing apples. The standards on measurement actually changed recently. The new outback uses the new standard which actually makes it seem worse than it is. Many older models of all CUVs measure it differently. On the old standard, this outback cargo is bigger than the old one.
Finally, eyesight is standard now!
Will keep my 06 LL Bean and dollars.
That's a nice big screen that can distract the driver. Want proof? These commercials always show the driver operating the display with the car STOPPED. Let's see them play with those icons while at highway speeds. They won't because the video would end with an accident.
I have a 2018, smaller display and no Eyesight expensive option, love it
Let's hear that CVT whine! :D
Was the start stop very noticeable?
Would have been better if it had low and high range.
I just can’t believe how expensive these are! Just out of range for most middle class incomes. Big problem in car industry.
another good reason not to be in middle class then
not expensive in US or Canada. Look at the prices in Europe. They are when converted to the same currency 2x more expensive in Europe :( We can buy for 73k Canadian Dollars (when converted) e.g. Skoda Kodiaq with 176kW 2.0 diesel engine, and Skoda is lower brand of VW group, so this to the prices you are complaining in north America. We always laugh how extreme cheap are new cars in Canada an US. Enjoy it, not complaint. I am from eastern Europe, we earn less than a quarter of what you earn in Canada, but we have to pay 2x higher price for the same car, same trim (is also due to our regulations, much more additional environmental taxes, ...). Remember that please, Subaru is cheap in Canada.
In Belgium were a bit better off than my east-european friend here.
But still... its mainly the taxes and insurance.
We currently have 3 cars:
-2014 Subaru outback (2.0l Diesel)
-1998 Lexus SC400 (4.0l 32v V8) imported from Canada..
-Suzuki Swift (1,2l 16v)
The Subaru is about 400€ a year just on Tax for the engine.. not talking about the road or ECO tax.
Our former car, a BMW 530d with a 3.0l Turbo Diesel was about 800€ a year tax bcs it was a ‘big engine’ at 3.0l and 6-cyl. Not too bad but okay 🤷🏼♂️
And the cherry is the Lexus. With its magnificent 1UZ-FE V8, a strong and well-engineered engine that did 270k now without big issues. Over 22y now.
(We’re lucky, bcs these engines are impossible to find in the EU...)
They ask no less than 2500€ of tax each year for the engine.
This is 55.000€, you can buy a basic Audi A6 with this.
This is why y’all shouldn’t complain about money. Especially taxes.
This is also part of the reason why these cars, except for Germany and Switzerland are not a big big hit. Bcs they have 2.0l or above. The 2,4l Turbo will be like 600-800€ as well. Bcs it is relatively powerful.
To give you an idea, VW thinks its a good idea to stuff a 1,6l Diesel engine in a Kodiaq.
Wich is built on the same chassis as a Audi Q7... it is a massive, heavy car with a small engine.. they don’t last long.
Its not that we can’t afford all this nonsense. We have 10x the average monthly household income every month 🤷🏼♂️
But seeing so much of that hard earned money flow down a drain. In the politicians pockets is quite painful... Our country is screwed up due to corruption.
And the car manufacturers use this. The government heavily taxes engine volume.
So they sell cars with small engines. Big cars, bcs most people feel insecure about their tiny dick and think that driving a big heavy (company car most often) vehicle will make them look more succesful and better off. While the cars will probs die earlier bcs due to cutting corners (yes VW does..) and small engines having to work overtime.
So people buy a new vehicle, paying tax to insert it in the system (was 10.000€ for the Lexus..) it just keeps on going.
You people commenting are brutal. That car is fabulous and it has features I wish my 2019 Hybrid Camry had. Wake up toyota! Get with it!
Nope. Look at new Corrolla - the trunk is cut so much the practicality is hindered. Toyota doesn`t want people to have wagons. ;(
@T R It might come up a hybrid in Japan. There is XV and Forester hybrid, with silly little 15hp motor.
Outback hybrid might be good choice for me. There is also CR-V hybrid or I will noise isolate RAV4 ;)
I like how the CVT drive, I worry about the reliability of belt/chain types. The e-CVT will fit my driving style.
T R My gas 2019 RAV4 LE AWD is much quieter once it warms up. Toyota uses a tumble control valve during warm up to reduce emissions. Engine insulation is a place for mice to nest, no thanks. I’m getting over 40 mpg in my RAV in mixed driving. Subaru can’t get anywhere close to that mpg in the real world. The CVT is not good off road. The RAV4 will go places the Outback cannot because it has a conventional transmission and a shorter wheelbase.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q RAV4 comes with 2.0l gasoline connected to direct shift CVT in my market (Japan). Because of that, Harrier 2.0l turbo with conventional AT is also something I consider.
Hybrid eAWD RAV4/Harrier may make sense for me as I'll do lots of mountain drives. Will see. Thanks for info :)
Great video!
My pipe dream!
What an amazing car... I love it
Dang. That looks fun
Love my 2017 Outback and look forward to driving the new one soon.
A very nice looking car. I love the blacked out look. Chrome should be dead for higher end models.
Unless subaru finds a solution for the cvt transmission fiasco these cars will drop in value like a lead canon ball. Check the used car listings. These once great cars drop in value so fast its embarrassing
The fiasco is the lack of intelligence of some people, the car is fine thank you.
@@worrywart1311 I thought the same at one point but then I reviewed the cost to replace a CVT transmission and realized that transmission repair shops are either not embracing the replacement or repair of these transmissions or the cost to repair them at this point is prohibitive. CVT's have a comparatively short life span and it is a very expensive fix which is starting to reflect the resale value these once great cars.
Zach, do you neglecting watch talks? I truly enjoy them much as car videos.
I know, been so busy with car trips
It's called the Outback not Outback.
i wish they would just make a 7 seater version of this
They do. It's called the Ascent.
Very informativ
Gosh! Look at the head light shape is like a fork. and CVT transmission might for road car not for Outback. Subaru check out any competitors (usual behind subaru) RAV 4 or Edge are 8 speeds transmission. My patient is about running out for replace my old 2006 subaru. Come on Subbies
Dat Nguyen give up, Subaru ain’t going to switch back to traditional auto tranny any time soon.
I hope that was Canadian $ even so that’s a lot of $$$$
Impressive
Only if Subaru didn't make such terrible head gaskets and indifferent after sales service attitude, I would go buy one right now.
Forget the younger buyers that looks horrible. And I am a younger buyer
I'm a young buyer (25) and already ordered a touring xt. Your loss
I just don’t like the black rims and those extra black colored trims on the inside I prefer a cleaner or class you’re looking for the outback special. Instead of trying to make it look like a sporty civic
Younger people like you couldn't afford this car.
@@anasibndawood6696 get the touring version then instead of the oynx edition. The oynx one is the only one with all the blacked out features, the touring has nappa leather throughout the inside in a brown color. No civic has that
Not sure what 220 mm of clearance is
22 centimetres
@@Motormouth...
Like 8 inches?
Learning the metric system is always a good idea. 220MM = 8.7inches
As a reference, Impreza has 130mm of clearance, while a Wrangler has approx. 255mm (10"). So 220mm for a "station wagon" as the Outback is quite a lot.
It’s not 100% new.
It’s the same body, the same Gutless 4cyl naturally aspirated engine and Worthless CVT.
1990 Gloomy Grey or Boring Black interior colors !