2021 Subaru Outback | Review & Road Test
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- Опубліковано 29 лип 2024
- For the latest Subaru Outback pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/subaru/outback/
This is the 6th generation Outback, which was introduced for the 2020 model year. And no, it doesn’t look much different from generation number 5. No worries though, when you buy an Outback you probably want something with this general shape.
Inside the Outback’s very wagon-like silhouette is a generous 32.5 cu-ft behind the rear seats, adorned with cargo tie-downs and bag hooks. Drop the seats using these levers to unleash a commodious 75.7 cu-ft.
If the Outback’s internal accommodations aren’t adequate, you can always employ the standard roof rails to lash bulky items to the roof. Back inside, the cabin looks decently stylish with nice materials and a comfortable driving position.
The front seats are well-contoured while in back legroom is plentiful and the seatbacks angle to a pleasing recline. Wherever you sit the Outback’s goldilocks ride height means you neither climb up or drop down to come aboard.
I’d feel even better about the interior if you didn’t have to spend more-than $33k on a Limited trim to get rear A/C vents.
Whether you have the basic dual 7-inch display setup, or the fancier 11.6-inch screen found in our test car; another potentially controversial interior element is a reduced use of physical buttons. Then again, there is a volume and tune knob. And you can mash the “make-hotter” and “make-colder” buttons with ease.
It’s easy to see out of, the cabin is quiet, and it rolls with distinguished civility. Adding some detail, the Outback navigates tight spaces with a reasonable 36-foot turning circle. Meanwhile, its handling feels more composed than invigorating, but for its intended use that’s perfectly appropriate.
Power comes from one of two horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engines. There’s a base 2.5-liter (182 hp, 176 lb-ft) or a 2.4-liter turbocharged unit (260hp, 277 lb-ft) that’s reserved for fancier trims.
Our tester has a 2.4L turbo. It’s plenty powerful and thanks to forced induction it feels that way even when driving at altitude but wait, what’s this??? Like an old-timey villain slinking onto stage, we have the Outback’s transmission partner, the Lineartronic CVT. Boo. Hiss!!!
In truth, most drivers notice or care that their Outback it’s not a traditional automatic...but for those who pay attention accelerating with the CVT is anything but linear.
Last CVT note. If your version of fun involves manually selecting 8-different ratios from a transmission lacking any gears, then manual control is available via steering wheel paddle shifters.
Where efficiency is concerned, both engines perform well (2.5L 26city/ 33hwy) (2.4L Turbo 23city/30hwy). And if you’ve got a yearn to tow, the 2.5 can manage 2,700 pounds while the turbo mill lugs up to 3,500 pounds.
For off-roading or, more realistically, winter-time trips through Vermont to the nearest Hannaford Supermarket, the Outback offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel-drive.
For more serious backtrail jaunts, there’s X-mode. Despite the name, X-mode actually alters CVT, engine, and stability control settings for enhance off-road prowess.
For less than $27,000, plus destination, a basic Outback includes occupant seatbelt reminders, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights with automatic high-beams, and Eyesight; a camera-based active driver-assist suite that merges lane departure warning with steering assist, dynamic cruise control, and forward collision alert.
Ascend the trim ladder to reveal delights like heated seats, a hands-free liftgate, a 180-degree front camera, smart key access, and that fun-to-say STARLINK 11.6-inch navigation-equipped infotainment display. Starlink!! And if you’re wondering, our tester is the Outback Onyx Edition XT, which explains the black exterior trim, gray 2-tone interior motif, and sweet, vivid stitching.
While shopping Outbacks, you might also consider 5-passenger crossovers like the Chevy Blazer, Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Passport. Though, here’s a thought, what if I told you could buy a similarly wagon-y ride with an identical base engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a Subaru badge, that costs $2,000 less than the Outback, yet somehow possesses a more voluminous cabin. It’s called the Subaru Forester (Text: EPA passenger volume Outback: 109.0 cu-ft Forester: 111.9 cu-ft). And with that, I’ve used my annual quota for the word “voluminous”.
Now 6 generations deep, the Subaru Outback endures as a practical, value-rich vehicle that’s capable enough for most of life’s adventures.
It’s easy to see why the Outback remains such a popular “SUV”. (it’s a wagon)
00:00 2021 Subaru Outback
0:40 Interior
2:33 Driving Impressions
3:22 Engine
4:37 Pricing
5:30 Competitors - Авто та транспорт
Forget this nauseating "wagon" mantra! Subaru Outback vs Volvo, Audi, Mercedes Benz wagons: ua-cam.com/video/jcmrQe9qWkM/v-deo.html
Wagon Utility Vehicle
WUV, it's what makes a Subaru a Subaru.
they are cool vehicles! I have reviews of the UK versions if you wish to see?
Subuwuv
I WUV subarus, wuv wuv wuv wuv
Triple U V lol
I guess. The AMC Eagle did it way before.
The CVT in the 2021 I test drove was surprisingly nice. Buttery smooth and out of the way. Coming from a German car with a DSG, thought I'd hate it, but it was really good and meets its objective. Also, the one I tested looks like it had the infotainment lag fixed. The Outback isn't made for an enthusiast or people who talk about engagement with the road, and with the major infotainment issues fixes this last year, it's not that big a deal. The Outback is for people that want a near luxury ride quality, quiet cabin, AWD, adaptive cruise control and legit ground clearance for under 30k starting. If you hate enormous car loans and want a little bit of everything, the Outback is an amazing package!
Engaged driving? That happens when the shessa of weather hits the road and you realize that you and your outback are the only ones on the road!
It’s a very long car! Very surprised when I seen it in real life, it’s basically the legacy lifted with a hatch, Love it.
What if I told you the legacy and Outback used to be the same car haha
Great for stability when getting sideways in the snow
the vermont statement was the truest thing i've ever heard
It's a HUGE wagon, but it's a wagon. Long live the Outback.
I am driving one now because my car is being fixed. Fender bender. But this car drives itself. I was blown away! It reminded me of my grandma and the internet. I had my hands an inch off the wheel. It was wild!!
Always had a spot in my hear for the Subie’s. Parents had 2 new onces. 1978 DL coupe, and a 1982 Wagon the top level. We live in the second hilliest city in the US. and we’ lived at the top of 2 very steep hills in West Fitchburg and both Subies never had a problem climbling those hills with the snow. Blizzard of ‘78 anyone?? I was their. haha.
It's true the Forester, on paper, has more interior volume. The thing is, the Outback is longer while the Forester is taller. Overall, the LxWxH thing works out in favor of the Forester but the Outback has more load floor room and thus, as far as I'm concerned, more "usable" space. Now, if you're going to routinely carry taller things, then the Forester is you go to Subaru but after looking at both for a number of years, I'd choose the Outback!
I have a 2020 Forester premium. This is my second Subaru. I used to have 2006 Santa Fe 4WD AND 2013 RAV4 AWD. After driving all my personal opinions are like RAV4 was comfortable, Santa Fe was a gas burner and Subaru has the best AWD system. Honestly speaking, I got stuck with RAV4 AWD and Santa Fe4wd in Michigan winter but never got stuck with Subaru. Even didn’t have to struggle for a bit.
I have had seven Subaru’s. We currently have the Outback and the Forester, and the forester is nowhere near the Outback in space, comfort, composure or agility in snow, nor does it have the same power. Here in Sweden, they cost about the same too.
So the forester is better ? I'm trying to decide between them
@@Gucciflipflops00 No, the Outback is way more comfortable and spacious, and at least here in Sweden better engine options for the CVT (the 2 liter is t a great pairing for the CVT gearbox). The outback also fees more premium and is a lot quieter. The outback is the best car I have ever owned. Same ground clearance too, but you kind of sit deeper in the outback, so it feels more like a station wagon, the forester fees more like a…I don’t know. SUV wannabe? No the outback is definitely much more car for the money.
Thanks Micha for the review. Just picked up our 2020 Outback. A great wagon/SUV!
I love my 21 Subaru outback onyx XT in silver just bought it last weekend ❤️
I think it's best cars for families .I've just bought it today after test drive this car.
Outback’s are wonderful vehicles! I’m going to buy this, but will wait a few years because new models are synonymous with recalls. Love everything about this car, except the touch screen.
yes micah finally reviews the outback
I really wish the Outback had a panoramic sunroof.
The only wagon I know with a pano sunroof is a Volvo but they're dynamically different cars.
I think the main reason it doesn’t come with a panoramic roof is because many Outback owners tie down a ski box or other accessories to the roof.
back in the glory days...
@@ronochow Strange to see a manufacturer take a step backwards in feature
Test driving the base model today. Excited!
*The 2022 Outback will feature a body entirely built from black cladding.* 👍
LOL !! Yeah, can't wait.
which edition? or the whole line? thanks
@@cjjp5566 it’s a joke bro
That'll be unique enough to be collectable
"Winter time trips through Vermont to Hannaford." I am called out.
Awesome video Micah!
The Outback is considered a station wagon. The Forrester is considered an S.U.V. The difference is the insurance companies give a lower insurance premium for a station wagon vs. an S.U.V. Don't understand it but I am pleased to get a "break" in premiums for my Subaru station wagon.
I suppose it is because the wagon has a lower ground clearance and a longer stance, making it less likely to roll over. They are also a bit big so they protect you in a crash, but not too big where they leave a lot of damage in an accident like big SUVs and pickup trucks. They also are less likely to be stolen than SUVs, Pickup trucks, and everything else simply because at least in America, we do not drive that many of them.
Great video guys, you are lucky that you get the latest version of the Outback. In the UK we are still left with the last generation for 2021 (I actually just reviewed one on my channel)
That generation is still very nice and really your not missing very much when you compare the previous generation vs the new generation...both are very exceptional vehicles....
The Forester is dorky looking. I like the wagon style of the Outback more. Plus the Outback interior is much nicer than the Forester
I just don’t understand why they would invest the R&D to make two models that are aimed at a very similar demographic with slightly different tastes in body shape and interior quality. 🤷♂️
is 2021 outback fully LED lights? including front and rear turning yellow light?
Great car and great video
Thanks
Hope coming Vietnam soon. Love Outback
Love my 21 touring xt.
Love Subaru ❤️
I have 2013 Outback and this is next 😅
Thank you, Micah! I've been saying this for years! The Forester is the CUV and the Outback is a wagon. For some reason everyone always forgets about the Forrester and choose the Outback in comparison tests with other compact CUVs like the CR-V, RAV-4, CX5, etc. Smh.
Hannafords in Vermont, Hmmmmm, how do you know about Hannafords. With the new Bronco 2 you just ordered, you need to move to the northeast to experience the weather and Hannafords. I'll bet you're surprised that someone is actually listening to what you say. Great review.
The best wagon ever!!! I ❤️ my Subaru!
No, mine😂
Great review of that SUV
I’m fascinated by the Outback Wilderness but I want my next Susie to be an Ascent.
I have always loved the Outback, but never driven one, I live in the warm climate but travel to the cold climate sometimes in the winter.
This guy makes me happy
My 16 legacy has the same issue with hand access to USB ports.
Agree ... it is a station wagon 🤓
Great and funny review! 😁
I am very disappointed that my 2021 Limited outback’s roof rack is warping along the rubber that sits against the body. The dealership seems to know about this but acts like it’s a live with it situation. We drove Fords for years and never had any issues like this. And to think I could still be driving a Ford that would still look as well as drive good.
Can the xt models take 87 gas? Anyone know what the manual says
I love the guy in these videos.
My 2021 Subaru Outback XT performed admirably for a year and was pleased with this purchase. Unfortunately the check engine came on and aweeks
Laminated glass/windshield?
I would like to see reviewers of wagons trucks minivans and SUVs try to put a bike and then a 4x8 sheet of lywood in the tet vehicles to give some indication of how prctical they really are.
Evie should get this instead of the Bronco. Less money, available now, and Ford has been having so many recalls recently.
True
It's so weird to me how some people associate a recall with a lack of quality. Better to watch out for cars that should have had a recall but didn't - sticking customers with the bill.
@@deviouslaw Every recall is a trip to the dealership, and that isn't convient for people. 15 recalls on the 2020 explorer is excessive to me. Owning up to problems, sure, but manufacturing delays and then abundant quality issues compared to competitors is what I am qualifying against.
@@deviouslaw not that weird dude, chillax.... It is just something annoying. and something that more likely happen than not with a rather completely new model from a brand that does not have the best track record with realiability. Oh wait: www.caranddriver.com/news/a35565741/2021-ford-bronco-sport-recall/
@@Mark-ou8nu most of the time recalls can be completed when the car is in for routine service anyway, not to mention if there are multiple to be addressed the visit can be combined...I just don't see a recall as this huge black mark on a manufacturer as a whole. If you're talking about someone who is considering a 2020 explorer, it would be relevant. But again, anyone who is having to deal with a recall is at least getting their issue addressed.
What about the Toyota Venza for 2021, you didn’t even give it a mention😞😔🤷
Recently purchased a 2021 Limited XT, I'm in LOVE! Great car, the Infotainment is laggy on startup, but small complaint for such a bitchin ride.
how has it been for hvac/heated seat controls - thats really my only gripe and debating on pulling the trigger?
I think on the world of everyone wants a SUV world the Outback is timeless thanks for the review 👍
There should be way more wagons in the US. In Europe there’s a Mazda 6 wagon, Corolla wagon, Focus wagon, Passat Wagon, Arteon Shooting Break, 3 series and 5 series wagon and Merc CLA shooting break and C wagon
American don’t like wagons, instead they love SUVs, Outback is the only one that actually sells, it has SUV/Crossover look because of ground clearance.
@@blackwhirlwind1245 true
Wagons suck.
I have reviewed most of the ones you just mentioned (even the Corolla Hybrid Trek Wagon)
@@weirdshibainu It makes more sense to buy a wagon than a new pickup. Almost every truck has a useless 5 1/2 FT. Bed. In a wagon you can fold the back seat down and whatever doesn't fit in the back gets strapped to the roof. You can order a truck made for working but now you're taking a mortgage.
Do you have the price for that? Thanks
All SUVs are wagons, the Outback just doesn’t try to hide it
I like the Outback front grill on Asian market. Current Outback front grill looks like a smaller Forester.
I miss my old Subaru! It was a blast to drive! ❤️ I had a bad month and forgot to change it’s oil. In any other car, it would have exploded. But the Subaru just slowly turned off its engine. I went off the road called triple A and towed it to my mechanic. He told me what happened and he just changed the oil and it was good as new. I loved that it was a great car and so nice to me. Lol. Love Subarus.
Why would it turn off the engine? Do the electronics track the miles or something and shut the car down if you don't reset the counter? Maybe it overheated? My sister had a used Corolla back in the 90's and drove it for like 6 years without changing the oil. I don't think it would blow up the car, it just wears out the engine a lot faster.
@@Madman6505 I feel like it was being nice to me. Lol. My friend had a Chevy and she also forgot to change the oil, and her car died. lol. She might have drove it crazy too.
What ever you’re smoking when you wrote this I definitely want some. Not sure what planet you were driving on. Cars don’t just stop because you missed an oil change. 🤦♂️
🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@k9-unit-australia275 lol 😂 well it did for me…it was crazy!!!
I have 2021 subaru outback xt, but in xmode it does not show ‘Snow Dirt’ & ‘ Deep Snow Mud’ why is that ?
Limited xt
just saw the australian spec one, which the front end looks much better with less cladding.
I saw it too, I like this front end better, the grill on the Australian spec looks like Mercedes Benz grill with 2 lines across the grill, I prefer round Fog light on the Australian spec.
When is the Subaru ascent going to get an update
Expect 2nd half of this year as 2022 model year.
Jeeeez. Does everyone handle telescoping steering wheels this way? Like. Easy there. You work out. Got it
Hey, anytime Micah wants to show off his biceps I'm down
Coming in thailand and malaysia ?
The car of choice for my area in Upstate New York. We get real winters and lots of snow. If it's not a pickup truck or an out-of-towner driving a luxury SUV, it is almost always a Subaru
I love this car
me too! I just reviewed one too
4:39 Since when has it been possible for CarPlay to take up the entire screen?!?!?!?
I think there was a software update in the car's settings
My 2021 Outback xt has been in the shop for going on 6 weeks with a check engine light failure. Hard to believe Subaru has not found the problem as of this comment. Very Disappointed that I am paying on a loan on a car not drivable.
Nice station wagon.
I love❤ my Subaru legacy gt.
Wagon ?
No 2010 legacy gt sedan.
you know what else has a horizontal piston configuration? The Porsche 911... that's good company!
I am really confused why all the UA-camrs didn't review the all new 2020 Outback last year... Was it a Covid thing? There was one, ONE change to the 2021 model, that made the screen easier to find the auto start/stop button.
USB cable is very difficult to access, start/stop is super rough. New Turbo engine is great, the Touring Trim is super luxurious, the ground clearance works great, even in waterlogged logging road ruts in the Cascade Mountains.
I did not realize that they made it easier to access the start/stop on the 2021.
thanks for the info.
Micah sounds like he had a venti cold brew before this voiceover.
great towing at 2700 pounds. most mid size suvs with a 4 cyl are 1500.
"Canoe zone." lol. I love my 2021 Limited.
I have the 2020 XT Limited, essentially unchanged for 2021. A couple of nit picks; the start/stop function is crappy, car starts without taking your foot off the brakes, scares the pedestrians crossing in front of me. Subaru says it’s normal or because the car electrical draw is too high at those times. Not true, i have tried it with everything turned off and after driving for a couple of hours with the same results. The disengage for the start/stop is buried in the infotainment screens, very impractical. Now for the cold weather items, the heated steering wheel only heat the bottom two thirds of the steering wheel, the top third remains cold (talk about cutting corners in weird places!). The heated seats are a pain to adjust and/or deactivate, this is also buried in multiple screens on the infotainment system. Other than that the car/wagon/SUV is a good driver, there are other quirks, the climate control is off by 3 about three degrees Celsius (Canadian car) which is about 6 degrees in Fahrenheit. I have remote start through the app, but it requires going through multiple screens to activate, would be nice to have it integrated in the key fob, like literally all other cars with this feature.
I have a 2021 Touring XT and the start/stop button is now unburied and located on the fixed portion of the screen (next to the car icon) so it's one touch to toggle it (there's an update for 2020's). Also, there are many parameters that affect its operation causing it to unexpectedly start as you say, which is annoying so I rarely use it. And I agree they should next unbury the heated seat adjustments.
Would be really nice to hear how responsive the head unit is now... Heard it was way too slow in last release..
In the UK we still get the last gen Outback (& they charge £34k for it)
Started out OK in the 2020 model. Then they updated it. Our dealer did ours. Completely borked it. Had to put in a new , 2021-style head unit. Faster. Has Apple Carplay full screen now. Still stutters a bit anytime it has to interact with the CAN Bus (climate controls, seat heater, drive settings, etc.). Not in love with it, but it's not a deal breaker. The nanny cam, however...
Test drove one, a tiny smidge better but still very slow.
Test drove a 2021 Premium recently and is was very quick. I'd definitely test drive before buying and include head unit tests!
Have a 2020 Limited for 11 months and 6800 miles on ODO, and got a bad battery already. If you do a research you will see that it is happening with some years and will find several cases of law suits against Subaru. At least I can review here for you that the roadside assistance works pretty good. At the dealership they were giving me a hard time to change my battery since their diagnostic would show the battery was good, even though they had to jump start the vehicle to take it to the bay. Well, problem solved now but disappointed to have a new car with a issue. The whole reason I get a new car every 2 years is to not have to deal with breaking down issues. Good looking car, and great to drive, but unfortunately lost my confidence for Subaru products and service.
Cry. Then buy an American car... we need the amusement.
An honest review always contains negatives, because there are always negatives. Like no parking sensors up front... Yes front camera some trims, but they might get muddy driving in the bush..
Need to open the hood
have they addressed the boxer engines head gasket problems
Bedwetter, you KNOW that they have many years ago, but, you being a childish troll and all.... say, wait? Have they fixed the ONGOING 4cyl head gasket problems on Nissan? Chevy? Toyota? Mark?
@@eskieman3948 WTF !, I just bought a 2021 outback premium , FYI , got rid of a Honda 2014 that blew engine at 58k . Just looking for honest opinions and owner experiences . I really like my outback so far , had it about 2 weeks now . You ever thought about anger management therapy ?
Will the Outabck lose it's recommended status from Consumer Reports like the Subaru Ascent just did?
Yeah, CR rates infotainment issues on an equal footing with things like transmission and engine issues. Bit misleading, since they are throwing the book at all the crappy infotainment systems in otherwise excellent cars.
@@chooseymomschoose so naturally the 2020 Outback quality control can be called into question.
www.torquenews.com/1084/leaked-documents-reveal-subaru-concerned-new-2020-outback-quality
Perhaps CR dropped its recommendation status, but somehow the Outback it made it into the 10 Top Picks of 2021: Best Cars of the Year ($35,000-$45,000 range).
Using up your annual quota of the word commodious in February? Rookie mistake.
Is there anything the Outback has that the Forester doesn’t at a lower price? Genuinely curious.
Standard cross bars
Turbo
Better interior and more space
@@stevemartegani Forester actually has better rear headroom and sitting position due to more boxy design.
Also, trunk space is roughly the same. Which space are u talking about?
Forester is roughly 2 inch taller inside, but 2 inches skinnier inside as well. Opposite for Outback.
How many outback owners watch this? Damn good car but the lack of physical buttons is disappointing. I had one for an afternoon and it was annoying to have to go through menus and I missed the mute button from some of the last gen. My 2015 premium is great! Minus the no second row vents... seriously...it's a must next time!
I have a 2016 Limited with the second row vents and you didn’t miss out on anything! At full blast, you would barely see a napkin move from the second row vent airflow 😠
@@flat6gts damn....good to know. I appreciate the comment! Something to test for sure when the time comes.
Does it burn oil?
Do you?
It’s felt like I was rocking from side to side when I test drove it
Bullshit... you obviously have never driven this car.
I did. I drove the limited and I didn’t like it
The limited and the wilderness are completely different. And since the wilderness hasn’t even come out yet, no one, besides the guys making these videos, know how it drives.
2019 Forester Base felt like that too. Still pretty good car though
Subaru: Just imagine how much better your Outback, Forester and Ascent would be with a 8 or 10 speed automatic. Not just acceleration but even off roading.
As a 2020 Limited XT owner, it's a wagon ... a very capable one :)
how has your leather held up? curious about the ivory and ink transfer?
@@nicoleundercuffler8743 zero issues so far, 7,200 miles and 13 months of ownership
only if Forester came with 2.4T
Subaru needs to bring back the Forester XT.
Well if you spent more that 5 seconds with a cvt you would realize they are nice ...better mpg no shifting and instant power when needed I'll take the 40mpg in my Corolla on the freeway thanks 👍😊
Hmm.. my 6 speed standard Civic does that easy... and it will absolutely blow the doors off your Corolla.
vote start：Do you willing to pay 1000-2000$ additional for an AT transmission outback or other Subaru?
Manufactures need to notch the top of the windshield so you don't have to play the re-calibration game when a windshield needs to be replaced. Plus the cost of one of these windshields is absurd.
A huge screen is nice as long as you still have basic functions ...you know easy to do while driving 🤷😬😑
CVT and boxer engine....what's not to go wrong?
Who cares about the top model? I need someone to review the basic model!
You kill me. "or more realistically winter time trips through Vermont to the nearest Hannaford supermarket" lol (Hannaford was formerly Shop 'n Save) Clearly, Micah does his homework.
Actually, it was Martin’s before Hannaford in VT.
@@sc4560 Thx for your comment...I love history. I live in MA but had clinical internships in VT and ME, both of which Hannaford was my local grocer. Micah is from Long Beach, so I just find it funny that he knew enough about Hannaford and New England.
I call it "the Vermont special".
I’m sorry but driving that 2.5 up through the mountains on the interstate was horrendous. Severely underpowered engine and the tranny constantly switching gears. I’d stay away from it personally. I’m sure the turbo is quite a bit more powerful but they tend to wear out a lot faster.
Очень хорош! Особенно 2.4 турбо :-)
Thanks for being honest about Subaru's powertrain. So tired of most automotive journalists always giving Subaru a pass and then harp on other cars for their CVT and traditionally slow engines. There is some mysticism where Subaru can do no wrong for some reason.
That Backup camera had me dying!
The lack of rear vents in vehicles is crazy.
Remember, this is the company that was still using four speed transmissions not even ten years ago.
@@Bartonovich52 Oo i agree. Then switching to cvts ruined the brand for me. I would consider a wrx still but even those have had their issues
Micah... you literally have NO CLUE what this car is capable of.
~opportunity missed