From a former 4runner and Jeep Wrangler fella who used to sh!t on Subaru because of "image"(not legendary performance). Almost two years in, I can say I really like my Outback Wilderness. Purchased it originally because I was driving over 15k a year and gas prices were skyrocketing. I ski and surf quite a bit and needed a vehicle with better gas mileage, acceptable off road performance and ample cargo space. Loved my 4runner and do miss it sometimes but at 17-20mpg(at best), was killing me. Pluses. Peppy engine, no issue keeping highway speeds of 70-80mph. Solid acceleration. Great handling, especially compared to 4runner and wrangler. Really excellent Xmode system. I have a beach pass for a beach I surf and fish in NJ. I am the only Subaru out there. Vehicle in deep snow/mud mode and all traction features turned off performs as well, if not better, than some dedicated off road oriented vehicles. I did go to Cooper Road and Trail ATs in OME size after original tires wore out. Same weight of OME and better looks and performance. Have also pushed through two feet snow and muddy spring backroads of Vermont without issue. Cons. Not a fan of Ipad system. Gotten better with it but sometimes glitches and wish the AC/Heat and seat heaters were knobs and switches. Wish if came with welded, dedicated tow hooks or shackles instead of screw in hook point. Rear lift hatch very sensitive to touch and sometimes opens when not desired. Wish offroad setting stayed in mode set when car turned off, then on again. If I am off-road, I know when to put back to regular drive mode. Subaru a little "nanny state" in engineering.
I welcome your input here-I’m planning either the 2025 OBW or 2025 4Runner TRD (higher end trim), leaning strongly toward OBW. I don’t off-road but like something for gravel, backroads. I’m concerned about the 1st yr of 4R Gen 6 and ~$20k doesn’t seem worth it. Thanks for your insight or any others who can speak to both.
@ Well, here’s the update on my vehicle situation. I was missing a 4Runner and got offer from dealership for my Subu I couldn’t turn down. Now have 22 TRD Off Road. Great truck. Very capable. Very comfortable. Gas mileage SUCKS!😂 Put Cooper Road @ Trail ATs on and solid on and off road improvement. Love the beefy knobs and switches again! Can’t go wrong with either vehicle.
Thanks for the video. Just purchased a 2025 Outback Wilderness. My first Subaru. Great car. Yes…more information on the carbon fiber door handle protectors please.
Just a quick little "tip" as a fellow outback owner, you don't have to tap the X on the HVAC screen, you can tap the same place you use to pull it up to close it again! Still tapping, but easier while driving imo
I have a 24 Onyx XT. I get about 32 MPG on the interstate. I was in a 4Runner TROORP but fuel was killing me so... Very pleased with the Outback. Fits my lifestyle needs much more than the Toyota.
Great car so far! I have the 2024 Outback Wilderness, bought it last August. It has approx 3300 miles. I added all exterior cladding possible and most all other options & added window tinting plus had it ceramic coated to hopefully protect the paint a little. Great car so far. I plan to drive it more, wondering how others feel about keeping this car for the long term? FYI = I adjusted the screen contrast, seems like it help make it brighter...
I have basically loved mine! I think for the most part that last if take care of them. This is my first one so don’t have experience to speak on. CVT would be my biggest concern. Thanks for watching!
I really enjoy the 2024 Outback Wilderness!. I can only judge it by my previous 73 Bronco which was scary as hell with a 4 inch lift on 35s. I’m not disappointed with the driving but the tech I could do without. Highway driving is sweet but around town (DMV) traffic causes me to spin the turbo way more than I’d like . She’s heavy but overall feels really solid and the Harmon Kardon sounds really nice in Traffic. I’d like to keep it long term.
@@glamplandingAnd so does Android Auto. I use both wireless as well as wired for longer drives when I also need phone charging. Wireless around town quick trips and I'd estimate wireless takes about 20 seconds to connect vs almost instant with wired
I traded my ‘18 F150 about a month or so ago for a ‘24 Ascent Onyx Edition for my wife. After we got moved into our new home a year ago we found that we just didn’t need a pickup anymore. I am currently driving her ‘20 Kia Sorento SX but am looking to trade it in about a year or so for a ‘25 OBW. That is the best car for my lifestyle and liking that I have seen and found.
I bought a SFW because it fit what I needed. I test drove a Rav4, but the interior space of the SFW was more appealing to me. I'll be looking around in 2025 to see whats new. I have no regrets.
I have had mine for almost a month I’m on a road trip what drives me crazy is the high idle 1500 RPM until the oil reaches 170 I was in Phoenix. It was 120°. I went to eat for maybe an hour went to leave and the car starts and goes to 1500 RPM till the oil temp reaches about 170 degrees You cannot just jump in the car and go.
My wilderness is a 2021. Doesnt have heated steering. Stereo is not premier like the new ones. Overall I’ve loved the car. No issues. Can’t say if I’d buy another because Subie coming out w re design for 2026 and the Wilderness will be released later. Not sure I can wait that long. New 4 Runner coming too.
Glad you have loved it! The new 4Runner after dealer markups is probably going to be over 70k maybe a lot more (for off road models). That’s one reason I’m in the Outback now. A new Wilderness last year was much cheaper than a used 4 Runner. Unless you are going really off road the Subie is the best value. Might have to wait for that 26. Thanks for watching!
I have a 2015 Subaru legacy. I have put 152,000 miles on the car and no real issues that were Subaru's fault. I'm not crazy about the CVT either. I would buy another if I needed another car. Gets 30mpg and drive mostly around town doing daily errands.
The Wilderness has reinforced roof rails rated for 700 lb (static) / 220 lb (dynamic) instead of the integrated crossbars with 150 lb limit (rails themselves are rated to 176 lb) for all other Outback trims. This lets you put on a rooftop tent and sleep in it if you want to do that.
Great video- I’ve got a ‘24 OBW too. I had the OEM trailer hitch put on, bought some Thule crossbars, etc. Can you recommend a bike rack for hitch and one bike? Driving long distances so need something secure
I had it at Subaru this week and I showed them the post. And apparently they’re going to issue a customer advisory after the initial warm-up it’s OK to just jump in the car and go
The ports to my knowledge are only for charging. That would be a nice option if you could choose wired or wireless for how you would like to connect. Thanks for watching!
The Front USB ports work for plugging in the rear are for charging only. I have the 2024 OBW and I use USB port of my tunes hooks right up to the radio and works fine find the folders plays the music. Phone works on front but since it's got wireless I don't need to plug my phone in.
@@johnkkkjYes, Android Auto works great with the intended front port. I need this for longer drives when in addition to music/maps I need phone charging
I have a 2021 F150 and wireless CarPlay does not work in it either. I think it’s touch and go. I just rented a 2024 F150 while on a trip and wireless CarPlay worked great. Kind of irritating though.
2022 Outback Wilderness. 35,000 miles. Mainly pavement with a little gravel. Great vehicle. Does what it is designed for. My complaint, Tom Tom Navigation. Terrible 20 years ago and still is. Not user friendly & updates far and few between. Thank goodness for Google Maps and Android Connect.
Yep. Same. Had a Tom Tom 15 years ago and this mapping has not improved one bit. Asking it to find a gas station is just idiotic. I'm driving north and it wants me to turn around and head south 10 miles. Thankful for Android, Google & Waze
I bought mine in October, 2023. Mild annoyances once in a while with heat and the entertainment system, it otherwise it is the best car I have ever owned. No issues at 20,000 miles so far.
I'm 2 months into my 2024 Limited and I too find the infotainment system to be persistently annoying. Some of the "features" are just plain stupid and contribute to distraction. The CVT doesn't bother me because I don't demand much from it
@@coryricci301 I don't like it telling me I'm low on gas and make bad suggestions for "nearby" stations that aren't near because it relies on TomTom's bad mapping. I don't like that it requires extra taps the start Android Auto when most cars I've had it starts up without another tap
@@ralphkeith2905At some point we will go back to a 4Runner. While the Outback is probably a better car for how we actually live and drive…she missed her old 4Runner…and it’s hard to be Toyota reliability (pre-turbo).
@@jamesmoles There are zero issues with modern turbos. None. The engine problems with some new Toyotas are not even related to the turbo. It is mind boggling how many "car experts" don't even look at data. I live near the North Wind River Range in Wyoming and drive at elevation daily. Turbos are SO much better. Low end toque is sick and don't turn to crap at altitude. My NA 14 Taco had 3 warranty repairs under 36K. My current Ranger turbo is at 85k miles not a single issue.
Hmm…maybe a combination of winter gas and your location? The 28MPG if I remember correctly was in a road trip to TX (so pretty flat most of the way). It was also the trip computer and not me doing the math. Also just realized you have a 25 and I have always been told engines get a bit better mileage after they break in. I believe you will see some improvement in time and when summer hits. Thanks for watching!
I own a 2024 Subaru Forester touring model SUV compact car and I find it a very enjoyable ride for the last 3 months of owning this brand new car. I did not want a turbo so opted for a Subaru Forester and it has a powerful 2.5L engine for getting around town and for passing cars uphill's and straight stretches with no problem. I owned a Honda pilot LX all 4 wheel drive (3.5 liter engine) before my Forester purchase and that was a excellent car also (2008) from brand new and just gave the Pilot to my daughter who's ford Explorer vehicle(200,000 + miles) was giving them transmission grief recently. The Forester and Pilot I found there is not a lot of difference in width and length and I find both SUV's have excellent power trains with their natural aspirated fuel injection, you do not need a turbo unless your hauling a light trailer or off roading is what I'm thinking! The best test for any car is go up a paved steep hill and it will tell the owner what you have under the hood and its condition if buying new or used & Subaru Forester is well built 4 wheel subcompact SUV car so far!💕
Two of my complaints - The space for the spare is *just* too small for a proper spare wheel. Simply stupid on a car that claims to be an "adventure" vehicle. And second - a proper battery life indicator. My wife's XV one day just didn't start without any warning. It's 1 chip, worth $0.2, come on Subaru!
your review is hilarious ,your doing a review of your Outback and this is the first and only video of a car review where all i see is you standing in front of your car through your entire video and showcasing your North Face shirt,all i see is you instead of maybe walking around you car or even just stand to the side so we can look at what your talking about ,instead of showcasing yourself, your on the wrong forum,you should have just done a PODCAST
From a former 4runner and Jeep Wrangler fella who used to sh!t on Subaru because of "image"(not legendary performance). Almost two years in, I can say I really like my Outback Wilderness. Purchased it originally because I was driving over 15k a year and gas prices were skyrocketing. I ski and surf quite a bit and needed a vehicle with better gas mileage, acceptable off road performance and ample cargo space. Loved my 4runner and do miss it sometimes but at 17-20mpg(at best), was killing me.
Pluses. Peppy engine, no issue keeping highway speeds of 70-80mph. Solid acceleration. Great handling, especially compared to 4runner and wrangler. Really excellent Xmode system. I have a beach pass for a beach I surf and fish in NJ. I am the only Subaru out there. Vehicle in deep snow/mud mode and all traction features turned off performs as well, if not better, than some dedicated off road oriented vehicles. I did go to Cooper Road and Trail ATs in OME size after original tires wore out. Same weight of OME and better looks and performance. Have also pushed through two feet snow and muddy spring backroads of Vermont without issue.
Cons. Not a fan of Ipad system. Gotten better with it but sometimes glitches and wish the AC/Heat and seat heaters were knobs and switches. Wish if came with welded, dedicated tow hooks or shackles instead of screw in hook point. Rear lift hatch very sensitive to touch and sometimes opens when not desired. Wish offroad setting stayed in mode set when car turned off, then on again. If I am off-road, I know when to put back to regular drive mode. Subaru a little "nanny state" in engineering.
I installed an after market Auto Start-Stop Eliminator and it works perfectly. 5 minute install and now I can set it and forget it
I welcome your input here-I’m planning either the 2025 OBW or 2025 4Runner TRD (higher end trim), leaning strongly toward OBW. I don’t off-road but like something for gravel, backroads. I’m concerned about the 1st yr of 4R Gen 6 and ~$20k doesn’t seem worth it. Thanks for your insight or any others who can speak to both.
@ Well, here’s the update on my vehicle situation.
I was missing a 4Runner and got offer from dealership for my Subu I couldn’t turn down.
Now have 22 TRD Off Road. Great truck. Very capable. Very comfortable. Gas mileage SUCKS!😂
Put Cooper Road @ Trail ATs on and solid on and off road improvement.
Love the beefy knobs and switches again!
Can’t go wrong with either vehicle.
Owned ours for 7 months and no complaints
Thanks for the video. Just purchased a 2025 Outback Wilderness. My first Subaru. Great car. Yes…more information on the carbon fiber door handle protectors please.
Just a quick little "tip" as a fellow outback owner, you don't have to tap the X on the HVAC screen, you can tap the same place you use to pull it up to close it again!
Still tapping, but easier while driving imo
It closes out itself after a few moments too. Patience 😊
I have a 24 Onyx XT. I get about 32 MPG on the interstate. I was in a 4Runner TROORP but fuel was killing me so... Very pleased with the Outback. Fits my lifestyle needs much more than the Toyota.
Great trim choice! We like the wilderness and options for our lifestyle…but your MPG is nice! Thanks for watching!
Do you only go like 60 on freeway my turbo wilderness can only get 26 if I go 70
@@heyjonandgoldiesepicvanlif7571 different gearing ratio on wilderness and onyx. That's why.
Great car so far! I have the 2024 Outback Wilderness, bought it last August. It has approx 3300 miles. I added all exterior cladding possible and most all other options & added window tinting plus had it ceramic coated to hopefully protect the paint a little. Great car so far. I plan to drive it more, wondering how others feel about keeping this car for the long term? FYI = I adjusted the screen contrast, seems like it help make it brighter...
I have basically loved mine! I think for the most part that last if take care of them. This is my first one so don’t have experience to speak on. CVT would be my biggest concern. Thanks for watching!
I really enjoy the 2024 Outback Wilderness!. I can only judge it by my previous 73 Bronco which was scary as hell with a 4 inch lift on 35s. I’m not disappointed with the driving but the tech I could do without. Highway driving is sweet but around town (DMV) traffic causes me to spin the turbo way more than I’d like . She’s heavy but overall feels really solid and the Harmon Kardon sounds really nice in Traffic. I’d like to keep it long term.
Do the new Outbacks still have the CVT wobble on a fast takeoff?
Hows the infotainment screen?? Glitchy? Turn off unexpectedly?
Resolution is great…can be a bit slow at times but never had it turn off. CarPlay looks great on it.
@@glamplandingAnd so does Android Auto. I use both wireless as well as wired for longer drives when I also need phone charging. Wireless around town quick trips and I'd estimate wireless takes about 20 seconds to connect vs almost instant with wired
What roof rails are those and please share the ebay link
Good review. Have a Happy 4th
Thanks Wayne! Hope you had a great day as well!
I traded my ‘18 F150 about a month or so ago for a ‘24 Ascent Onyx Edition for my wife. After we got moved into our new home a year ago we found that we just didn’t need a pickup anymore. I am currently driving her ‘20 Kia Sorento SX but am looking to trade it in about a year or so for a ‘25 OBW. That is the best car for my lifestyle and liking that I have seen and found.
I bought a SFW because it fit what I needed. I test drove a Rav4, but the interior space of the SFW was more appealing to me. I'll be looking around in 2025 to see whats new. I have no regrets.
Hey @beagle21 thanks for watching! I passed a SFW yesterday and those are really nice. It’s hard to beat Subaru’s for use and bang for the buck.
What’s a SFW?
@@karliiiieSubaru forester wilderness
Absolutely love mine! Just over 30,000 - only thing is that there's a dumb moonroof rattle/squeak (?) the dealership can't replicate aka won't fix
I have had mine for almost a month I’m on a road trip what drives me crazy is the high idle 1500 RPM until the oil reaches 170 I was in Phoenix. It was 120°. I went to eat for maybe an hour went to leave and the car starts and goes to 1500 RPM till the oil temp reaches about 170 degrees You cannot just jump in the car and go.
First…thanks for watching and that’s crazy heat! That is not something I’ve noticed but maybe due to your weather? Much cooler than that here in SWVA.
There is nothing wrong in just jumping in and going. The elevated RPM returns to normal the moment you turn on the drive mode
My wilderness is a 2021. Doesnt have heated steering. Stereo is not premier like the new ones. Overall I’ve loved the car. No issues. Can’t say if I’d buy another because Subie coming out w re design for 2026 and the Wilderness will be released later. Not sure I can wait that long. New 4 Runner coming too.
Glad you have loved it! The new 4Runner after dealer markups is probably going to be over 70k maybe a lot more (for off road models). That’s one reason I’m in the Outback now. A new Wilderness last year was much cheaper than a used 4 Runner. Unless you are going really off road the Subie is the best value. Might have to wait for that 26. Thanks for watching!
I thought the first year wilderness became available was 2022?
@@sarahbera6744 yes sorry mine is a 2022 model year
Did this OBW not come with the roof racks that pop out from the roof rails? Odd.
It does not. I didn’t even know that was a thing until I had owned mine for a few months. Agree a little odd.
@@glamplanding So weird! Seems like the demo buying this trim would use it the most lol. I even have it on my '17 2.5i Base.
I have a 2015 Subaru legacy. I have put 152,000 miles on the car and no real issues that were Subaru's fault. I'm not crazy about the CVT either. I would buy another if I needed another car. Gets 30mpg and drive mostly around town doing daily errands.
Why did you have to buy crossbars? My 2024 Outback (admittedly it's a Premium, not Wilderness) the bars rotate over to make crossbars when needed.
The Wilderness has reinforced roof rails rated for 700 lb (static) / 220 lb (dynamic) instead of the integrated crossbars with 150 lb limit (rails themselves are rated to 176 lb) for all other Outback trims. This lets you put on a rooftop tent and sleep in it if you want to do that.
Thanks @dodamlh this is 100% correct. Would have been nice to have this built in like other Subaru’s with an increased capacity.
@@DodamIh Ok - makes sense. Thx
Roof rack on the Wilderness doesn’t have that option.
Great video- I’ve got a ‘24 OBW too. I had the OEM trailer hitch put on, bought some Thule crossbars, etc. Can you recommend a bike rack for hitch and one bike? Driving long distances so need something secure
Thanks for watching! I have my bike rack several years and think I got it from etrailer. I will see if I can get the model for you.
I had it at Subaru this week and I showed them the post. And apparently they’re going to issue a customer advisory after the initial warm-up it’s OK to just jump in the car and go
The USB ports aren't there if you want to plug in?
The ports to my knowledge are only for charging. That would be a nice option if you could choose wired or wireless for how you would like to connect. Thanks for watching!
Android Auto does work with wired, but Carplay doesn't.
@@DodamIhGood to know! I haven’t had an android phone for a bit. Thanks for watching!
The Front USB ports work for plugging in the rear are for charging only. I have the 2024 OBW and I use USB port of my tunes hooks right up to the radio and works fine find the folders plays the music. Phone works on front but since it's got wireless I don't need to plug my phone in.
@@johnkkkjYes, Android Auto works great with the intended front port. I need this for longer drives when in addition to music/maps I need phone charging
You got a Wilderness with 260 horsepower output? 4:24 Nice!
Yes…I think the Wilderness and one other model has that motor standard.
I have a 2021 F150 and wireless CarPlay does not work in it either. I think it’s touch and go. I just rented a 2024 F150 while on a trip and wireless CarPlay worked great. Kind of irritating though.
2022 Outback Wilderness. 35,000 miles. Mainly pavement with a little gravel. Great vehicle. Does what it is designed for. My complaint, Tom Tom Navigation. Terrible 20 years ago and still is. Not user friendly & updates far and few between. Thank goodness for Google Maps and Android Connect.
Agree on the Tom Tom! I would be lost with my CarPlay! Thanks for watching!
Yep. Same. Had a Tom Tom 15 years ago and this mapping has not improved one bit. Asking it to find a gas station is just idiotic. I'm driving north and it wants me to turn around and head south 10 miles. Thankful for Android, Google & Waze
I bought mine in October, 2023. Mild annoyances once in a while with heat and the entertainment system, it otherwise it is the best car I have ever owned.
No issues at 20,000 miles so far.
You stood right in front of the Outback grille the entire video. Not a great choice.
Dealership spoke about a fix for the phone issue this month. July
Hmm…that would be awesome! I will see if I have had any updates.
I've owned this exact car for 8000 miles and i did not know it had heated back seats.
Totally understand…we had our a couple of months before we realized it as well!
I have a 23 obw and i regret buying it, the car is great but the CVT and Infotainment system just lets the whole car down
I'm 2 months into my 2024 Limited and I too find the infotainment system to be persistently annoying. Some of the "features" are just plain stupid and contribute to distraction. The CVT doesn't bother me because I don't demand much from it
@@kippywyliewhich features?
@@coryricci301 I don't like it telling me I'm low on gas and make bad suggestions for "nearby" stations that aren't near because it relies on TomTom's bad mapping. I don't like that it requires extra taps the start Android Auto when most cars I've had it starts up without another tap
Cvt sucks, it almost ruined Honda.
@@kippywyliejust don't use GPS😂
I agree wishywashy ending statement
lol…I will try and do better in the next one! Thanks for watching!
@@glamplanding if you wouldn't buy a Subaru again, what would you buy?
@@ralphkeith2905At some point we will go back to a 4Runner. While the Outback is probably a better car for how we actually live and drive…she missed her old 4Runner…and it’s hard to be Toyota reliability (pre-turbo).
@@ralphkeith2905 Dacia DUSTER
@@jamesmoles There are zero issues with modern turbos. None. The engine problems with some new Toyotas are not even related to the turbo. It is mind boggling how many "car experts" don't even look at data. I live near the North Wind River Range in Wyoming and drive at elevation daily. Turbos are SO much better. Low end toque is sick and don't turn to crap at altitude. My NA 14 Taco had 3 warranty repairs under 36K. My current Ranger turbo is at 85k miles not a single issue.
My 25 OBW gets 22.5 mpg max interstate. Not sure how you got 28
Hmm…maybe a combination of winter gas and your location? The 28MPG if I remember correctly was in a road trip to TX (so pretty flat most of the way). It was also the trip computer and not me doing the math. Also just realized you have a 25 and I have always been told engines get a bit better mileage after they break in. I believe you will see some improvement in time and when summer hits. Thanks for watching!
Show the car as you talk
Appreciate the feedback! Thanks for watching.
I own a 2024 Subaru Forester touring model SUV compact car and I find it a very enjoyable ride for the last 3 months of owning this brand new car. I did not want a turbo so opted for a Subaru Forester and it has a powerful 2.5L engine for getting around town and for passing cars uphill's and straight stretches with no problem. I owned a Honda pilot LX all 4 wheel drive (3.5 liter engine) before my Forester purchase and that was a excellent car also (2008) from brand new and just gave the Pilot to my daughter who's ford Explorer vehicle(200,000 + miles) was giving them transmission grief recently.
The Forester and Pilot I found there is not a lot of difference in width and length and I find both SUV's have excellent power trains with their natural aspirated fuel injection, you do not need a turbo unless your hauling a light trailer or off roading is what I'm thinking! The best test for any car is go up a paved steep hill and it will tell the owner what you have under the hood and its condition if buying new or used & Subaru Forester is well built 4 wheel subcompact SUV car so far!💕
Thanks for watching!
30k miles on mine. Love it. But water comes out of my speakers when it rains…. Not stoked.
Yes end was wishy washy
Two of my complaints - The space for the spare is *just* too small for a proper spare wheel. Simply stupid on a car that claims to be an "adventure" vehicle. And second - a proper battery life indicator. My wife's XV one day just didn't start without any warning. It's 1 chip, worth $0.2, come on Subaru!
There’s plenty of room for a spare. My outback came with a full size spare.
it's not Boxter
your review is hilarious ,your doing a review of your Outback and this is the first and only video of a car review where all i see is you standing in front of your car through your entire video and showcasing your North Face shirt,all i see is you instead of maybe walking around you car or even just stand to the side so we can look at what your talking about ,instead of showcasing yourself, your on the wrong forum,you should have just done a PODCAST
Thanks for watching!
Bizarre comment. He's sharing his opinions as an owner. If you want a tour of the car, go watch one of the many reviews out there.
I will NOT buy a Wilderness just because of the cheesy, ugly, "gold accents" !!!
CVT's suck and no leather but cheezy pleather. No thanx.
So why are you watching this video? Watch what you like.
You should have told us what you paid for the car if you want to actually help people
Silliest comment ever. Look it up. Prices are different everywhere
It was roughly 40k and below MSRP when I got it. The car market is vastly different now than it was a year ago.