A lot of car reviewers tend to judge cars from an enthusiast standpoint, it refreshing to see a reviewer who takes a more average joe approach while still being insanely knowledgeable, informative and entertaining all at the same time! Great job Tom!
Can vouch for Subaru's popularity in the western states. This past September, my wife & I made our first-ever visit to Montana. Spent time in Billings and Bozeman. At our hotel in Billings, over 1/3 of the cars in the parking lot were Subarus of varying models. In Bozeman, of the 37 vehicles I counted one morning in the lot, 29 were Subbies. Didn't realize that Subarus were the state vehicle up until that point. . . ! Our 2019 Forester Touring felt right at home during the trip, and returned over 31 mpg for the entire trip to-from northern Illinois to boot.
Vermont is the capital of Subaru up here in the northeast. Upstate NY could be its sister capital as well as Maine. Really anywhere in New England, you'll see tons of Subarus parked next to each other at trail heads
Like Tom, I live in the Pacific NW where it seems almost every neighborhood has several Subiie-istas and every extended family includes two or three. If you want your neighbors to be friendly and the invitations to family Thanksgiving dinners to keep coming, you know not to be critical of the brand. (The same advice holds for comments about Costco, by the way. We love our hometown brands.) For years Subaru owners had to be defensive about the budget level interiors of their vehicles. Cost cutting had to come from somewhere to pay for the standard AWD. That's changed with the new generation Outback. It's definitely an upgrade over previous generations. Not to be outdone by other brands the new infotainment screen is massive. But if I can be allowed a slight criticism, it looks like a work in progress with more thought called for about organizing apps and tailoring displays to fit the dimensions of the screen. Otherwise, the top trims don't require any apologies. If you want an automatic transmission in any Subaru (other than the BRZ) you'll have to accept a CVT. Subaru is committed to them for both fuel economy and performance. If they're going to put a CVT in the Ascent, they most certainly will put it in the Outback. Likewise, cries for a manual transmission option in the Outback will be ignored by Subaru. Get used to it. Dealers hate having vehicles sit unsold on their lots for extended periods and Subaru isn't going to invest in the design and production costs to offer an MT in a model where there's little demand. Subaru is a very successful but also a small manufacturer. Like most manufacturers Subaru may offer MT's in specialty vehicles but not in their bread and butter models. As far as engine choices, the base 2.5L NA four banger is slow but likely to be selected by a large majority of Outback buyers. (Scalding performance isn't a high priority for Subie-istas.) For those who do want better performance the long-in-the-tooth six cylinder boxer engine is gone and won't likely be missed. In its place is the same 2.4L turbo 4 found in the Ascent. The good news is that the Outback is arguably a better home for the engine than the Ascent considering that the Outback is at least 650 lbs lighter than the Ascent. Unless one really needs three rows of seats and 19 cup holders the Outback looks to be a better option for many Subaru fans. When the Ascent was introduced I wondered if it left room in the Subaru lineup for the Outback. But in 2019 the Outback outsold the Ascent by over 100,000 units and a slight increase over 2018 sales. Most manufacturers would be happy with any increase at all last year. Subaru looks like they're holding onto to their fans.
... When I bought my '19 WRX 6MT, I intended to buy a BRZ limited 6MT (but dealer had 1 in the wrong color, bummer). I really wanted to drive a Crosstrek 6MT, but they are 1 in 10k and was a special order (10wk waitl, so needless to say, I tested a CVT 'trek and wasn't blown away. In the end, walked out with a red WRX 6MT with only 90 minutes spent w/our Subaru Life Coach. An Orange' trek would have been cool (love hatches/wagons), but wasn't going to settle for a CVT.
Tom - Solid, well-balanced coverage of the new Gen6 Outback . . . which is why I look forward to your reviews. I don't consider myself a "Subie-ista", but did upgrade my 2016 Gen5 2.5i Outback Limited to the 2020 Gen6 Outback Limited XT Turbo. I'm quickly growing into the Turbo and high-torque CVT - the Turbo absolutely comes alive in the 2,000 and above RPM range. The Gen6 XT Turbo was an easy choice for me: 1) virtually no mechanical or quality issues with the 2016 Gen5; and, 2) Subaru Corporate keeps the dealer network motivated by providing plenty of feedback from the owner base. P.S. Thanks for the Seattle travelogue - - the background scenery was awesome :-) :-)
I became a Subaru fan after working on them and other imports for a couple years. They’re the easiest cars I’ve ever worked on and they actually got easier to repair the newer they got. Usually a manufacturer does the opposite and packs more and larger parts into the engine bay over time, which makes it more difficult to work on. Subaru has refrained from doing so. Other than that, I also love their functionality for on and off road use. I got my first outback last fall and have replaced my suburban on most trips to the back woods. It saves me tons of money on fuel.
How times have changed. Back in 1983 the back seat in the Subaru Wagon for this 6’1” was very cramped, The Horsepower was below 100 and the MPG’s were nothing to write home about. But, It came with Way more features than any other front drive compact car from the day.
I have 2 outbacks, a 2014 and a 2020. The only thing I hate about them is the auto stop start feature can't be permanently shut off. Here in the hills of western Pa the standard engine has plenty of power and the 2020 is extremely quiet inside. Will definitely buy another.
Another great review Tom. Nice Costco story at the end too. Good job scoring some points at 11:52. Hopefully your wife remembered to like and subscribe. 😉
Fun Costco bit at the end. Solid review as always. I loved my 2017 Outback, but traded it in for a hybrid Ioniq. I will happily go back to Subaru though, they make fantastic cars.
I'm curious about that Ioniq as well? How do you like it? I was thinking about getting one as well as a regular commuter car. Hyundai cars are really reliable and you get lot more stuff for your money with their products.
So on my wife's second Outback the forward end of the crankshaft, the part that sticks out the front of the engine block and holds the pulley that drives all the accessories, BROKE OFF. It wasn't very old and didn't have that many miles on it. Our mechanic reattached the pulley to the broken end with the warning that he had no idea how long it would last. We took it directly to the Subaru dealership and bought... another Outback. She gave that one to our son and then bought... Outback number four. I like Outbacks well enough but I can't forget the time the crankshaft broke.
Tom thank you for finally answering my life-long question of how the heck do you do the TP tests. Does he keep a stockpile in his garage? Does he purchase it and return it for each review? It never occurred to me that you have such a wonderful relationship with Costco! 😁
Just bought the 2020 Touring XT in Renton this past weekend. You hit all the high points. The driver monitoring system is annoying and I turned it off. And the lane keep system keeps beeping on winding roads, which are quite common in the Seattle area, so I turned it off too. The auto start-stop system is a little rough, compared to other cars' systems, so if I am doing mostly city driving, I will also turn it off. The adaptive cruise control is really nice on the Interstate. The reason I bought this car was not for all the electronic gadgetry, but rather for the super plush interior, the amount of space in the interior, the Subaru all wheel drive system and the new turbo engine. The turbo hasn't been seen in an Outback for roughly a decade and my best friend's parents used to have a 2008 Outback 2.5 XT, which I loved. The new one is 2.4 L, but has more power than the 2008 model. The other big change is that this rides on the Subaru Global Architecture platform. The Crosstrek and Ascent were already on this platform, but the Outback was last in line to get the new chassis. It has less body roll than the 2019 model and feels solid, without feeling overly stiff. Interior materials quality in the 2020 look and feel a class above where it is priced. I was able to get almost $4,000 off MSRP by negotiating online with the dealer, and casting several lines to other dealerships. They are selling a lot of these, but they will still make deals. Be aware that if you want a unique color, like the Magnetite gray, like mine, you might have to inventory search several dealerships to find one....
Great review! I'm glad I have the 2019 Outback with no automatic engine start/stop. If that system feels kind of rough when it's new, imagine what it will feel like in 30 or 40 thousand miles. I also like physical buttons and knobs for HVAC. Not a fan of that big screen.
Subaru has a niche set of diehard fans who worship the STI. Which means, of course, they love a manual transmission. You know what? A lot of them have, or will have, families and would love their 'second' car to be another Subaru. My wife has a 2016 hyper blue STI. We love it. But we also need a second car for more utilitarian pursuits like mountain biking trips and hauling stuff back from the home depot. We'd really really like an outback, maybe even an accent. But no stick. Nothing is less engaging, more mind numbing, or more likely to make you fall asleep on long road trips than an automatic. While I'm sure the sales of a outback/accent with a stick would be in the low single digits, there would STILL BE SALES. Come on Subaru, where is the LOVE you keep talking about. (Also, while I'm here, please please please make the next STI look as close as possible to the last concept car you showed).
Just FYI a manual transmission doesn't just miracle its way into a car. In the US the cars have to be certified (crash and otherwise) for EACH transmission and engine choice. The additional certification usually outweighs the, as you put it, 'STILL BE SALES' sales figure. That, the additional cost of overhead (manuals sit on the lot) and logistics make it easy for automakers to say no.
... Is the crosstrek too small? Is it time to jump ship the VW Alltrack? Of course neither is as engaging as a WRX/STi. I wanted an Alltrack so bad, but the test drive was only meh, same with the (cvt) crosstrek and I found myself in a WRX. A BRZ would be in the garage if imgress/egress to the back seat was better/easier like my mk4 gti.
@@tim3172... Isn't near $42M to feaderalize a car these days. So, a WRX/STi wagon (levorg) makes more sense; same chassis and engine. But levorg are sadly cvt only in other markets...
I really love this video on so many levels. Thanks also for giving us feedback on the standard engine, which I went with and am perfectly happy with. Very helpful walkthrough, and great to have a guide with such a good demeanor. Thank you-subscribed!
Wonderful review, thank you for the time and care that go into producing a high quality review. My wife likes to keep a low profile too on my photography jobs. There is only so much you can do with a wagon, although it does look dapper...consistent trait ...like a Golf, not much changes. Love the AWD concept, versatility of the wagon, the CVT, not so much. Great fuel efficiency though. People that drive a Subaru love them, they are almost bullet proof my friend tells me. The financing is not as competitive as other companies in Canada, so you really have to want one. Thanks again Tom, you’re the best! PS Was that sunny feel to the video real or post production?
Agreed. They look better than bloated and bland crossovers. They are discrete and don't make you look like an asshole, which I like. They do lack some power, and the CVT is good, not perfect, but on the whole, it's a fine automobile. They are very cheap to insure, one of the cheapest to insure actually at least in America, and they historically have great resale value. Happy with my 2012 Outback Limited. I bought it for 12,500 with 87,000 miles. Could probably sell it today for the same price but with 106,000 miles. Pretty Crazy
29 years old here, and tired of second hand vehicles breaking down on me in less than a year, this year i’m gonna pull the trigger on a new vehicle, but torn between this, forester or the toyota 4runner, but leaning more towards on the outback/forester.
I’m 29 year old too and just purchased a 2020 Outback. You'll be happy with it! As much as I like fun cars like my MX-5 Miata, or eco-friendly zippy city car Nissan Leaf, I've come to realize a comfortable do-it-all car such as the Outback is the right choice for my family and me. It should last us a long time. Oh and the CVT is pretty good and proved, and Start / Stop isn't the smoothest but you'll get used to it, else just press the rear window defroster button or brake lightly. Climate control is perfectly fine, don't listen to what people are saying (they haven't owned the car).
Hi Tom, I'm a fan of your channel and your reviews (I subscribed somewhere around your 40k subscriber mark). I hate these new Premieres notifications that I've started to get in my feed! Please stop that! Don't worry man, when you drop your video I'll watch it. But it's kinda annoying to have the teaser show up without a video. Just sayin!
At 2:40 Tom says " it simulates the feel of an 8 speed transmission " to bad it does not last as long as a normal transmission, Subaru only uses the CVT to cut cost and to meet unrealistic mileage standards not for long life and durability. Caveat Emptor.
Lafayette Indiana.......home of the Purdue Boilermakers! Good review Tom..... Loving the Outback but needs a Panoramic Sunroof and better sound insulation before buying. Would be great if Subie invented away for the glass on the liftgate to go up and down like the old stations...all the best. Sam
Your reviews are some of the beat out there--interesting and fun, so thank you for a great review! This one is especially appreciated, as I have an 06 Sequoia with 198K on it that needs replacing in the next 12-18 months, and I have it narrowed down to the Outback and Forester. Probably leaning Forester as although I like the Outback's styling better, the Forester is $2K cheaper across the trim lines. One thought: I've owned golden retrievers and labs most of my life, and I'd recommend against cloth seats!! They shed 24/7/365, and once their hair is lodged into the cloth, it is difficult to remove and becomes "fragrant" after a while!! Leather in the Ltd would be a better choice, at least IMO. My 2 cents on that issue.
yeah i really like subarus. my son just got a brand new forester and loves it. I had a legacy sport and loved it. maybe i'll come back to the fold, with an outback onyx xt. the turbo engine does appeal. thanks for another great review.
Turbos are fun and once you drive one it’s really hard to go back to a i4 non turbo. This is a completely new engine so I would recommend a more rested engine better and Mercedes Benz has a GLB suv like this for the same price $34k but way more features and fully electronic dash I recommend doing research on a few brands first even Jeeps Cherokee gets the same mpg with more hp and a newer 2019 redesign
Should have used the infotainment system from the Forester. The Outback system sucks. Also wish they would go with a manual automatic DCT or at least offer a 6-speed like they do on the Crosstrek, as CVT really does suck the enjoyment out of the powertrain.
@@ryanlittleton5615 Turns out he and Stephanie were only dating. He still beat her up, though. Guess it was the norm with rock stars on cocaine and famous women.
I live in a decent sized city a good ways up in the mountains, and I swear 50% of the people here have Subies. But most Subie owners I talk to HATE iSight, and strongly urge you not to get it. Otherwise a fine automobile. Costco story at the end was awesome :)
Consumer Reports finally has something to criticize Subaru for with the change to the all in one touch screen. Thank you for your comprehensive review with the small subtle criticisms along the way. For my part I’m leaning toward the Hyundai Santa Fe.
THANK YOU for showing the steps needed to turn off the Start/Stop system (really DUMB, Subaru!). The only thing that is making us hesitate on buying a new Outback Limited XT is the higher than normal amount of broken windshields on Outbacks over the past several years. Anyway, good review!
Body styling? Body strength? What exactly is the reason for smaller and smaller 3rd windows on each side? Then there's the growing wind deflector / shade thing, over the rear hatch window. It's as if the designers really do not want occupants - much less the driver her/himself - to see out the rear of the vehicle. A review page/channel/site should lay a bright decal over just the useable sections of window glass. It would clarify just how little side and rear view is made available, by the designers.
@@JS-xn3dq yeah i was looking at the 2020 till up until the screen and the auto stop start. Both of those "features" detered me so i ended up getting a 2017 outback last month for only 19500. Was a little leary of the price being so cheap and had it checked out by another shop. They told me it was meticulous taken care of except it looked like someone backed into something at some point. Long story short, went from looking at a new one for 31k and saved 11k by getting the 2017. My wife loves her new outback. I love my older legacy 3.6r(2011) great cars. Idk about this newest generation though. However i will not need a newer car for at lease 7 years.
Shawn Warnick - I couldn’t agree more. They could have just used the same system from the Ascent and they would have had a winner, especially with the turbo engine. I am sorry I didn’t get a 2019 3.6R. Will look for some other low mileage years but am not that hopeful. The 3.6R is not the most refined but I’d take it over a 2020. Good luck with your “new” subie!
Went down to a Subaru dealer to find out what is what for these wagons. Checked out 3 models. The crosstrek felt cramped to me and the forester very airy with the outback right in the middle. Haven’t test drove yet. They had non turbos on the lot and have heard there was a software update to bypass that constantly going in the menu to turn off the auto start. Have taken your advice and am looking at multiple models and brands
like other commentators, would love to get an Outback except for the start/stop issue and that big screen. I am leaning towards the Forester since they still have physical hvac knobs. But I have to hurry was told that refresh is coming and the Foresters will have the same set up as the Outback and Legacy.
Love this car. Saw you driving a new Blazer today. Looking forward to that review (and I’m assuming you weren’t able to do a tp test with the Blazer because of the current tp madness!)
Driven Car Reviews not me. We passed you in Ballard. I was so excited to see the most famous Seattle Auto Journalist that I almost turned around but then realized it would be stalker creepy to chase ya down!!
I think the MSRPs are just inflated, so they can do markdowns, but not lose money. The 2020 Outback Touring XT has an MSRP of about $41,200 and I actually paid $37,200, after some online negotiating.
Tom you should say "Click the subcribe button and the bell icon" with conviction...check out the younger car reviewers channels...keep up the good work.
Check the facts, Tom. Subaru has claimed for years that they have a lower center of gravity because of the boxer engine. Test results from Car and Driver conclude otherwise.
Why the review embargo till 3rd March? This car has been out in the market for like 6 months now, and Tom has to go with a review embargo? I don't get it .
My pieces come out weekly (Tuesday at 7AM PST) and I was traveling so I had to post it early incase there was poor internet service at my hotel (which turned out to be the case).
Maybe the RAV but really, neither. A minivan. Seriously. I have a friend with a GD. Lower to the ground for them to get in, larger area to rest. Pacifica and Sienna can be had with AWD (and both as hybrids with fuel economy that's probably better than the Subie at least). Bring yours on test drives (with a blanket of course) and you'll see what I mean.
@@DrivenCarReviews yea we might have to take him on drives with us. A MINIVAN is out unfortunately. Wife would never go for it! Right now he is cozy in the backseat of the F150 but she needs a new vehicle to replace her 3 series. Wish you had some reviews of the Mazda CX-9!
@@BJJandBS I suggest at least bringing both your wife and dog to check out a van. Just ask her to humor you. Just to show her how awesome they are. Really, they are the best dog vehicles and these days look pretty good.
I sincerely hope Subaru throws that stupid CD player away and offers manual or automatic options, I really like the Outback inside and out but that CVT keeps holding me back.
Driven Car Reviews Tom, Now that we got to know you on a more personal level. How about letting us know how, someone from the PNW writes for an East Coast Newspaper, such as the NY Times?
I like to think NYT searches for the best, no matter where they live. / ; ^ ) Years ago, they found my video podcast and they were looking to build out their video portfolio. Everything can be done over the internet.
I wonder where the differences are between an Outback and a Forester? Subaru with those 2 seems like wants to eliminate the very narrow gap between ...twins!
Most manufacturers offer both a compact and midsize 2-row SUV in their lineup (e.g., Ford Escape and Edge). Subaru does the same. The Forester is the compact offering. The Outback is the midsize offering.
@@alliejr Is the Forester the smaller one with the larger passenger room for front and rear passengers the almost same cargo capacity and the slightly by 9 inches shorter outer dimensions?
I had a legacy 3.6r and I drove a legacy ( almost the same as outback) but was way too smooth and spongy , I did not like it ! And every time that accelerate the engine rev were so high And not too much difference bet the 2 engines Did not buy .
That thing looks absolutely ridiculous with all that black plastic. How are the roof rails even attached to the roof? This is the literal example of a clown car.
A lot of car reviewers tend to judge cars from an enthusiast standpoint, it refreshing to see a reviewer who takes a more average joe approach while still being insanely knowledgeable, informative and entertaining all at the same time! Great job Tom!
Can vouch for Subaru's popularity in the western states. This past September, my wife & I made our first-ever visit to Montana. Spent time in Billings and Bozeman. At our hotel in Billings, over 1/3 of the cars in the parking lot were Subarus of varying models. In Bozeman, of the 37 vehicles I counted one morning in the lot, 29 were Subbies. Didn't realize that Subarus were the state vehicle up until that point. . . ! Our 2019 Forester Touring felt right at home during the trip, and returned over 31 mpg for the entire trip to-from northern Illinois to boot.
Vermont is the capital of Subaru up here in the northeast. Upstate NY could be its sister capital as well as Maine. Really anywhere in New England, you'll see tons of Subarus parked next to each other at trail heads
Like Tom, I live in the Pacific NW where it seems almost every neighborhood has several Subiie-istas and every extended family includes two or three. If you want your neighbors to be friendly and the invitations to family Thanksgiving dinners to keep coming, you know not to be critical of the brand. (The same advice holds for comments about Costco, by the way. We love our hometown brands.)
For years Subaru owners had to be defensive about the budget level interiors of their vehicles. Cost cutting had to come from somewhere to pay for the standard AWD. That's changed with the new generation Outback. It's definitely an upgrade over previous generations. Not to be outdone by other brands the new infotainment screen is massive. But if I can be allowed a slight criticism, it looks like a work in progress with more thought called for about organizing apps and tailoring displays to fit the dimensions of the screen. Otherwise, the top trims don't require any apologies.
If you want an automatic transmission in any Subaru (other than the BRZ) you'll have to accept a CVT. Subaru is committed to them for both fuel economy and performance. If they're going to put a CVT in the Ascent, they most certainly will put it in the Outback. Likewise, cries for a manual transmission option in the Outback will be ignored by Subaru. Get used to it. Dealers hate having vehicles sit unsold on their lots for extended periods and Subaru isn't going to invest in the design and production costs to offer an MT in a model where there's little demand. Subaru is a very successful but also a small manufacturer. Like most manufacturers Subaru may offer MT's in specialty vehicles but not in their bread and butter models.
As far as engine choices, the base 2.5L NA four banger is slow but likely to be selected by a large majority of Outback buyers. (Scalding performance isn't a high priority for Subie-istas.) For those who do want better performance the long-in-the-tooth six cylinder boxer engine is gone and won't likely be missed. In its place is the same 2.4L turbo 4 found in the Ascent. The good news is that the Outback is arguably a better home for the engine than the Ascent considering that the Outback is at least 650 lbs lighter than the Ascent. Unless one really needs three rows of seats and 19 cup holders the Outback looks to be a better option for many Subaru fans.
When the Ascent was introduced I wondered if it left room in the Subaru lineup for the Outback. But in 2019 the Outback outsold the Ascent by over 100,000 units and a slight increase over 2018 sales. Most manufacturers would be happy with any increase at all last year. Subaru looks like they're holding onto to their fans.
... When I bought my '19 WRX 6MT, I intended to buy a BRZ limited 6MT (but dealer had 1 in the wrong color, bummer). I really wanted to drive a Crosstrek 6MT, but they are 1 in 10k and was a special order (10wk waitl, so needless to say, I tested a CVT 'trek and wasn't blown away. In the end, walked out with a red WRX 6MT with only 90 minutes spent w/our Subaru Life Coach. An Orange' trek would have been cool (love hatches/wagons), but wasn't going to settle for a CVT.
Great story. There are still nice people in the world.... you're one of them. Thanks for the review.
There are plenty of nice people in the world. It's just that trolls stand out.
Sold - 2015 Outback goes to daughter and a new 2020 will be in our garage - thanks Tom, good review - actually it was excellent.
Tom - Solid, well-balanced coverage of the new Gen6 Outback . . . which is why I look forward to your reviews. I don't consider myself a "Subie-ista", but did upgrade my 2016 Gen5 2.5i Outback Limited to the 2020 Gen6 Outback Limited XT Turbo. I'm quickly growing into the Turbo and high-torque CVT - the Turbo absolutely comes alive in the 2,000 and above RPM range. The Gen6 XT Turbo was an easy choice for me: 1) virtually no mechanical or quality issues with the 2016 Gen5; and, 2) Subaru Corporate keeps the dealer network motivated by providing plenty of feedback from the owner base. P.S. Thanks for the Seattle travelogue - - the background scenery was awesome :-) :-)
I became a Subaru fan after working on them and other imports for a couple years. They’re the easiest cars I’ve ever worked on and they actually got easier to repair the newer they got. Usually a manufacturer does the opposite and packs more and larger parts into the engine bay over time, which makes it more difficult to work on. Subaru has refrained from doing so. Other than that, I also love their functionality for on and off road use. I got my first outback last fall and have replaced my suburban on most trips to the back woods. It saves me tons of money on fuel.
How times have changed. Back in 1983 the back seat in the Subaru Wagon for this 6’1” was very cramped, The Horsepower was below 100 and the MPG’s were nothing to write home about. But, It came with Way more features than any other front drive compact car from the day.
I have 2 outbacks, a 2014 and a 2020. The only thing I hate about them is the auto stop start feature can't be permanently shut off. Here in the hills of western Pa the standard engine has plenty of power and the 2020 is extremely quiet inside. Will definitely buy another.
Another great review Tom. Nice Costco story at the end too.
Good job scoring some points at 11:52. Hopefully your wife remembered to like and subscribe. 😉
She's not into cars so she won't be hearing that. And she subscribed in a serious way by marrying me.
@@DrivenCarReviews Ha! Good man. 👍🏻
Fun Costco bit at the end. Solid review as always. I loved my 2017 Outback, but traded it in for a hybrid Ioniq. I will happily go back to Subaru though, they make fantastic cars.
Why did you choose the ioniq ? I reall am curious.
I'm curious about that Ioniq as well? How do you like it? I was thinking about getting one as well as a regular commuter car. Hyundai cars are really reliable and you get lot more stuff for your money with their products.
Why did you get the Ioniq instead?
So on my wife's second Outback the forward end of the crankshaft, the part that sticks out the front of the engine block and holds the pulley that drives all the accessories, BROKE OFF. It wasn't very old and didn't have that many miles on it. Our mechanic reattached the pulley to the broken end with the warning that he had no idea how long it would last. We took it directly to the Subaru dealership and bought... another Outback. She gave that one to our son and then bought... Outback number four. I like Outbacks well enough but I can't forget the time the crankshaft broke.
Tom thank you for finally answering my life-long question of how the heck do you do the TP tests. Does he keep a stockpile in his garage? Does he purchase it and return it for each review? It never occurred to me that you have such a wonderful relationship with Costco! 😁
Just bought the 2020 Touring XT in Renton this past weekend. You hit all the high points. The driver monitoring system is annoying and I turned it off. And the lane keep system keeps beeping on winding roads, which are quite common in the Seattle area, so I turned it off too. The auto start-stop system is a little rough, compared to other cars' systems, so if I am doing mostly city driving, I will also turn it off. The adaptive cruise control is really nice on the Interstate. The reason I bought this car was not for all the electronic gadgetry, but rather for the super plush interior, the amount of space in the interior, the Subaru all wheel drive system and the new turbo engine. The turbo hasn't been seen in an Outback for roughly a decade and my best friend's parents used to have a 2008 Outback 2.5 XT, which I loved. The new one is 2.4 L, but has more power than the 2008 model. The other big change is that this rides on the Subaru Global Architecture platform. The Crosstrek and Ascent were already on this platform, but the Outback was last in line to get the new chassis. It has less body roll than the 2019 model and feels solid, without feeling overly stiff. Interior materials quality in the 2020 look and feel a class above where it is priced. I was able to get almost $4,000 off MSRP by negotiating online with the dealer, and casting several lines to other dealerships. They are selling a lot of these, but they will still make deals. Be aware that if you want a unique color, like the Magnetite gray, like mine, you might have to inventory search several dealerships to find one....
Great review! I'm glad I have the 2019 Outback with no automatic engine start/stop.
If that system feels kind of rough when it's new, imagine what it will feel like in 30 or 40 thousand miles.
I also like physical buttons and knobs for HVAC. Not a fan of that big screen.
I have a Chevrolet Malibu with over 60,000 miles and the stop start system doesn't seem rough.
Isn't that a completely different vehicle?
The Subaru's flat four engines have rough auto restart.
According to all the reviews I've seen anyway.
Subaru has a niche set of diehard fans who worship the STI. Which means, of course, they love a manual transmission. You know what? A lot of them have, or will have, families and would love their 'second' car to be another Subaru. My wife has a 2016 hyper blue STI. We love it. But we also need a second car for more utilitarian pursuits like mountain biking trips and hauling stuff back from the home depot. We'd really really like an outback, maybe even an accent. But no stick. Nothing is less engaging, more mind numbing, or more likely to make you fall asleep on long road trips than an automatic. While I'm sure the sales of a outback/accent with a stick would be in the low single digits, there would STILL BE SALES. Come on Subaru, where is the LOVE you keep talking about. (Also, while I'm here, please please please make the next STI look as close as possible to the last concept car you showed).
Just FYI a manual transmission doesn't just miracle its way into a car.
In the US the cars have to be certified (crash and otherwise) for EACH transmission and engine choice.
The additional certification usually outweighs the, as you put it, 'STILL BE SALES' sales figure.
That, the additional cost of overhead (manuals sit on the lot) and logistics make it easy for automakers to say no.
... Is the crosstrek too small? Is it time to jump ship the VW Alltrack? Of course neither is as engaging as a WRX/STi. I wanted an Alltrack so bad, but the test drive was only meh, same with the (cvt) crosstrek and I found myself in a WRX. A BRZ would be in the garage if imgress/egress to the back seat was better/easier like my mk4 gti.
@@tim3172... Isn't near $42M to feaderalize a car these days. So, a WRX/STi wagon (levorg) makes more sense; same chassis and engine. But levorg are sadly cvt only in other markets...
I still think a traditional 7-8spd auto would serve this car better, especially in towing and cold wx driving.
10:21 lol now everyone will know to get their corona tp in an outback
I really love this video on so many levels. Thanks also for giving us feedback on the standard engine, which I went with and am perfectly happy with. Very helpful walkthrough, and great to have a guide with such a good demeanor. Thank you-subscribed!
Wonderful review, thank you for the time and care that go into producing a high quality review. My wife likes to keep a low profile too on my photography jobs. There is only so much you can do with a wagon, although it does look dapper...consistent trait ...like a Golf, not much changes. Love the AWD concept, versatility of the wagon, the CVT, not so much. Great fuel efficiency though. People that drive a Subaru love them, they are almost bullet proof my friend tells me. The financing is not as competitive as other companies in Canada, so you really have to want one. Thanks again Tom, you’re the best! PS Was that sunny feel to the video real or post production?
Agreed. They look better than bloated and bland crossovers. They are discrete and don't make you look like an asshole, which I like. They do lack some power, and the CVT is good, not perfect, but on the whole, it's a fine automobile. They are very cheap to insure, one of the cheapest to insure actually at least in America, and they historically have great resale value. Happy with my 2012 Outback Limited. I bought it for 12,500 with 87,000 miles. Could probably sell it today for the same price but with 106,000 miles. Pretty Crazy
Another great review, Tom. Thanks for providing quality videos with balanced, practical, and light/upbeat commentary.
29 years old here, and tired of second hand vehicles breaking down on me in less than a year, this year i’m gonna pull the trigger on a new vehicle, but torn between this, forester or the toyota 4runner, but leaning more towards on the outback/forester.
I’m 29 year old too and just purchased a 2020 Outback. You'll be happy with it!
As much as I like fun cars like my MX-5 Miata, or eco-friendly zippy city car Nissan Leaf, I've come to realize a comfortable do-it-all car such as the Outback is the right choice for my family and me. It should last us a long time.
Oh and the CVT is pretty good and proved, and Start / Stop isn't the smoothest but you'll get used to it, else just press the rear window defroster button or brake lightly. Climate control is perfectly fine, don't listen to what people are saying (they haven't owned the car).
I have a 2012 Outback. Brilliant car that is very practical and capable. Might trade it in in 7 years for a used 2022 model in 2029.
Hi Tom, I'm a fan of your channel and your reviews (I subscribed somewhere around your 40k subscriber mark). I hate these new Premieres notifications that I've started to get in my feed! Please stop that! Don't worry man, when you drop your video I'll watch it. But it's kinda annoying to have the teaser show up without a video. Just sayin!
Agreed!!!
At 2:40 Tom says " it simulates the feel of an 8 speed transmission " to bad it does not last as long as a normal transmission, Subaru only uses the CVT to cut cost and to meet unrealistic mileage standards not for long life and durability.
Caveat Emptor.
Your review videos are very good. Short with all the information and also the videos show the interior and exterior clearly. 👍
Lafayette Indiana.......home of the Purdue Boilermakers! Good review Tom..... Loving the Outback but needs a Panoramic Sunroof and better sound insulation before buying. Would be great if Subie invented away for the glass on the liftgate to go up and down like the old stations...all the best. Sam
Your reviews are some of the beat out there--interesting and fun, so thank you for a great review! This one is especially appreciated, as I have an 06 Sequoia with 198K on it that needs replacing in the next 12-18 months, and I have it narrowed down to the Outback and Forester. Probably leaning Forester as although I like the Outback's styling better, the Forester is $2K cheaper across the trim lines. One thought: I've owned golden retrievers and labs most of my life, and I'd recommend against cloth seats!! They shed 24/7/365, and once their hair is lodged into the cloth, it is difficult to remove and becomes "fragrant" after a while!! Leather in the Ltd would be a better choice, at least IMO. My 2 cents on that issue.
03:15 A riff on the old tagline. Well done, Tom.
Famous Last Words: "Not that people will be stocking the cabin with this much TP..."
Hahaha ... Haha... Ha ... Sad but true.
yeah i really like subarus. my son just got a brand new forester and loves it. I had a legacy sport and loved it. maybe i'll come back to the fold, with an outback onyx xt. the turbo engine does appeal. thanks for another great review.
Turbos are fun and once you drive one it’s really hard to go back to a i4 non turbo. This is a completely new engine so I would recommend a more rested engine better and Mercedes Benz has a GLB suv like this for the same price $34k but way more features and fully electronic dash I recommend doing research on a few brands first even Jeeps Cherokee gets the same mpg with more hp and a newer 2019 redesign
Subaru is the second most off roaded brand after Jeep. In New England we call it the state flower of Vermont. Great for unpaved back roads in winter
...and underdevopled countries.
@@normt5463 Really? I've been to a bunch of them and seldom ever see a Subaru.
@@DrivenCarReviews My wife's(then girlfriend) 2012 Forester reminded me of my younger days riding on a farm tractor.
Should have used the infotainment system from the Forester. The Outback system sucks. Also wish they would go with a manual automatic DCT or at least offer a 6-speed like they do on the Crosstrek, as CVT really does suck the enjoyment out of the powertrain.
Fun fact about Lafayette, Indiana:
It's the home town of Axl Rose.
The wife beater?
@@MisterMister5893 I don't think he was ever married.
@@ryanlittleton5615 Turns out he and Stephanie were only dating. He still beat her up, though. Guess it was the norm with rock stars on cocaine and famous women.
@@MisterMister5893 Yeah still fucked up.
Well Tom, I hope the national shortage of TP is not going to effect your release schedule for the all important TP trunk tests of future videos. ;)
No cloth seats with dogs! Leather is the way to go with kids and pets - just one wipe and it’s as good as new!
Best keep the pups nails clipped
You, Sir, are a breath of fresh air!
I live in a decent sized city a good ways up in the mountains, and I swear 50% of the people here have Subies. But most Subie owners I talk to HATE iSight, and strongly urge you not to get it. Otherwise a fine automobile.
Costco story at the end was awesome :)
Consumer Reports finally has something to criticize Subaru for with the change to the all in one touch screen. Thank you for your comprehensive review with the small subtle criticisms along the way. For my part I’m leaning toward the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Enjoy. Nice vehicle.
THANK YOU for showing the steps needed to turn off the Start/Stop system (really DUMB, Subaru!). The only thing that is making us hesitate on buying a new Outback Limited XT is the higher than normal amount of broken windshields on Outbacks over the past several years. Anyway, good review!
Body styling? Body strength? What exactly is the reason for smaller and smaller 3rd windows on each side?
Then there's the growing wind deflector / shade thing, over the rear hatch window.
It's as if the designers really do not want occupants - much less the driver her/himself - to see out the rear of the vehicle.
A review page/channel/site should lay a bright decal over just the useable sections of window glass. It would clarify just how little side and rear view is made available, by the designers.
"The suburbs are not the wilderness"......LOL
"Not that people will be stocking the cabin with this much TP..."
That quote sure didn't age well! In the middle of a pandemic? Think Subaru!
Im an outback and legacy owner. I refuse to buy another subaru with that screen. I want physical ac and heated seat buttons.
And it takes 3 steps to turn off the auto stop/start! Ha! I guess that what subie owners want...
@@JS-xn3dq yeah i was looking at the 2020 till up until the screen and the auto stop start. Both of those "features" detered me so i ended up getting a 2017 outback last month for only 19500. Was a little leary of the price being so cheap and had it checked out by another shop. They told me it was meticulous taken care of except it looked like someone backed into something at some point. Long story short, went from looking at a new one for 31k and saved 11k by getting the 2017. My wife loves her new outback. I love my older legacy 3.6r(2011) great cars. Idk about this newest generation though. However i will not need a newer car for at lease 7 years.
Shawn Warnick - I couldn’t agree more. They could have just used the same system from the Ascent and they would have had a winner, especially with the turbo engine. I am sorry I didn’t get a 2019 3.6R. Will look for some other low mileage years but am not that hopeful. The 3.6R is not the most refined but I’d take it over a 2020. Good luck with your “new” subie!
Went down to a Subaru dealer to find out what is what for these wagons. Checked out 3 models. The crosstrek felt cramped to me and the forester very airy with the outback right in the middle. Haven’t test drove yet. They had non turbos on the lot and have heard there was a software update to bypass that constantly going in the menu to turn off the auto start. Have taken your advice and am looking at multiple models and brands
like other commentators, would love to get an Outback except for the start/stop issue and that big screen. I am leaning towards the Forester since they still have physical hvac knobs. But I have to hurry was told that refresh is coming and the Foresters will have the same set up as the Outback and Legacy.
I have prior model, and the issues you mention will keep me from upgrading to a new Outback.
Wish I had that TP in the virus outbreak. We are out...again. great review Tom. Get your wife in the video since you talked her up.
No premiere tease pls 😩
This one just got Uglier and Uglier since 2005. I'm still going to buy one though. ....because XT and flat four
Hey Tom, sweet shout out to your wife, i bet she was flattered!
Volvo would sell a ton more wagons if they weren't twice the price of an Outback or a Golf Sportwagen. Just saying...
They're having no issues selling vehicles. Plants are at capacity.
Or if they were reliable
...Their cars are 20% of dealer stock (sedans and wagons). XCs dominate the landscape at volvo and lease "better".
WIth the big rush to get TP, can you still do the TP test?
Tune in Tuesday to find out...
Wait, would Father McFeely agree with the reasoning for all of that TP? "God, those enchiladas"
Came for the review, stayed for the story. 😆
Send some of those packs of TP to Australia! 😃
Just give them to the ones who actually need them lol!
Love this car. Saw you driving a new Blazer today. Looking forward to that review (and I’m assuming you weren’t able to do a tp test with the Blazer because of the current tp madness!)
Were you the guy in Shoreline with the 3 Series?
Driven Car Reviews not me. We passed you in Ballard. I was so excited to see the most famous Seattle Auto Journalist that I almost turned around but then realized it would be stalker creepy to chase ya down!!
Good review as usual. As an outback owner, i love station wagons!
Price seems to have gone up a lot since the last generation. It looks like a lot of positive change, but I guess the Subaru tax is a thing now.
I think the MSRPs are just inflated, so they can do markdowns, but not lose money. The 2020 Outback Touring XT has an MSRP of about $41,200 and I actually paid $37,200, after some online negotiating.
I got a 2017 2.5 limited for 19k a month ago. Yeah, didnt like the 31k price tag of the new 1
Yay more cladding to turn gray with a hint of chalky white after a couple years.
Cool story bro. But when can you do the TP test again, since the SODO store is getting cleaned out. Lol
How does this outback rank in long-term reliability (10 years) compared with a CR-V, and a RAV-4??
I've wondered how this would do during Mudfest. (As we can imagine, Mudfest won't be due COVID-19 concerns. )
Tom you should say "Click the subcribe button and the bell icon" with conviction...check out the younger car reviewers channels...keep up the good work.
maybe he should say "SLAP LIKE NOW" ☺
Great review!!!! Thanks
Great Review..I like RAB [Reverse automatic braking] in my 2020 Outback Limited .. which is much useful
helps on F1 ring in Imola?
:))
Check the facts, Tom. Subaru has claimed for years that they have a lower center of gravity because of the boxer engine. Test results from Car and Driver conclude otherwise.
If Subaru made this as an EV I would be down there tomorrow to trade in my 2018 Prius.
That won't be happening anytime soon. Maybe a Ford Mach-E or Tesla Model Y?
Subaru and toyota are working together on hybrids currently. They already did the crosstrek together and i would imagine the forester is next
@@Hallowsaw Yup. Hybrids. But not an EV any time soon.
Good luck doing a TP test right now
Why the review embargo till 3rd March? This car has been out in the market for like 6 months now, and Tom has to go with a review embargo? I don't get it .
My pieces come out weekly (Tuesday at 7AM PST) and I was traveling so I had to post it early incase there was poor internet service at my hotel (which turned out to be the case).
What is better for a great dane? An Outback or a Rav4?
Maybe the RAV but really, neither. A minivan. Seriously. I have a friend with a GD. Lower to the ground for them to get in, larger area to rest. Pacifica and Sienna can be had with AWD (and both as hybrids with fuel economy that's probably better than the Subie at least). Bring yours on test drives (with a blanket of course) and you'll see what I mean.
@@DrivenCarReviews yea we might have to take him on drives with us. A MINIVAN is out unfortunately. Wife would never go for it! Right now he is cozy in the backseat of the F150 but she needs a new vehicle to replace her 3 series. Wish you had some reviews of the Mazda CX-9!
@@BJJandBS I suggest at least bringing both your wife and dog to check out a van. Just ask her to humor you. Just to show her how awesome they are. Really, they are the best dog vehicles and these days look pretty good.
Wonder whether you'll still have TP for your next video...
Excellent review. 3:30 weight 3770 lbs. Thank you
Real twins or video trick? Looks pretty realistic.
Tom wearing camouflage in this video.
And to think I got dressed before I saw the car...
@@DrivenCarReviews Amazing, see this is why you are the best.
Yep. That’s a Subaru.
I sincerely hope Subaru throws that stupid CD player away and offers manual or automatic options, I really like the Outback inside and out but that CVT keeps holding me back.
The CD player is optional. One wish granted.
CVT is the deal breaker👎
Do you always buy new Costco paper towels or use the same ones to stuff the cars trunk?
Did you watch the end?
Nice looking!
Driven Car Reviews Tom, Now that we got to know you on a more personal level. How about letting us know how, someone from the PNW writes for an East Coast Newspaper, such as the NY Times?
I like to think NYT searches for the best, no matter where they live. / ; ^ ) Years ago, they found my video podcast and they were looking to build out their video portfolio. Everything can be done over the internet.
@@DrivenCarReviews Fair enough, we are always humbled by your videos/writings as they speak for themselves. Was just curious is all.
each time i download video NO SOUND!! strange!
set your shit up correctly
it just needs more sporty prestigious design.
I wonder where the differences are between an Outback and a Forester? Subaru with those 2 seems like wants to eliminate the very narrow gap between ...twins!
Most manufacturers offer both a compact and midsize 2-row SUV in their lineup (e.g., Ford Escape and Edge). Subaru does the same. The Forester is the compact offering. The Outback is the midsize offering.
@@alliejr Is the Forester the smaller one with the larger passenger room for front and rear passengers the almost same cargo capacity and the slightly by 9 inches shorter outer dimensions?
So, do you buy all that TP and then bring it home or do you immediately return it to Costco? 😂
Somebody didn't watch the last minute of the video, did they?
Very nice. Imagine it with a proper automatic gearbox. And maybe even the choice of a stick.
You're the guy!!!
Stocking up all the toilet paper for the Coronavirus?
Really disliked the 3 day "premiere" tease for this video.
i'm on my 3rd subaru (legacy 3.0) i wont be buying another one till i can get a manual not a cvt pos !!!
Ha! You can no longer find TP at Costco now thanks to Covid19.
I like it!
Is this just being released??? Oh wait is this the one I owned for 6 months already??? Wow the anticipation is killing me!
How did you know about the shortage due to the Corona virus that you started hording this stuff for years?
The black plastic is going to look horrible in 10 years like those old Volvo XC70s
Hi tom
I had a legacy 3.6r and I drove a legacy ( almost the same as outback) but was way too smooth and spongy , I did not like it ! And every time that accelerate the engine rev were so high
And not too much difference bet the 2 engines
Did not buy .
Too bad they put all that black plastic front and back.
That thing looks absolutely ridiculous with all that black plastic. How are the roof rails even attached to the roof? This is the literal example of a clown car.
This is a good vehicle: but , probably for large families.
I have one and it is literally only me and my wife. We like the trunk space to do "truck" things without owning a truck
Forester now is the least good looking one in the line up.
who tired of that lower center of gravity sh$it?
what % of overall mass ENGINE WEIGHTS?