2020 Subaru Outback Review | Not Just For Golden Retrievers
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- Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
- Subaru's Outback is proof that the "station wagon" has a future. The all-new design is still essentially a wagon variant of the 2020 Subaru Legacy, but it's also a practical and capable crossover. Cargo room is competitive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance will get you over more mountain trails than the Passport without scraping and the more car-like seating position is comfortable on long road trips. Combine that with a shockingly quick 2.4L turbo for 2020 and I'm just forced to ask one thing of Subaru: where's the XT Sport trim?
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Insurance calls it a wagon and is less expensive to insure. Eyesite is fantastic.
Alex=Hardest working guy in the business. Thank you.
Add to that, thorough and fair. No fan boy reviews, no giggling acceleration runs and no key fob critique.
And he isn't half naked like some of the female reviewers! (Thank goodness...LOL)
@@HALWG51 How can you take seriously the half naked female reviewers?
@@HALWG51 links, please.
@@HALWG51 Actually in my book that's a minus, Lol
As a happy owner of a 2019 Outback, I can tell you it's just a raised mid-size wagon, that's extremely capable both on and off the road. Can't fathom why anyone would pay MORE for a "crossover" when the Outback handles better on-road, can go deeper in the rough stuff, and is much more comfortable while doing so.
Shorter?
@@vincebagusauskas278 That's a fair point. The RAV4 is about 10 inches shorter than the Outback and could be better for tighter parking situations. But the sacrifice in rear seat leg room and comfort may not make sense for some. The Outback is really great for transporting four 6 foot tall and long-legged adults in decent comfort over longer distances.
@@vincebagusauskas278 The length of the Subaru Outback is a plus because it has larger crumple zones in a car crash which means that less force will affect your body.
I’m a single male with no garage. Sometimes I do need to find street parking and to that end a smaller car to maneuver would be great but It’s not a deal breaker. Just tonight I had to find street parking and funnily enough an outback was parked up front and I had just enough space to wedge my forte5 behind it. He kept eye balling me because of my loud exhaust or possibly thought I was going to kiss his bumper. Had I been driving an outback I would definitely be SOL. These cars are freaking long!
I agree. I bought my wife an OBW for her 50th birthday. I was so impressed with the traction of her OBW that the following year I bought a Forester Touring for myself.
We had been driving 4WD and AWD Toyota’s for 40+ years and had to put studded snow tires on every winter.
We drove our Subie’s on the factory tires year round until they wore out.
We now have Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires on both our Outback and Forester. Their Awesome tires on wet, dry, slushy and snowy conditions. They’re also great in light off road conditions.
My brother and his family live in rainy Portland Oregon and have the Cross Climate tires on their Outback as well. I told both of my brother and sister in laws and they to now have them on their Outback’s. They live in Montana. We live in a very mountainous area of north central WA state where we get 5-7 feet of snow every winter.
We live on a private road, 5 miles from town and we have to plow and maintain our road ourselves.
We’re very thankful that we own Subie’s.
I'm not even into cars I just appreciate how well done these videos are!
Alex does the most comprehensive and rational car reviews on UA-cam.
Haha I'm not even in the market for a car right now but Alex really holds it down
What a thorough review! I bought an Outback XT Onyx this morning.
I've been watching reviews for a week.. This review was definitely one of the best. Good job man.
Congrats on your purchase! I bought the Outback Limited with options yesterday, receiving delivery Saturday. How have you been enjoying your year with your Outback?
Best graphics I've seen in a Subaru review.
You are the man!!!! Love the safety segment and extraordinarily grateful. Keep it up, enjoying the videos!
You are my favorite car reviewer nowadays. I am really impressed with the details you provided from Buying till Selling & your ratings with Grade.
You do the best reviews Alex! Before I ever go to a dealer, I already know more about the car then the sales person. This car is amazing. Thanks!
Really liking this Outback. Still my favourite car reviewer, great video Alex. :D
I've been very interested in the Crosstrek, Forester and Outback. Of all the people I've seen reviewing this vehicle, yours has been the most in depth and informative. Great work!
fabulous comprehensive review. been looking seriously at a new vehicle and this one beats them all for features, safety, comfort and reliability. i am sold. thanks for a job well done
Regarding our acceleration numbers: As far as I know, we were the only outlet to being a GPS accelerometer with us to do an initial 0-60 test (including MT/C&D). These are not estimated numbers but numbers we got during our daily drive with the pre-production models and the times include 1-foot of rollout (like most outlets). The best time (5.7) in the XT was achieved with a hair of brake torque which causes the CVT to stop imitating a stepped automatic and just vary the ratios as you accelerate. The number is not particularity surprising since the Outback has similar power/weight ratios to the Accord 2.0T and Malibu 2.0T, both of which post similar 0-60 times. Also remember that the Outback is much lighter than the average mid-size crossover.
My bad on the suspension. It's a strut up front and double wishbones in the back . I tripped over my own words there.
I was excited about the XT coming back and when you said it was all new with a double wishbone up front, I was ready to sell my 2017 Outback 2.4 ! Keep up the great work, I love your channel. Thank you
Excellent reporting on this Subaru, well done and good on you to come prepared!
Alex, you are the best in the business!! Thank you
So far, one the best reviews. Subscribed and Congrats.
The very best test of Subaru Outback!
Outstanding review. Exactly what is needed for comments and also how it compares with other vehicles in the same category. Thanks !
Wow this was an excellent review, and huge kudos for the quality!
Great review ! I believe all 2020 Outbacks have stop / start . Can it be permanently disabled in the engine settings ?
Good Job Alex, I'm about to by the Touring XT and have been watching a lot of reviews, I found yours to be the best one so far, by a mile. You've earned a subscriber, keep it up!
I just drove the XT with my son before seeing this video. Holy smokes. Love the infotainment “iPad”. Was going to buy a used 2018...but may wait for this one. Great review.
Well done review. I'm looking forward to driving this when its available.
I find your review very informative. Thanks for the good work
I really wish I could get the turbo engine on the sport trim of the legacy and lower cost trim of the outback. I don't need any of the extraneous and expensive features of the XT trims. The sport trim is perfect, I'd rather spend more for the turbo engine and nothing else.
Totally agree....my old dream car was a base model, turbo Forester -Manual transmission (would be UNDER 30,000) NO I-sight, no leather seats, no superfluous “packages” to weigh you down and rack up the cost.
I just got a base model Onyx XT. No sunroof or navigation. It does have the blind spot warning and rear traffic alert which I rally like. It has already saved a bicyclist zipping through a parking lot I was backing out of. Very comfortable, attractive seats that are easy to clean. I’m not a huge fan of the black wheels but everyone else seems to love them and they are growing on me. I would like a manual but am fine with trading that for the amazing eyesight system. It works really well and noticeably better than the system in the Honda Passport I was considering too. This car is a much better value too. I had to special order it because all the dealers order them with the sunroof/nav. Package I did not want.not even broken in yet and I am getting 24 mpg in combined driving. VERY happy!
Great review... just picked up my Onyx XT Tuesday, love it so far.
I love wagons, and have a 2015 3.6R, so one of the XT trims is on my shopping list for sure. Maybe a lease though just to give the new 2.4T some time to prove itself.... Anyone else?
I've determined that the Outback is the most overall perfect vehicle. I had a 2003 and now have a 2011. They get great mileage, go through snow and mud amazingly, have enough cargo room to haul a lot inside, can pull a trailer if more hauling is needed and they are available with engines that have plenty of power and can be modded to be quite fast. I'm planning a move to Kenya to build a rescue home for orphans, widows and battered women. The 2020 Outback is exactly what we are looking into as a rescue vehicle across the harsh, African landscape.
How's the mission going ?
@@brianlochrico704 We have had a few setbacks but are finally gearing up to make the big move in the next few months. We now have a Right-Hand Drive Jeep that we'll be taking. I can hardly wait.
We love our 2017 Outback but now I want the XT! Great features and value, Subaru.
My folks leased a '17 outback limited and it is a real pleasure to drive solo as well as with four adults for both errands and on the highway. I was skeptical about the ~180hp four cylinder's power, but the engine and transmission pull and cruise surprisingly well, even with four occupants. Agreed that the extra power of the '20 XT is intriguing!
I personally think you and the straight pipes are the best car channels out there!! You have great depth and the straight pipes have great personalities.
savagegeese is in the top-tier also, for auto reviews
@@cbatiau2528 totally agree
The Gen 5 Outback never had the small screen on top of the dash like the Impreza base cars or Forester.
Great Review Alex. I actually will consider this gen Outback.
Great video! I really liked the passport. Test drive the Santa Fe ...and the outback... outback is now in my driveway 😎 happy!
CVTs - love them or hate them. Seems there's no middle ground. I had my first experience with one last week when renting a Forester. Drove it for about 400 kilometres (250 miles) over flat and hilly roads, suburban and country, back roads and freeways. Something that impressed me was the way CVT worked with active cruise control up and down the hills. So smooth and always at the best revs for the conditions. With the new standard 5-year warranty in Australia I'm going to go with the Outback 2020 when it releases here, probably early next year.
Too many problems with new Subaru's today.
www.ascentforums.com/forums/subaru-ascent-complaints-issues-and-problems.137/
Great review of a very popular Subi. Whenever I go on road trip adventures, I see a ton of Outbacks. Mostly new. As for the question what category is it? Seems the Outback and Crosstrek are in a league of their own. A category of great gas mileage, off road ability, safety savy, and car like driving off road. Keep up the great work. Your Subaru reviews are the most comprehensive and realistic.
It's a station wagon which explains why it's in a category of its own.
Excellent review.
This would be my top pick!
What is really interesting is that they have the turbo available for the Outback but removed that option for the Forester. I really would have loved to have Subaru continue with the turbo for a little longer, the XT was in and out so quickly that I don't think consumers got time to realize it was a viable option, especially with the Mazda Gt and Escape as competitors. They are leaving sales on the table!
I agree. Especially for the EU, Forester is a tiny bit too slow. Even in Japan, the competition offers better acceleration. It is obviously still a popular car but some customers switched to Mazda due to reliability scandals and low power.
An excellent review.
Wow. I want one. Would be just the thing for places like northern BC.
Great video Alex thank you!
I'm planning on buying the top trim model as soon as it is available. Trading in my old Pilot. Great review Alex, thank you
Keep the old Pilot! New Japanese cars are amongst the lowest quality of redesigned vehicles today.
www.ascentforums.com/forums/subaru-ascent-complaints-issues-and-problems.137/
Great review Alex. If I was in the market, yes, this would be a top pick of mine of course in the top trim level! :)
Fantastic review, thank you!
Oh my Gosh Subaru outback 2020 is my dream car! I hopefully to buy one at end off next year! Happy new year for all Subaru team.
Great review thanks!
Me likey alot...and the new Outback has great new long angular back, and with the new Legacy platform and big infotainment screen that integrates the hvac controls makes it so better..and I luv wagons that are lifted..like the Crosstrek.
Did they get rid of the gloss piano black plastic around the buttons on the steering wheel? If so, yay to Subaru.
The double wishbone front suspension makes me excited!
Alex, How do you compare it with Santa Fe 2.4 , in term of power, ride quality, and handling?
Actually do a back on back work a Forester
Definitely go with the Turbo
Cool! Alex. You even have the song “You and me and a dog named Boo” Ha
XT owner checking in. 5.7sec seems pretty generous, I’d say 6.5-7 in most settings. Certainly quick though. Comparably quick to my former 2017 gti but it has awd, twice the space, is 1000 pounds heavier and gets similar mpg. That’s a win win win for subaru!
Alex, it you had a choice between the premium outback and forester sport which would you choose? I've watched both of your videos and test drove both. I am not a huge fan of the roll that the Forester has in comparison to the outback. However, I live in a climate that can get 6ft of snow in a night so the temperature controls being in this touch screen display worries me for practically. Which would you recommend?
Subaru brings back the Turbo again, only with more power!
Only because they dropped the 3.6 though. So this will not translate over to the Forester in a new XT, I don't believe.
And ruins it with a CVT
The new 2.4l are locking up their Ascent engines.
www.ascentforums.com/threads/engine-has-let-go.8557/
Cake from State Farm Having just driven the XT today, I will say that when the turbo kicks in, you feel it in the seat and CVT does not limit its ability to get up and go, for example, when you want to merge on a highway, or pass someone. Did that today, and I can say it works well. And I'm not even a turbo fan. Last 8 years in a 2010 Legacy with a CVT, which is admittedly slower to get up and go. Turbo solves this.
Norm T Only two confirmed cases and six hearsay cases. Insignificant failure rate.
I like how Subaru is very conservative with design, but hence is very timeless
An awesome pick. 2.4 Turbo is my option. The multi function screen is absolutely gorgeous. Unbelievable Subaru gave this one such a nice dash and console.
They impress!
This is my current top pick for replacing my 2012 rx350. Also interested in finding out more about the 2020 audi allroad wagon. It's almost twice as expensive though.
There were times when Subaru offered non-crossover wagon named Legacy and I like that.
But no one wants those in the US. Witness VW's cancellation of the Jetta Sportswagon at the end of this year.
@@dannytse8767 It's a sad truth.
A nice review of the iconic Outback. But i have always liked the Legacy wagon it looks sporty and isn’t rugged.
nice review!
Great review Alex. Which engine would be more reliable long term. I assume having a turbo adds more complexity vs naturally aspirated.
I am liking the looks and content of this new Subaru a lot. The turbo boxer in its lowest trim spec is the one for me. Imagine, an Outback that actually scoots!
It hasn't in the past with 3.6R and the 2.4l in the Ascent is not as quick as the V6 3-tow crossovers.
In terms of car like ride the one SUV/CUV I found outside the outback was the RAV 4 non adventure grade. The hybrid is what I chose though averaging low 40's mpg and while not as quick (When I chose this XT wasn't available) it's bigger downside was smaller second row. In terms of flashy interior I actually find that a detriment.
21 centimeter to inches is 8.26 ground clearance on Volvo V90 cross country.
I consider the Subaru Outback a wagon, personally.
I consider it a five door coupe.
@@DctorSkillz1 I consider it's a Noah
With a sunroof, how much headroom is lost in the second row and rear of vehicle. I’m interested in occasionally car camping, and a few extra inches of headroom is quite helpful. I’m guessing in most cars it’s 2-3 inches.
Also, what’s your opinion of the new onyx seats compared to the leather?
Don't apologize for the dirt on the car. It definitely suits it!
I just ordered the Onyx XT. I looked at Passport and Grand Cherokee. Subaru was best value. Passport was way more expensive and the adaptive cruise, lane keep, etc was noticeably more jerky. Not nearly as smooth. It was bigger and not nearly as fuel efficient. Everyone I know with the Jeep had reliability issues, especially with the transmission. It is a nice vehicle and more capable off road depending on how you equip it but the Outback meets all my needs. I got the Onyx XT because it was least expensive turbo and the only turbo I could get without a sunroof (I’m 6’5”) I also carry long sea kayaks and the roof height is lower and much easier to load. I had to order one because all the dealers order them with the $1800 sunroof, navigation, rear auto braking package.
Was on my short list till I looked at the towing ratings.. When you are talking these classes I really think that you should mention tow weights.
Hi Alex, I am looking to buy plug-in hybrid, mainly I am interested in Honda Clarity, Do you think honda has any plan to redesign in 2020 ? How soon 2020 model are available for sale ?
Very nice, thorough, informational review!
You do a great balanced presentation. When will the 2020 Forester be reviewed.
the 2019's are practically sold out.
"...70 percent of new Subaru vehicles are now the object of recalls or service campaigns within two years of being purchased, noting that the “permissible limit” should be around 10 percent."
www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2019/06/report-outlines-how-subaru-is-coping-with-quality-control-issues/
@@JaggedMercenary no, Subaru has many problems with their new cars like the Ascent. The new OB looks to be the same.
www.torquenews.com/1084/will-customers-have-quality-issues-new-2020-subaru-outback-ascent
The Base and Premium have 17" wheels not 18'. those are on the upper trims.
It's a wagon. I'd buy the same trim I have on my 2017 Outback, the limited 2.5. Great review.
Wagons handle like the sedan they are based on. This does not.
Did you end up swapping your 2017? I have the same, been contemplating the upgrade.
How’s the reliability? I’m considering this vs a 4Runner. Obviously different cars but for my intended usage I find different reasons that both make sense (daily driver with occasional overland trips deep off the highways)
Anybody who is shopping for a car HAS to visit Alex's videos first. I walk into the dealer knowing more than the salesperson can tell me.
My favorite car in America!
I was kind of excited about the new Touring XT and recently had a chance to check one out. I haven't test driven an Outback since purchasing a 2018 Grand Cherokee that I still drive. The Outback was on my shortlist at the time because at 6'-6" I fit pretty well in it. Unfortunately, even though the specs on the 2021 call out the same interior dimensions, including head and leg room, I don't fit at all and its not really even close. Bummer.
Is it true that the Subaru's have an oil burning problem, I saw this on another video review. Thanks, Karen
Double wishbone, i’m confused Just a short arm long arms set up like what Honda once used?
First like, first post! Great job Alex!
Alex, don’t know if anyone’s let you know yet but the Subaru website states the 2020 Outback has MacPherson front and double wishbone rear suspension. I wish it had double wishbone front
Perfect thanks!
Nice review, Alex. We own a 2011 Outback 6 cylinder and will probably keep it forever. The CVT in the new Outback scares me a bit. Time will tell, I suppose.
Better hang on to your '11 Outback, then. Within five years, over 80% of all cars and CUVs will be using a CVT, whether we want them or not. For the record, Subaru currently has the best CVT tranny - watch for Toyota's new CVT, it may be pretty good.
@Eskie Man
Fact is that Subaru has had to extend the warranty on late model cars with CVT because of all the problems with them, extended warranty on 2010-2015 all outback models. CVT are inherently flawed.
Eskie Man I don’t like the cvt that searches frantically for fake gears at low speeds and auto downshifts killing momentum as soon as you take your foot off the gas. Drives me crazy.
Darn was hoping you got the 2.4 Alex! When I ordered my legacy with the flat six the dealer was stunned and told me at the time for every 200 4 cylinders sold 1 6 cly was sold so I wonder how many people are going to buy the 2.4?
Me. I am not dead yet
It's a beautiful vehicle. I wish they offered Subaru rentals here in Maryland and a "Subaru Driving School" here in Maryland as I would love to test drive one of these for several weeks and then learn how to fully make use of all the great design features in these new Subarus. Heaven help the person who gets a problem with his or her "Infortainment System" as I can only imagine how expensive a repair for this would be.
I'd be inclined to lease it...
Jeff Adams, sure, I can understand leasing such a vehicle with all its ever-changing technologies. But I’d like to rent one for a month or at least 2 weeks to get the feel for driving it and also going to a school to appreciate learning how to use its off-road and snow and bad weather driving aspects. I’m only used to driving lighter front-wheel drive vehicles in all sorts of weather and never off-road, so learning how to get the most use of an all-wheel-drive vehicle, especially one as heavy as a Subaru Outback would help me to feel more comfortable and confident with it.
@@cybrarian9 - I apologize for the 7-month delay in responding. I'd do the same thing too (rent it for as long as possible.) There's no way even a longer test drive is enough time to learn all the pros and cons of a car. I don't think anyone is renting Subaru's here either (San Francisco Bay Area.)
I purchased a new Outback in 2017. It had RAB and many other electrical problems from the start. I had it in the shop 10 times for repair. Went a total of 42 days without my car. It was a Lemon. Had to have it towed into the dealer no less than four times. Even the district service manager told me to contact Subaru Customer service to get a full refund, as they could not figure out what is wrong with the car. After months of being given the run around, Subaru customer service did not refund my money as they should have. I traded my car in, still under warranty, still not fixed. I lost over $14,000 because Subaru does not stand behind their cars. Toyota is looking better all the time.
Regarding the "is it a wagon" question... the answer is yes. In my market we get the Legacy Wagon, in addition to the Outback, and well the sedan. The wagon and Outback are essentially identical save for the plastic cladding seen on the Outback, and well the added ride height. Subaru is probably trying to stay clear of the wagon characterization in the US market since wagons aren't popular at all there. Elsewhere though, they proudly market the Outback as a wagon
interesting, and sad
8:04 “out book” haha
At 8:00 he talks about the cubic foot calculation variations. I am not surprised there is differing methods. Looking at all the irregular spaces in a vehicle inside and you wonder how they would ever figure out the volume. ...Anyway, I am not sold on the big screen. I want my knobs and buttons....I test drove an older Outback a few years ago and was pleased with the road feel but I ended up with the new 2017 CR-V....are you sure Alex is not a Subaru salesman? 😃
Agreed with everything you said except that the 6 cylinder boxer engine isn't smooth. It's extremely smooth in my 2016 Legacy.
And it's extremely smooth on my 2018 Outback. Significantly smoother and more powerful than the 2.5 4 cylinder.
There is a thing called anecdotal evidence and another one is data driven evidence
Alex---did u ever fully test it?? i can't find a vid w/ full test?
Test the turbo!
I get about 27.4 on the highway with the cruise. On, 2020 onyx XT; my wife gets around 33mpg, on her 2019 Forrester sport?
I would have to sit in one. It looks pretty low and I have trouble exiting low vehicles.
HALWG51 it's not low. Give it a try.
We love out Outback XT but the nav system is terrible with poorly detailed and out of date maps, slow response and it often gets lost and gives incorrect instructions - very frustrating!
My wife and I have pretty much already picked out our next family-SUV - however, I thought I would check out the video for this model for 2020.
I like a lot of what Subaru has to offer. I was actually surprised at the fuel economy but once I saw that it was paired to a CVT, I was no longer in awe/curiosity. lol
A couple of minor things that bother me are;
1 - that they put both cup holders right behind the shifter. I ABSOLUTELY HATE when car companies do that. our G6 is like that and anytime i have a medium or large drink in the holder it is quite bothersome to keep my elbow lifted just to adjust the gear. I wish they would have reconfigured that.
&
2 - I love touchscreens - typically fun to use and often make the interior look nice. But I wish they would have added 2 physical buttons for the fan adjustment on the H/AC system.
The instrument cluster might seem slightly dated to some but the middle screen isn't all that small and I honestly don't mind it.
Also glad that they continue to stay with the traditional gear shift stick vs. nobs/buttons like other vehicles have.
I'd be shocked to see Subaru go that route.
All that being said, my wife doesn't really go for the wagon/semi-wagon look. So this model would have never quite made it onto our list.
I, personally, don't mind it. - But that's just me. haha
Also, one thing you might consider, on my 2020 outback, several little things have broken, the seat trim broke twice, and the window trim fell off, this one is made in Indiana, where my wife’s 2019 Forrester sport , is made in Japan , and hasn’t had any issues?
The Subaru's manufactured in the US aren't up to the same quality of the Japanese made cars.
Took a test drive. Second row seat area big. But like you said this car has no fun driving - feels minivan. Thanks for review.
I think this is the one case where the sedan is based on the wagon... Outback is the top seller and the Legacy is the “might a well”
They couldn't stuff that turbo engine in the BRZ/86?
I've tried both the Outback and the Forester. Outback might have more storage but the Forester seemed to have a smoother ride and easier steering/turning on road.
The center dash worries me on the used car market and out of warranty. U not gonna be able to use much if if malfunctions. Gonna pay a lot to get fixed.
HugFest 151K on my ‘15. You need to flush the CVT every 60K and it runs like a charm.
Why why why is the climate control in the infotainment ?
@@LifeISMagix luckily it's a different manufacturer than the 2015.
Jo Bot Fortunately, the temp can be adjusted with buttons on the side and the fan with a single tap at the bottom of the screen. That fan button could be larger, though.
If you get in a hard front or rear end smash the onboard computers and the infotainment screen will be toast.
Nice review. I am so glad Subaru did not include those awful white blocks on the door and dash that the Ascent has. The turbo will be great, but many Ascent owners complain they are not getting the advertised mileage. The Outback has some nice improvements.
The Ascent is seeing 20 mpg on fuelly. The Highlander is up to 21 with 3 5 gas engine singles out.
Ascent was in the 19 range all wnter.
@@normt5463 The Outback will get better mileage than that due to being lighter and more aerodynamic. The Outback will steal some sales back from the Ascent because of the turbo engine and the nicer interior.