As an owner of two OB's, my advice to new buyers is to skip the package upgrade (#34) on the Limited that gets you the moonroof (which always fail or leak in time), the nanny system that watches your eyes and constantly reminds you to watch the road (driver distraction system) and the built in Nav (who needs that anymore). You'll save over $2k and have everything you need, and more.
I traded a Crosstrek Wilderness for an 24 Onyx XT. I couldn't turn down the deal they were running and man I am glad I didn't! The 2.4 T is just a monster compared to the 2.5. I liked the CTW but I love the Outback! I got 31 MPGs on a 500 mile trip I took as soon as I got it. It's cool having a lifted AWD Turbo Wagon. Amazing machine!
Like most reviews you fail to highlight the rear seats reclining feature. The divots in the cladding below the doors is to allow the back of your legs more clearance when entering or exiting the car to avoid dirt and make it just more ergonomically pleasing.
Love my 24 Touring. You are spot on about the interior, so comfortable and luxurious. This car is a dream to drive on road trips. I wish they had a hybrid.
The XT version of the Outback Onyx gives you most everything you see here but the StarTex upholstery - better than leather and no ventilated seats (good). It also gives you a full size spare tire mounted on an alloy wheel that matches the others. I have had 2 of these from the current generation a 2021 Onyx XT and a 2024 same trim after the technology upgrade. When fully broken in you can get much better than quoted fuel economy. A 4,000 mile trip last year in the 2021 yielded about 34 MPG and that was included every driving type from flat to mountains, city and interstate and paved and gravel or dirt roads.
I for one disagree the StarTex (aka fake leather) is better than genuine leather. Maybe for cleaning up but when I sat in them back to back at the dealership, the StarTex felt exactly like what it is: rubbery leather while the genuine leather felt supple and smooth. For shoppers, it's best to see and feel the real thing before deciding for yourself.
I work in a hospital and have to drive in any and every kind of weather. These are the best cars for driving in foul weather of any kind - they stay glued to the road and are very safe if you do hit something. The Outback sits where the old Volvo wagons did back in the day- solid, well built, capable and reliable at a reasonable price.
I have the Touring XT here in Australia. The 2 tone interior is only available here in the naturally aspirated Touring trim. Our XT Outback's can tow 2400kg (5280 lbs.) braked , not why there is such a difference between Australia and US versions. Our Outback's are built in Japan. Power and torque are lower in in Australia. 183kW (245 Hp) and 350 Nm(258 ft/lbs.). We have to use 95 RON fuel (gas).
Please note that the manual says 3500 lbs towing with trailer brakes, 1000 lbs without. It's rather misleading they advertise it at 3500 lbs. I bought mine on that assumption, and needed to equip my trailer with brakes to fulfill Subaru's requirements. In Canada, those brakes cost me about $1300. I do love my vehicle though. Very smooth, good acceleration and better than expected gas mileage. Mine is same color as the 1 reviewed too.
I find it ironic that 99% of fully digital dashboards simply show the analogue gauges using a screen anyway. With the added disadvantages that a digital screen brings: glare, lag, glitchiness. Analogue gauges also have a 3D texture to them, which to me looks more classy than a completely flat screen showing a 2D image of a fake gauge cluster.
Great review. However, you keep saying things are part of a package. You’re reviewing the Touring model and there are no packages. All of these things are included. Packages are available in the lower trims.
I was thinking about getting a Camry 2025 but I hate the ground clearance. I also don’t want to break a rim on the first pothole. I also am tall so I need headroom but the Camry with a moonroof only has 37 inches. I am thinking about an outback because I dig the wagon look.
Don't just drive one of them test drive the touring, the onyx and don't forget the give the wilderness a twirl! Don't know what kind of driving you do I suppose just street considering you are talking camery, but it the snow there is nothing like a Subaru! Nothing! And you can take this off the beaten path and will put a smile on your face.
Do you intend to keep this car for 10 years. Liklihood is HIGH the display is going to have issues. These things DO NOT last a long time. When it goes bad you have no AC, no heat, nothing. There are no analog controls, absolutely none. This is a good vehicle, one that could attract many buyers. But the best things about /Subaru’s is their longevity. Why in the world they introduced so many points of failure in one so-called “feature” in a single electronic screen is beyond me. So dumb.
@0:52 Uh "the air comes in here" (tilts up).... well, no. The air for the *intercooler* comes in there, but the air for the engine comes in the front and goes over the the airbox in the front passenger-side corner, where the air filter is.
I wish they would enable the Footwell Illumination to operate when the doors open and close. Unfortunately they only come on when you turn on the Parking lights….wish I knew that before I paid extra for that accessory. 😢. Otherwise, I love our 2025 Outback Limited in Autumn Green and Ivovy interior,…
Which is made better the Subaru made in Japan or the outback made in America? Put another way Should I have concerns about the outback being made in America?
Manufacturers have worked so hard over the years to make auto gear shifts look like manual. Why? Maybe to make auto buyers “feel” sportier. IDK. It is silly and the shifter is less suited to its job as an auto shifter as a result. Mercifully they seem to be ending the charade in electric vehicles.
Special thanks to our Patreons for their support of the channel! Subaru Outback or Toyota Crown Signia?
BYD😊
Between the 2024 Outback Touring and the 2024 Ascent Touring, which do you think has a better ride comfort and NVH?
As an owner of two OB's, my advice to new buyers is to skip the package upgrade (#34) on the Limited that gets you the moonroof (which always fail or leak in time), the nanny system that watches your eyes and constantly reminds you to watch the road (driver distraction system) and the built in Nav (who needs that anymore). You'll save over $2k and have everything you need, and more.
I traded a Crosstrek Wilderness for an 24 Onyx XT. I couldn't turn down the deal they were running and man I am glad I didn't! The 2.4 T is just a monster compared to the 2.5. I liked the CTW but I love the Outback! I got 31 MPGs on a 500 mile trip I took as soon as I got it. It's cool having a lifted AWD Turbo Wagon. Amazing machine!
Cops tend to not notice Outbacks. They blend and that makes it a great car for a road trip - you can make time.
Like most reviews you fail to highlight the rear seats reclining feature. The divots in the cladding below the doors is to allow the back of your legs more clearance when entering or exiting the car to avoid dirt and make it just more ergonomically pleasing.
Love my 24 Touring. You are spot on about the interior, so comfortable and luxurious. This car is a dream to drive on road trips. I wish they had a hybrid.
The XT version of the Outback Onyx gives you most everything you see here but the StarTex upholstery - better than leather and no ventilated seats (good). It also gives you a full size spare tire mounted on an alloy wheel that matches the others.
I have had 2 of these from the current generation a 2021 Onyx XT and a 2024 same trim after the technology upgrade. When fully broken in you can get much better than quoted fuel economy. A 4,000 mile trip last year in the 2021 yielded about 34 MPG and that was included every driving type from flat to mountains, city and interstate and paved and gravel or dirt roads.
I for one disagree the StarTex (aka fake leather) is better than genuine leather. Maybe for cleaning up but when I sat in them back to back at the dealership, the StarTex felt exactly like what it is: rubbery leather while the genuine leather felt supple and smooth. For shoppers, it's best to see and feel the real thing before deciding for yourself.
I got the 24 Outback Onyx. Absolutely love it. I live in northern Wisconsin and this winter it was rock solid in the snow.
Awesome!
I work in a hospital and have to drive in any and every kind of weather. These are the best cars for driving in foul weather of any kind - they stay glued to the road and are very safe if you do hit something.
The Outback sits where the old Volvo wagons did back in the day- solid, well built, capable and reliable at a reasonable price.
Yooo! Touring XT in North Central WI! Dunno about yours, but mine kicked butt last winter
❤❤😮😮 0:49
I don't have the Onyx Addition, I've got a 2016 Outback Limited.
It's a tough vehicle.
This is my second one that has broken 260,000 miles!!!
I have the Touring XT here in Australia. The 2 tone interior is only available here in the naturally aspirated Touring trim. Our XT Outback's can tow 2400kg (5280 lbs.) braked , not why there is such a difference between Australia and US versions. Our Outback's are built in Japan. Power and torque are lower in in Australia. 183kW (245 Hp) and 350 Nm(258 ft/lbs.). We have to use 95 RON fuel (gas).
Please note that the manual says 3500 lbs towing with trailer brakes, 1000 lbs without. It's rather misleading they advertise it at 3500 lbs. I bought mine on that assumption, and needed to equip my trailer with brakes to fulfill Subaru's requirements. In Canada, those brakes cost me about $1300. I do love my vehicle though. Very smooth, good acceleration and better than expected gas mileage. Mine is same color as the 1 reviewed too.
Having gauges are nice as you can get what you need at a glance - the digital is a nice enhancement but I wouldn't want it to replace the gauges.
I find it ironic that 99% of fully digital dashboards simply show the analogue gauges using a screen anyway. With the added disadvantages that a digital screen brings: glare, lag, glitchiness. Analogue gauges also have a 3D texture to them, which to me looks more classy than a completely flat screen showing a 2D image of a fake gauge cluster.
Fun fact: The same digital rear view mirror is also used in the Lexus RX 😊
Toyota has 20% stake in Subaru!!!!
Divots are to allow your calves to rest when you sit down and get ready to enter... less pressure
And they work like a charm! Love the thought behind the engineering here.
Great review. However, you keep saying things are part of a package. You’re reviewing the Touring model and there are no packages. All of these things are included. Packages are available in the lower trims.
The comments are made about the wider Outback lineup and the things you CAN get even in other trims/specs
Touring is a Package as is Wilderness, Onyx, Limited, etc.
I was thinking about getting a Camry 2025 but I hate the ground clearance. I also don’t want to break a rim on the first pothole. I also am tall so I need headroom but the Camry with a moonroof only has 37 inches. I am thinking about an outback because I dig the wagon look.
Don't just drive one of them test drive the touring, the onyx and don't forget the give the wilderness a twirl! Don't know what kind of driving you do I suppose just street considering you are talking camery, but it the snow there is nothing like a Subaru! Nothing! And you can take this off the beaten path and will put a smile on your face.
Do you intend to keep this car for 10 years. Liklihood is HIGH the display is going to have issues. These things DO NOT last a long time. When it goes bad you have no AC, no heat, nothing. There are no analog controls, absolutely none. This is a good vehicle, one that could attract many buyers. But the best things about /Subaru’s is their longevity. Why in the world they introduced so many points of failure in one so-called “feature” in a single electronic screen is beyond me. So dumb.
I so agree.
Thank you for the review. The slot in the centre armrest is a CD player which holds 6 CDs :-)
I really wish the dark headliner was available on the Touring XT
I think the idea for the storage you mention at 8:14 is to put your cell phone if you plug in to charge or just want to lay it down.
Also, you can keep change (like a bunch of quarters) in there and they do not fall out.
@0:52 Uh "the air comes in here" (tilts up).... well, no. The air for the *intercooler* comes in there, but the air for the engine comes in the front and goes over the the airbox in the front passenger-side corner, where the air filter is.
Most reviewers I have listened to like the Outback in the turbo version.
If you mostly drive around town the 2.5 is a great choice.
If you drive the Interstate much or tow you will want the turbo (XT).
You mention the 2 cameras, when i use my fwd camera its mainly to make sure i do not hit something...so yes it is clear enough for me.
Very happy with my '23 Limited 2.5L. occasionally wish I had gotten the turbo, but wasn't in the budget, so I'm happy I didn't overspend.
I wish they would enable the Footwell Illumination to operate when the doors open and close. Unfortunately they only come on when you turn on the Parking lights….wish I knew that before I paid extra for that accessory. 😢. Otherwise, I love our 2025 Outback Limited in Autumn Green and Ivovy interior,…
Driver's seat thigh adjustment ?
Yes, the front driver seat has an extendable front section so that thighs can rest on more seat.
Which is made better the Subaru made in Japan or the outback made in America? Put another way Should I have concerns about the outback being made in America?
Insane amount of Cladding !
Unnecessary. I agree!!!
I own one and agree. the Wilderness package is ridiculous. But clinics show a lot of people like the heavy cladding.
Why you don't get the honda pilot, or the highlander toyota?
I haven't seen anyone say anything about the front part of drivers seat pulling out.
It is very useful, especially for drivers over 6 feet tall.
How is the A/C, I’ve heard it’s weak. I’m in Texas and need a STRONG A/C
We had some 90plus degree weather up in Pennsylvania, the ac was set at 65 both sides and it stayed at 65...hope this helped you
No problems here in the 2 months I've had it. AC is strong.
Manufacturers have worked so hard over the years to make auto gear shifts look like manual. Why? Maybe to make auto buyers “feel” sportier. IDK. It is silly and the shifter is less suited to its job as an auto shifter as a result. Mercifully they seem to be ending the charade in electric vehicles.
42K ahhh no ty
Yeah, for those that pay the price, it's worth it.
My 2016 Subaru Outback just broke 281,000 miles and is still going strong.
You can get a standard Outback in the upper 20s and it will give you all but the bells and whistles.
Hybrid isn’t far away.