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
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.
@@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.
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?
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!
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.
@@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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
The Crosstrek as the name implies is a compact crossover. The Forester is a compact SUV. The Ascent is a midsize 3 row SUV. The Outback is a WAGON. I quite like the interior - Subaru integrates the screen better than other automakers who just kind of slap an I-pad on the top of the dashboard or just hang it in midair and call it a day.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 own a 2020 Subaru Outback. It is mechanically very sound, but there are three design decisions that everyone should know about before buying one: [1] It is very heavy on software control. When you see software, you should think "bugs." I have had three different software bug issues in the 6 months I have owned the car. [2] You cannot permanently disable auto stop/start. You have to turn it off with every ignition cycle. [3] If you need to install a trailer hitch, the one from Subaru has a 1.75" receiver, not the standard 2" receiver. If you install your own hitch with a 2" receiver, it voids the warranty.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 have a 2017 outback... unfortunately I've had some issues with sounds coming from the chassis of the vechile. The dealer tried twice to fix it (second time was at a body shop for 4 weeks) without any luck. I've seen the news articles about missing weld recalls in the Ascent and now the Outback but Subaru is not willing to admit my car may be having a similar issue. Now I'm not sure what to do with the car as I bought it for the safety rating but now I'm concerned it may be unsafe. If you are planning on buying one, make sure you THOROUGHLY test drive the exact vehicle you plan on purchasing with the radio off listening for creaking or tapping sounds.
Kinda of a lame, semi-troll comment. First, do you have any proof that the "sounds" from your vehicle are because of missing welds? No? Second, the weld issues are related to Ascent, not Outback, and it was limited to about 20 (that's TWENTY) cars that did make it out to the dealers before the robotic weld problems was discovered. Next, if you are soooooo concerned about your Subaru possibly being "unsafe", then find yourself a legal automotive expert (yes, they're around), let them evaluate your car, and if there are flaws, negotiate with Subaru to make repairs or give you a good price on a new vehicle. I agree with your advice on THOROUGHLY test driving the exact vehicle you plan on driving before buying.... but shouldn't apply to ANY NEW VEHICLE, hmmm?
@@eskieman3948 You're right I dont have proof that's the issue... and yes I'm trolling Subaru because they can't eliminated the sound but are not going to do anything about it. There service manager of my local dealership is the who suspected the issue was in the chassis, this was before all the weld recalls occurred.
@@eskieman3948 sounds like you work in Subaru management, or at a dealership... just a wee-bit hyper, and lacking understanding in somebody's concern...
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.
Former 2007 Outback XT 5 speed owner here so I speak from experience. 4 wheel bearings, 3 sets of brakes due to rust on the rotors. 1 caliper. two sets of drive axles. My Outback cost more to maintain then a high performance sports car. It went through the snow great and was quick and fun but after my last Subaru experience I won't be buying one again.
This is why I'm still leaning towards the Passport. It has a bullet-proof naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine and a conventional automatic transmission. I suspect that this combo will spend a lot less time in the shop on it's way to 100,000 miles.
@@eskieman3948 hopefully I will. At least it has a smooth 8 speed auto not a CVT which the Subaru tech said blow at 100k routinely and cost over 6k to replace
The other reason is the way the AWD system works. This is an 80 front / 30 rear split normally but can switch to 50/50 as needed with the CVT. The manual transmission in the WRX, for example, starts at a 50/50 split. There are some other details about the differences but it effectively gives the computer more control over the split (front to rear) and, from what I understand, makes the X Mode possible. Full disclosure: I have a 2020 outback touring XT and LOVE IT!
All about MPG. I loved my 1995 for 10 years. CVT sucks. It is not required for the Outback platform. Just a design decision by Subaru. I drove a Nissan Roguge CVT that was terrible for me. I drove the 2016 right before buying my GTI and their CVT was fine for suburban driving. I love Subaru’s driver-assist featuress that, seem better than almost any other auto company on specs, especially when you consider most are standard. Luxury Brands charge up to $10,000 for the same software.
I also have a 2020 Subaru Outback that I love. I don't know why the hate on the CVT. Not all CVTs are created equal, and the one in my Outback is great. And I'm really using the car, since I live in the mountains of Vermont and it's taken me through snow, ice, and mud already - and today, deep thick wet snow. The X-Mode works wonderfully and the transmission doesn't have an issue climbing the 1800 feet up to my house.
I think if your going with a new outback. Considering they killed the 6cyl option. Because of this car's weight you REALLY need to get the much more powerful 4cyl. 182hp for a vehicle this size just isn't cutting it folks. The 6cyl was FAR stronger and more reliable then the 4cyl even though they sold less of them.
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.
The base model is the way to go in the outback. All you have to do is get the rear windows tinted to your liking. The infotainment system is better and you can save between 3 and $10,000.
You forgot to mentioned the most important issue. Did Subaru improve/redesign the troublesome 2.4 engine? Will it last more than 50,000 miles without total breakdown? How many quarts of oil will it burn until it overheat?
Wondered what Subaru would do for the Outback in 2020 with the Forester growing like a high school football player almost every year and the Ascent now filling Subaru's gap in the 3 row midsize segment. It appeared the Outback was being squeezed both from below and above. It appears they've come up with a winning formula for the Subar-ites out there, a substantial cult here in the Pacific Northwest. (A polite cult, but a cult nonetheless.) Traditionally, Subaru buyers have had to sacrifice premium interiors, dated components, and materials to pay for the brand's "full time" AWD. That doesn't seem to be the case for the 2020 Outback. The updates are both welcome and substantial. Where I live any hint of criticism of a Subaru risks not being invited to family Thanksgiving dealers or neighbors' block parties but I'll venture just a couple of qualified ones. First, I'm not a fanatic about it but I'm no fan of CVT's. I recognize their advantages and the fact that their behavior has been improved over the last decade (and will no doubt continue to improve). Nevertheless, I prefer a traditional geared transmission either of the DCT or torque converter variety. And I must say, if a manufacturer is going to go with a CVT, configuring it with faux gears and paddle shifters that undermine its advantages seems rather silly. Second, the Outback falls into my favorite category of crossovers, the "tweener" group (188"-192" in length.) Of all the vehicles in this group (There are currently nine and soon ten by my count.) only the Santa Fe and the Outback don't offer either a standard or optional V6 engine. Obviously, the Outback doesn't suffer in terms of performance with the turbo4 engine. And the old H6 engine wasn't impressive. In fact, if the 0-60 time Alex reports holds up in more rigorous testing the XT's performance (on that metric, at least) is close to phenomenal. Nevertheless, I'm skeptical about the long term durability of a turbo4 vs a V6, especially a naturally aspirated version, in larger vehicles. And I find power delivery in a two ton vehicle to be inherently smoother with a V6. On the other hand, the CVT and the turbo4 aren't as great a set of handicaps in the Outback as they are in the larger Ascent. The curb weight of the Outback is less than 3900 lbs while the Ascent can top 4600 lbs. With fuel, passengers, and gear that can put the Ascent's weight at two and half tons! The Outback, on the other hand, would likely be about 800 lbs less. In the Ascent the transmission and engine choices are deal breakers for me. Not so for the Outback. All in all, the 2020 Outback looks like a winner. That means I can sincerely compliment any friends, neighbors, or extended family who buy one. No need to make alternate plans for Thanksgiving unless Uncle Joe insists on wearing his MAGA cap at the table again.
To settle all arguments on the topic: The Outback is very literally a lifted Subaru Legacy Wagon. Its ride height is literally the only difference between the two. It’s the same with the Impreza and the Crosstrek. We may not get the Legacy wagon in North America anymore, but it is widely sold around the world. So, despite some people comparing the Outback to SUVs and CUVs... it isn’t one. Just like the Volvo Cross Country models, the Buick X Tour, Audi Allroad and Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, this is simply a lifted wagon.
Norm T whatever the handling may be, this is, factually, a wagon. Cars aren’t classified by handling. They’re classified by size and body type. Why do you always troll everyone?
@@afcgeo882 drive them and you'll see. It has terrible handling like all Subaru SUVs. Braking and handling of TourX, OB 3.6R, and VW Alltrack. 60-0 MPH118 ft125 ft117 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION0.88 g (avg)0.80 g (avg)0.85 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT26.2 sec @ 0.69 g (avg)27.4 sec @ 0.63 g (avg)27.0 sec @ 0.64 g (avg)
Hi to all! A few words from a Subaru Outback real buyer. This well done in terms of graphic presentation review is lacking the major thing: understanding of this car and its place in the competition. My goodness, how misleading this review can be for an inexperienced buyer! As a person who spent a month comparing several compact crossovers nose-to-nose and test driving them before deciding where to bring my $30K, I cannot remain calm watching this! What wagon are you talking about? Aren't other crossovers wagons? From a price quote I received for Toyota RAV4: "Wagon". A crossover is a raised wagon with AWD - by definition. Let's imagine myself choosing a car basing on this review... Midsize wagon? I am not buying a wagon. I don't need a midsize car, I need a compact crossover. Had I been blind and gullible dummy I would have taken this as given and MISSED a chance to buy the best compact crossover I am driving now - Subaru Outback! Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, VW Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester (now add Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-50) - are they all identical? No! But they all belong to the same category: 4-cyl engines, price range, performance, size, capacity, AWD, general duties they are designed for, target marketing segment. So is the Outback - same thing but not a carbon copy. That's why the question you hear at Subaru dealerships: "What to buy: Forester or Outback?" Why? Because both are different interpretation of the same thing: compact crossover. I put the cars next to each other for comparisons. I took pictures. I made videos. I measured them! I measured Volvo XC60 driver's position - same thing! Why not take measurements instead of repeating useless stamps like "car-like seating position"? Yes, it's lower than the Forester has but not a car like. It's Volvo XC60 like - not to be confused with Volvo V60 - that is a "true" wagon with car-like seating position. From my first hand experience through this endless but a month long testing marathon, and from a buyer prospective: the Outback belongs to compact crossover category! My source of information? The cars! Executing this schematic, formal approach to reviewing a car that is standing alone due to it's unique history is not professional. What is the first thing a reviewer would point out talking about the new Outback? It's how amazingly far the modern Outback has gone from the early version of 1990s! I expect that a responsible reviewer would explain to the readers/ watchers how different the new Outback is from station wagons like Volvo V60, Audi A4 Allroad, etc. The Outback gone so far from its predecessors that now it's a compact crossover that is more of a crossover than many other crossovers. Does the Outback retain some common body parts with the Legacy? Yes? it does. But who cares about Legacy! It's the Legacy that is a variant of the Outback! These days the Outback is everything while the Legacy is a pale shadow of the Outback's past that is fading away. Even if the Outback had a few parts from the Titanic - the only fact that matters for the real buyer is that it delivers the same product as Toyota RAV4 , etc., etc. Please take a moment to watch the videos attached. Thanks to Alex for the hosting. czcams.com/video/jcmrQe9qWkM/video.html czcams.com/video/LpOi-Jj5V8U/video.html Best wishes to all!
Erm, even Subaru doesn’t call it compact, it’s mid-sized. Subaru’s compact offering is the Forester which is nearly 10 inches shorter. This is not in the same segment as a RAV4, again, just ask Subaru. As to the wagon, sorry, Subaru also calls it a wagon. The front doors forward are shared with the Legacy sedan and the Outback has from time to time literally been sold as the “Legacy Wagon” in other markets.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Good evening, Subaru officially calls the Outback "Crossover SUV" by the voice of the Outback Project Manager. I have included a fragment of his presentation of the new Outback in the video to eliminate any doubts about what Subaru says about the Outback. Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and others - why deny the facts that are in front of the buyers eyes? All the listed, Outback Included - same size +/-, same price range, same MPG+/-, ... why shall we continue? Subaru has answered the question - just take time to put the Forester and the Outback next to the Ascent - that is their midsize crossover. If you believe the Outback is midsize, then what size is the Ascent? I have made the video: I am putting my Outback next to compact crossovers, then next to subcompact/midsize/full size, then next to wagons to show the obvious difference and similarity. I am a paying customer and I see the facts that I have just sealed with my $30K. The final choice was RAV4 vs Outback - the closest competitors. I made plans for both cars: what to add, some ideas with tuning. I made sketches to preliminary visualize both projects. I measured both cars, put them next to each other. I spoke with the owners - my colleagues at work. One was choosing between RAV4 and Outback and bought RAV4. The other one was choosing between RAV4 and Outback and bought Outback. And after all this mountain of facts from the real life, such a nice man like you is telling me abstract stories from the clouds... Sorry. The midsize group is Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot/Passport (included in the video), Mazda CX-9. They represent a higher price range, base trims start from V6 engines or 4-cyl turbo. They are noticeably larger than the Outback and also larger than...what? They are larger than their respective compact representatives: RAV4, CR-V, CX-5. As to how the cars are called in different markets, the Outback is Outback in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and even in South Africa. Regards.
Subaru's CVT is a really disappointing driving experience. The car would be so much better with a different transmission. The $9k price tag to repair the inevitable CVT disintegration is also a turn off.
I have a different opinion. Even my wife, who doesn't know or care what a CVT is, drove our recently-bought 2017 2.5 Outback Touring a couple of times and then volunteered that the "automatic" is really good -- smooth and fast-responding.
Agreed. My Impreza's CVT was jerky at low speeds and jumped into a high ratio too early. Made the already anemic engine seem even more so. A/C use made the herky jerky issue worse as the compressor cycled.
I do not get how subaru does not make Blind Spot Monitoring standard. Its not exactly a new or expensive thing to add and with that impressive list of standard safety things its insane that BSM is not standard
Car and driver has recorded the 2020 Outback XT 0-60 at 6.6 seconds, the 2019 Passport at 5.8 seconds. Motor trend says the turbo outback only feels sportier in the mid to high rev ranges. I use to drive a 2015 Forester XT, which has the same model TR690HT transmission as the outback so I’m very familiar with how this old high torque CVT operates. It’s slow to react. I now drive a 2019 Honda Passport and it launches forward a good car length or two before the CVT could get moving. Anywho, 6.6 seconds isn’t bad. My only concern is the reliability of that the old TR690 CVT they keep putting into their vehicles with turbo engines. It was a recipe for disaster with the 2014-2018 FXT’s and I don’t see any reason why it’ll be different now.
With the upcoming demise of the VW Golf Alltrack / Sportwagon, the Outback is one of the few options left in this category. The only other vehicle that comes close (unless you want to spend $100,000 on a Mercedes wagon) is the Buick TourX. I used to like Caddy's CTS wagon, but they only made it in the high performance V configuration, which severely limited its availability. Another company that used to make a wide variety of good wagons was Volvo, but they turned them all into SUV's.
I find just the opposite once I started digging. An example would be the Kia Sorento. The Kia is 2" shorter in length and 0.4" taller. The Santa Fe slots close also. Not to mention even a Tiguan. I guess if you look at how you sit in it that could be used as a differentiator but if you look at size, weight and cargo capacity it slots in with a large number of vehicles.
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!
The 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country wagon is a fair comparison to the new Outback Touring XT, even though it starts at about $6k more. The Cross Country is much more Outback-like than most of the other vehicles that you discuss in this video -- basically a lifted wagon with good ground clearance to go off pavement a fair amount. As somebody in the market for this kind of vehicle, I am really looking chiefly at the Outback vs. the V60 Cross Country, not at a more SUV-like vehicle such as you suggest in this video.
@@oceandrew cvt is fragile due to the design and the construction, it's a good/budget car for light overlanding. Personally, I wouldn't tow anything over 1500 to be honest
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?
Thinking about purchasing one of these? My biggest concerns is reliability. I’m hoping to travel and put a lot of miles into it. What do you think? Should I purchase it or is there something I don’t know about these cars
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.
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)
Yeah. It makes me wonder why Subaru limits the market availability for the Levorg. It looks amazing and has an STI trim :) First-person opinion on the looks and interior comfort. I prefer crossovers as I hike & camp but Levorg would be my choice otherwise. I`ve never driven it but it is a common enough vehicle in Japan for me to get used to it.
...as long as you don't end up with the UK/EU version with NA engine, rev hanging CVT 2.0L engine with a poor 149.5PS/198Nm -- just slightly under what the XV/Crosstrek gets in same country. Its very poor and needs a power boost badly. Our 2019 Outback is only available in 2 trim levels and 1 engine -- 2.5L NA, but much better drive, so much so I recently bought one after testing all 3 Subaru's (OB, XV, Levorg).
@@Mogsy28uk How is NVH on the motorway? After the new gen comes up in Japan, the 2019 model will drop in price and might be a good option for me. All depending on Honda`s MPVs offer ;)
@@valdius85 not bad, think there is dampening in the wheel arches, good engine noise if you dont push too hard and Bridgestone Dueller H/P tyres on my SE Prem are not bad (better than Toyos on my CX-5). will def depend on road surface quality, but then that's what driving music is for 😁
The base trim isn't really that much of a compromise in the Outback when you consider two 7 inch displays aren't that far off from one 11.6 inch displays. Wish that Subaru would let you get the base trim and pay a few extra $ for tinted windows though 😕. Can live without paying over two grand for a power drivers seat.
"...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
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/
I know it’s pretty old and maybe irrelevant nowadays, but I feel like the Dodge Journey is a close competitor as far as size goes. It too is a wagon that outsells its sedan counterpart, the no longer built Dodge Avenger. 😅
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!
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.
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
Insurance calls it a wagon and is less expensive to insure. Eyesite is fantastic.
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 CZcams.
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?
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!
Best graphics I've seen in a Subaru review.
You are my favorite car reviewer nowadays. I am really impressed with the details you provided from Buying till Selling & your ratings with Grade.
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!
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.
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!
You are the man!!!! Love the safety segment and extraordinarily grateful. Keep it up, enjoying the videos!
The very best test of Subaru Outback!
Really liking this Outback. Still my favourite car reviewer, great video Alex. :D
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?
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/
Alex, you are the best in the business!! Thank you
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
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.
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!
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
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!
I like how Subaru is very conservative with design, but hence is very timeless
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.
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.
The Crosstrek as the name implies is a compact crossover. The Forester is a compact SUV. The Ascent is a midsize 3 row SUV. The Outback is a WAGON.
I quite like the interior - Subaru integrates the screen better than other automakers who just kind of slap an I-pad on the top of the dashboard or just hang it in midair and call it a day.
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
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.
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 ?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
I consider the Subaru Outback a wagon, personally.
I consider it a five door coupe.
@@DoctorSkillz I consider it's a Noah
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.)
So far, one the best reviews. Subscribed and Congrats.
I'm just forced to ask one thing of Subaru: where's the XT Sport trim?
It's called the Onyx Edition.
I own a 2020 Subaru Outback. It is mechanically very sound, but there are three design decisions that everyone should know about before buying one: [1] It is very heavy on software control. When you see software, you should think "bugs." I have had three different software bug issues in the 6 months I have owned the car. [2] You cannot permanently disable auto stop/start. You have to turn it off with every ignition cycle. [3] If you need to install a trailer hitch, the one from Subaru has a 1.75" receiver, not the standard 2" receiver. If you install your own hitch with a 2" receiver, it voids the warranty.
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”
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.
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 Gen 5 Outback never had the small screen on top of the dash like the Impreza base cars or Forester.
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!
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.
Don't apologize for the dirt on the car. It definitely suits it!
Outstanding review. Exactly what is needed for comments and also how it compares with other vehicles in the same category. Thanks !
Well done review. I'm looking forward to driving this when its available.
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!
Wow. I want one. Would be just the thing for places like northern BC.
I have a 2017 outback... unfortunately I've had some issues with sounds coming from the chassis of the vechile. The dealer tried twice to fix it (second time was at a body shop for 4 weeks) without any luck. I've seen the news articles about missing weld recalls in the Ascent and now the Outback but Subaru is not willing to admit my car may be having a similar issue. Now I'm not sure what to do with the car as I bought it for the safety rating but now I'm concerned it may be unsafe. If you are planning on buying one, make sure you THOROUGHLY test drive the exact vehicle you plan on purchasing with the radio off listening for creaking or tapping sounds.
Kinda of a lame, semi-troll comment. First, do you have any proof that the "sounds" from your vehicle are because of missing welds? No? Second, the weld issues are related to Ascent, not Outback, and it was limited to about 20 (that's TWENTY) cars that did make it out to the dealers before the robotic weld problems was discovered. Next, if you are soooooo concerned about your Subaru possibly being "unsafe", then find yourself a legal automotive expert (yes, they're around), let them evaluate your car, and if there are flaws, negotiate with Subaru to make repairs or give you a good price on a new vehicle. I agree with your advice on THOROUGHLY test driving the exact vehicle you plan on driving before buying.... but shouldn't apply to ANY NEW VEHICLE, hmmm?
@@eskieman3948 www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/subaru-recall-2019-legacy-outback-welds/
@@eskieman3948 You're right I dont have proof that's the issue... and yes I'm trolling Subaru because they can't eliminated the sound but are not going to do anything about it. There service manager of my local dealership is the who suspected the issue was in the chassis, this was before all the weld recalls occurred.
@@eskieman3948 sounds like you work in Subaru management, or at a dealership... just a wee-bit hyper, and lacking understanding in somebody's concern...
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!
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.
Former 2007 Outback XT 5 speed owner here so I speak from experience. 4 wheel bearings, 3 sets of brakes due to rust on the rotors. 1 caliper. two sets of drive axles. My Outback cost more to maintain then a high performance sports car. It went through the snow great and was quick and fun but after my last Subaru experience I won't be buying one again.
This is why I'm still leaning towards the Passport. It has a bullet-proof naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine and a conventional automatic transmission. I suspect that this combo will spend a lot less time in the shop on it's way to 100,000 miles.
How long have you owned your Outback for? and what was the mileage when you got rid of it?
Thank you.
@@spiritusmoleculos8869 I had it for 147k owned it from new and sold it this April. I bought a Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0 AWD and love it. 4k so far!
GOOD LUCK WITH THAT ONE.
@@eskieman3948 hopefully I will. At least it has a smooth 8 speed auto not a CVT which the Subaru tech said blow at 100k routinely and cost over 6k to replace
Damn why can't we get an Outback with a regular automatic transmission? :(
Cause the EPA dont like it.
The other reason is the way the AWD system works. This is an 80 front / 30 rear split normally but can switch to 50/50 as needed with the CVT. The manual transmission in the WRX, for example, starts at a 50/50 split. There are some other details about the differences but it effectively gives the computer more control over the split (front to rear) and, from what I understand, makes the X Mode possible. Full disclosure: I have a 2020 outback touring XT and LOVE IT!
All about MPG. I loved my 1995 for 10 years. CVT sucks. It is not required for the Outback platform. Just a design decision by Subaru. I drove a Nissan Roguge CVT that was terrible for me. I drove the 2016 right before buying my GTI and their CVT was fine for suburban driving. I love Subaru’s driver-assist featuress that, seem better than almost any other auto company on specs, especially when you consider most are standard. Luxury Brands charge up to $10,000 for the same software.
I also have a 2020 Subaru Outback that I love. I don't know why the hate on the CVT. Not all CVTs are created equal, and the one in my Outback is great. And I'm really using the car, since I live in the mountains of Vermont and it's taken me through snow, ice, and mud already - and today, deep thick wet snow. The X-Mode works wonderfully and the transmission doesn't have an issue climbing the 1800 feet up to my house.
How about a 6 speeds manual, like the Crosstrek
I think if your going with a new outback. Considering they killed the 6cyl option. Because of this car's weight you REALLY need to get the much more powerful 4cyl. 182hp for a vehicle this size just isn't cutting it folks. The 6cyl was FAR stronger and more reliable then the 4cyl even though they sold less of them.
I find your review very informative. Thanks for the good work
Great review... just picked up my Onyx XT Tuesday, love it so far.
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.
This would be my top pick!
The base model is the way to go in the outback. All you have to do is get the rear windows tinted to your liking. The infotainment system is better and you can save between 3 and $10,000.
Great video! I really liked the passport. Test drive the Santa Fe ...and the outback... outback is now in my driveway 😎 happy!
8:04 “out book” haha
You forgot to mentioned the most important issue. Did Subaru improve/redesign the troublesome 2.4 engine? Will it last more than 50,000 miles without total breakdown? How many quarts of oil will it burn until it overheat?
Wondered what Subaru would do for the Outback in 2020 with the Forester growing like a high school football player almost every year and the Ascent now filling Subaru's gap in the 3 row midsize segment. It appeared the Outback was being squeezed both from below and above. It appears they've come up with a winning formula for the Subar-ites out there, a substantial cult here in the Pacific Northwest. (A polite cult, but a cult nonetheless.) Traditionally, Subaru buyers have had to sacrifice premium interiors, dated components, and materials to pay for the brand's "full time" AWD. That doesn't seem to be the case for the 2020 Outback. The updates are both welcome and substantial. Where I live any hint of criticism of a Subaru risks not being invited to family Thanksgiving dealers or neighbors' block parties but I'll venture just a couple of qualified ones.
First, I'm not a fanatic about it but I'm no fan of CVT's. I recognize their advantages and the fact that their behavior has been improved over the last decade (and will no doubt continue to improve). Nevertheless, I prefer a traditional geared transmission either of the DCT or torque converter variety. And I must say, if a manufacturer is going to go with a CVT, configuring it with faux gears and paddle shifters that undermine its advantages seems rather silly.
Second, the Outback falls into my favorite category of crossovers, the "tweener" group (188"-192" in length.) Of all the vehicles in this group (There are currently nine and soon ten by my count.) only the Santa Fe and the Outback don't offer either a standard or optional V6 engine. Obviously, the Outback doesn't suffer in terms of performance with the turbo4 engine. And the old H6 engine wasn't impressive. In fact, if the 0-60 time Alex reports holds up in more rigorous testing the XT's performance (on that metric, at least) is close to phenomenal. Nevertheless, I'm skeptical about the long term durability of a turbo4 vs a V6, especially a naturally aspirated version, in larger vehicles. And I find power delivery in a two ton vehicle to be inherently smoother with a V6.
On the other hand, the CVT and the turbo4 aren't as great a set of handicaps in the Outback as they are in the larger Ascent. The curb weight of the Outback is less than 3900 lbs while the Ascent can top 4600 lbs. With fuel, passengers, and gear that can put the Ascent's weight at two and half tons! The Outback, on the other hand, would likely be about 800 lbs less. In the Ascent the transmission and engine choices are deal breakers for me. Not so for the Outback.
All in all, the 2020 Outback looks like a winner. That means I can sincerely compliment any friends, neighbors, or extended family who buy one. No need to make alternate plans for Thanksgiving unless Uncle Joe insists on wearing his MAGA cap at the table again.
To settle all arguments on the topic:
The Outback is very literally a lifted Subaru Legacy Wagon. Its ride height is literally the only difference between the two. It’s the same with the Impreza and the Crosstrek. We may not get the Legacy wagon in North America anymore, but it is widely sold around the world. So, despite some people comparing the Outback to SUVs and CUVs... it isn’t one. Just like the Volvo Cross Country models, the Buick X Tour, Audi Allroad and Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, this is simply a lifted wagon.
Nah, OB is a SUV. Looked past handling numbers and they are in SUV territory.
Norm T whatever the handling may be, this is, factually, a wagon. Cars aren’t classified by handling. They’re classified by size and body type. Why do you always troll everyone?
@@afcgeo882 drive them and you'll see. It has terrible handling like all Subaru SUVs.
Braking and handling of TourX, OB 3.6R, and VW Alltrack.
60-0 MPH118 ft125 ft117 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION0.88 g (avg)0.80 g (avg)0.85 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT26.2 sec @ 0.69 g (avg)27.4 sec @ 0.63 g (avg)27.0 sec @ 0.64 g (avg)
@@normt5463 Disagree. We have a Forester and it goes fine.
@@vincebagusauskas278 the Forester is amongst the worst handling in the segment. All given up for off road in developing countries
Hi to all! A few words from a Subaru Outback real buyer. This well done in terms of graphic presentation review is lacking the major thing: understanding of this car and its place in the competition. My goodness, how misleading this review can be for an inexperienced buyer!
As a person who spent a month comparing several compact crossovers nose-to-nose and test driving them before deciding where to bring my $30K, I cannot remain calm watching this! What wagon are you talking about? Aren't other crossovers wagons? From a price quote I received for Toyota RAV4: "Wagon".
A crossover is a raised wagon with AWD - by definition.
Let's imagine myself choosing a car basing on this review... Midsize wagon? I am not buying a wagon. I don't need a midsize car, I need a compact crossover. Had I been blind and gullible dummy I would have taken this as given and MISSED a chance to buy the best compact crossover I am driving now - Subaru Outback! Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, VW Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester (now add Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-50) - are they all identical? No! But they all belong to the same category: 4-cyl engines, price range, performance, size, capacity, AWD, general duties they are designed for, target marketing segment. So is the Outback - same thing but not a carbon copy.
That's why the question you hear at Subaru dealerships: "What to buy: Forester or Outback?" Why? Because both are different interpretation of the same thing: compact crossover.
I put the cars next to each other for comparisons. I took pictures. I made videos. I measured them! I measured Volvo XC60 driver's position - same thing! Why not take measurements instead of repeating useless stamps like "car-like seating position"?
Yes, it's lower than the Forester has but not a car like. It's Volvo XC60 like - not to be confused with Volvo V60 - that is a "true" wagon with car-like seating position.
From my first hand experience through this endless but a month long testing marathon, and from a buyer prospective: the Outback belongs to compact crossover category! My source of information? The cars!
Executing this schematic, formal approach to reviewing a car that is standing alone due to it's unique history is not professional. What is the first thing a reviewer would point out talking about the new Outback? It's how amazingly far the modern Outback has gone from the early version of 1990s! I expect that a responsible reviewer would explain to the readers/ watchers how different the new Outback is from station wagons like Volvo V60, Audi A4 Allroad, etc. The Outback gone so far from its predecessors that now it's a compact crossover that is more of a crossover than many other crossovers.
Does the Outback retain some common body parts with the Legacy? Yes? it does. But who cares about Legacy! It's the Legacy that is a variant of the Outback! These days the Outback is everything while the Legacy is a pale shadow of the Outback's past that is fading away.
Even if the Outback had a few parts from the Titanic - the only fact that matters for the real buyer is that it delivers the same product as Toyota RAV4 , etc., etc.
Please take a moment to watch the videos attached. Thanks to Alex for the hosting.
czcams.com/video/jcmrQe9qWkM/video.html czcams.com/video/LpOi-Jj5V8U/video.html
Best wishes to all!
Erm, even Subaru doesn’t call it compact, it’s mid-sized. Subaru’s compact offering is the Forester which is nearly 10 inches shorter. This is not in the same segment as a RAV4, again, just ask Subaru. As to the wagon, sorry, Subaru also calls it a wagon. The front doors forward are shared with the Legacy sedan and the Outback has from time to time literally been sold as the “Legacy Wagon” in other markets.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Good evening, Subaru officially calls the Outback "Crossover SUV" by the voice of the Outback Project Manager. I have included a fragment of his presentation of the new Outback in the video to eliminate any doubts about what Subaru says about the Outback.
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and others - why deny the facts that are in front of the buyers eyes? All the listed, Outback Included - same size +/-, same price range, same MPG+/-, ... why shall we continue? Subaru has answered the question - just take time to put the Forester and the Outback next to the Ascent - that is their midsize crossover.
If you believe the Outback is midsize, then what size is the Ascent? I have made the video: I am putting my Outback next to compact crossovers, then next to subcompact/midsize/full size, then next to wagons to show the obvious difference and similarity.
I am a paying customer and I see the facts that I have just sealed with my $30K.
The final choice was RAV4 vs Outback - the closest competitors. I made plans for both cars: what to add, some ideas with tuning. I made sketches to preliminary visualize both projects. I measured both cars, put them next to each other. I spoke with the owners - my colleagues at work. One was choosing between RAV4 and Outback and bought RAV4. The other one was choosing between RAV4 and Outback and bought Outback.
And after all this mountain of facts from the real life, such a nice man like you is telling me abstract stories from the clouds... Sorry.
The midsize group is Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot/Passport (included in the video), Mazda CX-9. They represent a higher price range, base trims start from V6 engines or 4-cyl turbo. They are noticeably larger than the Outback and also larger than...what? They are larger than their respective compact representatives: RAV4, CR-V, CX-5. As to how the cars are called in different markets, the Outback is Outback in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and even in South Africa. Regards.
Subaru's CVT is a really disappointing driving experience. The car would be so much better with a different transmission. The $9k price tag to repair the inevitable CVT disintegration is also a turn off.
I have a different opinion. Even my wife, who doesn't know or care what a CVT is, drove our recently-bought 2017 2.5 Outback Touring a couple of times and then volunteered that the "automatic" is really good -- smooth and fast-responding.
Our 2011 now has just over 200,000 miles and zero CVT problems. Our 2018 only has 30,000 so far so we shall see how reliable it is.
Agreed. My Impreza's CVT was jerky at low speeds and jumped into a high ratio too early. Made the already anemic engine seem even more so. A/C use made the herky jerky issue worse as the compressor cycled.
Very obvious you have never driven one let alone owned one.
@@BruceHoult Agreed, I love mine and I love the fuel economy.
I do not get how subaru does not make Blind Spot Monitoring standard. Its not exactly a new or expensive thing to add and with that impressive list of standard safety things its insane that BSM is not standard
Wish the 2020 Touring XT had the 2019 Touring roof rails. Too much wind noise and the old style Touring roof rails look better.
Car and driver has recorded the 2020 Outback XT 0-60 at 6.6 seconds, the 2019 Passport at 5.8 seconds. Motor trend says the turbo outback only feels sportier in the mid to high rev ranges.
I use to drive a 2015 Forester XT, which has the same model TR690HT transmission as the outback so I’m very familiar with how this old high torque CVT operates. It’s slow to react. I now drive a 2019 Honda Passport and it launches forward a good car length or two before the CVT could get moving. Anywho, 6.6 seconds isn’t bad. My only concern is the reliability of that the old TR690 CVT they keep putting into their vehicles with turbo engines. It was a recipe for disaster with the 2014-2018 FXT’s and I don’t see any reason why it’ll be different now.
21 centimeter to inches is 8.26 ground clearance on Volvo V90 cross country.
With the upcoming demise of the VW Golf Alltrack / Sportwagon, the Outback is one of the few options left in this category. The only other vehicle that comes close (unless you want to spend $100,000 on a Mercedes wagon) is the Buick TourX. I used to like Caddy's CTS wagon, but they only made it in the high performance V configuration, which severely limited its availability. Another company that used to make a wide variety of good wagons was Volvo, but they turned them all into SUV's.
I find just the opposite once I started digging. An example would be the Kia Sorento. The Kia is 2" shorter in length and 0.4" taller. The Santa Fe slots close also. Not to mention even a Tiguan. I guess if you look at how you sit in it that could be used as a differentiator but if you look at size, weight and cargo capacity it slots in with a large number of vehicles.
Did they get rid of the gloss piano black plastic around the buttons on the steering wheel? If so, yay to Subaru.
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.
The 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country wagon is a fair comparison to the new Outback Touring XT, even though it starts at about $6k more. The Cross Country is much more Outback-like than most of the other vehicles that you discuss in this video -- basically a lifted wagon with good ground clearance to go off pavement a fair amount. As somebody in the market for this kind of vehicle, I am really looking chiefly at the Outback vs. the V60 Cross Country, not at a more SUV-like vehicle such as you suggest in this video.
I'd add in the similarly priced but +$10,000 off MSRP Regal TourX 2.0T with torque vectoring AWD. At low $20's it is a no brainer amongst these.
Test the turbo!
This might just be the perfect SUV unless you want to tow
What do you mean? It'll tow - 3500 lbs worth. You just won't be overtaking anyone except a VW van or beetle.
That is why they is the turbo XT models for towing.
@@oceandrew I wouldn't tow that much with a CVT.
@@garyallman3039 Why not? You know something the manufacturer is deliberately hiding? Please explain.
@@oceandrew cvt is fragile due to the design and the construction, it's a good/budget car for light overlanding. Personally, I wouldn't tow anything over 1500 to be honest
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
Definitely go with the Turbo
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.
A nice review of the iconic Outback. But i have always liked the Legacy wagon it looks sporty and isn’t rugged.
Thinking about purchasing one of these?
My biggest concerns is reliability. I’m hoping to travel and put a lot of miles into it. What do you think? Should I purchase it or is there something I don’t know about these cars
If it’s been maintained and driven properly I can see 200,000 miles
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.
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.
In a previous market, the Outback would be called a sport wagon.
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)
“Me and you and my dog named boo”. driving along the california coast in subaru outback
Who else saw Mike Brady and the fam flying down that road going camping, lol.
Subaru needs to bring the Levorg
Yeah. It makes me wonder why Subaru limits the market availability for the Levorg. It looks amazing and has an STI trim :)
First-person opinion on the looks and interior comfort. I prefer crossovers as I hike & camp but Levorg would be my choice otherwise.
I`ve never driven it but it is a common enough vehicle in Japan for me to get used to it.
...as long as you don't end up with the UK/EU version with NA engine, rev hanging CVT 2.0L engine with a poor 149.5PS/198Nm -- just slightly under what the XV/Crosstrek gets in same country. Its very poor and needs a power boost badly. Our 2019 Outback is only available in 2 trim levels and 1 engine -- 2.5L NA, but much better drive, so much so I recently bought one after testing all 3 Subaru's (OB, XV, Levorg).
@@Mogsy28uk How is NVH on the motorway?
After the new gen comes up in Japan, the 2019 model will drop in price and might be a good option for me. All depending on Honda`s MPVs offer ;)
@@valdius85 not bad, think there is dampening in the wheel arches, good engine noise if you dont push too hard and Bridgestone Dueller H/P tyres on my SE Prem are not bad (better than Toyos on my CX-5). will def depend on road surface quality, but then that's what driving music is for 😁
@@Mogsy28uk What year of the CX-5 is in that comparison?
How does it compare to CX-5?
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.
The base trim isn't really that much of a compromise in the Outback when you consider two 7 inch displays aren't that far off from one 11.6 inch displays. Wish that Subaru would let you get the base trim and pay a few extra $ for tinted windows though 😕. Can live without paying over two grand for a power drivers seat.
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
If you gonna press the front camera button show how the camera shows on screen instead of your hand just pressing on the button
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! :)
Not just for Golden Retrievers? So it'll work for Corgi's too?
I even got my Old English Sheepdog into my Crosstrek.
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/
I know it’s pretty old and maybe irrelevant nowadays, but I feel like the Dodge Journey is a close competitor as far as size goes. It too is a wagon that outsells its sedan counterpart, the no longer built Dodge Avenger. 😅
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