Marek, you are not as daft as a bush. You are the most practical car reviewer for people who don't need Autogefühl and TFL. You are the Subaru Outback of the car reviewers, sort of. Not the most popular, but very good and, by the numbers, severely underrated. 😊
Exactly, I like the fact that he honestly points all the negatives and positives to all cars that he reviews. And what most are missing is the driving dynamics/feel of a car.
Few words about the Outback, I've been owning the top trim from 2022 for almost a year now. But first - Marek, you rock, dude! Keep on with the great videos, this is by far my favourite car review channel! Now, on the Back - when I took it from the dealer, the guy said only one thing - this is a car that you will be falling in love more and more during the time you drive it. And it's totally true, by the way! Coming from Dacia Duster and Renault Kadjar, the top trim feel like S-Class, honestly. The ride is the smoothest I've experienced, feels almost like air suspension, but it's not. Way much better than the hard shaking of Mercedes GLE or BMW X5, for example. The infotainment system is pretty simple to use, it's not too complicated. The face recognition for the seat position is really nice. And it's with the best climate control I've ever had in a car (with the Renault, if you want the kids on the back seats to be OK, you will be freezing in front and vice versa). Boot is enough, never had to put the box on the car for extra luggage (I have two kids, 7 and 3 years old). Even managed to put the ski of my wife, diagonally and with some effort, but - hey, that's pretty good. Safe systems are a lot, my wife hates the car, because "it doesn't let her drive as she wants" :D Meaning it gets her in the lane if she doesn't use the turn signal when she overtakes... o_O The real life consumption - I live in Sofia, Bulgaria. It's hard to get under 11 l /100 km in town. On the highway with 140 it's around 8.5 - 9. On other roads with 90 km/h it's around 7.5 - 8 l/100 km. The power is barely enough. At times you should be planning a bit the overtakes, it just misses the kick of the turbo and the car is not too alive, but it doesn't feel much underpowered also. For sure I'd prefer the 2.4 turbo engine for the US market, but... EU is EU, we won't get it. Haven't really filly tested the AWD so far, we didn't have much snow last winter. The only real test was in a 20-meters mud pot and the car had zero problems with this. The only bad thing so far is a strange glitch in the infotainment system that regularly disconnects the CarPlay from time to time. After 10 seconds it connects it again, but it's really annoying. And the other thing is there is venting on the seats for the US market, but not for Europe, here is only heating. I'd really like to have the venting, even if I have to pay it like an add on. Today I was searching if there is something better on the market with similar size, safety features, but with better fuel economy. Well, at the moment, I can't see a better family car for those money. If you want a 5-star safety for the family, descent space for luggage, first class smooth ride, huge clearance for getting a bit off the road and you can swallow the typical Subaru consumption - you will not go wrong with the Outback. That's all from me! Marek, take care and keep entertaining us with your reviews!
For overtakes, do you use the Sport mode? I find it is more than quick enough, and if you use the flappy paddle to knock it down a “gear” or two and it is surprisingly fast.
We drive a 2016 Outback all over Oregon USA on our kayaking adventures and have never had a problem. We live in an area measuring snow in meters where plowing may be days after a major storm and the Outback has never let us down in our 12 mile trips to town. Anybody choosing between an Outback and larger SUVs and currently owning both, the Subaru handles much better in icy snowy conditions and uses far less gasoline.
We've had two Outback, one 2014 and the current one is from 2019, and we have been super happy with it. It's not the most silent coupé, it's not the most sporty engine, but it's rock solid on, and occationally slightly off, the road! I regularly tow my small 750 kg trailer and in the summer we tow our 1500 kg caravan comfortably. I've not had a single problem with any of my Subarus.
I really appreciate your honesty and humor (removing roof racks). You are the most concise & informative car reviewer in English language. You reminding me of my most inspiring teachers when I was a student. I wonder if you have ever contemplated to be one!
Love it mate. I just bought a 2023 Outback in the USA. Your video showed me a couple of things I did not know (the under boot storage is big enough for a full size spare!), and a couple of other things. Thanks for the comparison of driving modes, too. I enjoyed your delivery, very easy to listen to and uh yes, I also did not know about the roof racks. Subscribed, thank you.
You know I’m not even trying to buy a new car right now but I still like looking at other nice cars and nobody in my family has ever owned a Subaru and I know nothing about them. I’m a Honda Toyota guy but I love people doing the van life and the outdoor life and this Outback is one of the best looking van life suitable I’ve ever seen! Also I’ve heard these Subarus are reliable so if I was in the market I would definitely consider getting this Outback or maybe just an older cheaper one but I really like this one the most.
As a 2 times Outback owner I agree with Marek’s review.No competition in its category actually.But only if buyer has in mind his real needs.For me it’s a perfect car that plays medium in all categories.
We Love our Outback and Forester. We’re so glad that we found my wife’s Outback with Ivory interior and my Forester with saddle brown interior colors. We REFUSE to buy another vehicle with the 33 year old depressing grey or death black interior colors that became popular in 1990.
Thanks for the review. I have had a 1991 legacy wagon 2.0, 1996 2.0 imprezza, 2000 outback 3.0, 2006 outback 3.0, 2009 outback 3.0 and then a 2009 vw touareg. Touareg kept having costly issues. Just took a 2.4t outback for a drive and I'm sold. Definitely my next car. Coming back to subaru.
Great figures for roof rails. I managed to put on a roof top tent on a Skoda Scala with Oem roof rails and slept 2 people without any damage to the car, so thats a real achievment.
After driving a Volvo xc70 since i got my drivers license i am going subaru outback. Volvo is currently only going after premium markets after being the family car of sweden for like 60 years. I couldn't be more excited.
Mark appreciate your film. Thank you very much that you change your mind since last time I watch you that’s a good car I have one trust me I won’t buy different one.
I have had a 2005, currently have a 2019 and about to take delivery of a new Field Edition here in the UK. We get three models in the UK, and the Field is designed for farmers, hunters, fishermen and adventurers. With waterproof seats, it is perfect for me as I often get out the river with waders on, and straight into the car. I will miss the sunroof and front and side cameras which now only come on the top spec Touring, but I think the Field is much. Ore suited to my needs. I like the new look to, and in metallic autumn green with black chrome rather than silver, and black wheels, it has a stunning stealth look. My B trip has never been reset on my 2019, and is at 40.2 mpg average over 41,000 miles. Not bad for country roads and mountains full of kit. Love them!
Thanks for this by me long awaited review, which I find balanced, informative 👍 and spot on as per common sense. I considered this car lately since I changed mine, but got stopped by the powertrain since I do more motorway. In JDM they have a lovely 1.8 turbo petrol which could fix. It is anyway v good value and hardly overcome in its own niche. Bravo and well done as usual, Marek & Ana!
It’s a really great vehicle for Australia, especially for long trips on roads which are not the best. And if you travel to the outback, the Outback really comes into its own.
Few years ago I test drove a previous generation Outback facelift 2.5i over a weekend and it was OK, meaning, around average as a package, but quite expensive. Fuel economy was surprisingly good (8.8 l/100km) considering it had permanent all-wheel drive and I was driving roughly about 70% town / 30% motorway and my driving style has been said to be overly aggressive. Suspension was really good if you ignore the leaning in corners. Build quality seemed solid, interior was spacious and turning circle was good for a car of this size. Hated the power-operated tailgate, it was infuriatingly slow. Same goes to the infotainment system, although that was definite improvement over the pre-facelift version. The car was also somewhat faster accelerating compared to factory stats - I measured it around 9.5 seconds instead of 10.2 to 100 km/h, but I still rate it barely acceptable. About the gearbox - in my mind, this is the best implementation of CVT compared to other asian brands. This is the only CVT implementation that reminded me the good old epicyclic automatics. Now, that all is history. Fast forward to late 2022 and new Outback: Drivetrain: direct-injected 2.5 has more torque (but less power!), on paper, at least. Yet you cannot really feel the torque. It actually feels even slower than previous gen facelift model. Fuel economy was the same. CVT seems slower to react compared to previous model, I guess it's due to emissions regulations. Body: better sound insulation, more space for both, passengers and cargo. Electric hatch is finally faster! No more gas struts to hold up the bonnet and that's bad at this price point. Suspension: more leaning in corners, rattling when driving over multiple consecutive small bumps. Tech: better lights, better infotainment (still slow compared to European competitors!), more consistent driver aid system. Still feels solidly built overall. Now, if Subaru would work out the bugs in their new CB18 1.8 litre turbo petrol and put it into Outback, I think it would improve the package considerably, especially for the EU market. 🙂
The Subaru Outback 2010 Diesel was the best car I owned. So versatile and easy to drive no matter the weather conditions. I'm awaiting the Outback HEV. But it looks like it's only for 2025...
Brush ! Had one of these (prevoius model) 3 years ago as hire car in Sweden and Norway on skiing trip. Couldn't fault it in any way. Unstoppable on snowy and icy roads, and always felt safe and stable when compared to an SUV. Averaged 40 mpg, massive boot for luggage and skis. Adaptive cc best I've used. As ever love your reviews and you deserve many more subscribers. Cheers, Andrew
In US, we have XT Limited and Touring with Acoustic side glass, lexus ride, 3500 ib towing/350ib tongue weight. It's like WRX, Lexus LS and 4-Runner all in one. No competition tried Audi Q7 and similar but came back to this.
I would love to get the 2.4l turbo, that is really the only downside for me. And your reviews are really good, entertaining, informative and just the right length!
Just received 2022. Fully enjoy getting to know it's value through videos such as yours. I concur, poorly placed ubs ports in front. Could use better space for items in front
I don't understand SUVs anyway. I love the Outback. Really reliable and tough. Great review as ever, Marek. PS, you're definitely NOT as daft as a brush LOL
Love my Subaru Outback but I have the 2.4 Turbo in limited trim. 0-100 in under 6 seconds, but I live in Colorado now. If we move back to Germany, there is no way I would bring this car with me, at least not the 2.4 turbo. 😂 On a side note, it does get great fuel economy for what it is. It is important to note that Subaru uses a full-time Awd system with 60/40 torque split and it has the ability to send all of the torque to either axle. This is not a Haldex system like the VAG or Volvo products you were comparing it to. I used to have a Volvo wagon but you can’t beat the value the Outback offers.
Superb video Marek ! What a beast of a car. It has become more like an Off-roader since ever. A strange but very brave choice in this decade. It is perfect to tow a Horse trailer.
@@MarekDrivesENG Still the comment is applicable for the Octavia too, along with the Superb and Passat all track are not really off-road capable. Cheers and good work!
These are sold in Austria at the edge of twisty mountain roads at independently owned gas stations with a somewhat tradtional eatery, that also have a small showroom with Subarus, Suzukis, and the odd pickup truck. (Mitsubishi/Nissan/Izuzu) I like them. But at 9L/100km and 193CO2's they are neither cheap to run nor to insure. A RAV4 hybrid AWD might not be as cool but a better deal IMO.
Rijd zelf al een aantal jaren Subaru, waarvan de laatste 2 jaar een Outback van 2017. Wat een fijne auto. Denk zelf waar menig groot merk iets van kan leren qua comfort en rij eigenschappen. Groet uit Nederland 🇳🇱
To add to your great review, the outback has button at the back (beside the rear gate button) to set up a PIN with with digests to unlock the car without a key. So you can disable the key, leave it in the car when adventuring.
The previous generation had the antenna built into the rear window which I liked more than the shark one. Also, the hood had struts to left/hold it up but they dropped that too.
Thanks for another fantastic review. The car is not much to look at, but excellent under the skin. I like it even more after seeing the price as tested. You could even say it comes near to a "reasonable" option, whatever that is :) I would disregard the competitors by VW you mentioned, but for the money, a couple years old V90 Cross Country from the SELEKT offer might look like an interesting alternative. They come with a 2-year warranty. I am clearly a V90 CC freak; I can't control it. Still regretting selling it.
The facial recognition system is a bit of a gimmick as it sets up the driver's seating position too late. Do you need to squeeze in if a shorter person was driving the car before? Facial recognition is OK for phones, tablets, and other devices (when you don't wear a mask) but having a dedicated keyfob or phone access seems like a more elegant solution.
Thanks for the review Marek. The Outback seems to be very a competent all-rounder, which explains why it's been such a successful model for Subaru. My dad would love one of these, but out of his price range unfortunately.
Hahah - "daft as a bush" - now on tour in Europe! LOL 🤣 The Android Auto tiny screen is one of my biggest gripes. The Apple screen is OK. The CVT is jerky at slow speeds and cornering. I'd love a more refined trans. 23-27mpg on our Turbo. Otherwise this car is a really comfortable driver with some sweet drivers aids, incredible offroad manners. LOVE our 22 Wilderness 💪
A couple of extra things that the Outback has that rarely gets mentioned in any review: - The top trim gets Steering Responsive LED Headlights and Adaptive Driving Beam, the latter which allows you to leave your high beam on all the time and the car, in tandem with the EyeSight cameras, will block only parts of it to prevent blinding oncoming drivers whilst keeping the rest of the road fully illuminated. In Australia, both these features are standard across all Outback trims from 2023 instead of just the top trim, don't know about Europe. - All pushbutton-start Subaru's across all years and all models can set a tailgate access PIN code to unlock the car if you don't have the fob on you. This is useful to get into the car without breaking a window in a situation where a child or pet has locked themselves inside with the fob, for example. - Interesting to note that the European Outback is 210mm off the ground. The Australian version is only 213mm off the ground, presumably for better fuel savings (less air pushing up under the car), yet our Forester and XV/Crosstrek is 220mm.
Headlights were nothing to write home about compared to other cars available in Europe at this price point. I've just seen the tailgate pin video, and it's up there with land rover hand band, when it comes to useless features :) Ride height may have to do with the OEM tires use in different markets, but fuel economy/emissions can also be a factor.
@@MarekDrivesENG What didn't you like about the headlights? Light levels? Coverage? The PIN is a good supplementary feature given we have no other remote unlock options! =) Do you guys get any app-based control like the US do? We get nothing in AU. =( Your emissions are admittedly tougher than ours. Is there any likelihood you're getting the turbo Outback next year, or no chance?
In general when I drove this at night there was nothing special about the headlights. They weren't particularly good or bad (on XV they are terrible). Again, I drive 60-70 cars every year, so it has to stand out positively or negatively for me to really notice. I realise most people change cars every 5-10 years, so for them a switch from Xenon (or in same cases halogen) to the most basic dynamic LEDs can be a leap forward. I don't quite understand the need for secondary unlocking options. I have that on my MINI (through an app) and I used it once to show off to my friend. That didn't go too well, because the time it takes for the server to process the request, I was ready to take a rock and break the window :) In Europe an app is probably the only option an insurance company would reluctantly accept. Also, chances of one getting locked out of their car somewhere in the wild are slim to none. You'll have someone with tools to unlock the car within an hour. Subaru in Europe... I'm surprised they are still here. These are vey good cars for people, who live outside of cities. Maybe if I lived in a village in the Alps I'd look at a Subaru. But then I'd probably also have to take emissions into account, and what Subaru offers is quite inefficient by European standards. I'm not talking about real life, just WLTP ratings. So no, I don't expect we're going to get a turbo. Like we're not getting the Mazda turbo petrol engines, which is a shame, because their normally aspirated 2 and 2.5 liter motors don't deliver the performance their cars deserve.
@@MarekDrivesENG - Things are slowly moving to LED across the board here, so the sooner halogen dies out, the better. - Secondary locking options are of value where a child or pet has locked themselves inside with the fob. Happens more often than you think (at least here in Australia anyway). By having the PIN and no reliance on an app or Internet access, you can still get the car unlocked without having to break a window (or call a locksmith/roadside-assist who will inevitably do SOME damage to the door in the process of breaking in). - Appreciate Subaru is a bit of a dark horse in Europe. They definitely fit very well in Australia. Will be interesting to see future reviews when the majority of cars are EV vs EV.
In Poland (not sure what it's like in Western Europe) you don't want to leave a child or a pet in the car alone, because some good samaritan is bound to smash your window and rescue them from the cold, heat, you name it. I've seen people leaving cars on for AC to work, locking the doors, and putting up a big sign "don't break the window, AC's running, the dog's fine". Also, we have much better locksmiths. Assuming they actually have to use physical tools, they'll not leave a mark. And most modern cars these days can be opened electronically with devices you can get from the web. It's like leaving your car open and running all the time :) czcams.com/video/kOCf6-n6Rto/video.html&ab_channel=CNautokey
I'm as daft as a bush... LOL! That's a new one. People love Subarus here. Great in the snow, durable, big roomy... but for me this is the definition of dull. Alternatives? The new CRV? The Passport? Atlas Cross sport? Tiguan Allspace? Highlander? CX50? Anyways, even here the Outback is too big for my tastes. I think I'd check out the CX50 or RAV4 Prime.
@@MarekDrivesENG I know there are other wagons sold in NA, eg the A4 Allroad, A6 Allroad, E-Klasse All-Terrain, Volvo V60, etc. But over there, they’re more into pickups, SUVs and sedans.
The infotainment is the only thing that puts me off. The touchscreen is responsive, but some HVAC controls can only be accessed through it, which seems at best annoying and at worst dangerous to me. If it weren't for that I think I'd be buying one, as for touring around Europe with a tent, fishing tackle and canoe (inflatable 🙂) in the back I can't think of anything better.
Outdated looking but a great car. These are core Subaru values I guess. Pricing is very competitive indeed! However, in your review I missed three things: fuel consumption you were able to achieve; noise insulation (one of the weak points by default at Subaru); gearbox type? Is it CVT?
The noise insulation is actually quite good, mine has acoustic glass and on par with my previous Volvo 70. It has a CVT but I actually like it and it helps Subaru achieve a symmetrical system and better fuel economy.
I really like the look of the Subaru Outback and it’s a perfect vehicle for my profession as a rural estate manager, practical and capable if you need it in the rough stuff.
Motorway miles, I have achieved 40+ mpg at 70mph. It's around town it drops to nearer 30 mpg. Sound proofing is good and the doors shut with a deep thump.
Nice to include how Ana experienced the driver seat and adjustment. If possible, do it more and even backseat, reach tailgate and so on. An USP for the channel?
How is the reliability on Subarus? I drive a Mazda currently but seeing as they are moving to an all-SUV range I might be in the market for a Legacy. They look reasonably solid.
My first one was sold 8 years ago with 190,000 miles on the clock. I still see it driving around. When I had it, I had a wire break on the tailgate and a few blown bulbs. That’s was it. My second now has 40,000 miles, and has never missed a beat. I live in the Scottish Highlands so it’s been through deep snow regularly, farm tracks, wet and muddy fields and even 1000 mile road trips. Never an issue. I am about to take delivery of my third one (Field Edition) as it is literally built for people like me who use their car as a tool rather than a show piece. I also have a WRX STi (2017) with 60,000 miles. Bought from new the only issues was with the aircon, a stone ruptured a pipe and just had a rear wheel bearing replaced a few weeks ago. My farther drive Subarus in the 70’s and 80’s, so they are in the blood ☺️
The Outback seems to be a good option for those who need a decent all-rounder. I had Subaru Impreza on my wish list... But even that one I could not afford. 🙂 Honestly speaking I didn't need the awd either. Does Subaru have in Poland shorter delivery times than other car manufacturers?...
The electronics in this vehicle blows goats ! It’s constantly beeping and saying im departing my lane when im not . No power too 2022 wasn’t a good year for the outback .
Hi am from Canada, just curious why European cars like Skoda, Volvo, VW, Renault are more expensive in Poland??? Subaru supposed to be more expensive than them. Because Outback is assembled in Indiana (USA) European Outback is made in Japan??
In Europe cars are expensive. Period. Also the price includes excise duty (that may vary depending on the engine displacement < or > 2.0 L) and VAT (usually 20% or more). AFAIK in US/Canada MSRP doesn't include some (if any) taxes. In recent years cars have got even more expensive due to carmakers passing on emission penalties on to the consumers. When I filmed this review in 2022 the Outback seemed rather expensive. A year later it's no longer such a bad deal, maybe with the exception of performance, because more powerful engine variants are not available due to emission restrictions.
@@MarekDrivesENG its definitely expensive. I thought Canada is getting expensive. Due to extremely high price of used cars I ordered new 2024 Outback (2.5 Convenience trim) for 42,000 CA$ (everything included tax etc) not Euros lol. Should arrive here in August this year from Indiana I actually wanted forester but it comes from Japan and waiting times are over year. Outrageous
I am currently trying to decide between the outback and RAV4. I really like the outback because of its size and comfort, but that fuel consumption is killer... I am trying to convince myself that losing 10k on fuel costs over 150k km, compared to the RAV4, is worth it.
depends on where you are going to use it. in city traffic and short trips its gonna be much more compared to RAV4. on long trips and highways it is not that bad. after 17 k kms on the clock i am at 7 L per 100 km
I always laugh when I drive by some poor chap in a Subaru with all kinds of shit strapped to the outside of it. That used to be me, but now I have a Honda Odyssey - a real car that fits real things
Marek, you are not as daft as a bush. You are the most practical car reviewer for people who don't need Autogefühl and TFL. You are the Subaru Outback of the car reviewers, sort of. Not the most popular, but very good and, by the numbers, severely underrated. 😊
I agree!
Exactly, I like the fact that he honestly points all the negatives and positives to all cars that he reviews. And what most are missing is the driving dynamics/feel of a car.
But the lack of front parking sensors and that you bump your head into the opened tail gate hatch if you are taller than 5'10'' was omitted..
Few words about the Outback, I've been owning the top trim from 2022 for almost a year now.
But first - Marek, you rock, dude! Keep on with the great videos, this is by far my favourite car review channel!
Now, on the Back - when I took it from the dealer, the guy said only one thing - this is a car that you will be falling in love more and more during the time you drive it. And it's totally true, by the way! Coming from Dacia Duster and Renault Kadjar, the top trim feel like S-Class, honestly.
The ride is the smoothest I've experienced, feels almost like air suspension, but it's not. Way much better than the hard shaking of Mercedes GLE or BMW X5, for example. The infotainment system is pretty simple to use, it's not too complicated. The face recognition for the seat position is really nice. And it's with the best climate control I've ever had in a car (with the Renault, if you want the kids on the back seats to be OK, you will be freezing in front and vice versa). Boot is enough, never had to put the box on the car for extra luggage (I have two kids, 7 and 3 years old). Even managed to put the ski of my wife, diagonally and with some effort, but - hey, that's pretty good.
Safe systems are a lot, my wife hates the car, because "it doesn't let her drive as she wants" :D Meaning it gets her in the lane if she doesn't use the turn signal when she overtakes... o_O
The real life consumption - I live in Sofia, Bulgaria. It's hard to get under 11 l /100 km in town. On the highway with 140 it's around 8.5 - 9. On other roads with 90 km/h it's around 7.5 - 8 l/100 km.
The power is barely enough. At times you should be planning a bit the overtakes, it just misses the kick of the turbo and the car is not too alive, but it doesn't feel much underpowered also. For sure I'd prefer the 2.4 turbo engine for the US market, but... EU is EU, we won't get it.
Haven't really filly tested the AWD so far, we didn't have much snow last winter. The only real test was in a 20-meters mud pot and the car had zero problems with this.
The only bad thing so far is a strange glitch in the infotainment system that regularly disconnects the CarPlay from time to time. After 10 seconds it connects it again, but it's really annoying.
And the other thing is there is venting on the seats for the US market, but not for Europe, here is only heating. I'd really like to have the venting, even if I have to pay it like an add on.
Today I was searching if there is something better on the market with similar size, safety features, but with better fuel economy. Well, at the moment, I can't see a better family car for those money. If you want a 5-star safety for the family, descent space for luggage, first class smooth ride, huge clearance for getting a bit off the road and you can swallow the typical Subaru consumption - you will not go wrong with the Outback.
That's all from me!
Marek, take care and keep entertaining us with your reviews!
Thanks. And congrats on the car!
For overtakes, do you use the Sport mode? I find it is more than quick enough, and if you use the flappy paddle to knock it down a “gear” or two and it is surprisingly fast.
We drive a 2016 Outback all over Oregon USA on our kayaking adventures and have never had a problem. We live in an area measuring snow in meters where plowing may be days after a major storm and the Outback has never let us down in our 12 mile trips to town. Anybody choosing between an Outback and larger SUVs and currently owning both, the Subaru handles much better in icy snowy conditions and uses far less gasoline.
Well done, Marek! Glad, that you finally discoverd Subaru. Millions of Americans are not wrong!
Just loved it, thanks Marek. Also loved how you caughed and mumbled the vw name then the review popped up in the right top corner😂 top man 🤜🤛
Loved this review. Nice slow delivery style with a gentle sence of humour. Keep up the good work Mr Marek…
Glad you enjoyed it
We've had two Outback, one 2014 and the current one is from 2019, and we have been super happy with it. It's not the most silent coupé, it's not the most sporty engine, but it's rock solid on, and occationally slightly off, the road! I regularly tow my small 750 kg trailer and in the summer we tow our 1500 kg caravan comfortably. I've not had a single problem with any of my Subarus.
I really appreciate your honesty and humor (removing roof racks). You are the most concise & informative car reviewer in English language. You reminding me of my most inspiring teachers when I was a student. I wonder if you have ever contemplated to be one!
Thanks for the review! I have ordered mine, Platinum, and it will take several more days to take it home. Yey!!
I’ve just ordered an outback today, I’ve watched lots of reviews but yours is by far the best & informative I’ve seen. Thank you. David UK
Thank you. It's a great pleasure to read comments from satisfied viewers.
Love it mate. I just bought a 2023 Outback in the USA. Your video showed me a couple of things I did not know (the under boot storage is big enough for a full size spare!), and a couple of other things. Thanks for the comparison of driving modes, too. I enjoyed your delivery, very easy to listen to and uh yes, I also did not know about the roof racks.
Subscribed, thank you.
Glad it was helpful :)
I recommend Subaru without any reservation.
Thanks nuch, for the reviewing on the vOutback, awesome looking 😍😊😮🚗🚨.
You know I’m not even trying to buy a new car right now but I still like looking at other nice cars and nobody in my family has ever owned a Subaru and I know nothing about them. I’m a Honda Toyota guy but I love people doing the van life and the outdoor life and this Outback is one of the best looking van life suitable I’ve ever seen! Also I’ve heard these Subarus are reliable so if I was in the market I would definitely consider getting this Outback or maybe just an older cheaper one but I really like this one the most.
I like the sarcasm, especially regarding VW and booth space XD
As a 2 times Outback owner I agree with Marek’s review.No competition in its category actually.But only if buyer has in mind his real needs.For me it’s a perfect car that plays medium in all categories.
We Love our Outback and Forester.
We’re so glad that we found my wife’s Outback with Ivory interior and my Forester with saddle brown interior colors.
We REFUSE to buy another vehicle with the 33 year old depressing grey or death black interior colors that became popular in 1990.
Thanks for the review. I have had a 1991 legacy wagon 2.0, 1996 2.0 imprezza, 2000 outback 3.0, 2006 outback 3.0, 2009 outback 3.0 and then a 2009 vw touareg. Touareg kept having costly issues. Just took a 2.4t outback for a drive and I'm sold. Definitely my next car. Coming back to subaru.
Very good car and taking into account the crazy pricing of new cars at the moment good value too. Great review Marek!
Great figures for roof rails. I managed to put on a roof top tent on a Skoda Scala with Oem roof rails and slept 2 people without any damage to the car, so thats a real achievment.
After driving a Volvo xc70 since i got my drivers license i am going subaru outback. Volvo is currently only going after premium markets after being the family car of sweden for like 60 years. I couldn't be more excited.
Superb presentation. Not the Skoda but Subaru I was talking!
Amazing car...oh, and review by the way..!
Mark appreciate your film. Thank you very much that you change your mind since last time I watch you that’s a good car I have one trust me I won’t buy different one.
well done, great review!
Thanks for watching
I have had a 2005, currently have a 2019 and about to take delivery of a new Field Edition here in the UK.
We get three models in the UK, and the Field is designed for farmers, hunters, fishermen and adventurers.
With waterproof seats, it is perfect for me as I often get out the river with waders on, and straight into the car.
I will miss the sunroof and front and side cameras which now only come on the top spec Touring, but I think the Field is much. Ore suited to my needs.
I like the new look to, and in metallic autumn green with black chrome rather than silver, and black wheels, it has a stunning stealth look.
My B trip has never been reset on my 2019, and is at 40.2 mpg average over 41,000 miles. Not bad for country roads and mountains full of kit.
Love them!
Thanks for this by me long awaited review, which I find balanced, informative 👍 and spot on as per common sense. I considered this car lately since I changed mine, but got stopped by the powertrain since I do more motorway. In JDM they have a lovely 1.8 turbo petrol which could fix. It is anyway v good value and hardly overcome in its own niche. Bravo and well done as usual, Marek & Ana!
I do mainly motorway in mine, perfect car for it. Effortless and comfortable. I would recommend this car to anyone.
Really good review, and a great way of presenting. Just new to your channel and looking to buy an outback. Well done mate. (I'm Australian by the way)
Thanks and welcome!
What engines do you get Down Under? If possible steer away from the hybrid :)
@@MarekDrivesENG on Outback 2.5 and 2.4Turbo
It’s a really great vehicle for Australia, especially for long trips on roads which are not the best. And if you travel to the outback, the Outback really comes into its own.
Few years ago I test drove a previous generation Outback facelift 2.5i over a weekend and it was OK, meaning, around average as a package, but quite expensive. Fuel economy was surprisingly good (8.8 l/100km) considering it had permanent all-wheel drive and I was driving roughly about 70% town / 30% motorway and my driving style has been said to be overly aggressive. Suspension was really good if you ignore the leaning in corners. Build quality seemed solid, interior was spacious and turning circle was good for a car of this size. Hated the power-operated tailgate, it was infuriatingly slow. Same goes to the infotainment system, although that was definite improvement over the pre-facelift version. The car was also somewhat faster accelerating compared to factory stats - I measured it around 9.5 seconds instead of 10.2 to 100 km/h, but I still rate it barely acceptable. About the gearbox - in my mind, this is the best implementation of CVT compared to other asian brands. This is the only CVT implementation that reminded me the good old epicyclic automatics.
Now, that all is history.
Fast forward to late 2022 and new Outback:
Drivetrain: direct-injected 2.5 has more torque (but less power!), on paper, at least. Yet you cannot really feel the torque. It actually feels even slower than previous gen facelift model. Fuel economy was the same. CVT seems slower to react compared to previous model, I guess it's due to emissions regulations.
Body: better sound insulation, more space for both, passengers and cargo. Electric hatch is finally faster! No more gas struts to hold up the bonnet and that's bad at this price point.
Suspension: more leaning in corners, rattling when driving over multiple consecutive small bumps.
Tech: better lights, better infotainment (still slow compared to European competitors!), more consistent driver aid system.
Still feels solidly built overall.
Now, if Subaru would work out the bugs in their new CB18 1.8 litre turbo petrol and put it into Outback, I think it would improve the package considerably, especially for the EU market. 🙂
Love the review. I just bought a Forester, because it's more practical for our needs, but the Outback was the car I loved the looks of more.
Can you sleep in a forester or is it too small?
@@chrisx5127…to small…
The Subaru Outback 2010 Diesel was the best car I owned. So versatile and easy to drive no matter the weather conditions. I'm awaiting the Outback HEV. But it looks like it's only for 2025...
I've always liked the Outback. Like you....if I lived in the outback it would be top of the list. Another entertaining review.
if you lived in the Outback, you would need something a bit more substantial
@@shaun1900 ...as I'm from the UK, the outback is not as extreme.
@@AHarker100 there is no outback in the UK, it's geographically specific to a region in Australia.
@@shaun1900 ......you are sort of correct, but outback is still a description in the UK.
Brush !
Had one of these (prevoius model) 3 years ago as hire car in Sweden and Norway on skiing trip. Couldn't fault it in any way. Unstoppable on snowy and icy roads, and always felt safe and stable when compared to an SUV. Averaged 40 mpg, massive boot for luggage and skis. Adaptive cc best I've used.
As ever love your reviews and you deserve many more subscribers.
Cheers, Andrew
Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
In US, we have XT Limited and Touring with Acoustic side glass, lexus ride, 3500 ib towing/350ib tongue weight. It's like WRX, Lexus LS and 4-Runner all in one. No competition tried Audi Q7 and similar but came back to this.
I would love to get the 2.4l turbo, that is really the only downside for me.
And your reviews are really good, entertaining, informative and just the right length!
Turbo is available in US.
@@spol1622 I'm in Europe!
Just received 2022. Fully enjoy getting to know it's value through videos such as yours. I concur, poorly placed ubs ports in front. Could use better space for items in front
Watching from Melbourne Australia
I don't understand SUVs anyway. I love the Outback. Really reliable and tough. Great review as ever, Marek. PS, you're definitely NOT as daft as a brush LOL
:)
Love my Subaru Outback but I have the 2.4 Turbo in limited trim. 0-100 in under 6 seconds, but I live in Colorado now. If we move back to Germany, there is no way I would bring this car with me, at least not the 2.4 turbo. 😂 On a side note, it does get great fuel economy for what it is. It is important to note that Subaru uses a full-time Awd system with 60/40 torque split and it has the ability to send all of the torque to either axle. This is not a Haldex system like the VAG or Volvo products you were comparing it to. I used to have a Volvo wagon but you can’t beat the value the Outback offers.
GREAT review! I enjoyed your "European" perspective of this vehicle -- and I speak with probably a somewhat North American accent. 😁
Thanks :)
I wish we had the North American engine variants here.
Superb video Marek ! What a beast of a car. It has become more like an Off-roader since ever. A strange but very brave choice in this decade. It is perfect to tow a Horse trailer.
Hey great video, thanks! Btw- the car footage at the end is of Octavia, not Superb Scout.
My bad
@@MarekDrivesENG Still the comment is applicable for the Octavia too, along with the Superb and Passat all track are not really off-road capable. Cheers and good work!
These are sold in Austria at the edge of twisty mountain roads at independently owned gas stations with a somewhat tradtional eatery, that also have a small showroom with Subarus, Suzukis, and the odd pickup truck. (Mitsubishi/Nissan/Izuzu) I like them. But at 9L/100km and 193CO2's they are neither cheap to run nor to insure. A RAV4 hybrid AWD might not be as cool but a better deal IMO.
I have the outback and best car I've ever had
Rijd zelf al een aantal jaren Subaru, waarvan de laatste 2 jaar een Outback van 2017. Wat een fijne auto. Denk zelf waar menig groot merk iets van kan leren qua comfort en rij eigenschappen. Groet uit Nederland 🇳🇱
Bedankt voor het delen! Groeten uit Polen
W październiku odbieram z salonu nowego outbacka 💪
Mareczku pozdrawiam z Sydney
Gratuluję zakupu!
To add to your great review, the outback has button at the back (beside the rear gate button) to set up a PIN with with digests to unlock the car without a key. So you can disable the key, leave it in the car when adventuring.
* with 5 digits 🙃
Also, steering responsive headlights, front window/mirrors defroster and auto dipping side mirror when reversing.
The previous generation had the antenna built into the rear window which I liked more than the shark one. Also, the hood had struts to left/hold it up but they dropped that too.
in some brands the wheel will not only be ...counted... but charged too!
A lot of them on the roads of Australia, turbo petrol model arrives soon, prices are ok when compared to Europe…
I love my 22 Outback XT with the 2.4L turbo. (US)
Thanks for another fantastic review. The car is not much to look at, but excellent under the skin. I like it even more after seeing the price as tested. You could even say it comes near to a "reasonable" option, whatever that is :) I would disregard the competitors by VW you mentioned, but for the money, a couple years old V90 Cross Country from the SELEKT offer might look like an interesting alternative. They come with a 2-year warranty. I am clearly a V90 CC freak; I can't control it. Still regretting selling it.
The facial recognition system is a bit of a gimmick as it sets up the driver's seating position too late. Do you need to squeeze in if a shorter person was driving the car before? Facial recognition is OK for phones, tablets, and other devices (when you don't wear a mask) but having a dedicated keyfob or phone access seems like a more elegant solution.
good car!
Still love my XC70 D5 Polestar. Subaru will never look better. I do love the outback however.
I like it in a manual. TYVM
Thanks for the review Marek. The Outback seems to be very a competent all-rounder, which explains why it's been such a successful model for Subaru. My dad would love one of these, but out of his price range unfortunately.
Hahah - "daft as a bush" - now on tour in Europe! LOL 🤣
The Android Auto tiny screen is one of my biggest gripes. The Apple screen is OK.
The CVT is jerky at slow speeds and cornering. I'd love a more refined trans. 23-27mpg on our Turbo.
Otherwise this car is a really comfortable driver with some sweet drivers aids, incredible offroad manners. LOVE our 22 Wilderness 💪
My daughter bought an Outback and at the first service they wanted $300. That's NUTS!!
That's not particularly expensive. I paid $200 to have summer tires put on my MINI (plus the price of tires).
A couple of extra things that the Outback has that rarely gets mentioned in any review:
- The top trim gets Steering Responsive LED Headlights and Adaptive Driving Beam, the latter which allows you to leave your high beam on all the time and the car, in tandem with the EyeSight cameras, will block only parts of it to prevent blinding oncoming drivers whilst keeping the rest of the road fully illuminated. In Australia, both these features are standard across all Outback trims from 2023 instead of just the top trim, don't know about Europe.
- All pushbutton-start Subaru's across all years and all models can set a tailgate access PIN code to unlock the car if you don't have the fob on you. This is useful to get into the car without breaking a window in a situation where a child or pet has locked themselves inside with the fob, for example.
- Interesting to note that the European Outback is 210mm off the ground. The Australian version is only 213mm off the ground, presumably for better fuel savings (less air pushing up under the car), yet our Forester and XV/Crosstrek is 220mm.
Headlights were nothing to write home about compared to other cars available in Europe at this price point.
I've just seen the tailgate pin video, and it's up there with land rover hand band, when it comes to useless features :)
Ride height may have to do with the OEM tires use in different markets, but fuel economy/emissions can also be a factor.
@@MarekDrivesENG What didn't you like about the headlights? Light levels? Coverage?
The PIN is a good supplementary feature given we have no other remote unlock options! =) Do you guys get any app-based control like the US do? We get nothing in AU. =(
Your emissions are admittedly tougher than ours. Is there any likelihood you're getting the turbo Outback next year, or no chance?
In general when I drove this at night there was nothing special about the headlights. They weren't particularly good or bad (on XV they are terrible). Again, I drive 60-70 cars every year, so it has to stand out positively or negatively for me to really notice. I realise most people change cars every 5-10 years, so for them a switch from Xenon (or in same cases halogen) to the most basic dynamic LEDs can be a leap forward.
I don't quite understand the need for secondary unlocking options. I have that on my MINI (through an app) and I used it once to show off to my friend. That didn't go too well, because the time it takes for the server to process the request, I was ready to take a rock and break the window :)
In Europe an app is probably the only option an insurance company would reluctantly accept. Also, chances of one getting locked out of their car somewhere in the wild are slim to none. You'll have someone with tools to unlock the car within an hour.
Subaru in Europe... I'm surprised they are still here. These are vey good cars for people, who live outside of cities. Maybe if I lived in a village in the Alps I'd look at a Subaru. But then I'd probably also have to take emissions into account, and what Subaru offers is quite inefficient by European standards. I'm not talking about real life, just WLTP ratings. So no, I don't expect we're going to get a turbo. Like we're not getting the Mazda turbo petrol engines, which is a shame, because their normally aspirated 2 and 2.5 liter motors don't deliver the performance their cars deserve.
@@MarekDrivesENG - Things are slowly moving to LED across the board here, so the sooner halogen dies out, the better.
- Secondary locking options are of value where a child or pet has locked themselves inside with the fob. Happens more often than you think (at least here in Australia anyway). By having the PIN and no reliance on an app or Internet access, you can still get the car unlocked without having to break a window (or call a locksmith/roadside-assist who will inevitably do SOME damage to the door in the process of breaking in).
- Appreciate Subaru is a bit of a dark horse in Europe. They definitely fit very well in Australia. Will be interesting to see future reviews when the majority of cars are EV vs EV.
In Poland (not sure what it's like in Western Europe) you don't want to leave a child or a pet in the car alone, because some good samaritan is bound to smash your window and rescue them from the cold, heat, you name it. I've seen people leaving cars on for AC to work, locking the doors, and putting up a big sign "don't break the window, AC's running, the dog's fine".
Also, we have much better locksmiths. Assuming they actually have to use physical tools, they'll not leave a mark. And most modern cars these days can be opened electronically with devices you can get from the web. It's like leaving your car open and running all the time :)
czcams.com/video/kOCf6-n6Rto/video.html&ab_channel=CNautokey
How do I like it?! I own 2 of them. One 3.0l 2007 Platinum and one 2024 2.5l Platinum. 🙂
I'm as daft as a bush... LOL! That's a new one.
People love Subarus here. Great in the snow, durable, big roomy... but for me this is the definition of dull. Alternatives? The new CRV? The Passport? Atlas Cross sport? Tiguan Allspace? Highlander? CX50?
Anyways, even here the Outback is too big for my tastes. I think I'd check out the CX50 or RAV4 Prime.
One of the few station wagons to be sold in North America.
Actually THE wagon sold in NA. People around here don't seem to buy other wagons.
@@MarekDrivesENG I know there are other wagons sold in NA, eg the A4 Allroad, A6 Allroad, E-Klasse All-Terrain, Volvo V60, etc.
But over there, they’re more into pickups, SUVs and sedans.
The infotainment is the only thing that puts me off. The touchscreen is responsive, but some HVAC controls can only be accessed through it, which seems at best annoying and at worst dangerous to me. If it weren't for that I think I'd be buying one, as for touring around Europe with a tent, fishing tackle and canoe (inflatable 🙂) in the back I can't think of anything better.
Do you review G shock watches?
Your voice is so familiar to me.
Nope. That's not me.
Outdated looking but a great car. These are core Subaru values I guess.
Pricing is very competitive indeed!
However, in your review I missed three things: fuel consumption you were able to achieve; noise insulation (one of the weak points by default at Subaru); gearbox type? Is it CVT?
The noise insulation is actually quite good, mine has acoustic glass and on par with my previous Volvo 70. It has a CVT but I actually like it and it helps Subaru achieve a symmetrical system and better fuel economy.
I really like the look of the Subaru Outback and it’s a perfect vehicle for my profession as a rural estate manager, practical and capable if you need it in the rough stuff.
Motorway miles, I have achieved 40+ mpg at 70mph. It's around town it drops to nearer 30 mpg. Sound proofing is good and the doors shut with a deep thump.
Make absolutely sense if you need to drive into a snow storm
Or if you live inside one and need to get to work
Marek Ty bestio !!! Rozmawiasz w obcych językach?
Nice to include how Ana experienced the driver seat and adjustment. If possible, do it more and even backseat, reach tailgate and so on. An USP for the channel?
I wish if you could review Mahindra XUV 700 AX7L
We don't get that in Europe.
Fantastic car, but with such fuel consumption and emissions, it turns very expensive to run in Europe.
How is the reliability on Subarus? I drive a Mazda currently but seeing as they are moving to an all-SUV range I might be in the market for a Legacy. They look reasonably solid.
They are literally everywhere in Australia, and for good reason, they are dependable, reliable and totally built for the job. You cant go wrong.
@@shaun1900 Happy with that! Thanks for the info.
My first one was sold 8 years ago with 190,000 miles on the clock. I still see it driving around. When I had it, I had a wire break on the tailgate and a few blown bulbs. That’s was it. My second now has 40,000 miles, and has never missed a beat. I live in the Scottish Highlands so it’s been through deep snow regularly, farm tracks, wet and muddy fields and even 1000 mile road trips. Never an issue.
I am about to take delivery of my third one (Field Edition) as it is literally built for people like me who use their car as a tool rather than a show piece.
I also have a WRX STi (2017) with 60,000 miles. Bought from new the only issues was with the aircon, a stone ruptured a pipe and just had a rear wheel bearing replaced a few weeks ago.
My farther drive Subarus in the 70’s and 80’s, so they are in the blood ☺️
@@robbrownfield7677 very informative answer! My use case is nowhere near as robust as yours so that bodes well. Thanks
5:25 RTFM 😂😂😂
The Outback seems to be a good option for those who need a decent all-rounder.
I had Subaru Impreza on my wish list... But even that one I could not afford. 🙂
Honestly speaking I didn't need the awd either.
Does Subaru have in Poland shorter delivery times than other car manufacturers?...
Subaru in Poland (and Europe in general) is very niche. They have some new cars on the lot though.
You can buy used, they are very reliable
The electronics in this vehicle blows goats ! It’s constantly beeping and saying im departing my lane when im not .
No power too
2022 wasn’t a good year for the outback .
The UK motoring press dismiss Subaru as niche. In my experience they are very good and capable vehicles
It is a very good and capable vehicle niche :)
But the fact is Subaru isn't very popular in Europe, especially since it stopped doing rallies.
Hi am from Canada, just curious why European cars like Skoda, Volvo, VW, Renault are more expensive in Poland???
Subaru supposed to be more expensive than them. Because Outback is assembled in Indiana (USA)
European Outback is made in Japan??
In Europe cars are expensive. Period. Also the price includes excise duty (that may vary depending on the engine displacement < or > 2.0 L) and VAT (usually 20% or more). AFAIK in US/Canada MSRP doesn't include some (if any) taxes.
In recent years cars have got even more expensive due to carmakers passing on emission penalties on to the consumers.
When I filmed this review in 2022 the Outback seemed rather expensive. A year later it's no longer such a bad deal, maybe with the exception of performance, because more powerful engine variants are not available due to emission restrictions.
@@MarekDrivesENG its definitely expensive. I thought Canada is getting expensive. Due to extremely high price of used cars I ordered new 2024 Outback (2.5 Convenience trim) for 42,000 CA$ (everything included tax etc) not Euros lol. Should arrive here in August this year from Indiana
I actually wanted forester but it comes from Japan and waiting times are over year. Outrageous
In Poland that would get you a mid-trim XV with whatever they most basic engine is.
Unfortunately there’s a stigma with driving a Subaru here in the states: smelly, vegan, just stop oil, hash head, craft beer drinking van lifer.
I am currently trying to decide between the outback and RAV4. I really like the outback because of its size and comfort, but that fuel consumption is killer... I am trying to convince myself that losing 10k on fuel costs over 150k km, compared to the RAV4, is worth it.
depends on where you are going to use it. in city traffic and short trips its gonna be much more compared to RAV4. on long trips and highways it is not that bad. after 17 k kms on the clock i am at 7 L per 100 km
I bet if you ask non-car people, most of them will identify it as an SUV instead of a wagon. That thing looks 75% SUV, 25% wagon.
I always laugh when I drive by some poor chap in a Subaru with all kinds of shit strapped to the outside of it. That used to be me, but now I have a Honda Odyssey - a real car that fits real things
Audio not clear
Sounds fine on my side. Try different headphones/speakers.
@@MarekDrivesENG thanks
2 ton trailer vith a CVT 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I live about 4 hours away from the factory. Tell me what color you want.... screw the EU's rules.
Subaru engine and gearbox issues are well known... Poor economy and poor performance are all standard on this vehicle..
Neither are issues since the 2014 model year.
Way too expensive and poor quality.
Subaru outback limited 2021 . The worst vehicle I ever owned
The Roof Rack is plaine UGLY! I would not be found DEAD in this ugly car...