2018 Subaru Outback | CarGurus Test Drive Review

Search the new Outback listings on CarGurus: cargur.us/n6wF4
Subaru’s Outback arrived in 1996 as one of the original “crossover” vehicles that threatens to displace sedans from American roads. Reviewer Chris Wardlaw has liked the Outback since that debut year, and while he wouldn’t call the 2018 version perfect, he applauds its capability, its comfort, its safety, and its cost effectiveness. Wardlaw appreciates the 2018’s quieter cabin, new steering wheel, and the improved start-up speed of Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system.
Wardlaw tested an Outback 2.5i Limited, which uses a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder that produces 175 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque and delivers it to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission. The Outback also offers a 3.6-liter boxer 6-cylinder that makes 256 hp and 247 lb-ft, but Wardlaw says Subaru should ditch the six in favor of a turbocharged four, because Subaru fans enjoy high-altitude driving, and turbo engines can deal with thin air better than naturally aspirated ones.
Read the full review: cargur.us/n6wPG
Providing everything you need in a new vehicle, and nothing you don’t, the safe, affordable, and capable 2018 Subaru Outback is an excellent answer to the question of what to drive just about anywhere at just about any time.
One of the original “crossover” SUVs, the first Outback was a trim level for the 1995 Legacy station wagon. In 1996, in a stroke of sheer brilliance, Subaru jacked up the suspension, put some oversize fog lights up front, added white-letter tires, and called the Outback an SUV.
Remember, back then, the Ford Explorer was just igniting an American fervor for SUVs. But the Explorer was a truck, and it drove like one. By contrast, the Outback was a car, offering decent driving dynamics and good fuel economy in a package that also supplied all-wheel drive and lots of ground clearance.
Today, the Outback faces far more competitors than it did in the mid-1990s, yet it remains one of the best-selling SUVs in America. There is good reason for that, too.
#subaruoutback

[@justinsaiyan5587]

Everyone always says “No ones buying the Outback for its looks” and I’m over here like.. “Umm me?”

[@Intrepid175a]

He also said it didn't have enough cargo space???

[@haze1123]

I have a '19 Outback and I'm glad it doesn't have a turbo! Subaru turbos are fun, but totally unreliable... they tend to blow head gaskets at 100K miles which happened to my '06 WRX which I pampered and almost never drove hard. Yes, my Outback is a little underpowered, but I can live with it. The CVT is not bad either. My biggest complaints about the Outback are the front seats (the lumbar support is overly aggressive and way too high on the back), and the infotainment system takes 20 seconds to "warm up." While the infotainment system is initiating, you can't adjust the volume or turn off the music! Which is NOT GOOD if the last thing you were listening to was Howard Stern on SiriusXM and now you have kids in the car.

[@headcoach2721]

Nice common sense review. I have a 2019 Limited 3.6R and love it. It has lots of power and handles beautifully in the mountains. I have no issue whatsoever with this engine at altitude. Normally aspirated 6, or Turbo 4 ??......gimme the 6 any day. Turbos are notorious for costing thousands to repair.

[@davidgiles9751]

Your point about the lack of a turbo engine option is spot on - and the reason why I'll be replacing my old Impreza wagon (Outback Sport) for a VW Alltrack with it's 1.8L turbo and 4Motion AWD system. That, and the VW's DSG auto vs. the Subaru's CVT. Cheers, from the greater Denver, CO area.

[@subazealand9158]

Don't know where you from, but Euro cars are always more expensive to maintain, and probably less reliable. Small Turbo are nice when new...but in the long run, and because I don't buy brand new cars, I expect a car when it get 7 or more years, can still run good with minimal problems...I wouldn't take in that case a VW. SAWD or 4Motion...well..both are very good, but I wouldn't say is 4Motion is better. Just my humble opinion

[@lsu205]

hmmm.I live in a hilly area and my 2.5 gets 27 mostly city some hwy and 33 on the interstate

[@ssphoto66]

2014 2.5i, 30+ highway, avg 26

[@drothers999]

I bought the 3.6 litre version of the Outback after test driving both the 2.4 litre and the 3.6 litre. The 2.4 litre version engine had to work much harder to get up to speed and certainly was a bit sluggish compared to the 3.6 litre version.

[@TM-uy4jg]

Most car companies need to get a height adjusting passenger seat. Spot on.

[@steveprinty5674]

Troy Meuret Or at least supply a cushion to sit on if short passenger wants to see over dash. 🤨

[@NoZenith]

Vw is one of the few offerings

[@mikeallen6592]

i dont get you saying high center of gravity ,,,, when subies are known for low center of gravity,,,, da,,,, come on

[@metaljew4456]

Mike Allen Flat six or four banger is a horizontally opposed Flat 6 or H4 . Look up that style engine you will be blown away. Totally unique to Subaru. But the center of gravity is higher than a regular car because of the raised suspension for ground clearance.

[@WVFreebyrd]

Would be interested to hear CarGurus or any other users comments regarding the apparent widespread issues folks are having with the head unit/infotainment system on the 18 Outback.

[@FlyGuy457]

One year today of ownership for me, the Prem model. 32 mpg is average-in the winter, that goes down to 28. No problem in snow, ice etc, plenty of space, easy to drive and no issues. I should start my own youtube channel and cut down all the BS and get to the meat.

[@rayjensen4480]

Chris: I know that Car Gurus has already done a "review" on the new Subaru Ascent, but would it be possible for YOU to do another one.....your way? I found the review that Car Gurus did, especially as compared with other bloggers, to be sort of superficial and not very helpful. Your reviews tell it like it is.....which is what I'm looking for. Thanks!

[@ekuhlkamp]

Good review, but... "It needs more cargo space". Who has ever complained about the Outback having not enough cargo space?

[@roberta.lofgrenjr.9182]

More cargo space, is he kidding me or what. The 4 cylinder is more than peppy enough. I just bought the 2019 and I love it. Not to mention it is a good looking SUV. Providing to get the right color interior.

[@josephkearns4314]

2.5 Four has more than enough power for most situations. How fast do you need to go? I have a 2018 Premium and I love it! Averaging 28mpg almost always.

[@metaljew4456]

ekuhlkamp I just got a 2018 3.6R Limited with every single option the touring has except the brown leather. Mine is black leather. She has 18K miles on her and I paid $24K + tax. I got the balance of the factory powertrain warranty and a 5 year or 60K mile bumper to bumper warranty which even covers road rash if my wife kisses a curb with the nice 18” rims. I am immediately swapping out the horrible yellow halogen fog lights to LED’s so they match the LED headlights. Other than that we think the wagon is gorgeous. We also have a 2004 XC70 Volvo Cross Country. After 160,000 miles the 1-2 shift out of the 5 speed slushbox acts like she had a few to many shots of tequila. Other than that the wagon is a tank. Turbo 5 cylinder feels like she can run another 160K with ease. I can’t believe how perfect the paint held up here in NJ. AND there is no rust at all on the body. This will now be my older daughter’s car. I had a WRX IN 2002 and the AWD in deep snow is unstoppable. Can’t say the same about the Haldex passive system in the Volvo. It’s simply not as good as the Subaru AWD setup.

[@metaljew4456]

Joseph Kearns 175hp in a 3800 lb car is insane. Car is a slug! Can’t even merge on the highway. 3.6R is the only way to go IMO.

[@timstrom9832]

Drove the Outback, Sorento, Escape, Rav4, Tiguan, Rogue - all '17s and came away with the CRV XL for less than $30K. It was simply the best bang for the buck and continues to be an excellent choice. It has good acceleration, economy, safety suite and is very comfortable on the road along with being very agile, easy to park with excellent visibility. I bought a Garmin GPS with lifetime maps for what it would cost me to update the Honda system each year. The car has everything I need. I can carry 3 adult passengers and their golf clubs and tote a lot of stuff around with the seats folded down and tow my small utility trailer. I am very fussy about quality, fit and finish but have yet found anything to bitch about. This is my 4th CRV and the others - 98, 02, 09 all went well over 200K with no breakdowns and never left me stranded. I am a stickler for maintenance and the longevity of the vehicles is worth the cost for dealer maintenance.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

Nice review of my future car. :) I'm only waiting to see what the 2019 announcement brings. I would add though, a few things to this review that are important: - Lots of headroom - Great visibility out the rear quarter panel - The center console in minimal enough that you can stretch out your right knee on a road trip. - Nice soft interior materials, especially center arm rest and door. - Moonroof is nice as is. I don't want or need a panoramic moonroof, let alone pay more for one. Seriously, if one has kids, the last thing that kids want is the sun lighting up and putting glare onto their electronic devices. Personally, I think there is plenty of cargo space. Delightful really but it depends on what you are comparing to. (Kudos to Subaru for making the Outback quieter... now.... a turbocharged engine is needed)

[@agm6095]

The 2019 will be similar, the 2020 will be all new and that comes from a person at Subaru. Try the Ascent, that's what I'm waiting for.

[@K03sport]

... Subaru is missing a few things here, 1) Legacy GT wagon (spec b) 2) 6spd manual 3)the WRX engine in said Legacy GT wagon ... Some of us remember 2005 and miss it and wish Subaru would revive the "glory days" of the long roof

[@SinAlameda]

I bought a Buick Regal TourX (dumb name). Essence trim, so leather seats, mid-year refreshed instrument cluster and infotainment, AWD, for $27k. We'll see if the durability is there, but if you don't need off-road capability, it equals the Subaru in interior dimensions, and I think is much better looking. 250 hp/295 lb. Ft. Of torque, made in Germany, where it's an Opel Insignia Country Tourer. Just a point of consideration for anybody looking for options, not hating on Subaru! Note: few inexpensive cars in California. I found mine on AutoTrader in Kansas...

[@SubieandFriends]

Last year i got myself a used 2018 Premium model with every option you could get on that trim, like all the amazing eyesight safety features, factory navigation system, sunroof and powered rear liftgate...all for $23k including a 3 year/36k mile Subaru Gold Warranty.....8.7 inches of ground clearance paired together with subarus AWD and Xmode while getting over 30mpg in highway driving, I mean what is there not to love about it? More Power? Sure it would be nice but its powerful enough just the way it is, it's actually really easy to get over 100mph and not even feel like your going that fast....

[@thommodog]

Great review, thanks for taking the time to create :-)

[@TheAutisticEducator]

Use the paddle. Put it in sport mode.

[@sargentshares]

Great review! I just bought a 2018 3.6R Touring and love it! Why have I never owned a Subaru until now?! Dealer installed options I got were the remote start, body side moldings, wheel arch moldings, Thule crossbars, and Thule XL roof box. I have read the OEM factory installed tires are terrible in the snow, so will be looking at other options

[@WVFreebyrd]

Have you had any issues with infotainment systems (radio, head unit, etc.) freezing up or otherwise acting up? Seems like a LOT of folks are having issues with that on the 18 models. Thx for any info.

[@sargentshares]

WVFreebyrd I haven't had any issues yet. Just passed 6,000 miles.

[@WVFreebyrd]

Thanks, appreciate the response. Just seems like it's a hit and miss issue just depending on luck of the draw.

[@sacadosify]

You're supposed to use winter tires in the snow because they stay soft at colder temps so that you can stop faster when braking. Other tires aren't made that way and become stiff at cold temps. That said, we tested our smaller engine Outback on steep wintry (snow and ice) roads before purchasing it and were impressed with the handling even with the all-season tires. Still, we will get winter tires for safe braking on snow and ice.

[@sacadosify]

WVFreebyrd Supposedly the issue was fixed, but one month into having ours the media system did not start up at a rest stop. Luckily, it started up the next time we switched on the ignition. It only happened once and hasn't happened in the last 3 months since.

[@Jason99942]

If they're going to plop in a turbo into the Outback (2020?), hopefully it will still run on regular unleaded gas. E.G.: Honda with their 1.5T or 2.0T engines in the Civic,Accord,CR-V - all running on regular gas and quite peppy engines.

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

4:13 "Passenger seat doesn't have seat height adjustment", just as the camera pans over the electronic seat height adjustment button...

[@BrianHoff04]

That also made me wonder as well.

[@jasonthach44]

4 cylinder is still good enough for a daily drive.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

Agree. Most of us could care less about 0-60 times in 5 seconds. I rent these Outbacks quite often and seldom have any issues on the highway either. I go 75 mph and seldom try and cut in and out of traffic, needing to zoom from 75 to 90 in 2 seconds. I guess if you are aggressive and like to pass people more power is needed. :)

[@sandrahutchinson9536]

Jason Thach bb

[@roberta.lofgrenjr.9182]

@@TruthHasSpoken Who the hell goes 0-60 in 5 seconds or even wants to. the 4 cylinder is peppy enough for Christ sakes!

[@ericripley9739]

Have to agree with Jason. Im an old fart who got his license on a 30hp Mini and drove a couple of beetles, a Vega and a couple of K cars. So a 170 hp Outback is a hot rod to me.

[@bextar6365]

C G........The Outback is "N0T" a SUV or CUV it is a Wagon ! ........I do not like what Subaru has done with the front and rear bumper black cladding change, new headlight design looks somewhat better otherwise no body panel changes.I own a 2016 Prem. 2.5 and can easily achieve 35 mpg on hwy. between 55 and 60 mph.in the hilly twisty Ozarks...........not safe to drive faster.

[@sacadosify]

Bextar636 Interesting. We love the new, better protected paneling around the lights. Being raised so high, I would definitely say it is a crossover. The smaller Honda and Toyota SUVs are cramped and low to the ground in comparison. The Forester of course drives more like an SUV and is less comfortable and rolls more. We drive 60 mph around twisty turns on mountain passes and in canyons with no problem. Different strokes for different folks.

[@K03sport]

... Here, here...yes, i long for the return of the Legacy GT wagon w/6spd and WRX engine...if they are going to continue building wagons, they might as well build one that is actually more fun to drive better suited for the road

[@diegomontoya8889]

Very good review Chris. Your critiques are the same ones I have, especially the turbo 4 cylinder engine gripe (put the WRX engine in it already). I do like the cargo volume though. If you compare it to the Mazda CX-9 and KIA Sorrento, both of which I really like, it's right on par with them in cargo volume. Honda CR-V is in that wheelhouse too. The safety tech is on point in Subarus and is practically Volvo good, but for $20,000 less than a V70 XC... I still dream of owning a Volvo V70 XC, but the price is high and there is something like 18 cubic feet less of cargo capacity than an Outback... That's like a Chevy Impala's trunk less space. This is on my short list to replace my KIA Soul, but I'd like to see the upcoming Ford Bronco first. Kind of an odd comparison, but this is America, so it doesn't have to make sense. :)

[@muttmitchell4675]

Bill H I have looked at that one, but to me it just seems kind of bland looking. I know the Outback isn't exactly a looker either, but to me, wagons look better than most crossovers out there. Just my personal preference of course.

[@juschill7]

Hi Chris, would you mind doing some reviews about tools from Harbor Freight. Your review style seems perfect to do so. Thanks!

[@metaljew4456]

juschill7 Yes! Love me some HF!

[@joshhuber130]

Great video I test drove a v6 subaru and I loved it

[@ericripley9739]

Dont think Subaru makes a v6 Know what a flat 6 is?

[@metaljew4456]

Josh Huber Not a V6. It’s a horizontally opposed six pot

[@zennoodle]

Don't ever trust anyone that drives with one hand at 12 o'clock.

[@jeebus022]

But he's the cool, hip late 50s guy!

[@hitmun007]

I drive at 6oclock 😅

[@dansheffield4021]

I only trust the lady that drives at 10 and 2 with her face planted firmly in the windshield.

[@rinunculartoo3006]

Interesting you have same thought as myself re turbo charged 2.5i engine for the outback. Makes perfect sense.

[@MrStarTraveler]

I'd love a 3.6L turbo XD

[@63DW89A]

Solid call on the turbo 4-cyl 2.5L. Another possibility is to have a 3.0L H4, and drop the 3.6L H6 altogether. The 3.0L size is practical in a horizontal 4, would be strong normally aspirated, and turbocharged could easily achieve an engine in the 350+HP/ range with torque above 350 ft lbs!

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

3.0 is starting to get outside the physical efficiency range of a 4 cylinder engine, better to make it a 6 cylinder.

[@paulfazi]

I was really thinking about getting a preowned outback compared to a Grand Cherokee ... went with the GC, and still happy that I did. More cargo room, and the gas mileage isn't too bad at all, I get about 17 in town and at times up to 27 on the highway. The outback needs more power, even the V6 is sluggish. .

[@martingr12365]

You chose second best, and Subaru’s are Boxer engines not a V configuration.Derrrrr

[@metaljew4456]

Paul Fazi You have no idea what you are talking about. Flat six kicks ass! I think it would hold its own against my 2018 Audi A6.

[@gratefultube]

We went from a 1999 4Runner to a 2018 Outback. Very, very happy with the upgrade.

[@karikaru]

Hey Bob, you still happy with your outback? I'm going to be looking at a 2018 with 60k miles in the next couple of days

[@gratefultube]

@@karikaru Our 2018 Outback Limited is the best car I've ever owned. Just make sure you have it maintained and repaired by a reputable non-dealer shop.

[@karikaru]

@@gratefultube thanks Bob!

[@lduranceau8046]

One of my neighbors just got one of these, and for some reason, I can't take my eyes off it. And I've got an Audi A4.

[@chriss729]

It's got a pretty nice ass.

[@marianamedina1039]

trade your audi a4 for subaru then. you will hate it 4ever. subaru is really slow when it comes to acceleration compare to a4 quattro.

[@rabishankarpal]

CVT engine sucks .. warranty service is worst.. electric wiring gets burnt up anytime while driving and dealer said : “Manufacturing defect :) “ Only pros : AWD with this price is unmatched among its all competitors. If you are only thinking about AWD with cheaper price compromising rest all feature then Subaru is the choice . As I have outback 3.6 R , 2018, I experienced above things in 30K miles on it. I did not explore its cons before I purchase and I can’t repent for my sins :)

[@SubieandFriends]

2017 top trim outback’s had a 7in display where now they have an 8in display making it 1in bigger than before

[@hambowednesday9307]

The worst thing you could do is replace the natural 6 with a turbo 4. I have a turbo 4 now and I'm looking for a natural 6. Turbos blow.

[@stephenhendricks103]

In 2012 my wife and I drove just about every SUV/CUV on the market to replace our much loved Saab wagon. The final two candidates were a Subaru Outback and a KIA Sorento. We ended up going with the Sorento based largely on my wife's preference for the seat and seating position. (She's the primary driver.) This year we went back and did the same dance. We found the Outback almost unchanged while the 2018 Sorento was improved/enhanced in dozens of ways. In fact, virtually every complaint (and more) about our 2012 Sorento had been addressed while the Outback was basically the 2012 vehicle dressed up in slightly different clothes. The choice was not even close. Six years is a dog's life in terms of automobile design. And while I understand Subaru owners' loyalty to the brand, the Outback is woefully outdated today.

[@iforc]

Just wait for 2020, all your dreams are coming true. except maybe the height adjustment.

[@skymetallic]

And a global pandemic

[@curtis1951]

Anyone know if they fixed the head gasket problems?

[@BuildMobiIe]

Yeah it was fixed a while ago

[@K03sport]

Arhggg...it's not a SUV, it's just a raised wagon...I wish companies would stop changing the category of a car to sell more...if anything, it's a LUV (lifestyle utility vehicle) as there is nothing sporty about it. Where is all of their design money going? Into their safety tech?

[@karenpaulson]

I have a question regarding your merging problem...acceleration from rolling...why can't you hit the down paddle shifter to get to a lower gear to give yourself a little more oomph? BTW: I hope someone hears you about the height adjustment on the passenger seat. We are picking up our new Outback in a couple of days, and that is my only disappointment. Low passenger seats is why I always have to drive in the Blue Ridge and Smoky mountains. If I let my husband drive, I get carsick sitting so low.

[@tekz6435]

Wow only 22mpg in real world driving? Uses a CVT and is 5-passenger...kinda low vs EPA estimates. The CX9 is larger with 7-passenger configuration yet does 23mpg in real world and EPA...just saying

[@JoeHamelin]

In my 3.6R 2017 I got 24.9MPG over 3,337 mile two week road trip. Seattle to Las Vegas and back, mostly two lane highways. Not bad, and I did lot of passing. Found out the cruise control only goes up to 90MPH (Las Vegas to Reno part of the trip.)

[@teabag3854]

All 4 of my 2.5i subies average 30.3

[@Fingerprintguy]

One tester's review shows the low overall MPG. Couple that with his comments about lackluster acceleration and one can speculate he has a bit of a lead foot. The older I get the more time I budget into my travels and the less I drive on freeways (highways here in the East)

[@binyanlumagnettradingltd5938]

Just bought 2018 outback , i am very happy about it. Only complain about car is the key. It seems outdated at least 10 years. lol. Btw I am from nz, maybe oversea market hasn’t got that problem. Technology is slow here! Haha

[@jbkahl]

Love my 2018 Crimson Red Premium. Decided against the Eye Sight option too much going on.

[@JoeHamelin]

Silly, you would have loved it.

[@metaljew4456]

zipperzeppa Eyesight is fantastic

[@coolissimo69]

The way you pursuit CarGuru channel is despicable , that chanel has nothing to do with your channel, regarding content . Just came by to say this. Will never ever see any one of your videos.

[@Mr7Poz]

As soon as you said Buick, I knew what you were talking about. Not what I felt in a 2017 3.6.

[@bill8298]

Hey Subaru.... I've owned Outback XT wagons for years ...but your new models just don't cut it for power here in Colorado mountains. So sadly I bailed on Subaru and went with an 6 cyl. Audi . We need more passing power for high altitude mountain passes ...and until that happens your losing a ton of sales...so unnecessary.

[@fartnutssupreme4930]

Bill I don’t know, I’m in a 2016 outback 3.6 and in Colorado too and don’t really feel it lacking. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they can’t improve...like a strong turbo option but otherwise it’s not all that bad at altitude in my experience.

[@Jason99942]

When you're puttering around town in your 3.6r Outback, what kind of mpg are you getting? 16-18 mpg approx?

[@fartnutssupreme4930]

Jason99942 yeah give or take, the city mpg def isn’t great though surprisingly highway cruise mpg is great I average about 29-30mpg depending and that’s with a bike rack and loaded car. Again great for the engine size and car it is.

[@Jason99942]

That's great highway mpg. I'm sure you appreciate the extra oomph it has to pass on highways.

[@sacadosify]

Doing just fine on the mountains and passes of Montana.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Definitely, a turbo 4 cylinder would be nice. But imagine adding a twin turbo to the 3.6!

[@BanBiofuels]

Lousy gas mileage is the price the world is paying for the SUV craze. If you could buy a station wagon version of the Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion the world would use less oil, which would lower prices for everyone. Most SUV owners never take their vehicles off the road anyway, so what's the point? Families got along just fine before SUVs even existed. Life is survivable without one.

[@teabag3854]

This guy is also full of shit about the gas mileage.....I've owned 6 Subarus none got less than 28 mpg missed driving conditions....if you reset you trip and pull out of a parking garage and do stop and go driving you will get lousy mielage....this is not a fair mpg test therefore don't mention mpg in your review

[@bbhoustontx]

Ditto on that turbo.....get with it subaru!!!!!!!!!!! you already have the damn thing???????

[@JoeHamelin]

Check your graphics at 1:11, the 3.6R engine is an H6, not an H4.

[@neosho53059]

Could I pull off a 4cyl in the mountains??? Does it have enough power?

[@fasksaleem4109]

Awesome review ❤❤❤

[@The_JL_Podcast]

yeah you get 3 years of map updates but you may only get 1 update during that time.

[@tatsuokumagai1941]

They need to bring back Legacy GT station wagon with manual transmission. I drive a 2005 GT wagon with MA.

[@andrewklee4747]

The elimination of the MT in Outback is why I went from my 2005 Outback with MT to a sweet shifting 2014 Honda Accord with a 6 speed MT when replacement time came around!

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Subaru has never been a leader in fuel economy. The AWD seems unnecessary .........unless............you live where it snows heavily, you do a lot of off road driving, or you drive to snowy areas often. As a city and freeway commuter car in the sun belt it would be great if they made a FWD model. I had two FWD Subaru station wagons and they were great, but I had to give up on Subaru when everything became AWD.

[@SophisticatedAss]

rizzle razzleuno your comments makes no sense, why would you want a Subaru if you don’t even consider the benefits of having AWD... that’s the bread and butter of the brand, also it is beneficial to all driving conditions not just snowy or off road.

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

@@SophisticatedAss Sorry, I think my comment makes sense. I have been driving for 56 years without ever owning or needing a AWD vehicle, even living in areas where it snowed. Prior to 1996 Subaru sold 2-wheel drive cars in the US; the two FWD wagons I had were great. Most vehicles are not AWD or 4-wheel drive and millions of drivers around the world get along just fine with front or rear wheel drive. The BRZ is rear wheel drive and in Japan you can buy a FWD Impreza sedan and hatchback, and other cars with FWD they don't sell in US. If I lived in a super heavy snowy area I would definitely consider owning a AWD vehicle. 🙂

[@brucehaskell9436]

never knew abour RAB turn off! Brakes slam on when backing near some low bush. Thanks!...Subaru needs a nice CD to play about operation!

[@iforc]

get a good salesperson. They should all be showing this too you.

[@joshhuber130]

Why didn't you get the 3.6

[@SubieandFriends]

Cuz people can buy whatever they want, people can get the 6 cylinder to be 2 seconds quicker on 0-60mph or you can get the 4 cylinder to get 5 more mpg at 32mpg compared to 27mpg on the 6 cylinder. I myself feel like the 4 cylinder is pretty peppy and constantly see myself going alot quicker then it feels....I have a video showing how quickly it accelerates from a dead stop and it got to 112mph rather quickly....also when I go on roadtrips i set up the adaptive cruise control at 75-80mph and thats when I get an average of 32-34mpg and I'm very happy with that....

[@fasksaleem4109]

Really impressive shopping for one soon.

[@msobrevia]

Passenger doesn't have a seat height adjuster? 2017 has

[@cariefrost2930]

I would love 300 horse power in my Subaru.

[@BTC909]

Those fogs are nasty looking. Go with a multi-directional LED design if you want to cover a wider area which I am assuming the current ugliness is for.

[@jameslong3190]

I'm confused about your opinion about the 2.5i. You said that the 2.5i was adequate then you said it was frustrating to use in LA traffic. Huh?

[@jeebus022]

Just about every other review video I've seen has said the 2.5 is perfect for every day. This guy is a quack.

[@JBM425]

He did say at the beginning that the 3.6 L six is the better option.

[@piersandromannino4109]

I got a 2005 Subaru Legacy with the same engine and an old fashioned 4speed automatic and I get over 25mpg easily. How this brand new car, with a more refined and modern transmission gets a worst mpg ?

[@63DW89A]

Lead-footed driver can kill the MPG. I have a 2016 Subaru Forester CVT. If I drive carefully using the MPG dash gauge, I get 26-27MPG in town. If I punch hard off traffic lights, then the MPG drops to 21MPG in town. Driving carefully does not mean slow acceleration either, as the Forester accelerates very well up to speed while trying to maximize MPG.

[@Sophos1964]

It’s slightly heavier with more sound deadening & higher grade trim.

[@TheAutisticEducator]

You have a heavy foot.

[@steveconway11]

Great review. You hit the points that matter most.

[@rodneymacdonald778]

Very comprehensive, thank you. 3.6r all the way... Looking to sell our 2.5 from 2010 to buy a 2018 with V6.

[@Sowa56]

What is a difference between Outback 2015 and 2018?

[@metaljew4456]

Emi Grant Watch the video again and do the bong hits after

[@frs2768]

More cargo space??

[@keytothegate68]

That is a 40+ K loan

[@AB-hz4xm]

great review!!

[@ssphoto66]

The 4 cylinder is enough, despite your comment. This is not meant to be a rocket ship.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

Right (mountain states aside). I never, ever, need to go from 0-60 in six seconds. This metric doesn't apply 99% of the time for 99% of the population.

[@JoeHamelin]

But the 3.6R is so fun in the mountains! I can fly over Snoqualmie at [REDACTED] MPH all day.

[@sacadosify]

I live in a mountain state and have no problems with the smaller engine going up passes. In fact, on flat highways the car wants to drive in the 80 to 90 mph range.

[@jheichelbech]

H4 vs H6 not as revelant sice both use timing chains but the cvt is enough for me to wait at least a generation to see longevity and repair costs.

[@carlcolvin8320]

I think that I will stay with my MB GLE 350

[@metaljew4456]

Carl Colvin OK SNOB Boi. You could buy two flat six loaded Outback’s for the price of the German and the Subaru will blow right by you on the road as yours is being loaded onto the flatbed truck on it’s way to the shop for yet another expensive repair. Oh you leased it? How are those 800.00/month payments working out for ya?

[@wscott9779]

Bring the Levorg to North America.

[@jameslong3190]

This reviewer backs out of his driveway? C'mon, do not back out of your driveway. Back into your driveway please. Many children are killed annually, because too many of us will not change our behavior and back into our driveways. There are several benefits to this for which I don't need to list here, they can be found with web searches.

[@mannypalacios76]

I get my Subaru on craigslist cause i cant afford new one at the dealership

[@La-yt1wr]

I’m buying a new car what car should I buy 2018 Nissan Maxima SR, 2018 Subaru Legacy Limited 3.6, Volkswagen Passat Sel Premium V6 or 2017 Honda Accord Touring V6?

[@AHEmma96]

Lavonte A Legacy or Accord

[@MrZedblade]

Subaru is a great choice if you want AWD. Otherwise all the cars are very good, get whichever one you like the best. The VW probably is the most fun to drive but the Subaru may be the most practical, it being AWD and generally having a good reputation for reliability and resale value. Although really other than the AWD the gap is pretty small and it's probably a wash, so get whatever you like driving the best.

[@swanblake]

Accord or Maxima

[@randym195]

Hard to decide. My list is similar and would include the 2018 Camry XLE V6. I have not driven any of these cars yet but I'm hoping to like the Subaru 3.6 R Limited the best. The Honda is just too low for my taste. Love the design and interior of the Maxima, so for me it would between the Maxima and the 3.6 R. Enjoy your test drives!

[@La-yt1wr]

Randy M Thanks for the info I had a pol on instagram on which one I should buy the Maxima or the Legacy there was a Half and Half.

[@normt5463]

Get eh Regal TourX for $29,999 for a better overall car.

[@johnjames7712]

Norm T resale is terrible, very cheap feeling interior and an unrefined powertrain. Looks good, but I’d rather go with the Outback.

[@ianalexander2017]

Looks horrible

[@dmehd046]

Needs more cargo space????? No it doesn’t Lol

[@alfettaracer7811]

C

[@venictos]

First? No one cares? Okay...