2020/2021 Subaru Outback Base, Premium, Onyx XT, Limited, and Touring Differences

[@CarDietrich]

PLEASE NOTE: This video was made with 2020 model Outbacks, but there are very few changes for 2021. Steering Responsive Headlights (turn with the steering wheel at night are standard on all 2021 Outbacks, as well as Rear Seat Reminder and a Seat Belt Reminder that will give an audible chime if anyone in the car (backseat passengers included) does not buckle up.

[@jtralongo1]

Dude, this is an excellent video. No one ever talks about the base model or mid level trims. I wish there were more like this. One nice think to mention for buyers of the Premium is the $600 Rockford Fosgate amp and speaker upgrade. Nice way to get nearly as good a sound as the Limited's H/K system.

[@CarDietrich]

I agree, the Rockford Fosgate upgrade sounds great. Thanks for watching!

[@genegranillo8167]

Easily the best thorough presentation of the Outback I have seen. We have a 2018 and a 2019 Outback and are very happy with both. Subaru sales people should watch this as most are terrible sales people and don't know their product.

[@CarDietrich]

I know mine! I am currently laid off though, but luckily I'll be ok. Thank you for watching!

[@Summosso]

The first to the point easy to digest video review of a car I’ve seen in many years

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for watching! I made a similar video on the new Forester too if you're interested in that one

[@mbmatt100]

This was by far the best video I’ve seen on the outback. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@CarDietrich]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you for watching!

[@jimwalsh7088]

A few other things that are missing from the base model: No 12 volt power point in the console box, no "puddle lights" on the bottoms of the doors, the outside mirrors do not include turn signal indicators. The steering wheel and shifter handle are plastic instead of leather. Also, the base model has limited exterior and interior colors. For example, I wanted gray upholstery with my Abyss blue paint, but on the base, you can get any color you want as long as it is black.

[@roberthenry9319]

Agree with the viewers' comments that there are no other Internet videos available that illustrate all of the 2020 Outback features. This is a very unique and awesome video. It should be required viewing for all Subaru salespeople, mechanics , prospective buyers and dealers. Thank you. This is marvelous. RHenry, M.D.

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you Doctor!

[@2098elk]

Recently purchased a 2020 Outback. This is the first video that I've seen that shows the difference between the various model trims. The manual doesn't really help figure out what you have and what you don't. Thanks.

[@kentblairl]

Very informative, thanks for taking the time to make the video. Wish we'd seen it before we went to the dealer, but we got lucky as they had a Limited XT that was a perfect fit for us. What a smooth quiet ride and she really grips the road, our first time with symmetric AWD and we love it.

[@j.j.h.atemycereal]

That Java Brown Nappa interior is marriage material.

[@entity1263]

Wish the harmon kardon speakers came with the onyx version

[@jrwynn49]

only thing im having changed once my onyx arrives this week

[@tjstrong3607]

Thanks so much HW12--- Your about the only review for a BASE Outback--- which still looks very good. I like the 2 screens as much as the 11'-- but I would love Heated/Power seat. Thanks Again--

[@CarDietrich]

No problem my pleasure. If you want to see a little more detail on the duel-screen base model check this one out... kzbin.info/www/bejne/q32llZ18o7KIftk

[@gregherman4691]

I purchased a new Outback in 2017, had RAB and many electrical problems from the start. After only a couple of months I had the car in the deanship for repairs, . The dealer only deleted the PC history, did nothing to fix the problem, and does not supply the needed paperwork to prove I was there. This practice is still going on today. The service tech brags, "as long as I work here, no one will ever qualify for Lemon Law protection " Problems got MUCH worse. In for repair 10 + times, towed in 4 times. After contacting Subaru customers support, they said because the dealer refused to supply paperwork for your visits, they refused to refund my money for the Lemon they sold me. I could almost hear Subaru saying " GOT YA SUCKER " Car was traded in, because it would not work, still under warranty, still not fixed because they didn't know how to fix it. Lost well over $14,000 because Subaru does not stand behind their cars, or the customer.

[@ezakustam]

Why don't all the XTs have Dual X-Mode? Why would anyone want their top trim to be less capable? They don't play these games with the Forrester. I've heard that even the engineers claim that Deep Mud and Snow Mode is more than just X-Mode with traction control off. What do you think?

[@CarDietrich]

Unfortunately I haven't tested the Deep Mud/Snow mode, but its all in the software which means that A) It might make a very noticeable difference but it might not and B) it really wouldn't cost much if anything at all to add it to the other models. But hey, you gotta give the marketing department something to do

[@PapaDougsAdventures01]

I was excited to see the packages offered on the Touring XT like you did on EVERY other model ARGH. I see an Standard option 32 and a Standard option 41. What’s the difference?

[@CarDietrich]

Touring and Touring XT are identical besides the engine. All Tourings are Standard Option 41 regardless of engine, there is no factory option packages on Touring. Option 32 is the standard option on Limited XT, which again has no factory option packages available. On the regular (Non-XT) Limited you have standard option 31, and option 34 which adds Navigation, moonroof, Driver Focus system, and heated steering wheel, and two grand to the price. All Limited XT and Touring models regardless of engine include those features.

[@1717jbs]

On the base model it may be privacy glass. Didn't hear anything about acoustic glass on the Limited XT or Touring XT.

[@pbiceodan]

Thanks so much very detailed and informative!

[@AnhNguyen6]

Great video! Just curious, can you get an onyx edition with key start instead of push Button?

[@CarDietrich]

No, all Onyx Edition Outback have the push button start. Thanks for watching!

[@chrismanifavas1065]

@@CarDietrich hi, would you know if any of the 2020 xt outback editions come with sport #/ sport/intelligent SI drive modes? Thanks

[@migueles4834]

A great video mate. Thanks a lot. Great level of detail and relevant information to understand the real differences between the various trim levels and models. I'm interested in checking out the Touring version. Would you know if the same versions will be available in Europe and with the same naming conventions? Again, thanks a lot and keep up the good work. Cheers ;)

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I have no clue what Subaru will do in other markets, a quick perusal of subaru.co.uk tells me they are still selling the previous generation Outback new right now, I imagine this new body style that I detail in this video will be debuting there later this year. The only two trim levels in the UK right now are 2.5i SE Lineartronic and 2.5i SE Lineartronic Premium. The regular 2.5 SE is closely aligned with our Premium model (from what I can tell), and the SE Premium is more like our Limited model. This is a much more limited lineup than we have here in the US market. Even for the 2019 model year we had all the trim levels I show here (except Onyx XT which is all new for 2020), and we had two available engines, the 3.6R six cylinder was the more powerful motor last year in the USA. This leads me to believe the Outback lineup will continue to be more limited there (sorry for the bad news mate!) but I could be wrong and I don't have any actual info, this is all just an educated guess.

[@migueles4834]

@@CarDietrich, thank you very much for taking the time to reply and to investigate the european lineups. Good to have factual-based information. You've won a new follower to your channel. Thanks again and keep up the nice work. Cheers 😊👍

[@CarDietrich]

My pleasure and thank you very much Miguel!

[@bobmiller6543]

You missed the additional thigh support on the drivers seat in the touring.

[@CarDietrich]

I did, my bad

[@WilliamJacques]

Terrific video. But which models can you get without that tacky "Ocean Subaru" dealer decal on the back? (I think its stupid for dealers to put this stuff on. Why should I add a tacky logo to "advertise" a dealership?). Also.. can you comment on how effective the "ventilated" front seats are? I live in sunny South Florida and I could use a front seat that stays cool.

[@CarDietrich]

I would say the ventilated seats work pretty well. You will definitely appreciate them on a hot day, but its just fans in there not an actual air conditioner, so its not going to make them super cold, just provide airflow. And for the record we will remove the decal prior to delivery at a client's request. Thanks for watching!

[@thomasreilly8956]

Love Subaru cars.Just got the 2020 Limited,Learned a lot from you in a brief time,thank you.

[@CarDietrich]

No problem sir my pleasure! Enjoy your new car, glad I could be helpful to you

[@bryanstearns9739]

Idk why they did green stitching

[@johncilyo3642]

Great video. I am in the market for one at the moment and you really explain it well.....

[@CarDietrich]

Thanks for watching John glad it was helpful!

[@pablosexto1]

Excellent video with all the package options thank you!

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it

[@dstjoe]

How about the power folding mirrors on the Touring model? Is that on the Touring line?

[@CarDietrich]

Yes Power Folding mirrors are standard on the Touring package only. Sorry if I missed that.

[@CZdrum]

very nice info and presentation...

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you!

[@angelinajohnson6045]

I have the 2020 limited with black leather/option package 34. I’m extremely sad that it doesn’t have ventilated seats and a front camera. If the Touring came with all black interior I would’ve 1000% got that one. The car is pretty awful on gas. In comparison, I pay double what my old car (Mazda CX-3 2018) cost to fill up and only get 60-80 miles more per tank. Quite a bummer.

[@theversustvshow9499]

Great review. I like the xt model.

[@rogerworkman5813]

Can you do the same thing with the new Ascent. Thank you for your video. Roger

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for watching! I would love to but they never send us any base model Ascents, I'll see what I can do about it though.

[@EagleOne49]

As promised. Thanks! So, if I get the Limited XT instead of the Touring XT to save some $$$, I lose the front-facing camera, ventilated front seats and nappa leather. Hmmm...

[@CarDietrich]

And the satin finish mirror caps on the exterior. Don't forget about those. Thanks for watching :)

[@tpolerex7282]

And the satin finish roof rack elements, chrome door handles and folding mirrors.

[@cimarron18]

And 12 speaker music system

[@tpolerex7282]

cimarron18 nope. Limited and Touring have the exact same sound system.

[@raymondluk8027]

@@CarDietrich v

[@chovue2363]

Parkway drive, frick yeah dude! 🤙

[@angelinajohnson6045]

My thought exactly lol

[@lorenzop3959]

Onyx also has heated back seats.

[@ReggieGurl04]

Does this car come with a cd player in the center console? I can't find this I fo anywhere. I heard this but can't confirm anywhere.

[@CarDietrich]

The CD player is standard on all Touring models, it is an accessory option that can be added to any of the other 2020 Outback models. Sorry I missed that in the video!

[@papagai_5377]

Im actually so upset, I live in Australia and I cant buy the onyx XT turbo...

[@skarlettphoenixphoenix4007]

This was very informative, tha k you very much for making this video.

[@CarDietrich]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrismanifavas1065]

Do any of the 2020 Outback editions come with SI Drive (sport/intelligent) driving modes? Thanks!

[@jrwynn49]

no

[@dzunku1]

Can I install roof carrier bars on top of these roof rails? I know it has built in roof carrier bars but want to have extended type bars to carry lumbers.

[@anniecastaneda2518]

Thank you so much for making this video, so helpful!

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for watching!

[@anniecastaneda2518]

@@CarDietrich Went to Subaru today and put a 2020 Outback Onyx XT package 22 in crystal white on hold. The car salesman was very impressed with my knowledge of the vehicle, thanks to you!

[@CarDietrich]

Lol glad I made it easy on both of you. I hope you love your new car when it comes in!

[@maizesoft]

which one has the auto folding side mirror feature?

[@CarDietrich]

Touring only

[@SambSylla]

Touring in Canada corresponds to Premium in US. Limited is the top trim in Canada

[@CarDietrich]

So, there is no "Touring" as we know it here? With the brown leather and the cooled seats and all that?

[@SambSylla]

Touring in Canada is just one step up of the basic which corresponds to your premium in US.

[@peternorrie4671]

@@CarDietrich Don't know why it's different, but the 4 trims levels in Canada are: Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier.

[@Naiphoenix]

Convenience Touring Limited Premier Outdoor XT Limited XT Premier XT Please Correct Trim in Canada

[@KateTheSleepyTeacher]

Is the back window tinted so people can’t see what you’re storing in the back ?

[@CarDietrich]

If you're referring to the base model I show in the beginning, no I'm pretty sure that was a production mistake. That was the very first base 2020 Outback we had received, and subsequent base model Outbacks did not have the privacy glass in the rear. Pobody's Nerfect.

[@CrucesNomad1]

So only the onyx has the full sized spare?

[@CarDietrich]

Correct

[@davidsotomayor2759]

Would you be able to do this same video with the crosstrek??

[@CarDietrich]

I plan to just waiting to get a base model 2020 in then I'll do it.

[@hellodarkness5644]

what was subaru thinking leaving the chrome trim on the doors with the onyx edition? Cmon Subaru!

[@CarDietrich]

They had to leave room for the Wilderness package I guess

[@gingercap4803]

Thank you for this!!! So helpful!

[@CarDietrich]

My pleasure thank you for watching!

[@cadefoster9279]

Thanks for a VERY helpful video!

[@CarDietrich]

You are very welcome!

[@The_JL_Podcast]

yes, thank you. nice video complete with accurate info :)

[@CarDietrich]

You're welcome! Thank you so much for watching :)

[@Maggie-tr2kd]

Do any of the trim levels come with a thigh extender on the driver's seat or is that an option that can be purchased for any trim level?

[@CarDietrich]

Limited and Touring have a seat bottom cushion extension for the driver's side. Sorry I think I forgot to put that in the video,

[@Constipatedoverlord]

Do they all have dual xmode?

[@CarDietrich]

Dual X-Mode on the new Outback is only on the Onyx Edition XT. Thank you for watching!

[@waltergeorgio3278]

great review

[@Axtec36]

Helpful indeed.

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

I noticed no rear vents on the premium. Do they have them under the seats?

[@CarDietrich]

The do have them under the seats, but on the 2022 Outbacks you do get the rear air vents located on the center console on the Outback Premiums.

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

@@CarDietrich Thanks for the info, and quick reply. Have a nice Memorial Day and weekend.

[@CarDietrich]

You too!

[@sonnycruz7032]

Well done explanations.

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you Sonny!

[@unonedva8407]

Which trim is the best value?

[@CarDietrich]

My standard reply to this is the Premium trim level... not much more than a base but worth the extra money for the extra features.

[@seunghochoi5050]

How much does the Touring XT full option cost?

[@CarDietrich]

A Typical MSRP you would see on a dealer lot would be in the $42,000 Range after port installed accessories, but right now XT Touring models are super rare because of the microchip shortage.

[@cruzmascorro9277]

These little cross overs don't sell that well in South Texas area. If we see one of these on the road it's someone from the Northern States.

[@rigelre909]

Is there a reason why they don’t sell well in south states?

[@cruzmascorro9277]

@@rigelre909 Hispanic have too many kid's. Lol. No they just drive Tahoes, Expedition something big.

[@lupstremac]

Excelent review

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you!

[@seunghochoi5050]

My father baught a 2022 subaru outbaxk with a base premium for $30767

[@Hallowsaw]

That brown lost me on touring

[@CarDietrich]

Yeah its not for everybody, luckily limited has ALMOST everything the Touring does.

[@Sophie-ge7ti]

Agree, the brown is UGLY!

[@glenngagliardi9611]

@@Sophie-ge7ti love. The brown!

[@TheOGFG]

great job

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you!

[@eganfo]

The base head unit is rough around the edges.

[@CarDietrich]

Yeahhhh... aesthetically the dual touch screens aren't that great but functionally they work well.

[@maratjify]

great car

[@angry-white-men]

Can I get a premium with leather?

[@CarDietrich]

Not from the factory, but many dealers have companies that can add leather to a premium model for an additional fee.

[@mikeydan]

very well done.

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for watching!

[@flat4forlife588]

I don't think you did this type if video for the legacy models. Can you please. To many car companies are going with piano black trim with is reflective and finger print magnet. In my opinion, piano black for any interior bits is just a bad option. Horrible that they removed physical buttons and knobs for climate control, bad move in my book. Also, I think if I saw correctly, the onyx xt as blacked out front headlights.

[@441meatloaf]

Subaru should not use the Tom Tom system, it's old and slow. Should just use Google maps as std like most other vehicles

[@richardk1054]

I wander if the turbo engine worth upgrading to the higher trim level??? On this big car, Anyone drove both ??

[@CarDietrich]

Oh yes, I've driven both. Let me ask you this: what car are you driving now?

[@richardk1054]

@@CarDietrich thanks for a reply, I drive a civic for work my company uses it for deliveries as well great car gets the job done, I was looking for something better for winter with bigger cargo space for weekend town dumpster, more comfortable and roomier car ,came up with this outback and started looking into it , I'm returning family suv as well (gle 350) and already got a s550 for over a year now, so need a bigger than a civic car to take care of those everyday things and be practical ,reliable since it's used a lot, trying to keep it budget then I think I will regret not getting that cool turbo engine and nice leather interior but pushing 40k, also thinking if a lease maybe get something not expensive possibly forester premium use it and just return it or if buying it then something nice like the outback limited xt???? I don't know, this is my situation, thank you very much for advice!!!

[@CarDietrich]

Ok so here's the deal: if you're ok with acceleration that is on par or maybe a little better than the Civic you have for work, don't bother paying more for the Outback XT. Just get the regular Outback (or a Forester for that matter) and you'll be fine. If you need the car to be as fast as the Mercedes you're replacing, you're gonna have to go with the XT. One thing I've noticed driving the Outback XT is you really only notice the extra power on the highway, or when you floor it. Just driving around town at normal speeds it doesn't make that much of a difference, but when you go to pass someone on the highway it really kicks in. So depending on where you drive, that might factor into your decision as well. If you're 85% around town the turbo probably isn't worth it, but if you do a lot of highway driving and you appreciate the extra power it very well might be.

[@richardk1054]

@@CarDietrich thanks very much will probably go for forester, just for a workhorse, does everything I need and nothing I want 😀, thank you again!!

[@CarDietrich]

No problem. FWIW the Forester is currently my favorite of the two.

[@PatBuckleyracecar]

Good job!

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you! :)

[@MisterMister5893]

How many people come in to buy a car based on the video walk throughs you do? I imagine people are doing most of their research online rather than going in to get up sold to packages and other things they don’t need. Someone on Reddit in the r/askcarsales sub called me an asshole because they got the impression I’m doing my buying without the in person experience and thus robbing them of their livelihood to upsell me. But I digress.

[@CarDietrich]

I have been off work for over a year now, but in the before-times plenty of people recognized me from my videos and I did sell a couple of them cars. People have been researching cars online by watching videos and reading articles and blogs for years and years, and I'm sure it's even more common now that keeping your distance from others is a more desirable thing. The moral of my story is don't listen to people on Reddit. You're not the weird one, they are.

[@MisterMister5893]

@@CarDietrich I've enjoyed your videos for months now, and I"m about to purchase an Outback in the coming weeks. WIsh you were closer as I would give you my business based on your friendly and helpful attitude. Shopping around the last few weeks, I've learned not all Canadians are very 'Canadian' when it comes to making a buck. Hope you get back on your feet soon. Best wishes.

[@CarDietrich]

Thank you for watching my videos and best of luck with your new Outback purchase. I have been fortunate to be in a position to lie low and wait for this whole thing to blow over/get vaccinated, so that is the choice I have made. I hope you are doing well through all this too.

[@joserafael73]

What about Touring xt?

[@CarDietrich]

No longer in production, final year of Forester XT was 2018

[@joserafael73]

@@CarDietrich Outback Touring XT

[@CarDietrich]

Sorry wrong vid... it would be identical to the regular touring I show in the video, just with the different engine

[@raybuck8260]

@@CarDietrich Touring XT also adds dual exhaust outlets and sound insulating front door glass and 3500# towing capacity.

[@chewchew74]

this gian screen sucks,, Need knobs..... don't they listen to consumers? Gian touch screen is not practical. As they advertise you take this to off road and trying to flip the screens just for heating and cooling. Put switches and knobs.

[@CarDietrich]

I'm not going to disagree with you chewchew. The climate controls in particular should have knobs and buttons

[@chuckwalla2967]

Should've included prices of each trim.

[@chrismanifavas1065]

Do any of the 2020 Outback editions come with the SI Drive (sport/intelligent) driving modes? Thanks!

[@dstorm7752]

Until you can permanently turn off the super-annoying auto start/stop, I will never buy another Subaru.

[@CarDietrich]

Don't worry, give it five years and every single car on the market will have it.

[@kentblairl]

@@CarDietrich Our dealer said it was mandated starting 2024.

[@kippywylie]

So.... You need to turn this off with each and every ignition start?

[@point4894]

You have not shown one of the most important defferences between limited and lower trims - hip support driver seat. Very bad.

[@coltonwancho6571]

Look out 2010 he has a camcorder lol

[@bvabky]

Wood trim suxxxxxxxxx

[@skleeut]

Outback 2020, very disappointed to me.

[@dant3113]

Why the Fc#k does subaru have so many stupid models. Just stick to base, medium and luxury.

[@NoChannelChannel]

All cvt crap