2020 Subaru Outback: Climate Controls

I think I had a brain aneurysm talking about the 2020 Subaru Outback climate controls. Tapping all over the screen feels like your'e playing a video game. Share your best "heat seaters" joke in the comments. I have no idea where that came from. I'll be referring to the SEAT HEATERS as heat seaters from now on. It must be an undocumented risk of using the backwards climate control design.
Note: I do not work for Subaru or a Subaru retailer. I am only an owner and am providing these videos for informational purposes only. Please always refer to your Owners Manual for official information.

[@holiday634]

I love my 2020 XT touring, but hate the climate controls! They are a great way to have a wreck!

[@fb510m]

I agree totally w your thoughts. To me the climate control system is dangerous.

[@miatafan4630]

Sear warmer controls should be a hard button.

[@davejon5642]

If you hold the seat heater button for a few seconds, it will shutoff from any of the 3 settings.

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Good tip, thanks Dave!

[@pierrec.5516]

I have a 2020 Outback XT Limited and I hope that someone from Subaru is watching. My biggest pet peeve and really my only one is the poor layout and functionality of the head unit. I live in Canada and use the seat warmers 3-4 months of the year, having to cycle through the screens to turn on/adjust/turn off is distracting and dangerous. There is enough real estate to have the seat warmers toggle through the levels on the main screen, please make the change! While I am at it, having the vehicle hold function and the start/stop function reset every time you turn on the car is frustrating. That is a driver preference that should default to the main drivers Preferences.

[@sloanwright8485]

Outstanding videos ! I feel less overwhelmed operating my new Outback thanks to you. Your content and presentation style is pleasant and easy to follow. Digging information out of the owners manual reminds me of reading an organic chemistry textbook. You may not work for Subaru, but owners and Subaru would benefit if you did,

[@edwardsorg6142]

We just got new 2020 Subaru Outback Touring. Very helpful

[@martinbeaumier9079]

I love that vidéo and also want Subaru to give more options in the setting controle to change fews tings as you mention and also, maybe and option to increase de time of the climat controle windows on screen. It's actualy 5 seconds, but why not a settings to chose 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and also always that will only close with the red X botton. As it's like a computer, every things could be program... Maybe in the next system update. 😉😀

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

I would love to see this system get refined as well. There is plenty of room for improvement.

[@pault477]

Live my 2022 Outback Touring !

[@pilot1226]

The way that full auto worked in my 2011 Outback and in my 2019 Forester is that Full Auto controls everything but if you manually change a value like recirculation it will continue to make everything in auto except for the recirc. I tested this today on my way in and noticed the fans moving based off my set temperature but the recirc remained on. Hope that helps!

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

For me, when I hit the recirculation button it disables full-auto and goes in to regular "auto" mode.

[@pilot1226]

SubaruOwnerTips Yes, it seems to continue to put everything automatically except for the buttons I press. So in your example, it would change vents and blower speeds but won’t change recirculate in “auto”

[@dekzan]

It says auto because when you turn it on, resumes the previous setting, but yes, should say manual. I agree with you.

[@claudiabuchanan1692]

Just to clarify.........if the icon shows "auto" and you want heat, do you just use the arrow to adjust the temperature? I gather there is not an icon that actually reads "heat." Is that correct?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

That is correct. It takes a measurement of the outside and inside temps, along with the humidity, and determines the right air temp to put in to the cabin. It is kind of a neat system, though I find the temp is about 3-4 degrees off from what it actually is. Not sure why.

[@patriciabirbiglia6314]

Thank you so much for your videos. They have really helped me learn so much about my new Outback. I have recommended your site to my Subaru salesman 😁. Btw, I was told by my salesman that the real window defroster needs to be pushed a second time, lingering, to activate the windshield wiper defroster. Do you think this is accurate?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Thanks for the nice words Patricia! Pressing the right button once on the 2020 Outback activates the rear defrost, exterior mirror defrost (if equipped), and the windshield wiper deicer system (if equipped). They all come on simultaneously. Holding the button down makes it blink, but as far as I can tell there is no difference in operation. By default the system runs for 15 minutes. You can go in to the settings and change it so it stays on forever. That said, you must maintain 10 mph or faster to keep it on. If you stop for 15 minutes, the system will shut off regardless of any settings.

[@Jmaninaz1]

I am thinking about buying a 2020 Outback XT, and I REALLY appreciate all of your tips videos--this one, however, made my head swim, and that is not on you but on Subaru for making it so difficult to navigate. I am a reasonably intelligent person, work with computers, iPhone all day for work, but I am re-thinking whether the Outback is really the choice I want to make now. I'll re-watch it and see if I can follow along a bit better the second time through, but Subaru sure seems like they made this a lot more complicated that it needs to be. Thanks for your efforts!!

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

The 2020 Outback is an amazing vehicle. Every car has its quirks. Just like any car, you can learn to get along with pretty much anything with a bit of practice. I've learned to set the climate controls using the MySubaru app on my phone. Then, I remote start the car. When I get in, everything is ready to go.

[@thehardways]

I also really appreciate these well made, informative videos. I have no doubt that the 2020 Outback is a better car than my 2017 Outback Limited, but I am not convinced that new climate controls are an improvement over the physical buttons in my car. It seems that Subaru wanted to incorporate the flashy touchscreen display even if it meant sacrificing some degree of functionality. I too am reconsidering whether this will be my next car. I was all excited about the turbo engine, but I’m not sure if I want a car that will annoy me every time I drive it.

[@ralphthornton1296]

New subscriber here. Planning to purchase a new 2020 outback soon. The touch screen Climate Control system on your 2020 Outback seems to work just like the physical buttons on my 2015 Forester Limited. On my Forester putting the system into Full Auto will turn on Recirculation when the system determines that is advantageous. So I leave the system in full auto most of the time. I hit the Recirculation button when I need to close the air intake from outside. This is usually when driving on dusty roads (which are common here in Montana). I think your suggestion to have both driver and passenger heater settings come on at the same time is a great idea.

[@fb510m]

I learned the climate control system is not ready for prime time which has been my experience. Not pleased. I do not rate my 2022 outback as exceptional. Its only good. And not very good. Subaru has work to do. Perhaps they can do some software updates to improve the climate control experience.

[@vanessasepulveda4073]

Hi. Do some outbacks not have the “vent” option to make seats cooler instead or warmer?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

The highest Touring trims have a seat vent feature. Other trims have seat heaters available as either standard or optional (including for the rear passenger seats).

[@notanewbie1718]

Designed by geeks who love to tap icons

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

For the geeks who love to tap them! :)

[@DiscoverXanadu]

Very helpful video. Thank you so much.

[@dr.legler5673]

Thanks for the video. I have a 2020 outback limited. It is about 2 weeks old! I am noticing a problem where the defrost and rear defrost buttons, as well as the climate control arrows do not illuminate like the rest of the infocenter. Any thoughts?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

I've heard about loose wiring harnesses causing similar issues. However, I only have a Limited XT to test with. As you can see, mine are illuminated. First, ensure the instrument light brightness is up all the way (wheel between the rear hatch control buttons, to the left of the steering wheel). Rotate that up or down to see if it makes a difference. If not, take it to the retailer and have them compare it to another Limited to see if that one lights up. If it does, you might just have a loose wire they can plug back in for you. Should be covered under warranty.

[@halmath]

I have just come upon this series of video explanations of how to understand all the critical components of this superb car. I plan on purchasing a touring XT Outback in a few months and I am really excited to do so now. Thank you a million times over for your clear spoken, comprehensive verbal instructional manuals on line. There is no way I would be able to figure out all the detailed tech issues that you tell us about. And you are so clear. Thank you . These videos are the best. Keep them coming. ( Note: If there is an update to enlarge the real estate for WAZE apple car play I hope you will keep us posted. That is the one concern I have. At present the WAZE screen becomes so terribly small on this large infotainment screen. )

[@christinehuber4984]

Thank you for the great videos explaining the climate controls! Just bought my new Subaru and couldn’t figure out how! Thanks again!

[@pilot1226]

There is an update, called the 504 update. Ask for it next time you’re in for service.

[@garethlambert5749]

climate controls suck way way to hard to operate heated seat also terrible had the car will get rid of car next year

[@mlee4649]

How do you turn on the vents in the back seat?

[@niro8761]

How to change F to C degrees? Please help somebody!

[@billebobb]

Hopefully you still check comments from time to time. Your instructional videos have been ESSENTIAL to this day! Visited dealership today with 2 concerns: 1) frequently radio will NOT play >> “NO AUDIO PLAYING” is message shown. He had no answer - never seen this issue 2) How to get A/C to ONLY be in the A/C mode! (Not auto or full auto). Again no answer. He reset to factory settings (audio) which TOTALLY screws up EVERYTHING I had already set in last 2 years. Voice recognition doesn’t recognize me anymore - how to set for recognition ❓ Thanks again ‼️ Bill

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

I am glad you find them useful. On the "Audio Not Playing" message, does it happen when you are using Blutooth audio, or something like Apple Car Play? That seems like a software issue. On the A/C, the "auto" mode is actually more like a semi-manual mode. You can override all the settings by adjusting them, essentially putting it in to full manual mode. I've customized the "quick access" climate control button on the bottom of the screen which helps a bit with getting the system to behave the way you want.

[@billebobb]

It’s actually done it with FM or Serius radio AS WELL AS Blutooth

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

@@billebobb, That is very strange. I wonder if it is detecting a Bluetooth or Car Play audio mode that is overriding your settings. I've not heard this reported from any other owners. I'll follow-up if someone else reports it.

[@lynnemcnab76]

We picked up our outback 2 days ago, still working everything out but with the heater we’re warm in the cabin and the seats but my feet are freezing, can’t work out what I’m doing wrong, we’re in Australia so our temperatures are Celsius, mostly set about 23 to 24 C and we’re in the middle of a freezing winter 🥶

[@benjaminfajardo9469]

if you remote start your car via key fob... is it possible to have seat warmers on automatically? Without having to enable them manually

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Yes. Just set them before you turn off the vehicle after you've parked. If you use the Starlink Safety & Security Plus remote start feature, you can fully control the seat heater settings prior to start.

[@Lag1914]

@@SubaruOwnerTips Thanks for the tip. Could you possibly do a video on how to do so and also how to switch between heat and AC when you remotely start your vehicle. Thanks again

[@iminit4themoney330]

I have a 2020 outback premium can I remote start as well? And how ? There is a lot to this car🤯

[@benjaminfajardo9469]

Subscribe to the Subaru starlink system to remote start your car via Subaru app on your phone.. that is the way to go

[@joereynolds6496]

Didn’t read through all the posts but I don’t believe I would be the only one to catch that you said Heat Seater.

[@billanderson7930]

Been there, done that also.

[@randyndawna]

I rewound the video to make sure I heard "heat seater". My husband and I kept doing that, accidentally, when we got our first Subaru in 2016. We traded that one in a couple of years ago, but just got a '22 Outback and we're doing it again! 😅

[@chrisbenjamin2642]

Long story short - you are awesome! When I saw the books in the glovebox for this 2020 Outback I just bought, I nearly fainted. Well done!

[@AlbinoFuzWolf]

Remeber three knobs? I remember three knobs. :(

[@NoahBB]

Can you describe the temperature control buttons? Are they physical, or haptic feedback built into the screen?

[@bianchipeddler4498]

I just got a 2022 OUTBACK Touring XT and I hate the climate system so much that I wish I could return the car. It’s that bad. I’m in TX so it may be 32 in the morning and 85 in the afternoon and the car will not come off blowing heat! I’m really worried about summertime. I’m not convinced the AC will work well enough. I saw the bad reviews but didn’t believe it would be this bad.

[@chuckkutscher8988]

I have the same problem with my 2020 Outback. Was it ever fixed?

[@184876ela]

THIS SCREEN CONTROL SUCKS

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

I recommend you call or write Subaru of America to let them know how they can improve it. I've given them some suggestions they've actually implemented. They do try to improve where they can.

[@matrix0683]

@@SubaruOwnerTips I feel at home with the screen controls, Only thing that I wish are if they can include more controls with profile. Like AVH and Auto/Start Stop.

[@williamstevenson8518]

This is a terrible setup.

[@gregherman4691]

My new 2020 Outback info screen is sometimes completely blank, showing only the time and temp. I have NO way to adjust the heat, cooling, radio, map, not any of my controls. I took it to the dealer, the tech wrote it down, but next week when I took it back, they fixed NOTHING !!! List of problems is growing and Subaru is doing nothing to fix it.

[@eskieman3948]

Ahhhhh.... the Subaru-hating troll of KZbin is BACK, complaining about a car he never owned!

[@Andy-dc7hr]

Does full auto control the heated seats as well?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

No, you have to set it manually.

[@steppingonlegos]

Thank you

[@SpotBentley]

crap

[@ryanveee2949]

There is a hard button for the fan. Set it to Full Auto and change the temp up or down. No?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Yes, however full auto also takes over other settings you might want to still manually set. I'm finding that full auto is working much better in warmer weather than in cold weather.

[@notanewbie1718]

Can you permanetly turn off the auto stop start option?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Not without using a special device or altering the car.

[@pault477]

Well done !

[@A_Noob_Mechanical_Engineer]

Thanks for sharing. Did you experience overheat for hvac system? Even 66 is still too hot on my side.... Outside temp is around 42 ish. Air vent just keeps blowing hot air

[@chuckkutscher8988]

Eric, I have the same problem with my 2020 Outback. Did you ever find a solution?

[@A_Noob_Mechanical_Engineer]

@@chuckkutscher8988 No. i just either turned the temp to 65 in winter or 75 in summer LOL. Some owners and even youtubers have the same problem and i do believe it's a design issue. But it's a Subaru, to me a crap infotainment and dumb interior design are expected LOL

[@chuckkutscher8988]

@@A_Noob_Mechanical_Engineer Thanks, Eric. This morning I visited a Subaru dealer in Longmont, Colorado. They have seen this problem before. They changed the heater control setting in my climate control system from 0 to -3, and that appears to have resolved the problem.

[@A_Noob_Mechanical_Engineer]

​@@chuckkutscher8988 Thanks man! Is it something we can do by ourselves? Or have to access by dealer

[@chuckkutscher8988]

@@A_Noob_Mechanical_Engineer The dealer has to do it. Have your dealer call Roger Harris, the Service Manager at Valley Subaru of Longmont, Colorado. He understands the situation and is a very nice guy.

[@stevebiron8756]

Steve B

[@stevebiron8756]

steve b

[@glenbard657]

Only 18 mpg?

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

I get between 15-19 mpg with 95% city driving, with lots of stop-and-go. It is the worst-case scenario for mileage. I get over 28 mpg on the freeway.

[@bigfrankytv5602]

as a lifetime subaru owner that has owned numerous outbacks....I absolutely HATE all of this nonsense. all of this overly-complicated “customization” nonsense results in my car never getting warm enough. never had these problems in the past. trash.

[@SubaruOwnerTips]

Getting warm in the 2020 Outback has not been a problem at all. It has an electric heater, and a very hot normal heater. Heated front and rear seats that get blazing hot. Heated steering wheel. If anything, many 2020 OB owners have complained that it gets too hot! I do agree about the soft buttons for climate controls. I understand why Subaru made that choice, but it still needs some refinement.

[@matrix0683]

@@SubaruOwnerTips I really think that this helps with App Functionality. While I was checking Forester and Outback I noticed that Seat heating cannot be turned on by MySubaru App in Forester but can be done in Outback. Looks like as Forester has physical buttons, it cannot be controlled by MySubaru app. In Canada, coming back to heated car with your precise level of seat heating is a bliss. That one factor also swayed me from Forester to Outback, although I was inclined towards Outback since the very beginning.