2020 Subaru Outback Review // Great Before - Even Better Now

The sixth generation Subaru Outback is all new and now built off their new Global platform. It's slightly bigger, stronger, more powerful and offers a turbo model as well as an 11.6" infotainment system. We take this latest offering for a test drive in the beautiful Yukon Territory on and off road.

[@1revwilly]

Great review of this new Outback! It's the first one I saw where the difference with the cooled seat function was explained, I like it!

[@truedat4368]

Love our 2019 green outback. Work car, never drove a sub before got to say I love it.

[@RickyJr46]

Good job showing its off-road capabilities, thanks Brian!

[@cavallierbus7337]

Perfect presentation. Thank you!

[@Lag1914]

Just got my 2020 Outback in military green. Loving it. Traded in my Jeep liberty 06 and wish I'd done it sooner

[@pcm7315]

Never viewed this guy before: Great job - I'll be looking for him in the future.

[@BryanEaton]

Yes he's good

[@hlubmos2chah945]

Thank you for the review. Great job! Greatly helpful shading light on these crossovers. My girlfriend just got a 2020 Premium trim. Love it! Wish if we were more informed and added more money to get the Limited or Touring to get the Auto Start/Stop button and auto tailgate, but no necessary the XT because we're not outdoors adventurers.

[@Mike-Wolfe]

Well done, informative, and professional.

[@pierrematisse5381]

Really enjoyed your review, and the outback is now on my list!!

[@gene978]

Brian, that has to be the one of the BIGGEST PERKS is seeing the world, meeting some locals, and tasting Local Cuisine

[@johnmead9012]

Well then. So much for considering a rav4. Didn't realize what Subaru offers. Damn good presentation.

[@tannispodheiser-michaw845]

Great review. I am picking up my first Subaru this week, in this exact model!

[@daveincanada785]

Sube did a great job on this one! I expect them to sell a ton of these.

[@wookim221]

Your review is great and you come across very genuine

[@chadhaire1711]

the review sucks--nothing but an ad for Subaru. Didnt ell you the bad features like the rear electric hatch door cant be disconnected for manual operation, or the engine start/stop cant be easily disconnected.

[@rmfrick91]

GREAT REVIEW! Thanks!

[@aGuyWhoPatsDogs]

Bought a 2018 Crosstrek a little over a year ago....but ooooh man I want this. Wish it had a manual option but still seems like a killer vehicle!

[@pnull]

Absolutely beautiful. I wish I could afford it!

[@JeepCherokeeful]

In the Yukon! Insane!

[@CrucesNomad1]

2020 outback has performed awesome and is fun to drive. Full size spare and xmode and driver assist is great also.

[@geocape7060]

Wow, what a great review. You are the best reviewer I've seen. Great job man.

[@davidperri8862]

We have a 2010 Subaru Outback and its done us well. We are now considering a 2020. Great review. To the point and informative.

[@larkinoo]

I love my 2020 Outback Touring XT. I looked at the competition's exteriors and more importantly the interiors { Mazda, Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Honda Kia, Hyundai } and by far for this model year Subaru has blown them away in their interior design. To me it feels luxurious and I find myself constantly looking at it and admiring it. But I want to tell about the power of the 2.4 litre turbo charged engine. My outback hauls ass, it will gitty-up-and-go...........YAHOOOO! And it still gets very decent fuel mileage. No, I'm not hot rodding all around my neck of the woods. I am a very mature 67 year old. Just sayin'.....when you want or need power.......it's there...........YAHOOOO!......uh, once again. I'm lovin' my Outback. Signed, Doug.

[@randywiltshire7550]

Excellant review. Covers regular fuel for turbo and reverse air flow for ventilation seats!!! That is not documented in the manuals. Bravo.

[@sehan622]

This car is a beauty. Subaru, you did it again. Great review.

[@6denashi608]

This was a very good review, thanks. I have a 2019 Forester, but I am seriously considering getting this Outback with the 2.4L turbo. Either way, the new global platform chassis is remarkably good!

[@chadhaire1711]

the engine start/stop cannot be easily disconnected and the electric rear door cant be disconnected for manual operation...oh he didn't tell you that--a fake review.

[@nicoclement2098]

Great video 👍🏻

[@ganjazz]

I'm in love with the onyx edition.

[@VBHB83]

Silver looks nice

[@stefankoles]

I love Subaru so much

[@darrylkremer6488]

What!!! In the Yukon? Welcome bud. Hello from Teslin. 😎☺️👌🏻

[@EverydayReviews2022]

👍👋

[@indiromerovic8545]

Perfect presentation👍💪👏👏👏👏👏

[@petraroams]

I love American commenters - Canada has a different model names across the board so the Onyx and Outdoor are the closest but not exact - the Outdoor version has a few more options then Onyx - limited and premiere are the two upper models unlike the badge name plates in USA....regardless they are all little differences to an excellent well made vehicle - I love the haters KZbin brings an interesting crowd of comments...

[@troutstalker7855]

Good review, actually hv been waiting for it to show up at dealership . Can't wait to test drive one. Only worries is the past problems that the outback has.

[@KittRembo]

What issues?

[@troutstalker7855]

@@KittRembo head gasket leaks and unusual consumption of engine oil . There was also a class action law suit..

[@mr.d7429]

I wanted to see a hood scoop in the turbo line! But it still looks sexy!

[@xxMuchuxx]

Anyone else sees a the futuristic accent / copy in the front interior (e.g. wheel/vertical screen) from the Volvo V60/V90 CC?

[@1Schnellbachniko340]

Top Video 👍 🙂 👍

[@johnl.8616]

So only the Onxy/Outdoor model comes with X Mode with the dual deep mud and snow option. The other models do not have that available.

[@igamesometimes2]

Just a perfect little car

[@DiwaGalvez]

You look half-Filipino. :) Anyway, love the Outback.

[@njfreeskier]

You should have gone up that hill at the end with the wheels off the ground. That would have been a much better test of the awd system, using it without gravity on its side.

[@Logan.Ninefingers]

I have a 2004 Outback which I love but I want to buy a smaller car so.... XV I wonder if you have heard if the 2020 version of the XV will be getting any of this stuff? Specifically the Outdoor version with the faux leather and the improved X-Mode, and a TURBO!

[@RCGJR_]

Torn between this ice silver, or the abyss blue 😭 leaning towards the silver more though, silver tends to be the easiest to maintain in all vehicle colours.

[@abcdef-tx1mo]

It’s my dream

[@69grandpa69]

picking up mine with only 10k km on friday. Only thing that seems to be missing on this trim for 2020 is the heated steering wheel. Outdoor.... c'mon, warm my hands up subaru.

[@brook3788]

Thanks for the review! How's the NVH of the new Outback compared with the RAV4?

[@EverydayReviews2022]

I’d say it’s quieter and smoother than the RAV.

[@travelinben1966]

Best to get the base model.This thing decked out with tech and all the other accutromants is off the charts price wise.

[@subielife4life]

I agree but in my opinion it's best to go one step up from the base model and get the premium model which is so worth it for all the extras that it comes with but still you cant go wrong with the base model

[@user-cb5me6il4t]

Тачка 🔥 надо брать..

[@alibikuanyshbayev3536]

Thank you for the review. Does it have better noise isolation than previous versions? Previous versions, especially 2015 outbacks are realy noisy inside.

[@EverydayReviews2022]

Yes much better noise isolation.

[@Brian-th4qn]

Nice!

[@blacksharkswimmer3729]

I want all terrain white letters on mines. BFGs

[@michelabarquez2264]

I got 2017 crosstrek before and when my lease is up. I trade it with 2020 Subaru Outback premium. I’m loving it! I’m kinda off with eco gas save were it suddenly stopped when your in the stop light or traffic. Then start again when you release the gas.. i’m not sure if i like it or not...

[@kao9379]

you can disable it

[@codechrist]

The 2020 outback is a really nice vehicle... One negative is the over cladding. I still prefer my 2015. P.s 2020 interior is king!

[@marcusaurelius8540]

Can you compare it to the CRV?

[@LordLoMR2]

Having owned both a Tesla and Subaru with eye sight; Subaru eye sight is almost as good as Teslas autopilot in terms of smoothness and responsiveness in lane keep assist mode. I only wished Subaru made an all electric car - I’d buy that in a heart beat.

[@mitchlec8916]

The 2.4 turbo is better on fuel than the 3.6R at the moment because it is new. Once the motor puts about 50,000Km's on it, it will have carbon build up on the intake valves causing it to be harder on fuel in the long run. The 4 cylinder will also be noisier than the 6 cylinder... It's too bad Subaru got rid of an incredible motor...

[@chris9389]

The side molding is made to look like a hiking boot.. Not mountains..

[@EverydayReviews2022]

Look like mountains to me. Hiking boots work too. 😊

[@nickolastiguan]

8:00 a word of caution regarding systems like StarLink, OnStar etc. They can monitor pretty much everything about your car. My colleague has a 2016 GMC Terrain, and long story short, her all season tires that came with the car already need to be replaced (I think they are Michelin, she has a set of winter tires and the car have just over 60k km). She went to the dealership, asked how come they wear our so fast, and asked for a discount for her new sets of Michelin. The dealership pulled her OnStar data, and said “oh, it seems like you haven’t been taking care of your tires very well. I can see that the TPMS light came on very often. Therefore, I cannot offer you Michelin’s tread life warranty”.

[@MrCarpediem6]

what's your opinion about the settings being hidden into the touch screen.. distracting?

[@EverydayReviews2022]

I don’t mind if you need to go into menus to change things on a screen as long as there are redundant switches it dials. I love my buttons and dials especially for volume and temp.

[@blacksharkswimmer3729]

party starts at 8:30!!!!

[@raybuck8260]

Did a Subaru fix their oil burning problem yet?

[@paulm6481]

It looks really good inside, and love the new turbo engine. I still take a Grand Cherokee over this, but great improvements. Just don’t get this with NA engine, way too underpowered that way.

[@OrlandoORC]

Grand Cherokee: junk!

[@juanjeezy]

These subaru outback video's changed my view on Subaru, now I own a 2020 outback

[@adrianbullaoit1866]

Currently have a 2019 outback on lease and don't know if we will keep the V6 or upgrade to this. Although I may succumb to my wife wanting a 3rd row. Only time will tell...

[@th.8868]

Adrian Bullaoit don’t upgrade to this. Waste more money n it doesn’t satisfy any additional need. The 6 cylinder is reliable

[@adrianbullaoit1866]

@@th.8868 I was thinking after my lease is up. The 6 cylinder is pretty thirsty though.

[@kms7852]

I have 2019 outback 3.6R and I drove loaner ascent 2.4L turbo. I like the 6 cylinder better. It’s soooo much smoother and gas mileage was only 2-3mpg difference in real life city driving. 4 cylinder turbo vs 6 cylinder is like little kid on steroids trying to keep up with big dude

[@mr.d7429]

Minsoo Kim the ascent body is much heavier than the Outback, I too have the 2019 blacked out touring 3.6 Outback and when I saw the 2020 Outback XT ônix edition I wanted to punch a baby! Could I upgrade before my leasing term is over? This is my first year!

[@mitchlec8916]

It's not a V6 in there, it's an H6. You'll miss the smoothness and quietness of the 6 cylinder when you get into the 4 banger, it's a little noisier and within time will be harder on gas then the 6 cylinder because of carbon build up on the intake valves since it's direct injection.

[@kuladeeluxe]

Think how many they'd sell if it wasn't so Ugly. I kinda like the ones from a few years ago. the 2005 was very good looking. At any rate Ugly is OK with me. If I could design my Outback, it would ride a little rougher, have a bit better body control, sharper steering and a 6 speed manual. A bit more side bolster in the seats. Done.

[@harryvirdi4095]

Outback looks awesome. Makes a lot of crossovers and SUV's look dull.

[@Hallowsaw]

Curious why is he calling it an outdoor xt? isnt called outback xt onyx edition

[@EverydayReviews2022]

In Canada it’s called the Outdoor. Could be called something else in other markets.

[@jfarleyanaheim]

I have heard all this negative talk about the CVT transmission, is reliability better for the 2020?

[@sowelltrain7342]

No! This car has to much weight for that CVT. CVT's might be good for smaller lighter cars but not for the Outback or any turbo model. Do some research, read the Subaru blog's before dropping down $$$$$$$.

[@sowelltrain7342]

@the machinist Believe me, I wish I was not here even commenting on Subaru's CVT tranny, but we have experienced the Subaru, CVT & TCM $9,200.00 nightmare first hand and the reason Subaru uses CVT's is to meet cost savings and mileage standards not long life and durability . And I will always exercise my 1st amendment rights if it helps anybody make a informed decision.

[@XHobbiesPrime]

This looks more aggressive and less boring somehow than the previous generation.

[@sowelltrain7342]

Hey Subaru, please put a Toyota 6 speed auto in it, like in the BRZ or a manual 6 speed. If you can't, tell your customers it will cost them $9700,00 to replace the CVT out of warranty.

[@JohnDoe-oe4ji]

It’s an Outback XT not an “outdoor” XT & the premiere does not have Napa Leather & ventilated. That comes in the touring trim only. Couldn’t watch anymore, but just letting the masses & yourself know.

[@EverydayReviews2022]

Sorry but I’m in Canada and our cars are sometimes specd different. Ours IS the Outdoor XT and our Premiere DOES come standard with ventilated Napa leather seats. Just wanted to share this with everyone.

[@subarulyfe8317]

First off you don't wave your hand to do the hands free on the power liftgate. Second this is no Premier trim. It goes Base, Premium, Onyx, Limited and TOURING. That is the highest. The Onyx (middle trim, New to 2020 and standard 2.4L turbo) Doesn't have leather, Its called Startex that is more like vinyl.

[@nickolastiguan]

The intro is too long IMO 😛

[@sammegalla1955]

Yes, wait couple more months you will need a new transmission. Mine needs a new transmission at less than 3500 miles. Bad electronics that Subaru cannot fix. Horrible gas milage of 23mpg combined, much lower than its rating. Looking forward to have Subaru buying back this Junk. Good luck with buying this one.

[@lifeisgood070]

hhhahahahah, everybody's wife wants a 3 row

[@jerrypaul9712]

Like the 2019 better😊

[@GISJIng]

The new Outback looks odd!

[@pabloluque1888]

It’s the onyx not outdoor edition

[@EverydayReviews2022]

Where are you located? I am in Canada and it is called and this version is called Outdoor here.

[@BTC909]

Take that CVT uphill.

[@Paranormal_Code]

Have you driven it? Zero issues uphill

[@BTC909]

@@Paranormal_Code Nope. Search KZbin for: "Only One Makes It! 2018 Subaru Outback vs Jeep Cherokee vs Gold Mine Hill" & "You Hated How The Subaru Outback Did Off-Road: So We Took Your Suggestions and Tried Again!"

[@Paranormal_Code]

@@BTC909 That I'm sure has a lot more to do with the underpowered 2.5l. I really doubt the 3.6 had the same issue, and the 2.4 has 30 more torque, 15 more HP with a way broader torque curve than 2.5.

[@Paranormal_Code]

@@BTC909 CVT is known for having better performance on hills than a typical automatic since it doesn't have to "hunt for gears". It is far less prone to rev hang in those situations. So again I'm going to guess it was more the engine than the CVT. Also one very specific scenario doesn't make or break something. I drive these cars daily. The Ascent (same drivetrain in Outback now) is easily our smoothest drive in all scenarios and pulls hard from pretty much any RPM and speed.

[@BTC909]

@@Paranormal_Code If you drive up hills constantly a CVT is ideal. You will always be in the sweet spot for your gear ratio.

[@armandoantua3663]

Me parece la misma fregadera de carro, mi esperanza es que baje ell 2015 o 2013 para poder comprar uno

[@bonjouralliecat]

OUTBACK... how many times does the guy call it the Outdoor?

[@EverydayReviews2022]

This is the Outdoor model of the Outback. It’s a new trim for the Outback. I apologize if I didn’t explain. It better. The Outdoor comes in the turbo, gets the blacked out trim and comes with the dual function X-Mode.

[@normt5463]

Recalled already... www.cars.com/articles/2020-subaru-outback-legacy-recall-alert-410374/

[@GregoryKodolanyiRitter]

Pity, we will never get them in Europe.

[@Backs4more]

Gergely Kodolanyi I am in Europe and I have just bought one?

[@GregoryKodolanyiRitter]

@@Backs4more What were the engine choices?

[@Backs4more]

Gergely Kodolanyi unfortunately in the UK we can only get the 2.5i n/a

[@GregoryKodolanyiRitter]

@@Backs4more 👎

[@Corkfish1]

The problem is the transmission.

[@bosse641]

Nice. Just don't like that huge info screen. It's too much.

[@gene978]

At the end I learned that woman make all the buying decisions and because I love to pick my own cars I chose not to get married instead of being called a BULLY. Haha

[@user-og1vf2hp7k]

🇷🇺😉👍

[@tinakee7485]

hello i had onbe it blew a had gasket at 35.000 i sold it imedantly after it got fixed i think the boxer engine are garbage thats just my experiance

[@davidilijevski8942]

Was it the turbo

[@MrSpccdavid]

The engine is garbage because of a head gasket? Interesting take

[@benoitmurray85]

Subaru Outback last forever! I hope this engine will be as much as reliable than their old V6... It's on my list of pre-retirement car!

[@adriand817]

H6 not V6 and I doubt the Turbo engine will be as reliable as the H6 over a 12 year period. Turbos cause more wear and tear than naturally aspirated engines. Mostly due to the heat and more moving parts. Better to lease than to buy the turbo engine.

[@zedhead2864]

We've been driving Outbacks for over 20 Years. In Duluth, Mn. ( Like the streets of San Fransisco but with ice, and snow.) I will not be buying a new Outback. The engine offerings flat out suck. We test drove a '20 2.5 Touring, and a '20 XT limited. The 2.5 has absolutely no right being in a $40K car. One of the worst engines for NVH that Subaru has ever built. Gutless, noisy, and full of vibration. The 2.4 XT is a little better. But, there's no power without getting into the boost. Fuel mileage will suffer dramatically. Coming off a stop, and trying to accelerate like you're not holding up traffic behind you, means you HAVE to build some boost. Then, there is significant lag. The 2.4 XT is also a DI engine with no thought of crankcase ventilation. There will be trouble with carbon deposits on the valves. It's a well known, and documented problem with engines designed like this. We'll be sticking with our 3.6R Touring. Not quite as nice an interior. But a much better car overall.

[@topofthegreen]

Sadly Subaru quality is slipping.

[@chadhaire1711]

bullshit review--nothing but an ad. Doesn't tell you the electric rear door cant be disconnected for manual operation. The auto stop/start cant be turned off without going through a long 5-step procedure--every time you start the car.

[@aMAESed]

Touring [highest trim] trim not Premier, there is no such trim.

[@MrSpccdavid]

Jim G there is in Canada

[@MrSlicer2424]

The infotainment is sluggish and there's no analog controls for temperature. Subaru is walking away from their utilitarian roots. There's no way this car is worth 40k

[@MrSpccdavid]

MrSlicer2424 there is still temperature select buttons for each side next to the screen

[@1999Nickster]

Received some quite good $$$$ from Subie.... Time will take care of phoney reviews....

[@EverydayReviews2022]

???

[@nickolastiguan]

Wtf lol

[@Logan.Ninefingers]

I have a 2004 Outback which I love but I want to buy a smaller car so.... XV I wonder if you have heard if the 2020 version of the XV will be getting any of this stuff? Specifically the Outdoor version with the faux leather and the improved X-Mode, and a TURBO!

[@Logan.Ninefingers]

@I'm Still Alive thanks. I've decided on a Mazda CX-30 2.5. I tested the XV and didn't like it.

[@zedhead2864]

We've been driving Outbacks for over 20 Years. In Duluth, Mn. ( Like the streets of San Fransisco but with ice, and snow.) I will not be buying a new Outback. The engine offerings flat out suck. We test drove a '20 2.5 Touring, and a '20 XT limited. The 2.5 has absolutely no right being in a $40K car. One of the worst engines for NVH that Subaru has ever built. Gutless, noisy, and full of vibration. The 2.4 XT is a little better. But, there's no power without getting into the boost. Fuel mileage will suffer dramatically. Coming off a stop, and trying to accelerate like you're not holding up traffic behind you, means you HAVE to build some boost. Then, there is significant lag. The 2.4 XT is also a DI engine with no thought of crankcase ventilation. There will be trouble with carbon deposits on the valves. It's a well known, and documented problem with engines designed like this. We'll be sticking with our 3.6R Touring. Not quite as nice an interior. But a much better car overall.