2020 Subaru Outback XT // Is the Turbo WORTH the Extra $4,000??

Let's REVIEW and DRIVE the 2020 Subaru Outback XT Limited! After driving the XT and 2.5i back-to-back do we think it's worth the $4,000 UPGRADE? Is the engine smooth and refined? Does it mesh luxury and sport well enough for its $39,000 price tag? Is it better than its predecessor, the 3.6R Boxer-6?? Go ahead: CLICK to find out :) Also, be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this review -- it helps us more than you can imagine!
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As Tested (XT Limited): ~$39,000
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© Car Confections, LLC 2019. All rights reserved.
“Sampling the Latest Automotive Delicacies!”

[@dri50]

I think one of the important changes that was not emphasized enough was engine torque. The 2.5 engine delivers 176 ft-lbs @ 4400 rpm While the 2.4 with turbo delivers 277 ft-lbs at 2000 rpm. So you wind up with a 57% increase in torque at a MUCH lower rpm. This is what makes the XT feel different pulling away from stop street or stop light.

[@Kacpa2]

That's Magic of a Turbo :v

[@stephenhendricks103]

When Subaru introduced the Ascent last year I wondered about the future of the Outback being squeezed from below by the ever growing Forester and from above by the Ascent. The Outback XT answers that question. With a curb weight almost 700 lbs (!) lighter than the Ascent the 2.4L turbo is far more suited to the Outback than to the Ascent. Not only in terms of performance but likely in terms of durability, as well.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

Going over the Ascent specs I noticed that it was very heavy so the 2.4L would be maxed out with a full load..

[@tpolerex7282]

Apples to apples it is really about $2,300 more for the turbo. Limited XT comes standard with moonroof, nav, etc. that is optional on the Limited 2.5

[@kimmierishe5547]

I had to order my Outback Limited XT because not a single dealer in the huge state of California has one in stock. It should be ready it about three months and I can’t wait! In the video, you mentioned that you don’t know why anyone driving an Outback would use the paddle shifting. I always use paddle shifting living in the mountains on our curvy and windy roads - sometimes my car will speed up too much going downhill, but the road conditions or curves don’t warrant it - perfect time to use paddle shifting in my opinion. Also, why did Drew keep referring to the 2.4L engine as the boxer as opposed to this one? Aren’t they both boxer engines? The only difference being this one is a boxer with a turbo.

[@MSorosiak]

Just traded in my wife's Acura RDX for the XT Touring. What a fantastic car the Outback is. Very pleased!

[@jsc5590]

Hi, I'm looking at these two exact cars...would you mind telling me your thoughts on which vehicle you prefer and why? Thank you!!! JC

[@markrobinson891]

I really hate the idea of auto stop/start scam on so many new cars. Smooth or rough. It is sure to be causing accelerated wear and future $$$ repairs. Just to save what is probably too small to measure amount of fuel. I suspect it’s a trick to raise EPA efficiency estimates

[@johnstrand2247]

Exactly. Batteries fail sooner and so do starters, and the batteries are not cheap like the batteries of old. In fact, I don't want to pay for any of these Nanny devices that are major annoyances.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

I REM about 30 years ago the U.S. Postal Service started using Jeep Wranglers to deliver mail and they ordered the drivers to stop-start the engine at every address. Poor Jeeps. ☹️

[@stephenpowstinger733]

He said “you can always turn it off” but it involves going two or three steps into the menu every time.

[@firnameweren5311]

Stephen Powdexter yeah I agree they sure don’t make it easy to turn off and it should have a switch or physical button to quickly click on or off since it has to be done every time you get in to drive.

[@markrobinson891]

Firname Weren I just brought home a very nice 2018 outback. No such problem(s) Key in the ignition. No magic. The sales person told me the auto stop/start feature is the chief complaint he hears from potential buyers.

[@SambSylla]

I don't understand why every video on Subaru outback 2020 talks about higher trim only. What about the basic or convenient trim? are they not also Subaru Outback 2020? Oh I see, Basic is second class and generates no profit. Mind you, there is also tonne of Basic buyers out there just like myself. I only buy basic because it cheap to maintain ( less technology) and I save thousands of dollars. Please show us too the convenient or basic model,will you?

[@CarConfections]

We have another review, which is a Premium model (on the cheaper side of things). If you search for it you should find it

[@dantu5377]

I think if you want the cheaper model. It’s better to buy a rav 4

[@King_Kenny66]

Like to get one of these XT's when I'm finished school. Great job guys! :D

[@bbthing68]

Very nice review! However.... The Onyx XT edition also has the dual X-Mode and comes with a full-sized spare tire (all 2020 Outbacks can accept a full-size spare though they come standard with a space saver spare) with the same black rims as are mounted on the car. And it can be also loaded with options including the front camera (it just can't accept a per-driver seat memory nor driver focus setup, apparently), sun roof, LED interior lighting, and so on.

[@ronaldsteiger7562]

bbthing68 front camera is not an option on the limited

[@davidaguiar1387]

Unfortunately, the Onyx also can't get the Harman Kardon Stereo Upgrade . There are a few other options that can't be had as well.

[@bbthing68]

Ron, No, but it is available on the Onyx XT. David, No, but the Rockford Fosgate audio option is available from Subaru for the models that lack the Harmon Kardon sound system, and it sounds really good. Even better than the Harmon Kardon IMHO.

[@SambSylla]

I don't understand why every video on Subaru outback 2020 talks about higher trim only. What about the basic or convenient trim? are they not also Subaru Outback 2020? Oh I see, Basic is second class and generates no profit. Mind you, there is also tonne of Basic buyers out there just like myself. I only buy basic because it cheap to maintain ( less technology) and I save thousands of dollars. Please show us too the convenient or basic model,will you?

[@brendanlawrence3624]

Simple, they show the higher trim levels because they want to go over every possible feature you may get. The lower trim levels have everything the higher ones do, so there's no need to show those vehicles. No one wants to hear "I would show you xxxx package, but the trim level I'm looking at does not have that."

[@gregwaldron1010]

Just traded in a 2012 Outback 2.5 i Premium for a 2020 Outback XT Onyx. Looks very similar but with the new platform and drive train its a very different - and far better - vehicle. Definite winner.

[@ricklewis5804]

There’s a lot to like about the redesign of the Outback in 2020. There are a few improvements they could still make. Orient the USB ports vertically to provide a little more storage room below the huge screen. It’s a tiny area to begin with. The screen, while initially impressive, is a safety fail. Buttons and knobs don’t cause you to divert your attention away from what’s on the road nearly as much as the touch screen. For example to change from outside air to recirculating requires just one touch of a button and you can find it easily at a fraction of a second but on the touch screen you have to touch it twice in different places and spend a little more time looking where to put your finger exactly even though you know the “general area” on the screen. The screen diverts your attention from the road way too much and for longer periods of time than buttons and knobs which is why they had to put in the spy cam which annoyingly alerts you to pay attention. Have the car’s computer accurately calculate your gas mileage. Every Subaru I’ve owned (and other makes as well) always says you’re getting 1.5 mpg better than when you compute it manually. They’ve never under actual mpg, just over. On the XT, lose the few sections of fake wood paneling on the dash, it isn’t attractive at all. Bring back some color in the lighting like on the speedo and tach and the door lock and window switches. My 2018 had red lights which were a nice touch. Bring back the hood that stayed open without the metal rod that’s now required to prop it open.

[@markmorgan5999]

Enjoy your reviews, thorough without unnecessary showmanship. Subscribed. Go Cats!

[@CarConfections]

Awesome! We really appreciate that! Welcome to the Car Confections 'family' 😃

[@mikeduncan7552]

yes, we do not want to be treated like kids/idiots with stupid jokes, and antics such as climbing into the trunk and seeing if you fit. Oh and putting in the back laundry baskets, totes, etc. Do not do any of this. Stick to what you are doing.

[@bradleyscarreviews]

Drew, you should look at the 2020 sonata 1.6t for your new car and review it as should it be my next car? There is a bunch of them at dealerships now.ok

[@pilot1226]

So! What are your thoughts on ride comfort and quality compared to Forester? Outback drives nicer on highway?

[@dominickmammolito]

How does one get into the field of testing and reviewing new vehicles? This is something I have always wanted to do.

[@cheekcj]

I wish it came in a 6 speed Manual! My wife likes the CVT though. It’s ok around town but really is fun to drive on the freeway. No lag at all when you drive into the mountains. Only complaint I have is slow windshield wipers.

[@Kacpa2]

Yeah it would be amazing to have it so. Sadly only way to get it so would be probably getting the 2016 Canadian 6 speed 2.5i Outback and putting lots of money and effort to swap the engine over.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Howdy, great review as always! Is Mason’s finger okay?😸😻

[@CarConfections]

Thanks as always! He cut it a little bit while cooking, so it totally fine

[@tyclark8162]

For a kid, you presented yourself very well n were informative without allot of nonsense. Good job kid, I say that cuz I'm an ole paradog. Thanks Ty Clark

[@michaelmills4424]

I have been looking at an Outback XT and came across your review...very helpful. I also watched your full review of Outback - again very helpful! Great site!

[@CarConfections]

Awesome! Glad you found the videos helpful!

[@wade3312]

Please include a review of how well the seats heat and cool in the future. That is a major thing for me. My Lexus has "cooled" seats but you cannot even feel them.

[@davidaguiar1387]

The ventilated seats are only available in the Touring trim. I have the XT Limited and can tell you that the heated seats and steering wheel come up to temp pretty quick .

[@marckespiridion7172]

I test drove both and "settled" for the base engine limited. Price was a factor but more importantly I didn't need/want the navi or the moonroof and the driver focus camera. During the drive it kept reminding me to look ahead . It got a bit intrusive. The word to describe the 2.5 n/a motor would be adequate. Initial take off it feels underpowered but once the vehicle rolls it feels really good actually. I bought this for the wife and kids and driving around town it's an awesome ride. If I wanted more power I just take my WRX out for a spin 😉

[@chiman730]

Hey Mark, is yours a Touring trim?

[@marckespiridion7172]

@@chiman730 limited trim

[@hesham3326]

🌚🖤🌚 Subaru ✨ 🌚🖤🌚 . 👁️🗿👁️ 💥 😎 . 👓 💣 🎀 .

[@TheAnna123marie]

Absolutely worth the XT. We tried both models and there was no comparison!

[@customfitment9396]

It's not the turbo it's the towing thats worth $4000 for me

[@onze2093]

The tail lights remind me of the Acura RDX... 🤔. But it’s a great car! Btw look at the English captions at 1:34 lol Also I subbed because of all your videos I watched. 😁

[@CarConfections]

Haha! And thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the Car Confections 'family'!

[@RPG__Dave]

I have to compliment you guys as you always are able to get a hold of Subaru's while the much bigger channels can't review them or get a hold of them at all. Great job on this and as always great review! 200K is next!

[@CarConfections]

Thanks, David! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

[@tavilopi8677]

Pls make other trim of ford explorer

[@tinhinnh]

X mode, XT, Xpensive, Etc etc...

[@tomtalker2000]

I'd still take the 3.6R ANY DAY over this 4cyl model. Because it's a 4cyl and a turbo i see problems down the line. I'd rather have the 6cyl it's a work horse VERY STRONG engine and practically "bullet proof" compared to the 2.5 4cyl.

[@dlg5485]

It's be great if you guys could do an updated review of the refreshed 2023 Outback Onyx XT.

[@davidnilles3117]

I liked the on-camera stand up you did at the start of the video to show exterior features. Good job. The Subaru’s massive video screen is the best in the business!

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! Just trying something a little different

[@triciaharrod7582]

The interior wood accents in just a spot or two ... looks way out of place IMHO. Nice video review.

[@CarConfections]

Thanks!

[@ricklewis5804]

Agreed!

[@jtomtl]

Start stop system will destroy this engine and turbo inside

[@kuladeeluxe]

I agree, I'd defeat it. (you can do this by running the defroster.) I believe a module is being made to defeat it as well

[@jtomtl]

@@kuladeeluxe it has a strong starter I am sure, but how long will it last?

[@Corvette1658]

Yes it’s worth it because we have a 2020 Subaru Outback XT Onyx edition in the pearl white in my family. Next Friday December 13th it will be our 3 month anniversary with it. We love it a lot it’s my moms car that replaced her 2011 Toyota Venza. That we sold to our next door neighbors at the end of August. And we did not order ours it was one of the few Outbacks that the dealer had on they lot. We went the XT model because we now live in the high hills of South Carolina.

[@pascalkoech7728]

Absolutely phenomenal.... This is really amazing.

[@brianusa394]

You forgot to show the feature where you can open the rear hatch with the button that’s about 7” to the right of the button your can normally push when the fob in on your person. It’s great when your at the beach and don’t want to carry the fob with you. Just disable the fob and lock it in the car. If you don’t disable fob you can’t lock it into the car.

[@serenityinsilence]

The turbo isn't worth the extra money. It makes the car less fuel efficient, as well as costs more to fill up because you have to use premium fuel. I'll stick to my 2.5 outback premium. It has plenty of power, gets good fuel mileage for the class, and is overall more reliable.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Not exactly, the turbo does not require premium fuel. Just regular 87 octane. And the turbo gets 30mpg on the highway vs the 2.5 getting 33 mpg. I think the 2.5 is turd personally, I had one as a week long rental in Colorado recently and I had to accelerate harder to keep up with traffic and bury my foot in it to keep momentum on inclines and mountain passes. At some points I was floored and engine screaming all while people were passing me like I was standing still.

[@wendelljohnson760]

Beautiful car😍

[@davehippely4813]

33 down to 30 mpg is 10% that is huge. Definitely not worth fast acceleration.

[@kuladeeluxe]

Good review Guys.

[@robertlandry5676]

Unavailable 🙉

[@dantu5377]

I think if the xt has the smaller screen I would buy it

[@shafiquddin4185]

Nice car💋💋💓

[@pault477]

So why don’t the running lights stay on in Park?

[@troutstalker4744]

Its definitely worth to pay a bit more for the turbo

[@Thothali]

Will we be getting it in the UAE! The dealers here like to drip feed the market rather than flood the market...

[@mostiella129]

Actually I would like to ask you if it arrived to Uae I am interested in buying one and get it to egypt as we don’t get more than the 1.6 engine and no outback’s at all you can write me kindly if you have time

[@Thothali]

mosti ella Subaru sells the WRX AND STI here of course - 2.0 and 2.5 Turbo. Other than those, in the latest models, we get Outback 2.5, Forrester 2.0 , Legacy 2.5, XV 2.0, and the BRZ 2.0. The 2.4T has yet to be launched here. If you are looking for a brand new one, you can visit www.Subaru-UAE.com. For pre-owned cars you are better served by the Dubizzle app and the Seez app.

[@mostiella129]

Thothali hi again thank for the reply I asked Subaru Uae and they couldn’t answer me about the 2.4 XT if it will arrive as this is the one I am looking for new I even try with Subaru egypt to get it as a special order but they refused unfortunately the closest was Saudi Arabia Subaru but they have even a basic 2020 out back that doesn’t have even eyesight !!!! So Uae could be maybe the answer as it will be really hard to ship it from usa

[@Thothali]

@@mostiella129 Actually, USA might be your best bet. Lots of cars are shipped out of the US, and that is the market which will have left hand drive XTs. Oman is a possibility too since they like the Subarus in Oman.

[@mostiella129]

@@Thothali thank you very much for your kind answer

[@Greywolf3]

I just discovered your channel and this is my dream car even though I’m retired trying to live on Social Security 🙀 This is a wonderful video! Thank you for making it!!

[@CarConfections]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@nashvilletljc5904]

Is the XT, the same as the Limited XT? Or is it 2 different cars?

[@CarConfections]

XT just means that it has the turbo engine in it

[@AsapKimchi]

I just got the forester sport yea no turbo but I drive like an old person anyways lol outback is nice but just doesn't have that extra comfort space for me

[@MontgomeryBison]

I thought the outback was bigger?

[@AsapKimchi]

@@MontgomeryBison passenger wise no, forester much better and trunk space the outback has just a tab bit more length/with but for height forester has more clearance

[@coreygarcia622]

@@MontgomeryBison Actually (unless you get base Forester) the outback has a bit over a foot more passenger volume total. Also, the usable trunk space is much greater than the Forester, about 6sq ft more floor space. The reason the Forester has "comparable" trunk numbers is because of its height. Also there is actually 2in more headroom in the rear for the outback, unless you get a moon roof which then makes headroom isentical to the Forester.

[@CDub-np1cc]

Turbo + Auto Start/Stop = Trouble.

[@homer17022x22]

Auto Start/Stop ca n be disabled

[@bizzarma]

@@homer17022x22 good to know cuz my q5 has that I hate it ! yeah , so why not disable it ?

[@bizzarma]

I mean I hate the start /stop....love the q5

[@mikepayne3154]

Thanks guys

[@pault477]

Also - very quiet

[@stephenpowstinger733]

An impressive car but the downsides are downers: over-reliance on that huge touchscreen (give me more buttons I can actually feel), CVT, stop-start, driver spy-cam. They get very pricey. ... Actual price of top trim Limited XT is closer to $40,000 and you might need additional options driving price up further. Trailer hitch is $500, door sill plates, auto dimming outside mirrors $$$, underbody protective plates, etc.

[@joeyforgiven1069]

I love my XT!

[@entity1263]

I never understood why we need simulate 8 gears..?

[@martincstee5335]

You need that when you are driving on a long and curvy descent in the mountains.

[@mattcrumrine618]

Winner for Outback XT vs Forester???

[@MechayaAlta]

Which has more comfortable seats onyx xt or limited xt (synthetic vs real leather)?

[@susankang6995]

I have the limited xt and it's very comfortable

[@pault477]

Yes - it flies

[@travelinben1966]

It’s a nice vehicle,but not $40k + nice.

[@travelinben1966]

Bill H Only someone from another planet would pay sticker price.I always buy new,and in my mind,this is a bit much for this brand.

[@chrisantusebose2201]

How much Kenyan money.

[@hleigh842]

I really enjoyed your video. You have a talent for being able to make the viewer see and feel what your are experiencing.....almost like being there is person. Very thorough and thoughtful with excellent coverage of all the areas an interested buyer would have. Thanks

[@CarConfections]

Thanks so much! We appreciate the kind words! 😁

[@bizzarma]

Can anyone tell me why my 2018 Q5 (4 cylinder) seems faster (and smoother) than the outback xt? I d love to trade it for a XT but it seems slower, even though the XT has a little more horse and torque. What gives ( the transmission) ?

[@seth_before_dishonor]

The Q5 has a traditional transmission whereas CVTs have that lag feeling if you floor it. I had a 2016 Altima SR 3.5 and it would lag if I floored it but if I gently pressed the gas and let the CVT do it’s thing it would get up n go. Used to dislike it but the consistency grew on me.

[@ricklewis5804]

@@seth_before_dishonor totally agree

[@charliemontero5217]

Prefer the turbo

[@CrucesNomad1]

Dont buy Subaru. Less than 3k miles on new purchase and going to the shop. Out of pocket and takes weeks to get a appointment.

[@Corkfish1]

I had a 2004 forester xt that was much faster than this, but I would never consider one of these.

[@10tenman10]

At this price I would move to a high class of vehicle such as the Telluride or Highlander.

[@GALVIN_OFFICAL]

First

[@paulhenry913]

I hear some CVT whine

[@NoChannelChannel]

Still cvt crap

[@technik2055]

I’m “totally first”

[@belowme4927]

ENGINE, TOO NOISY INSIDE

[@darriontunstall3708]

The 2020 Subaru Outback Xt its ok! I don’t really like Subaru.

[@MrMoose-mf1oy]

I don’t trust people who don’t like Subaru’s

[@mattX5]

Mr. Moose it’s not his fault or mine that Subaru’s are some of the most boring cars on the road, driving wise and style wise.

[@MrMoose-mf1oy]

2016 F15 N55 says the person with a BMW calling a Subaru “boring.” I would pay to see that thing on backroads 😂

[@mattX5]

Mr. Moose it’s called an suv dumbass. If I’m taking backroads, I take our 2015 Audi S4. If I’m going on long trips, for instance to my work office, I take my X5. I just got back from a 2,000 km road trip to The east coast of Canada and back, and the X5 was one of the most comfortable cars for that. I have a seriously bad back, and the seats didn’t hurt me at all, despite driving 12 hours a day. It had no problems maintaining 140 km/h on the highway and it was really fun to drive on the twisty roads. Look up reviews of the X5, it’s one of the best handling suvs besides the Macan and cayenne. And the sad thing is, it would smoke every single new Subaru in a drag race, except for the WRX STI. Besides the WRX STI, no new Subaru does 0-60 in under 5.7 secs, which is what me and my wife’s X5 does. Plus, the X5 handles amazingly for its size, especially in sport plus mode when it tightens up the steering. Is someone jealous? Aww I’m sorry. And btw, Subaru is the most boring brand here in North America, besides maybe Mitsubishi. Aside from the WRX and maybe the BRZ, none of them have any steering feel at all, and they all have those POS cvts, unless you get a manual. The ZF 8 speed in my X5 would smoke any Subaru transmission. Period. The only people I ever see driving Subaru’s here in Canada are senior citizens who barely go 80km/h on the highway and teenagers in their POS riced our BRZs who think they’re so cool. Subaru is a shit brand, deal with it.

[@mattX5]

Mr. Moose id like to see this crossover/wagon ugly thingy on a backroad. It would probably flip.

[@Bobmcjoepants]

If I can use the comments section to leave constructive criticism (probably the first ever), please work on the audio and video quality. Not the resolution quality, but the audio is very tinny and the video is very shaky. I've been watching since your first videos and enjoy them a lot, but over the past year you've definitely gone down hill. I get it's hard to make these videos, but maybe invest in a dedicated mic and gyro stabilized mount for your camera, both of which would fix the audio problems and video shakiness Either way thank you for reading and have a great day!

[@CarConfections]

Thank you for providing some helpful feedback! Most people don't bother to let us know what's on their mind so we really appreciate it. We are definitely looking at getting some new stabilization equipment and lavalier mics very soon!