2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT - POV Review

[@TheTopher]

For comparison here’s the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness - POV Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHmTo41_mbh6ebc

[@davem.3309]

Thanks man I work at the factory good to see a review!

[@edwardgrant69]

That’s awesome man. Keep up good work on the cars

[@hyperllama1207]

The one in Lafayette Indiana?

[@JoeMACofNAC]

Thanks for making my 22 Outback!

[@mysteriousM8]

Keep up the fantastic work 🎉

[@vitaly062]

Thanks for making my 22 Legacy XT

[@myronbledsoe3020]

I had no idea that my 2025 Touring XT has a CD player! Thank you for showing me!

[@TheHersonCastillo]

a CD PLAYER in the center storage console???????!!!!!! SOLDDDDDDD 🙂😂💿🎶

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

There has to be a great story behind how/why this trim features a CD player player in 2025. I'm picturing some stubborn old bastard on the product team at Subaru stomping his feet at every meeting 😂

[@BDogs10]

Oh yeah! IM BUYING 😂

[@MaxFromSydney1]

I bought my Outback Touring XT in this colour in 2023. The throttle response in “I” mode is comically non-linear, but is good for low RPM cruising on flat roads. Driving uphill or downhill, or for passing, the much more linear and responsive “S” mode is the way to go, with the turbo engine proving plenty of power for what I need. It chews fuel in traffic but is much more economical on the freeway. In “I” mode, the engine lopes along at relaxing and quiet 1500rpm on the freeway. With the fat centre arm rest and comfy front seats, this car feels like a lounge chair on wheels to drive, but the handling and grip is surprisingly good, albeit with slow-ish steering; she ain’t no sports car. I’m glad I paid extra for the Touring pack to get the Harmon Kardon stereo, heated / cooled front seats and sun roof. The length of the car is sometimes a bit annoying in cramped multi-storey car parks. In Australia, we get a full-size alloy spare wheel, for peace of mind when touring (same with the Forester). I bought this car as a roomy, comfy all-road all-weather tourer, and it excels at that. If you want a small, frugal city car, there are better options out there.

[@BDogs10]

Bro, what are we looking at L/100km? Thanks: Hurstville,Sydney

[@calfolkionized]

Did not know the touring has digital mirror! Thanks for the nice review!

[@parsley0120]

It’s a more recent addition, I believe it came available in the 2023 model year.

[@abhishekgohil6809]

Yea i have not seen subaru 2024 models to have digital mirrors lol you sure topher its not 2025?

[@CookieCreeperIvan]

​@@abhishekgohil68092023 and above Touring Outbacks have the digital mirror. It came along with the face-lift.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Chris, The Outback has kept the mainstream wagon dream alive for many years. Hopefully the arrival of the Crown Signia will help that dream grow. 😁

[@kimcloud8995]

We have a 21 Onyx XT. With some Geolander tires (same as wilderness edition), its the most comfrotable all weather, go almost anywhere, road trip vehicle / daily driver.

[@Marco-qe5zw]

nearly exactly the same as this car, i have one too!

[@hanhanhanhan7692]

Have had it for a year now, been loving it 👍🏻👍🏻

[@savedbytheblood316]

Drove one today I’m sold, trading up from my 2015 outback premium

[@hanhanhanhan7692]

@@savedbytheblood316 congratulations! You will love it

[@savedbytheblood316]

@@hanhanhanhan7692 decided to wait for 2026 outback redesign. Might be out March 2025 or def July 2025. Just had my 2015 detailed it looks like brand new with only 70k.

[@efk3733]

Great to see an unbiased review of the Outback and not comparing it to something it wasn't designed to be. I don't have the turbo in my year old Touring and there's no issue with power. I like the safety features and the unique look of the wagon style, especially with the amount of cargo area. I think this vehicle is a good balance between an SUV and sedan. Can't be compared to either one. I suspect this vehicle will be my choice again in two years unless they go berserk with the plastic cladding.

[@adams1696]

3500lb towing in that cvt 4cylinder turbo.. man these new engines are amazing coming out. Crazy where tech is today.

[@dawsongranger4940]

The ascent tows 5000 pounds with the same cvt and turbo setup

[@Marco-qe5zw]

@@dawsongranger4940 so essentially you could tow 5000lbs with this turbo outback

[@dawsongranger4940]

@@Marco-qe5zw No, that’s not how it works. Just because a version of the engine and transmission can handle 5,000 pounds doesn’t mean the body and brakes could. You would damage your outback doing that and potentially sheer the hitch off

[@timothycoyne5874]

Nice review. I had an Outback Premium for a few years back in the mid 2010s. It was a great family car, if boring to drive. $44K is getting up there for an Outback, but I think you’re getting a nice and very capable family truckster for the money.

[@TheLanard]

I got this as a loaner when my Forester was getting work done on it. I actually liked it more than my car. It rides better, it’s quieter, and better looking. I think it’s the best looking station wagon, ever. The only problem with my loaner was it came with the 2.5 natural engine, the same in my Forester. It’s underpowered for this car. The turbo would be my choice.

[@spathotan]

Great review as always man. Me and the wife have test driven basically every Subaru, during her hunt before she landed on the Santa Cruz, and mine before I landed on the GLI. Every Subaru ive ever drove feels incredibly slow and choked out, even the WRX.

[@Dusty204]

Always a good evening when Topher posts 😮🎉

[@Jay-sb2xs]

One of my favorite SUV/Wagon!

[@Jay-sb2xs]

Am considering a Legacy Touring XT with Java Napa Brown including and cosmetic blue color

[@JOE-wx3tm]

you should drive a lucid. would be awesome if you could get your hands on one and do a pov! Amzing content btw

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

It’s a shame that the KZbin reviewers only touch the press fleet. The non-turbo Outbacks are the real value play. We LOVE our 2023 Outback Premium. It was like $32,000 after destination. Ton of car for the money. And Subaru does factory orders, often below MSRP, which is nice to get EXACTLY what you want.

[@BART_Adventures]

Does it have push button start I know the base doesn’t but the limited does, that’s a deal breaker for me

[@JoeMACofNAC]

This is true. I ordered my 22 Outback Touring from the factory. Subaru is a great value brand.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

@@BART_Adventures Premium trim has a physical key. It's the only way you get that with the big screen. And heated cloth seats. It's a nice middle ground.

[@hhaste]

@@BART_Adventures That's such a small thing to break a deal over, lol.. you could always add your own, later on.

[@VoltF1]

The issue is, the companies give those high trim models. He says that in a believe the GX review.

[@27Zangle]

Outbacks are great. I owned an older one years ago and loved it. I'd like to find a 2013-2014 Outback with a manual.

[@oliverroo59]

My Outback is the best vehicle I've ever owned. It's quick, comfortable, and very functional. It drives like a car but it can do SUV things. It's like the swiss army knife of vehicles.

[@scottanthony3426]

I think the turbo is now able to run on regular. The XT (turbo) choice is one of feast or famine. In this 4,000 lb car, the normally aspirated 2.5 L is underpowered when trying to merge, especially if a hill is involved. (I test drove both). In trying to find a suitable replacement for my '14 Forester XT, I drove this and was underwhelmed. With the Forester XT, they upgraded the suspension, added bigger wheels and brakes, and created 3 drive modes, with buttons on the steering wheel, where easily accessible. There is a "sport" mode in this Outback, but it is buried two screens deep on that big screen. Hardly useful when driving. I thought the Outback felt a bit floaty on the road, less nimble than my Forester XT, and like there was a bit of lag waiting for the real power to tip in. It has a lot of nice equipment, but in the end, I didn't think it was worth the extra money and fuel consumption penalty. The 2.4 has more power and torque vs my old 2.0L XT, but it carries a lot more weight. I found the 2.5 Forester lacking in power too. Accelerating past about 50 mph, it just screams for more power. Hoping the hybrid brings a nice compromise in the future with some needed torque and better mpg. I don't have to have all the power of the XT, but the 2.5 isn't enough.

[@adk7962]

“Once it warms up to existence…” 😆 I had a Subaru Legacy for my work car for a while so I feel your pain regarding the infotainment. The AWD on a Subaru just can’t be beat though. I’ve always loved off road wagons. This, the Volvos, even the Mercedes versions. Prefer this over a SUV all day. Thanks for taking us on the drive!

[@mn9108]

nice interior color

[@jamesj5565]

Had a mid-trim one of these as a rental this summer and it was a stellar durable car to live with but had super weird gas pedal feel, as if there was zero engine response until you pressed it like 10% of the way down :/

[@suespony]

Kept going back and fourth on this model and the limited model. Not a big price difference, drove both multiple times, ended up buying the 2025 limited model. Better gas mileage, no chance of turbo issues. Also the Cd player is available in the limited model as an option. If you plan on towing, the turbo might be better option for you. Also have a 2024 Crosstrek model.

[@Jay-sb2xs]

Touring XT is the spec that i will swing for

[@JonM47]

My dad has the 24 xt in white. Loves it

[@hwyman01]

Main thing I DISliked about ours was the infotainment software. Just terrible. Other than that we enjoyed the car

[@bellathe5.031]

I had a nearly identical spec 2.5 NA outback as a loaner for a week and with the 2.5 it felt extraordinarily underpowered. Cruising on the interstate at 85 it was revving out to 4-4.5k just to go up hills. Otherwise a phenomenal daily driver.

[@Localtraveler2376]

Thanks for putting all the car info in the description. I like looking at that info while watching. Why do they put a cvt in this car? Is it just cheaper?

[@Jay-sb2xs]

2.4 liter Boxer is a smooth engine sounds good

[@DiReis]

That savage geese cameo at the beginning of the video 👀

[@TeddyBearGaming999]

Finally, a CVT that does what it's supposed to

[@Love2Cruise]

Wish they’d make the Legacy wagon without all the plastic “ruggedness” and lower the suspension by 3”. But that doesn’t sell to the current society of insecurity.

[@scott8919]

I wish transmissions just did what they needed to do without the fake shifting BS. The best way to confuse a naive owner is having the person at the desk tell a customer, "yeah, that weird shifting you've been having? You don't actually have gears. They're just programmed to sound like it does so you don't bring your car in to say it shifts weird..."

[@blue-tb2fd]

The early CVTs were like that, I think they added fake shifts to appease people who were used to traditional autos and to make it feel less like a rubber band. I don't mind how the early ones behave but if you're used to a traditional auto it can feel weird.

[@joeaardvark9214]

@@blue-tb2fd My dad had a 2005 Ford Five Hundred as a work car for a little while and it had that transmission. It was so weird.

[@Marco-qe5zw]

the Japanese versions down have the fake shifts... if only it were an option here in the USA

[@Jay-sb2xs]

Outback is still the best wagon on sale today i will buy it over a RS6 wagon

[@christianohms6672]

Nice wagon, but definitely not 44k nice. Insane!

[@Marco-qe5zw]

considering volvos have less features than this car for nearly double the price id say its a FANTSTIC deal.

[@oliverroo59]

go test drive one, the top trims at 44k are a great deal

[@jimwilliams7136]

Want it to fly even better? Install a Pedal Commander on it. You'll really fly.

[@wayoutwest1600]

Check the gas mileage. My OB Onyx with the smaller 4cyl gets a combined 24 mpg, well below the advertised average. And the service dept. offered no explanation, just blew me off.

[@hazdaz8578]

Hey Topher! How do you like this compared to the CX50?

[@ayoh4864]

Good question, i’d like to know too. Personally, I like the cx50 a teeny bit better because I don’t like cars with “laggy” infotainment. It gets frustrating trying to do everything through a touch screen as well. Also like the cx50 because it feels more “premium”. I looooooove both cars though.

[@hazdaz8578]

​​@@ayoh4864 It's been a hard decision for me. I've always been a Subaru guy, and I prefer the AWD system of the Outback and how the interior is a bit more rugged. It also has more interior space than the CX50. But I've seen a few CX50s on the road and they are gorgeous, plus the interior and transmission are better than the Outback in my opinion.

[@ayoh4864]

@@hazdaz8578 I agree. Have you taken a look at the Honda Passport? It has an inline v6 that is super smooth and a torque vectoring AWD system that is superb. I’ve gotten the chance recently to drive A 2023 Passport Elite, and it is absolutely AWESOME. It has offroad drive modes too. Maybe something you can check out? (Shifts very smooth, and paddle shifters in the one I drove work great).

[@SimulatorsStudio]

@@hazdaz8578 I went from a Subaru to a Mazda, haven't looked back. Definitely consider the CX50.

[@huie1983]

I had a 23 Wilderness for a year and 7K miles. Between the complete ass of an infotainment system and the laggy CVT\turbo combo, that's as long as I could stand it. Cool wagons, especially the Wilderness, but Subaru's just kind of lost me with these latest gen's.

[@Alan-z7i6t]

Im hoping the 2026 gets rid of the outside plastic all around.

[@ThePenguinface]

That’s what the Levorg/WRX wagon is for

[@gryphon123456]

Handsome Colour and handsome vehicle. Just wish it came in a manual.

[@jacobt1027]

they used to offer no one bought them

[@kearney6197]

16:00 Okay I did not know these had power folding mirrors like is this new for the 2024 model year or has this always been a thing ? Because I’ve seen these plenty of times in parking lots and I don’t think I’ve ever seen one with the mirrors folded in🤔💁‍♂️

[@ralphkirbycasia518]

Are there a lot of plastic within the interior, Mr. Topher?

[@austriantruther4648]

Suparu is amazing!!

[@gilbertrolland8505]

How does the noise compare to Toyota’s Camry? Thanks

[@jimwilliams7136]

I have no problem with the resolution of the cameras. They show me what I need to see. I'm not hunting for coins on the driveway.🙄

[@lucasokeefe7935]

Rented an Outback Wilderness on Turo for a week and a bit recently; unfortunately I found it entirely devoid of personality compared to my old 2016 Forester XT. With the sole exception of the BRZ, Subaru has been disappointing me at every turn the last five years or so. Let's hope they can get their heads out of their asses before too much longer and start selling bare bones funvee's again

[@mikespadafora9077]

I really like your videos but the sound system tests are not great. You cannot really tell how a system sounds via recording and the song you choose is pretty bad.

[@phoenixnfa]

ill add to the comments. 2020 limited 2.5. the factory tires are awful and didnt last at all. the factory alignment ended up being the culprit. have put a set of michelin defender 2s on it and its ultra quiet now. factory battery died after 4 years of texas heat. auto stop start is annoying and over 4 years ive only saved around 1 whole tank of gas. other than that its the perfect daily driver.

[@jimwilliams7136]

Badicslly covered everything that's been covered a dozen times.

[@exiles753]

Ever plan to drive a ford edge?

[@marcleibovic6879]

Ford plans to discontinue The Edge. Rented one for a week on a famiky ski trip to Calagary last year. It was spacious, quiet and easy to drive

[@SineFractal]

Please Subaru, put a MT in this

[@11LK]

Beautiful interior among ice cold new age cars.

[@SpencerReidBuchanan]

After owning a 2017 Subaru outback for 180k miles, I will NEVER buy another vehicle with a CVT.

[@VoltF1]

yeah they are bad we used to have a Avalon hybrid with a 2 speed trans (acted like a cvt) but it worked well. Only some cars perfect it, so it’s the worst descision

[@SpencerReidBuchanan]

@@VoltF1 The problem with the outback is the tuning of the transmission. It wants to sit right above idle. Driving around town you're at 1200RPM. You'll barely get on the throttle away from a stop and it's like jolty, not smooth at all. Also the fuel economy is not good for what it is (a lifted wagon/crossover) I rarely get above 22. How is that okay when something like a CRV or Rav4 will be in the 30s. 10/10 chance I'll never buy another vehicle with a CVT. When this car dies I'm going back to a mnanual transmission car too.

[@VoltF1]

@@SpencerReidBuchanan yeah only hybrids are the only cvts are the ones that I would buy just cause mpg

[@Сергій-щ4и]

Subaru ❤

[@user-hz4le7sq5r]

Couldn't pay me to buy CVT ever again

[@OldTimeRevolver]

I wanted to like the Outback but between the horrible infotainment system and a CVT transmission it's a hard pass.

[@gilbyglibber]

TMIC without the scoop is blasphemy

[@G_Rizzly]

Nice car but costs €60k+ in Ireland. Way, way too much.

[@NeilMcLinden]

The sound systems in all the new Subarus are inexcusably bad. You can't hear a single thing.

[@johnb382s]

No hood scoop like the older Xt models which is kind of dumb because the intercooler gets no airflow?

[@femtoeclipse860]

Starts at 30k seriously

[@JimMacintosh]

A lesbians dream car!

[@sehunkimm]

based comment

[@JimMacintosh]

@@sehunkimmeveryone knows

[@Marco-qe5zw]

lesbians drive foresters, brah

[@Timmymtd]

starts at 30k but as tested is 44k?? Wow.

[@blue-tb2fd]

A Porsche 911 starts at $110k or so and goes to $300k. Granted it's a luxury/sports car, but this is nothing plus you get like 9 trim levels lol

[@Timmymtd]

@@blue-tb2fd sir, this is a Subaru

[@blue-tb2fd]

@Timmymtd No. Really?! I'm saying the price spread is nothing and tons of cars are the same. A RAV4 starts at $28k and goes to $40k, not uncommon these days

[@Timmymtd]

@@blue-tb2fd sorry i commented you were right sorry

[@jerbsherb4391]

Don't buy the luxury version of an economy car and don't buy the economy version of a luxury car. I cannot imagine myself paying over 40k+ for a Subaru.

[@waynewilliams1487]

Can't believe the Murano SL hws the same features for 7K less($/37K vs$44) including a panoramicmoonroof not available on any outbac! Off-road focused vs on road focused. Since there are not mountains to climb in fL, I choose Murano with 260 HP without the turbo lag from the XT. Murano is sn overlooked gem both have CVT eirhsimulated gears & AWD

[@historyrevisited1803]

I have a 2019 Impreza sport, the Subaru infotainment system is absolute trash.

[@Jonathan-bk3dq]

That door sounded so hollow when you closed it. Not a good thing.

[@TheTopher]

Yeah, that wasn’t good!

[@tylerc4229]

Subaru interiors still in 2014

[@allanchen8496]

The biggest let down is the info tech IMO. No 360 cams on the top trim? No digital instrument cluster? C'mon.

[@zigforjustice]

1:19 - Dang that lag is egregious

[@crownofgallia9770]

Stupid Savage geese joke makes me laugh every time, what's wrong with me

[@majed6956]

If they weren't piles of shit, I'd buy one because they're packaged well and capable. But all I see are problems reported - oil leaks, trans issues, laggy infotainment...

[@bradh6185]

I drove the XT Touring. The cabin was noisy, the ride was a bit rough, and the powertrain was awkward. But if you're used to driving Japanese cars, these things might not bother you.

[@gknkrnkjgjugjrgjrng]

cope more

[@theredsalmon612]

lol

[@anonymousanon4889]

lol

[@brianpsolka]

I"d get a subaru. But cant afford anything new. :( or not a piece of 💩. Need a rich friend! 😅 Open to someone help me out 😁😁😁👍👍 Jk but not rlly srsly 😁😁 Im 26 have 2 dollars 💰. Im not kidding. I dont have a bank account either. Im really bad with money 🤑 But ive probably accumilated only a few thousand in my lifetime thus far. But i guess if you make friends with money maybe they help just cause they friends and some people can just throw money away out the window or in a trashcan and it doesnt impact their quality of life at all. But if you have 2$ and suffer from depression and dont really have any 1 there for u then quality of life really takes a hit from experience i will tell you it almost is torture.. but im stuck.

[@cmo5150]

Wow this comment took quite the turn towards the end there

[@brianpsolka]

@@cmo5150 thanks it's poetry 😆 🥲😀

[@FidelityRacing]

I agree with Brian. Well spoken.

[@DeeTofa]

Cool story bro

[@FidelityRacing]

The physical, emotional, and spiritual well being since the beginning of time. I'll have 4 of what he's having

[@longdang3379]

Why doesnt australia have the digital rear view mirror is pretty stupid