BEST Subaru to BUY! 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness Review

[@TheStraightPipes]

We're officially back to filming from taking August off! Congrats to our editor Terry on your first child! A Cute little baby boy who's 6 weeks now!!! The Straight Pipes is officially now all about FAMILY! FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

[@yay842]

Congrats to all you guys 👍

[@mukhtar__]

FAMILY

[@ruvindap66]

Don't drive off any dams!

[@LittleWanka]

Congrats! 👍 Cant wait for your next review. Maybe the green ultimate driving machine? =D

[@parasharkchari]

And now, I already see the future where Straight Pipes are driving 20-speed manual transmissions and shift back and forth 3 times around Cliche Corner.... eventually, they'll be doing a review of a Miata in space. Bald and buff Jakub will just quip "Family."

[@kennorcott7074]

As someone who worked at a Subaru dealer, the Outback wilderness was my favorite new subie to drive aside from the manual wrx. Great car, someone should manual swap one

[@Broken1point8]

@Brian_Eugene_Leeno

[@jonlosito2004]

​@Brian_Eugene_Lee CVTs don't necessarily last that long buddy

[@kennorcott7074]

@Brian_Eugene_Lee I don’t hate the CVT, I would just prefer a manual

[@jonlosito2004]

@Brian_Eugene_Lee yes CVTs are good in most other cars. I just prefer regular automatics than CVTs

[@blue-tb2fd]

​@Brian_Eugene_LeeWe get it, you want to defend them. That's fine. That doesn't mean other people have to like them. I've owned multiple CVT Subarus and been happy but that doesn't mean they're for everyone. You don't need to make 7 comments about it.

[@737Parkie]

When I was a kid in the 80s my Dad got a Subie wagon. I learned to drive with that car. Loved Subarus ever since. We lived in Saudi Arabia and took it to the beach and camping in the desert. NEVER got stuck. Great car.

[@ali87sa]

Was it red?

[@737Parkie]

@@ali87sa kind of gold

[@DavidKeasey]

@@737Parkie We lived in Saudi for 6 years in the late 90s, and had a Subaru Outback when we lived in Riyadh. Indeed, it was a great, dependable car, and I could get it through places where others with their Range Rovers were forever getting stuck. It would also manage a comfortable 160 kph on cruise control when doing the run between Riyadh and Jeddah or Dharahn. I think that the only "better" vehicle for the desert there was the old Toyota Land Rover.

[@IvanMacKenzie]

Another equipment difference with the Wilderness is the inclusion of a full-size spare. And in the U.S. the spare includes TPMS, allowing for 5-tire rotation.

[@gs98999]

No Canadian Subarus have tpms. This also allows tire rotations 😂

[@dont_sink]

Is the addition of TPMS in the spare new for 2024? The 2023 model doesn't have TPMS in the spare.

[@terminalbloom9073]

all outback wilderness have tpms in the spare in usa. 5 tire rotations are standard for them at the dealer. @@dont_sink

[@rachelgulliver2623]

My US 2023 had a TPMS installed in the spare. My dealer did need to sync it with the system the first time, but only had to do that the first time.

[@Tokido-ux4tk]

Whats TPMS

[@rpiian]

I got to drive this for a few days as a loaner, in black. Very impressed. The extra power is impressive and the CVT is surprisingly good with responsive paddleshifters (I'd say one of their best attempts). With the extra ride height I'd take it over a WRX at this point, for where I live... FTR I owned a ‘14 WRX hatch for 10 years, also.

[@sarrum7696]

We just got one, had it for about a month so far and we love it. 🥰 - One thing of note, both my wife and I both said it’s so easy to speed in this car. It’s deceptively quick. It doesn’t convey a sense of speed at all. Around town driving we catch ourselves jumping up to 50mph in a 35mph zone without knowing it.

[@Gopinathk17]

If you jump it that much..a speeding ticket will be ready to jump on you 😋

[@andykinsey1926]

The cruise control can be your best friend...

[@sarrum7696]

@@andykinsey1926 truer words were never spoken! 😂

[@TC1Z2L3]

It does have a kind of floating on air feeling. You don't have to push the pedal very hard to get a lot of gitty-up. I will say tho, if you push the pedal too hard off the fly, the CVT and turbo create quite a choppy acceleration. The non-turbo 2.5 is a little more eager off the line and better mated to the CVT but it's got nothing in the mid or upper range acceleration department.

[@Jason-qr7rc]

I've been waiting 3 years for you guys to review an XT version of the Outback to validate my decision.

[@TheStraightPipes]

🙏

[@AnonYmous-hu6jd]

Subarus are intentionally understated and underrated. These cars WORK in every scenario. The boxer engine gives character. The interior space is unmatched. The ground clearance gives peace of mind when pulling up to curbs or driving uneven roads. The AWD allows for engaging driving through turns and confidence in the rain. The styling is perfect for adults w/ families. The CVT is so smooth and linear for the NA engines! The ride is luxury levels of comfortable. The reliability is up there with Hondas and Toyotas if maintained properly. I wish you guys would highlight how this car is so much more than the sum of its parts!

[@Roflcakes88]

Nice try Subaru marketing team

[@Plymothquin]

Awesome review guys! I've owned mine for a year already and I still love it! I am normally a neutural color guy i couldnt help but get the Geyser Blue one! Very cool color and good engine for it.

[@tobym9045]

Never liked Subaru's until I drove my nephew's WRX. Then I took a long trip in a friends Outback!...and I get it now. I think it's the best value family car out there. And it's the only affordable "station wagon". Hard Stop. Especially in Canada. The interior has improved tremendously and compares to anything else out there. It won't win any races but the regular 2.5 engine is bullet proof and economical. The XT is more fun...but less economical. I'd rather it not be a CVT but even that is well programmed and works well. It's quiet and comfortable on the highway. Great in the city and there's enough ground clearance to never have to worry about snow. And of course the AWD system is beyond reproach. Either the Green ONYX or Wilderness will be my next car.

[@TrekCA]

Ive had my 22 outback wilderness for over a year and where this car shines is on fireroads or dirt roads. You can absolutely send it and it rides so smooth. I feel like this car rides more smooth on fire roads compared to some regular roads.

[@Jakesmusings]

Just bought the Outback Wilderness and it was nice to see it on your review! My next plan is to visit each National Park in the Continental United States and Canada as my retirement celebration! Great review; always enjoy your insights and ribbing of the vehicles you review. Keep up the good work!

[@dekayallday1]

That’s what I’d like to do- visit National Parks across the US. Researching to purchase Wilderness Edition and wondering if 2022 would be a better value proposition price-wise? Congratulations on your retirement and good luck with your plan !

[@jeffer1101]

This and the Forester Wilderness (and likely the upcoming Crosstrek Wilderness) are honest vehicles. Not hard core Rubicon Wranglers (which would be overkill for 99% of the people who buy them anyway), but more capable than regular vehicles (CRV, Rogue, RAV4, etc). They also drive really nice (in terms of comfort) and are actually reasonably well priced (not cheap, but not really expensive either). We bought a Forester Wilderness about 2 months ago and love the way it drives. It drives smaller than it is (it's not that big anyway), but it really feels like a compact car when you are driving around town in traffic. Great visibility, comfortable ride and a no-nonsense interior (the 2024 Forester will likely have that large infotainment screen though, which is why we actually prefer the 2023 model).

[@kblack3970]

Well said Sir! I bought the 2024 OBW for all the reasons you listed and one that not many may mention or have experienced. I've owned a 73 Ford Bronco with a 4" lift on 35's and miss the hood design more than I thought I would. The Outback has a similar hood look and feel of my old truck imo and I love it!

[@jedclampett7705]

Knuckleheads. It’s not a Porsche. Wasn’t meant to be a Hellcat off the line. Never will be a Lamborghini. It’s an off roader when the need arises. On roader for the rest. Reliable, practical and a decent seller for Subaru. Knuckleheads!

[@robertwoolner9120]

I’m sorry but they missed the point. It’s so capable off-road. It’s not a parking lot look. It has more clearance than a f150.

[@jonlosito2004]

And a 4 Runner too, probably not the TRD Pro

[@LuxLazar]

Got mine at the end of August. I absolutely love it. Was turned off by the cvt, but it’s surprisingly been pretty good.

[@Lord_Stinkfoot]

Subaru knows how to do CVTs.

[@devanshuprajapati5188]

hello, I am planning to get one for myself can you please share the Average Maintenance and service cost compare to others? Also any issue with the Mechanicals of the vehicle? Thanks

[@george-ng5gj]

Just bought one - traded in a 2021 Outback Onyx XT for this and its incrementally better in every way.

[@HumanGame]

There are off-road trails in South West/Central Ontario that the Outback can conquer. I know this because I use my '22 OBW for off-roading in Ontario. It's the main reason I bought it.

[@willb1242]

Hi boys, RE Steering: The Outback has a steering "dampener", which is basically a steering column that's been cut, and then fixed together by a plate of rubber. Which is to say, a component added specifically to make the steering more vague. You can buy an aftermarket mod to clamp the plate down and reattach your steering column, if you like :P

[@josephr.takeyama3576]

HIGHLY SUGGEST THIS

[@willb1242]

@@josephr.takeyama3576 yes. Never heard anyone take it off later. It's just better, unless you prefer driving a school bus. Perrin performance.

[@skolenimation]

I thought I was gonna hate the CVT in my '23 OBW based on all the reviews but it really is fine for 99% of the people who are buying these. The only time it's been weird is coming to stops and it sometimes does this rubber banding thing. I have my manual for the fun car anyway.

[@zergilli9719]

Subaru CVT is not a rubber belt. It's a metal chain.

[@skolenimation]

@@zergilli9719 Right. But when coming to a stop sometimes it literally feels like someone is tapping the brakes and it surges.

[@Qhaway]

@@skolenimation Engine braking - you can upshift with the paddle to avoid it and it'll return to auto after a few seconds.

[@XxWWWSAM2xX]

There's a lot of people mentioning this phenomenon on any of the Subaru forums. I personally believe it's the torque converter engaging at low speeds.

[@mnbvlkjhgpoiuyt]

I got this 2024 Outback Wilderness about a month ago and the only thing I really miss is the system that sees your face and adjusts the seat for you. I share the car with my wife and would happily pay for this option if it was available

[@Sams911]

I just love how Canadian you two are.

[@TheStraightPipes]

Oh yeah eh

[@Sams911]

@@TheStraightPipes lol...

[@kimcloud8995]

100% agree with Jakob about the comfort. Our Onyx XT is the most comfortable road trip daily driver hwy car. It is shocking how "supple" the ride is for its price. As he says, it just works as a vehicle to get you from A to B safely and utilitarian enough to carry stuff. The XT has enough power to pass on hwys without much issue. Plus with decent ground clearance and a set of light AT tires, it can tackle most inclemant weather that you might encounter or handle "urban offroading" (ie pot holes deteriorating roads and construction zones) with comfort and confidence you wont destroy something. The formula is essentially a Safari wagon for those who have active lifestyles (camping, hiking, skiing etc) but don't need a truck or serious offroader like a Jeep or 4runner, which all have drawbacks as well.

[@masondrip42]

best description

[@goldenrakelawncare6564]

For anyone wondering the ventilated seats in the Outback are terrible so you're not missing anything. The seat warmers work great though.

[@VanGoghs_LeftEar]

Ive had a 23 wilderness outback for a year and a half now, and absolutely love it. I bought it for the winters, and seriously passed trucks in the ditch in 12+ inches of snow, easily. I dont mind the infotainment, love how quickly the seats heat up and the ride is really smooth. I took it for a 2500 mile road trip and fuel economy was around 28 which to me was pretty solid. No issues with oil leaks (as some have posted about) or anything else of that nature. Sound system works for me, but isnt the best. They upgraded this for the 24, so thats a + right there. Vehicle is easy to keep clean, pretty quiet cabin, and TONS of room for camping/cargo, etc. Heated back seats are a win for friends in the winter too. Overall, this is my second outback and I'd recommend it over and over again!

[@justinvansoest7557]

This is a great car if you actually have sh.t to do. The higher capacity roof rack, high sidewall tires, and benefit of a long roof (aka wagon) combined with a bigger engine, pretty decent stereo, and no dumb panoramic sunroof that will leak in two years is refreshingly unique among cars. This trim level should come standard with a hitch receiver.

[@arress2052]

We have a '22 model and we love it. The infotainment system sucks but that's an all around Suburu thing.

[@robervin9107]

Absolutely love you jake. Incredible job the enthusiasm. With yuri. The brotherly togetherness is everything.

[@edgarcmtz]

Got mine in 2021 and haven’t had any issues with the driving experience. I thought the CVT would be horrible but it’s live-able. It’s no performance dual clutch automatic, but most SUVs don’t drive any better than this so I’m okay with it. My BRZ is my fun car on the weekends.

[@DragonKnightX12]

Tbh I would prefer if it had a Toyota Automatic or the WRX manual, but it's a decent CVT at least. I know the Nissans can haul ass with a CVT

[@Monster_1100EVO]

Rented one in Alaska recently and put almost 800 miles on it in 4 days. Very impressed with how it drove off road as well as the highway. Pretty quick too for a wagon.

[@robp8856]

What we really need and want is the Ascent Wilderness.

[@mdsveda]

Love love my 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness

[@MsSgerg]

My parents bought a Forester and basically speced it out to be a Wilderness package before that existed (minus the lift).. they love it

[@DKarGarage]

I can verify subaru is doing it right, car for everyone and any trail ,works like a swis knife , wish they made the outback manual transmission, its comming from a guy that safaris porsche 968 1992 take it on trails and rallycross it and few fam got subies lifted etc... sweet cars

[@NewbornSpyro]

I used to work at a Subaru dealer service center and out of 10 outback wilderness first service, 7 have oil leaks. 😢

[@avagadroa4065]

The 11” head unit should be installed horizontally, rotated 90 degrees. The rear/front camera view would be so much better. And there would probably still be room for climate knobs beneath it.

[@pierrec.5516]

Heating the steering wheel all the way around and fixing the annoying multiple screens to adjust the heated seats are well appreciated. The one remaining issue with the Outback is the key FOB. Having to spend an additional $700+ for a remote start is just insulting, let alone having to have to carry around two FOB's. And while I am at it, the unlock button on the key FOB stands proud of the remote, making it very easy for the door to unlock when the FOB is placed in a purse or pocket. I have the 2020 Limited XT and have gotten into the habit of holding the key FOB in my hand until I am out of range so that I don't accidentally unlock the doors and give free access to robbers.

[@ltbunghole8528]

my forester remote starts thru starlink, no extra fob

[@du3223]

@@ltbunghole8528So does my 23 Outback Wilderness.

[@Just_a_commenter]

Seeing this just makes me wish wagon body styles were more common in NA markets. :

[@prepst3rhipster]

Me too man, me too. Just happy Subaru is here to kind of still have one otherwise you gotta look to Audi, Volvo and Mercedes. Almost no options in the mid-range sadly, everyone wants there SUVs

[@RichardPettit-g4i]

The Subaru Outback is unbelievably comfortable and a great choice for taller drivers. It’s no show pony but a realistic and capable vehicle packed with loads of useful features. Fully flat fold down seats is a huge bonus. Love the Outback ❤

[@jonshanks1777]

I will say the front camera button is really convenient when pulling out of a garage stall or when there are large vehicles parked on either side of you. It gives a relatively wide viewing angle right at the front of the car to see from instead of needing to pull out, especially because the hood is quite long.

[@richardguse3410]

At 10:10... just wait until next year and all that has to be in French in QC. Good luck.

[@jdpst20]

Just picked up a 2023 All black Forester Wilderness with 13 miles on it and within about a week I've put about 800 miles on it. I'm coming from a 2017 LR Discovery HSE full size and I did LOVE that car but I'm really into this Forester A LOT! It has everything you need and really nothing you don't. It's simple buttons and knobs, I took it on some trails and it handled really well I was pretty impressed. I'm stoked to get it to the mountains during ski season and I think it will be a great car for a few years. I can't complain about the 27mpg I'm averaging now either compared to the 16/17 of the Disco. I wish it either had two options: Either offered in a MANUAL gearbox, OR the Turbo Motor of the outback.... OR BOTH! Would be incredible.. For me personally I liked the motor option of the outback but I enjoyed the seating position of the Forester a bit more. It sits up higher and just has that SUV rugged feel where as the seating position in the outback was more car like.

[@Gmart708]

I completely agree. I wish the forester wilderness came with a turbocharged engine.

[@dubbadubdub82]

Traded in my jeep for this car love it so far! 😊

[@braincandle]

That slowed-down “supple” 😂😂😂

[@Jim-su7en]

This thing is rolling art. What lines / What incredible style

[@ACCELER8TV]

THE BOYS ARE BACK

[@joehowe1263]

I own a 2020 Outback XT. The CVT ruins an otherwise nice car. Absolute garbage transmission, after many complaints to the dealership and a recent transmission recall it’s better but not great. I previously had a 2008 Outback, that car was bulletproof. In twelve years of ownership it never once let me down.

[@wolfgangspits_fire9783]

FINALLY!!!! here's the review I've been waiting for!!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

One of my favorite Subaru vehicles.

[@scottwatson9738]

Owner of a '22 Outback Wilderness.....driven it in all conditions (deep winter snow, normal roads, city, BC logging roads).....only complaint is the fuel economy is considerably worse than a 2.5L Outback, and doesn't seem to come close to the EPA rating (mine is 30% worse)......if I had to do it over again I would likely spring for a 2.5L Outback and accept that it's underpowered, but more than capable to get to the trailheads, ski hills, etc. Great car though, and lot of fun in the snow if you enable "Deep Snow X-mode" which turns off traction control and stability control at all speeds (other trims disable it automatically at 25mph)

[@etmccaus]

I really like how these look, but I'm still not sure I can live with that touchscreen.

[@nancywolf3786]

only thing i don't like about my subaru is the touchscreen

[@TheTyisawesome]

lol that that heated steering wheel LED. Its always interesting the little things you guys notice and point out haha!

[@mratliff45601]

I also traded my Jeep for a '24 OBW and havent looked back.

[@Lord_Stinkfoot]

My '24 OBW Pearl White is my favorite car eva

[@JimmyDeneus-q2r]

Yall never post nothing until now & then so what yall talking bout i eayched yall do more 💯

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Just give us a Crosstrek WRX already Subaru...you have all the parts, just put it all together. And get rid of that monstrosity of an infotainment/climate control screen

[@Zach_Beebe]

Would buy! I hunted down a ‘23 Impreza with 925 miles just so I could get a manual. I’d snap buy a fast crosstrek manual.

[@pierrec.5516]

Yes me too, however the app needs to be opened, password entered, start function enabled, a processing time (for the app to process, send and receive) then closing the phone. All toll, about 45-60 seconds on the phone. A remote start on the fob is 3 clicks, about 5 seconds.

[@derekcoaker6579]

Two months and 10,000 miles in, I love my Station Wagon.

[@felipe_silve]

Love my '23 OBW. I don't even mind the infotainment. It's a beast in snow and makes really rewarding drifts when you disable TC. The only thing I truly hate is the auto start stop which pairs horribly with the boxer engine. Every time it starts back up, the whole car shakes like an earthquake. You can turn it off, but it defaults back to on upon startup. I asked the Subaru dealership if they can disable it permanently through ECU coding and they told me no, and I'm not the first one to ask.

[@masondrip42]

how easy or convenient is it to disable it

[@felipe_silve]

@@masondrip42 Unfortunately it's not a hard button, you have to go through the infotainment.

[@bikeski970]

You can buy an aftermarket plug in unit that disables it long term.

[@ixnorp4270]

This is the way to go. I used this type of product in my Ford truck, and it worked beautifully. Now I never have to mess with the disable button.@@bikeski970

[@Ehyou46]

@@felipe_silve The newest head unit update puts the Start Stop on the home page near the AVH button. Really easy only need to press a button to disable it

[@adrianjamesNEWS]

You may not like it, but this is what more functionality and utility than a Cybertruck looks like.

[@MikeHendleyArt]

I think the ‘24 OBW gets a third camera for eyesight which I assume would improve the system.

[@nemoyap]

This car is perfect without the center digital panel. Analog still the best!

[@forrest225]

These are super cool, I seriously considered buying one. I really wish they had a normal trans instead of the CVT.

[@paulira7407]

If there was a PHEV version available, I would’ve purchased one instead of the Rav4 Prime. I prefer the interior/exterior looks of the Subaru over the Prime. Also, the mechanical AWD system in the Subaru is something I would prefer over Toyota’s i-AWD system. Too bad, Subaru.

[@presentowner3198]

Mindbuildingsolutions approved! Excellent video and content.

[@Astrotia]

The fun and weird thing about the wilderness is that it's the cheapest turbo motor in Canada! So you're not really paying more for the wilderness badges, you're paying a bit less

[@andrewbryant4259]

Ah the Miss Rachel cameo. Thanks for dragging me back to reality with that one. I think my kid just woke up from her nap

[@TheStraightPipes]

It’s our reality too ❤️

[@StapediusReflex]

I went with a FW instead because I liked the styling more and didn’t care too much about the turbo, plus the infotainment screen in the Outback was a huge no for me. Give me real climate control buttons/knobs please.

[@Acousticmarine678]

I can't believe you knuckleheads are still reviewing cars and trucks, your channel was the first one I subscribed too many years ago when you both still had day jobs. Been awhile (years) since I watched anything, but am in the market again and of course your opinion is valued, even if you are from Canada:)

[@TheStraightPipes]

Welcome back and thanks for your early subscription ❤️

[@ryanlittleton5615]

Imagine a Baja Wilderness...

[@TonyTenor3000]

FYI: Just turn on front camera and X-Mode controls will appear. No need to go into any menus…

[@danasampson818]

Pretty funny that Ms Rachael made the cut. I have watched quite a bit of her with my 10 month old granddaughter.

[@ItsMillerThyme]

Bold move putting an ad break right in the middle of a Subaru Outback exhaust clip 😂

[@phatana2490]

I still don’t understand what Subaru were thinking when they made these outrageous looking car

[@alexandrechabot2241]

I went with the limited xt. Don't need the extra ground clearance and badges to let everyone know I'm better than them.

[@piotrw2108]

you have literally physical buttons to adjust temperature and radio tune - the rest is on the screen all the time.

[@mizzougrad001]

But can you sleep in the back on camping trips like the 4runner? Thinking of upgrading to this from my lifted 4runner for better mpgs and garage parking capabilities.

[@boxsterman77]

So the font size changes too much on the display? Yeah I think that’s a tad persnickety.

[@thomas.kovacik]

I wish I could love the outback, I just prefer the ride height and feel of the forester Maybe one day I’ll enjoy the car like interior The outback wilderness looks so sick

[@felipe_silve]

The Outback Wilderness actually has higher ground clearance (9.5) than the Forester Wilderness (9.2). However, the Forester is taller in total height and boxier.

[@thomas.kovacik]

@@felipe_silve yeah I meant the driving position and interior hight, had no clue the ground clearance had a difference! that's interesting

[@Cal94]

I've said it before, i'll say it again. the outback is not a wagon, and hasn't been a wagon since the mid 2000s. you objectively cannot use it like a wagon. the roof is every bit as inaccessible as an SUV. by most any dimensional metric, it's the exact size and shape of an SUV. I respect the outback for what it is. If i lived a lil farther outside the GTA, I'd maybe consider one. but as someone who longs for more affordable wagons in north america, it sucks to hear media parrot the outback as an option. it's been over a decade. it's time to let the bit die.

[@aelaan12]

As a boomer, I approve this car. And, take this as constructive criticism: You sound like a married couple arguing in the front seats of the car.

[@win12394]

This wagon looks like full size SUV...amazing

[@billnorblat4047]

Bro I feel you on the Age n' Beige

[@marksea64]

I'm trying to figure out why I'd want an Outback over a Honda CR-V, and I'm not seeing much. I guess the Wilderness has some nice semi-offroading features, but $$$. I think I'd rather get the hybrid powertrain in the CR-V instead and save a few dollars too.

[@erwinlugnasin]

Is it really low resolution for the cameras front and rear?

[@carlosux]

i love my forester but on my new car jump im either getting this or a van.

[@scottanthony3426]

Interesting. I was just test driving some US versions. I am looking for a replacement for my '14 Forester XT, so that is what I'm comparing to on these new models. I drove the Forester (non-Wilderness) and the Outback with the 2.5 l 4 and the 2.4l turbo (as in the Outback Wilderness, but I drove the Limited). Observations: First drive was the Forester. It only comes with the 2.5L. It does have a "Sport mode", which can be engaged with a button on the steering wheel. It actually felt like the sport mode made the vehicle more lively, and as equipped, I'd say it was "adequate". You could make some "hole shots". It runs out of ummph where my XT just keeps pulling. Moving over to the 2.5 Outback, you could definitely feel the extra 500 lbs. The 2.5 was NOT adequate, and there was no quick access to Sport mode. You could do some tweak by going to the big screen/menu. So, looking for more guts, we next hopped into the Outback XT. I was disappointed. Unlike my '14 XT, there are no "Sport" or "sport sharp" modes on the steering wheel. Again there was something buried in the screen menu. (Can't remember if there were paddle shifters. I didn't try them). I tried to engage that (not sure if I did), but it didn't make much of a difference. In my Forester XT, throttle tip in is greatly changes, as is the CVT holding the lower "gears", even when you let off the gas. When I bought my XT, I figured I'd use manual mode and paddle shift a lot, but "Sport Sharp" does a good enough job that I just use that when I want more pep. In the new Outback XT, it always felt more like my Forester in "Intelligent" mode, and the extra 400-500 lbs makes itself felt, in spite of an extra bit of HP and torque. In short, neither drivetrain in the Outback was to my liking. The suspension felt a bit softer in the Outback vs the Forester, and steering seemed less responsive. I looked at the specs for the Forester Wilderness, and while it uses the same 2.5, they shortened the gearing. From numbers I saw, the Wilderness Forester is almost 1 second faster to 60. However, the penalty for the short gearing (plus the extra ground clearance and more aggressive mud/snow tires), is a 5 mpg penalty (FIVE) in the highway rating, vs the "lesser" Foresters. It looks like Subaru didn't bother to tweak the gearing in the WIlderness Outback, thinking the more powerful engine would suffice. The other disappointing thing on any new Outback XT, is that aside from the drivetrain, they didn't tart up any of the other "go fast" parts. In my Forester, getting the XT meant bigger wheels and tires, bigger brakes, a more sport tuned suspension, and the "sport" and "sport sharp" modes. I'm disappointed that I can't get a new version of my '14 XT. The Outback XT isn't it at all. If I had to choose something off the Subaru lot, I'd probably go with a Forester, and while I like the extra snappiness of the Wilderness gearing (on paper anyway), I'm not willing to eat 5 mpg on the highway. So, I'd most likely stick with a non-Wilderness. (to be fair, I'd probably test drive a Forester Wilderness to see for sure.) The other disappointment is that in spite of the overall vehicle size growing, there are about 4 cu feet LESS cargo capacity behind the second row vs my '14 Forester. (With all seats flat it is about same.) There is a lot of content to like. For starters, except for the entry level trims, you get fog lights (which seems to be going away on competing SUV's). And Subaru has (US anyway) the turn sensitive adaptive headlights on pretty much all models. But their drivetrains are antiquated vs the competition. The dealer guy told me that they think when the hybrid comes, it will have the electric assist sandwiched into the drive line, so as to retain the "symmetrical AWD".

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

What's with the extra tension?

[@AH-lw2bj]

?

[@relaxivegotthis]

I literally don’t know a single person that has bought a new car since Covid, minus replacement from a totaled car or something. Who can afford these?

[@mdlassel]

it would be sweet to see some more rally style dirt road ripping! i think thats where it would shine

[@Jonboy_countrydaddy]

Love the look I’m a wagon man had a 06 Mazda 6 wagon

[@bradh6185]

That intro music is pretty great.

[@TheTyisawesome]

Dude Wilderness BRZ that would be sick tho

[@Affalterbach1967]

5:47. Rallycross Baha BRZ with @TheTopher collab.

[@SSS-mp8th]

I k is your channel is a more casual one but if you are going to review cars you should list specs like cargo space with seats up and down.

[@adrianm.1910]

The V60 Cross Country is the less plasticky version of this, similar power, without a CVT and for a very close price.

[@StarryTemplar]

Yea definately need WRX Wilderness with at least 8 inch Ground clearance

[@erikavant]

Does Subaru make anything other than the outback? That's the case as far as I'm concerned.

[@miljan86]

I was driving my brother's Outback in the winter and wanted to use the heated steering wheel. BOYS, when I say I almost put my F'N head through the horn/airbag 🤬... For the life of me I couldn't figure out if I turned on the heated steering wheel. When I came back I actually told him I think it's broken and not working. (I never saw the light go on). He let me know that the bulbs just really dim.

[@MicajahMcCurry]

I pulled the heated steering wheel and waited for something on the screen to pop up because I couldn’t see the light.