Desert Off-Road Test // 2020 Subaru Outback XT Onyx Edition

[@mikeonspinner]

I have had the onyx since November 2019 and I love it!!!! I wanted to keep it for only 2-3 yrs but I changed my mind. I am keeping it for life! It’s very fast, comfortable and when off road I have a blast. I can’t wait for the winter months because that’s when it really shines!

[@darrellborland119]

@Mike...we just bought a left over 2020 onyx...all black....nice ride, and a bit more affordable. Thanks.

[@bradh6185]

Is the Onyx still serving you well?

[@ajmunn1229]

You're about the only one I've seen take this through the paces like this. Love it

[@hawkstringfellow]

Your the first reviewer that actually took this car through its paces and drove the car I love that!!!!! Because iam thinking abour getting an xt outback or forester for 2025

[@SavagehazeV-Star250]

i would love an STI Outback

[@SavagehazeV-Star250]

I would also love to see a Subaru pickup truck

[@SavagehazeV-Star250]

@Wojciech Rothbard Ik Here in the US we had the Impreza outback wagon

[@joshuachristiansen2626]

@@SavagehazeV-Star250 they tried with the baja. Or just import a sambar

[@SavagehazeV-Star250]

@@joshuachristiansen2626 I know and I love the Subaru Baja but we’ve been Without a Subaru pick up since 2006 I honestly think they should make a new pick up truck based on the ascent platform instead of the outback I think it would do very well now considering how much pick up trucks are selling

[@ERoserie]

@IMxYOURxDADDY I plan to. Wish me luck! Sleeper for days.

[@SGTOldSchool96]

My wife loves her 19' 3.6r outback! I can even appreciate just how comfortable of a highway cruiser it is.

[@brian_jake]

My uncle has the 3.0r outback 2009, very smooth but fuel economy is horrible. RIP EZ series

[@shawnconrad9292]

My wife has a 2010 3.6r outback and it’s really nice. Way better than the non turbo 4 that was out at the time we bought it.

[@HammerPowered]

Even if I would never be interested in the car you're reviewing, I appreciate your non-traditional reviews. And fast wagons FTW.

[@joeallfrontsquiet8797]

8:00 T this is really deep and loose sand. I live here, and must insist that this wash-bottom sand is no joke. Any vehicle making it out this is awesome.

[@brianwyckoff2865]

How about a review of the Outback Wilderness edition now?? Seems that Subaru listened to some of your comments regarding different tires and ride height. Too bad that didn't listen about the 400 hp.

[@Jack-um6yw]

Stop buying minivans and SUV's. Need more wagons in the world.

[@mbsnyderc]

And less CVT's.

[@lowlifeangler]

Love my 2018 Outback Premium

[@irritablearchitect]

@@mbsnyderc - Agreed. No stick = No dice. I loved mine, but the engine wore out the rings (known issue) after about 120K, so it went bye-bye about three years ago. I still miss it, regardless.

[@microtransactions2661]

AND MORE SEDANS

[@KB-vu5xs]

Minivans I can justify, if you need to haul lots of people all the time, it's much more logical than a 3 row crossover. However, between wagons, hatchbacks, vans, and truck based (real) SUVs, crossovers are pointless, overpriced nonsense in my opinion.

[@ericksalasjr.8552]

This car was never in my radar until now. People keep telling me Subaru is an old person car, don’t get the outback cause mostly old people own it. But now I’m like screw that, this car looks so cool. Now I want this one

[@Brazosbranch1]

I’m an old person, but I’m not dead yet. The Outback is quite simply the best looking vehicle in its class. After all these years, I’m more than ready to never drive a pickup again.

[@geoffreyburgess3078]

Your humor is unmatched. I'd watch you review a rock!

[@matthew-jy5jp]

That's because you got the attention span of dirt 😂

[@mostcom]

@@matthew-jy5jp what were we...squirrel

[@BNN-hy7iz]

Or review a meatball! 😁

[@sjs1555]

Humor = nice rack!

[@samusaran7317]

@@sjs1555 Yep. Poor delusional simps everywhere

[@BNN-hy7iz]

I love your way with words & description of things. Never stop being unique. Keep being you.. ☺

[@masterofchaos1851]

Yes I would get a 400hp STI Outback... that would be awesome

[@cecho9367]

I just ordered a 22 Outback limited XT I was unsure if I needed the XT or not but your video has proven to me that I made the right decision to spend the extra dough on the turbo. Great video as usual. Thanx

[@eskieman3948]

You did. Enjoy!

[@daveinseattle]

Congrats!

[@_dreko]

Thank you so much for being honest about the seat with the sweat. I live in a hot climate and now know that I will be buying the version with the ventilated seats.

[@abx029]

Owned a 2010 outback premium 6 speed. Got tboned (broadway-wilmot) now have a 2010 Forester XT. I like the Forster for everyday. But on long drives you cannot beat the driving position in the outback.

[@stuffelse]

You've said it in previous videos and you're absolutely right, the manual transmission has become a luxury option we'll pay extra for if it's offered. If they sold this with a manual it'd be at the top of my list for a new car. If they sold an STI level one with a manual, I'd buy one immediately!

[@sblagg527]

This- unfortunately dropping the 6 speed manual (along with the 6 cylinder) was Subaru's way of dealing with the EPA's increasingly stringent fuel mileage regulations so I don't think you'll see either make a return. AFAIK you can still get the 6 speed in Canada and other countries, just not the US.

[@murphtheirishmanmurphy7268]

Totally agree on the chrome Sarah. Why, Why, Why? 🧐

[@robertevans6481]

Same here...

[@J-Allen19]

on the outback facebook group, it's a common thing to get a kit to black out the remaining chrome trim.

[@rocketscientist007]

I always liked fast wagons & would like an STI version, too. The Outback's have had the folding roof rack for a while now. I'm with you on the CVT.

[@Albuermeduardo]

you guys need to ask for the Levorg. I´m sure it would sale well in the U.S.

[@CaptainRudy4021]

The XT is the closest you can get to an sti since the powertrains are pretty similar

[@HansFliesSolo]

This chick has character. Absolutely fantastic! I’m in love.

[@invictus1973]

I'm not a Subaru fan, but I am a Sara fan. Great video!!!

[@jamesemcclure]

A 400 horsepower STI version of the Outback would need active ride height suspension to make sense of it on and off road. It's difficult to make a car that has everything. Very impressed with this one's off-road capabilities. Great camera work. Thanks for the nice review.

[@ronpaul2012robust]

When fabreez first came out people returned the bottles because it didn't have a scent, I say this in regards to your CVT issues.

[@toronado455]

🆗✅🏆

[@LarryGanz]

Love your videos. But I'm always a little confused about some of the scores, which often seem lower than I'd expect for something/feature that you seemed to like a lot.

[@toronado455]

same

[@Skunked68]

I am also somewhat confused on pretty good enthusiasm for X and then a lesser score at end. But LOVE your self-assured, cocky attitude with desert dry sense of humor. Makes my day.

[@ezekielzapataez]

I love her unfiltered rawness. Best auto reviewer.

[@ian9945]

Hot take: the Subaru Outback isn't a wagon, it's a big crossover. It's longer than a RAV4, just as wide, and an inch shorter. It also weighs more and has more ground clearance. Same goes for the CRV and the Forester. Back when the Outback was a more rugged version of the Legacy wagon you could certainly make an argument that it too was a wagon, but nowadays it is a big, heavy, crossover.

[@WrenchingOnCars]

Yes! The Sarah signature seat bolster move. Sarah finally gets why the seat bolster move is so thoroughly enjoyed by some.

[@evilash1970]

Keep being who you are and never change. Love your content !!!

[@LudwigDrummer0013]

I came to KZbin to watch Subaru Outback videos (because duh) and aimlessly clicked here. The lack of traditional automotive journalism was welcome and the wacky humor was not lost. I just got rid of my '05 Dodge Magnum RT and got an '11 Outback 3.6R so I've got a thing for fast wagons too haha you've found a new subscriber in me tonight 🤙

[@npows1]

Hi Sarah, my wife and I enjoy your channel. Feed back from this video. Your glasses reflection during your in car scenes hid your eyes and masked a lot of your facial expressions. Keep up the great work! Looking forward to watching more video!!!!

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

I just got a 2021 blue abyss Outback Onyx. Awesome power and torque. My only complaint is the shrill sound system with a whopping 3 band EQ. But still a freaking awesome ride.

[@paulbenoit9431]

I gave up traditional car review videos after subscribing to your channel! I love being entertained and learning at the same time!

[@stang2184]

Your critique of car design got me to subscribe. Never put a lot of thought into the design choice manufacturers make from the factory. Taking a closer look at more than the drive train now. You do this better than most online car reviewers.

[@marcwhitken814]

I just got (2 weeks ago) a 2024 OBXT and am liking it so far. I git it with 1500 miles on it as the Sales Manager had been driving it as a Demo. My first Subaru was a 2002 WRX Wagon (pretty sure it was in the Impreza line at that time). I loved that car as it was the first Stick I ever had with a Turbo. I only had the car for a little over a year, but it was great in snow and on the dry street. I see your point in comparing these 2 cars, although I have not had the Outback in snow yet. Great review!!!

[@beganny]

Heck ya! Love our Touring XT! Only went back to the Outback because they brought the XT back. GREAT review - wish I had sand like that to drive it on....

[@blargflarg]

Your video popped into my feed as I am currently eyeballing the Outback Onyx XT and I'm really glad it did! I absolutely love your sense of humor!

[@peterdesmidt8742]

You're my favorite car reviewer! My 2004 Mazda 6 Sport Wagon is nearing the end of it's life at 245K, and there's not many options to replace it. We keep cars for a very long time, and so they have to be reliable. I'm not sure I can stand a CVT. My wife's 2016 manual Mazda 3 is a blast to drive for a commuter car. ... I have two big dogs, and my vehicle has to be suitable for them. So there's the Outback, but the nearest Suburu dealers are awful. They also get pretty pricey moving up the line. The other option seems to be a CX-5 Turbo. VWs simply aren't reliable. The Buick wagon is a snoozer....I wish there were more options.

[@TheJlbrown]

Purchased a 2022 and after only 300 miles we need a new transmission. It had a whistle that reminded me of a jet engine winding up or down. Not as loud of course. Waiting to get it back now.

[@tonygiraldes7848]

If there’s someone else who does such thorough and entertaining car test videos I am totally unaware of who they are 😊❤️ and that’s the truth 👍

[@tooltipswithtommy]

I know probably 8 abandon warehouse Sarah's, and you are my favorite.

[@BoanergesJim]

I would like to see you get a Wilderness Edition Outback!

[@sdchev01]

My 90-year old mom purchased one of these back in March. I drive her around in it. It is a hoot! By the way, 400 bhp and 400 to 500 lb-ft of torque would be amazing in this car!

[@mostcom]

Granny is pretty cool and so are you

[@craigdrennan5868]

The sound track stood out and added to the show. I liked it.

[@randthompson5716]

Very enjoyable assessment. My salt n pepper beard loved it. Love the fact you did NOT mash on it from a dead stop. You are my new car superhero Sarah! ✔😉 Thx again!!!

[@saraaronzon4562]

Me too!

[@DavidCollins7901]

OMG I'm glad I found your video. best auto journalism yet! 😜

[@lynp9996]

I wish I could get the turbo with the cloth seats.

[@Vinsentru]

I have this car in white, just did Bay Area - Boise, ID and back trip, 90 mph (i know, i know) on I-80 from Reno, NV to Winnemucca, NV, 6-7 hours driving and no problems at all. Super comfy on a highway.

[@lowlifeangler]

Sarah , those folding roof racks been on Subarus for a while. I have them on my 2018 Outback Premium. Those racks are noisy unless folded in. But those racks will hold anything

[@ERoserie]

I too have a fetish for fast wagons. Just picked up an XT, and I love it! An STI would ROCK and - yes. Would buy.

[@alexreche9710]

Bought a green one

[@ERoserie]

@@alexreche9710 I got Tungsten

[@Hans_Moleman925]

I would absolutely be a customer of any car company that makes a 400 hp station wagon.

[@RysterARCEE]

Audi RS6 Avant, Mercedes AMG E63 S Wagon. They are out there if you want to spend $100K+ on a high horsepower station wagon.

[@Hans_Moleman925]

@@RysterARCEE the E63 AMG wagon is actually one of my dream cars, but they’re extremely rare, and well out of this OTR truck driver’s price range 😕

[@markthomas4483]

Volvo V60 Polestar Edition. Beautiful wagon. Under $60k. 415 HP and 494 lb-ft of torque.

[@sportshot2789]

@@markthomas4483 yeah, if you want to support the Chinese Communist Party

[@rodneydecormier1504]

Mark Thomas but it’s a volvo

[@wise400exco]

We have a ‘23 and it is our 3rd subaru. We had a 3.6r in 2011 and loved it and totally agree with the lame fake shift points! Great review!

[@802Garage]

Especially strange they would put fakes shifts in the CVT which literally bring it out of the power band for what is an extremely torquey engine.

[@raiden000]

their customers complained and wanted their cars to be lower powered but sound more like older, lower tech cars of the past, and the customer is always right, so they did it. i remember renting nissan versas 8 years ago that had better programmed cvt's than this, but they didnt sound like cars are "supposed" to sound so people complained, fast forward 8 years and now every engineer who worked for all these automakers tirelessly bringing the future to market are all facepalming and shaking their heard in unison. please think of the engineers :(

[@anydaynow01]

@@raiden000 Yeah they should have had a an option where people can press a button and get their fake shifts, or better yet just have fake shifting engine sounds come through the speakers! But yeah give them a ten speed transmission and they are fine with it but not completely smooth power delivery. This reminds me of how engineers had to put in a option to decrease the effect of one pedal regen mode in hybrids where people use the regular brakes to slow the car down because the one pedal driving was "wrong feeling" and couldn't get their heads around it. So engineers had to make "smart brakes" to outsmart those people where the first 3/4 or so of the travel was for regen and the last bit actuated the actual physical brakes for panic stops.

[@roymurray6374]

Yeah!! Bombing through the Pantano Wash, always loads of fun if the Sheriff doesn't come spoil it for you.😁 Big Time's 78 Malibu is a ridiculously fast wagon, I think the turbo can swallow small children.

[@Timberwolf69]

There are a few of us out there, liking fast wagons. (OK, I like wagons in general, but there's nothing wrong with a fast one...)

[@Djonsonuk]

Вы думаете я слышу что она говорит? Конечно нет! Мои глаза и фантазии не дают ушам фунционировать🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍

[@wild_lee_coyote]

Subaru may be a Jack of all trades and a master of none but there really isn’t any other car manufacture that is any better off-road than a Subaru. They really are fun to drive in any condition.

[@Megarobotsquadron]

I had no idea that Subaru was making an XT outback. My biggest criticism with my 2018 is how sluggish it is. It's only enjoyable to drive in the snow.

[@SarahnTuned]

The XT is legit quick

[@Megarobotsquadron]

@@SarahnTuned I just showed the wife your video and don't worry...I'm already dropping hints about trading in

[@crownandbrim9261]

I would TOTALLY buy an Outback SiT! Bring it on, Subaru.

[@keefbrown]

Best review ever.- keep it up Sarah - never change your car reviews or personality...

[@michaelmoore1149]

The average person is now keeping their car until it's 14 years old. I don't see the Subaru transmission lasting that long in a CVT. I wonder if they stop the overheating issue on the transmissions. Not a big fan of cvts but I would like to see maybe a real first gear setup in them. Just a little bit better tires installed and a little bit better tires nothing too wild. Still a fun show I would give Sarah a boatload of beans.

[@jameswilson8169]

I’ve had this same car for a year. The large screen is extremely sluggish at times and it will disconnect from your phone randomly. If you start your car and the radio is too loud, be prepared to wait 15 seconds after turning the volume knob for the sound to actually go down. There will also be a time when you have too much stuff in your cargo bay and the tailgate won’t close completely. Be prepared to disconnect your battery and touch the leads together for five seconds to “reset” the car. If you don’t do this then the car will beep at you incessantly until you take the car into the dealership. And yes. The software is up to date.

[@freerider604]

That’s disappointing

[@JasonYergin]

If you have a Red Bull sized can that flops around in your cup holder all you need is a can koozie to help keep it in place. Viola

[@JayMarroquin]

X-Mode 2 Fun Facts: Deep Snow / Mud is the mode that allows for more wheel slip. Hence that's what I use for really loose sand. And X-Mode deactivates above 20mph if I'm not mistaken. Thanks for the badass review.

[@anooseholay]

I love your style of reviewing cars! Keep it up!

[@michaelstockdale]

With a manual transmission... yes! I would buy it.

[@BillJones]

10:52 YES! Best driving Subaru transmissions, in order are 1) any manual 2) 2011 era Lineartronic (before fake shifts) 3) tie between modern Lineartronic that cuts your torque for no reason and the old conventional auto that never gave you any torque in the first place.

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Yet another great car review. I noticed that you had your "Garage science" glasses on, during the normal part of the review. I don't know why, but suggest that you continue to do so. The look suits you very well. Love your channel!

[@BVDsGoneFishing]

I own an Outback and I really felt that when you said "and then fake shift, and then pause..."

[@BobGeogeo]

From the olde West strings at 7:10 I got a Firefly feeling -- shiny! Kaylee would be right at home in this Scooby. Great to see joyous Sarah.

[@thewheel3167]

super interested to see you review the wilderness!

[@rusty-ole-boomstick1268]

Hi Miss Sarah n Tuned I have a 2016 Forester and live in snow country, daily driver and the CVT has not been an issue "Yet" Love love your channel.

[@fabianpasillas680]

First I love Subarus, Second, the weirdness and random noises are great and why I subscribed. Thank you for this video.

[@Brazosbranch1]

I actually appreciate you showing the sweaty seat. I’ve been wondering if the Startex fabric would be unsuitable for Texas heat. You’ve answered my question. Darn I really wanted the full size spare tire available only in the Onyx.

[@mdl333]

You can add a full size spare to a non-Onyx on your own. Just need to buy the Onyx foam insert and wheel/tire.

[@jackfis1]

get a swet compatible seat cover, problem solved !

[@Hennimal77]

Nothing beats a fast wagon!

[@mindtraveller100]

This one is a family car, a sports car and an offroad car, all into one. If it´s also reliable, it´s perfect.

[@HP-mx6jb]

I liked the IS 300 sport wagon from Lexus.

[@Sereno44]

Love the Safety of that car and the off road capability ...

[@daveturcotte4756]

A 400+ hp Outback would be great. It would be a popular project if you built it. What do you think about run flat tires, particularly off road in the meatballs for weekend warriors and stock vehicles?

[@lenniebinale4541]

I think someone was eating a bag of Skittles when they were making the decision on the stitching color. Lol 🤣

[@jerryglass6556]

Sarah, I read that Subaru programmed the CVT cars so that it does it will bog on a WOT start. This prevents damage and wear to the CVT. It will effectively build torque, similar to what you did with rolling on the throttle.

[@UnitumStamus]

This is the first time I’ve seen any of you videos. You’re awesome! I’m a fan.

[@rachitron]

Probably the best 2020 XT review I've seen. Pretty spot on to what I was saying to myself about everything when I was checking out the car out before buying it. I threw the crux motorsports chrome delete vinyl on and now I'm patiently waiting for RS-R to release the i-Jouge coilovers in a few months.

[@murphtheirishmanmurphy7268]

I’m here, I’m here! 4 mins. After release, Yes. Another Sarah vid and life is somehow made ok. Love u 😍

[@DaveJohnsonOttawa]

Always get a chuckle out of ALL your videos, even with little Sarah in tow. Shopped long and hard for my current vehicle this summer (2018 Forrester XT Limited w/Tech - that’s the Canadian Touring). Your reviews and your mods have been an inspiration - in fact your videos helped me decide to buy used, cuz XT! You’re the best!

[@olivierdevries01]

I think this is the first video that I've seen where Science Sara is doing the Test Driving.........Could be wrong. 🙂

[@LockieNZ]

I'm a kiwi, and we would NOT fit in that pouch

[@AKtrailrunner]

Time for a diet mate!

[@atticstattic]

Never try ordering parts after watching one of Sarah's videos - thingy-doos are not generic....

[@lennymu7822]

I click on this channel specifically for the car reviews, they are awesome....the project stuff is on point too...

[@FieldingSmith]

I’ve been trying to decide between the Crosstrek Sport and the Outback Onyx... leaning more towards the outback at this point simply because I’m 6’1” and the outback looks to have a lot more cargo room if I want to crash in my car, or set it up for an overland/camper conversion.

[@QueenFairy420]

I'm trading my 23 civic hatch for a 20 outback this trim and being tall is a big reason

[@darylhill9400]

What a great all-around vehicle, a real value actually.

[@gr8ma8]

Not bad. Appreciate the full perspective candid analysis

[@IronmanV5]

STi with a stick, put a 2" lift and skid plates on it, all terrain tires, get it or wrap it in Forest Service Green

[@OGPedXing]

Long pause after the hide it with a beard comment was perfect 😂😂😂

[@mostcom]

It took me awhile to think of the alternative human beard.... gimme a break its been twenty years.

[@leedanielson7452]

A bearded mountain chicken! OMG!!!😂😂😂 I lost track how many times I laughed out loud watching this video! Thanks Sarah!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@richg4now]

I have a 22 Onyx XT first upgrade was a Nameless stainless cat back exhaust muffler delete system. It is a must have.

[@SS109Penatrator]

You're so fun , thanks for being you

[@nenadradovanovic7569]

Subaru is Father of the All-Wheel Drive system. Mom's love a Subaru

[@denimlabels7315]

I had a GL Wagon in the 80's with AWD and a push button hydraulic suspension. I didn't even notice the cracked frame while driving.

[@iainmcglynn833]

Had two 91/92 quad cam turbo wagons Still miss them as the handling and speed were awesome No one gives a wagon a second look so you can surprise lots of fast cars Great review

[@stevehudlemeyer9846]

I love fast wagons, all brands welcome. A 400hp outback, take my money.............

[@ChinitFxt]

A 400hp outback forester or levorg will be awesome