First Drive: 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited

[@ArtStamos]

My coworker recently purchased outback with eyesight, he raves about that feature. He doesn't complain about having it on, it's not intrusive. Gives you adaptive cruise control.

[@elopez412]

"Quality Tool"..... that's the best way to describe this car. Our 2013 3.6 OB feels exactly like that...."Quality Tool".

[@bobnelson8997]

Thanks for the review. I'm in the same boat. I've been thinking about purchasing a Subaru for the first time. I've heard that once you buy a Subaru, you will always buy a Subaru. Great review and well spoken.

[@Transit_my-way]

Bob Nelson it's true. Once you go subaru you always stick to subaru. I did and I've owned other brands prior.

[@JoeHamelin]

I switched from Volvo to Subaru. It's that much better value and just as safe.

[@anthonyrita4366]

My wife and i both drive Subaru . my first was i had a short time because a 16 year old t boned me and totalled it but we was safe and did even feel like the accident was close to as bad as it was.. My current 2002 has 202. 000 plus miles on still runs but i am looking into buying this model i can not wait to test drive it soon. Subaru love.

[@juliosdiy3206]

Yup i just cant stay out of subaru bcause of its liability.

[@slerched]

So the thing to remember about Subaru - It's built for safety first. If you pay for the Eyesight system, they expect you want to use it. If you loan the car to a friend or family member, explain to them what it is. For me, I'd leave my Eyesight system the way it is, and just tell people to suck it up. But that's me. I understand what the reviewer is saying though. There may be a way to get a dealer to disable by default and turn it on when you want it, but for me, then what's the point to paying the $2000+ for it? I have Eyesight in my 2015 OB. I absolutely love it. The lane departure warning has made me a better driver, and made me better at signaling. If your friends think they are perfect drivers, let them use this and prove them wrong.

[@slerched]

And to add to my comment. Sam- you realize the collision avoidance system in the Subaru is THE best on the market? It beat Mercedes! And it stopped the car every time. Why would you want to turn it off? Really. Here's the link to an article about the system. It beat everyone, but Cadillac was second. www.cnbc.com/id/101066163

[@TestDrivenTV]

It's just a personal preference of the host. While these systems are appreciated, he prefers the driver have the option to use it or not on default, not the car choosing it. Most American, Korean and German brands do not default the systems "on", forcing you to turn it off every time you get in the car if you don't want them. It can be annoying for some drivers. It's just a personal preference about how a product a person pays for should behave, not a judgement of the system's merit.

[@slerched]

TestDrivenTV I get it, he wants to disable it "permanently." I understand why, but having used it now for a bit, I actually wouldn't let people drive my car without it. It works really, really well. And I don't have experience with most other systems because.... well.... I'm a Subaru guy, and I know I'm a little myopic, so (at least I recognize it!).. ;-) I don't have access to other cars, and haven't used collision systems in other cars except for 2 rental Volvos. I didn't try turning any of it off when I rented, and the system worked as I expected in both. I did up vote the review, despite my disagreeing with his comment about turning it off (not liking a capacitive touch screen is kinda silly too, and I prefer it, but again, personal preference).

[@TestDrivenTV]

Often people buy cars not in deliberate fashion. They go in, sit in one with the nice leather seats and drive home. They don't always option every little line item. This and most cars, they come packaged with a variety of things a person doesn't necessarily individually select. A person may not want a sunroof, but often you get it whether you want it or not if you want the top trim grade. But most importantly, these things are pointed out by the reviewer so that people shopping for a car are clued in to both the ups and downs of various aspects of the car which a salesperson might not point out. This is ultimately the reason these points are made in this context.

[@slerched]

TestDrivenTV Thanks for the comment. And I appreciate the reviewer and the review process - everyone has an opinion, and not pointing it out might really annoy a buyer. I went in knowing what I wanted. That's me. Spending 8 years and 1 week shy of 2 months with my last car had my mind made up. The "funny" thing about the Outback is that there is no trim level where Eyesight is standard. The rear cross traffic bit is standard on the Limited model, and optional on Premium and Standard. Eyesight really is a deliberate purchase, and honestly, most Subarus on a dealer's lot won't even have it. It's kind of a rarity. I guess that's why they send models WITH all the options to TestDrivenTV and all the others - "hey, looky what we can do! Tell everyone about it so they demand it on their car!" Thanks again

[@easyvivo]

Sam... your delivery in this review was very very good. I feel I would buy it now. I have a 2005 Toyota Sequoia about 143,000 miles. Though it runs great except for the 17 mpg, I am shopping around for a replacement. The Subaru interest me because of the outdoors proven features. The combined 25 mpg will be good and most of all the crash impact protection is a primary concern for me. Thanks again Ed

[@Johno144]

MrStandingO: If eye-sight distracts the driver, I believe that is the point. If you are drifting in your lane without a signal you are already distracted. If you are about to run in the back of someone you are already distracted. A beep says wake up idiot. Having a friend drive is even less reason to defeat it because you are paying the payments.

[@aquateen77723]

Great video, Sam! Subaru is kind of reeling me in lately. This is a fantastic car, and the WRX is also high on my list of new cars I want to own.

[@tb1197]

I'd think that it is wise for Subaru to set the EyeSight system ON by default. A guest driver who gets into a serious accident because the EyeSight system is off can sue the owner and even Subaru for 50% liability. It's not a big deal to press a button to turn it off, but personally I'll leave it on. Other than that, the review is thorough and fair.

[@anthonygambitta6220]

My 1983 911SC has a flat 6 engine, sounds amazing and is buttery smooth (about 195 HP but it flies like a rocket.) Looking to buy an Outback with the H6 engine, for safety and reliability.

[@ksle2011]

Very professionally review. Thanks.

[@canto_v12]

Subaru with a flat-6, the only way to get Porsche sound in a wagon!

[@mrsith1402]

Safety features on by default - good - will not kill new driver. Capacitive screen - good works like phone

[@IndependentLiberty]

Great hat! :) I like the review, thanks very much for taking the time to do this. I'm also a Phoenician and wonder if you've tried the vehicle with the AC on at full blast? As you said, it recently rained so that tells me you aren't test driving it in the middle of a Phoenix summer with AC running and sapping power. I'm torn between the 2.5L and the 3.2L engines for just this reason. Sacrifice power in the summer due to AC requirement? Or go with the 6cyl and lose some fuel economy. Tough choice.

[@ClarksonsinUSA]

Subaru's are so well built you can hand them down to the kids to drive for 20 years....Value,awd that gets good mileage..

[@nicks2908]

Why would you want to turn the safety systems off?

[@123fourfive5]

Cause he's one of those Hurr Durr Technology Bad. Damn Guvmernt Cant Take Muh Guns people

[@richardlove4287]

I have to turn off the lane departure warning as it is constantly beeping on the smaller roads where I live...and I mean constantly as it’s a single track bitumen road with a centre line marked on it. The car sees the line and beeps it’s head off warning you that you are out of lane. Once I get back onto the highway I turn it back on.

[@OmniscientEmina]

My heart longs for this car. :D Great review! Thank you.

[@monirmualla]

thank you ,very good review !

[@lilyparas7415]

Thanks that's why I really Love my Outback 2015

[@jasonburgos548]

jason kidd now does car reviews?

[@badkid73]

It's a shame Subaru doesn't put the 2.0L turbo into the Outback and chooses to use a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine.

[@SolarWinds63]

Subaru is the official car of Colorado... and many other Northern States...

[@robertlandry5676]

Have 2010 3.6 R totally happy with it. Will you be testing a '17 3.6 Touring? Less plastic on lower side panels and no 4 X 4's on the roof not sure about the CVT.

[@SolarWinds63]

CVT trans are good...

[@JoeHamelin]

I love my 2017 3.6R with the CVT. This is how they would have made automatics to start with if they had the tech. Perfect power to gear ratio at all times. What more could you ask for?

[@Y10Q]

yeah those cars are great, but dude what are those jeans called? I got get me a pair of those? They look great.

[@neosho53059]

I live in the Rockies of Colorado, could I get by with a 4 cyl or is 6 a must....

[@nrborod1]

well-done review

[@respekted]

"technologies" doesn't really make sense to me as a value to the consumer. Part of what makes a Subaru (i own two) is that they keep it simple for reliability sake. The car does everything you NEED and then some. Adding more gizmos without actual value (see iPhone) is unnecessary complexity, especially for the intended purpose of the car. But good review anyway!

[@darrensmac]

Mate, Can you tell me if the colour of your test vehicle is Tungstem Metallic

[@doodskie999]

should we buy this or the new explorer?

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

I have both. What are you expecting the vehicle to do for you?

[@Johno144]

Why would you let your friends drive without eyesight? I don't think I would ever defeat it.

[@MrStandingO]

Good question. Maybe the Eyesight takes a little getting adjusted to for the driver, and some kind of unfamiliar alert might distract them? I haven't yet driven one of these, but hope to get a chance to soon.

[@rtrain67]

+John Waters I don't think my friends are covered on my insurance policy. I never let them drive.

[@khw0ng_]

XC70...you are not alone

[@doodskie999]

I get him with the overly sensitive capacitive touchscreens, we are used to resistive so we put pressure, its good that its responsive than the ford sync crap, but sometimes its a nuisance because when you accidentally touch some menus, you're gonna have to go back to that menu again. I wish they made it like hyundai or kia, where home, phone, navigation buttons are real buttons, I just like to use the touchscreen for scrolling navigation or menus or settings.

[@TheKrisBunch]

Are you in the Tucson basin?

[@TestDrivenTV]

Phoenix metro area

[@TheKrisBunch]

Huh, I don't remember so many Saguaros up there. Tucson native here transplanted to the PNW. I love the Sonoran desert. Nice review by the way. I bought the 3.6R and love it.

[@donaldames124]

I thought I saw the Superstition Mountains in the background in several of your shots. Great place to live, work and play. (A former resident of Queen Creek)

[@agoogleuser8219]

I like almost all of the car except for the CVT and the engine. Subaru really needs to up the engine. The engine is neither powerful, or efficient; The engine has barely changed in 10 years. It has only a 6 bhp advantage over our old 2005 Subaru outback despite a 20% bigger engine.

[@Set_your_handle77]

Just wondering, how much torque did your 2005 Outback have?

[@rickburbank]

***** Good! That leaves more for the people who can appreciate the brand.

[@robertsutherland6153]

Andrew Van Beek Have you driven one. The CVT is stunning, far better than any auto I've driven, including the DSG's.

[@JoeHamelin]

Exactly! I bought my 3.6R because I didn't want an engine that was at its limits all the time. This puppy will last decades.

[@juliosdiy3206]

Its good safety feature for normal peeple save urself an accident no matter how proffesional u r.

[@filop]

If It wasn't on you would want it off. And if It was Off you want would want it on .Geeeeeez

[@postxtito]

Hey bro, are you going to review the 2019 Subaru Forester?? #Subaru

[@HazenGrass]

On the Rare occasion someone other than myself drives my Outback. If they are not in their lane. I want it to beep... just saying

[@ducatisandmonsters5800]

Notorious for head gasket issues. Had that on mine and had to rid of the car.

[@pjwillsr]

More Horsepower and turbo and I am in.

[@TheKrisBunch]

I have the 3.6R V6 with 256 horse, it is enough for this type of car. If you want fast, and cheaper get the WRX, just know after driving it for an hour your back will hurt.

[@milanofootball294]

Takata airbags, numb steering and terrible CVT ruins the 2015 Subaru Outback. And who the hell buys wagons these days? SUV's have taken over and the 2015 KIA Sorento is a much better car for the same price.

[@KoreanSaram8]

MilanoFootball I don't know why Subaru still uses CVT in this day and age.

[@NgocThiuDo]

MilanoFootball Subarus in general have poor quality transmissions. But numb handling is a big problem with this year's Subarus too. Damn

[@NoToMailOrderBrides]

MilanoFootball The 2015 KIA Sorento is an excellent car for the money. One of the best SUVs of 2015.

[@OneRaceKorea12]

MilanoFootball Subarus have poor resell value because they are cheap cars that most people avoid. Full stop.

[@MixingGBP]

+StealthTechz Subaru as a brand has the highest resale value there is. That is data you can look up. I don't own a Subaru.

[@RanjitBhaskar]

Learning curve for the touchscreen? LOL... Have you ever used a smartphone??? It's a shame how such a silly thing needs to be brought up during the review of a legendary car, there's a ton of more things about that car that you could have brought up instead!!! :)

[@Laserwurks]

to many ads lol s

[@andrewang17]

annoying who wants to be less safer?

[@ChristopherWalkenActor]

yeah