2025 Subaru Forester vs Outback Comparison / Awkward Timing!

[@Realistick]

00:59 Correction: I flipped the Outback and Forester specifications for height and width (my apologies)!

[@frankpoperowitzmusic]

I own a 24 Outback Onyx XT. I had a 4Runner but the fuel economy was killing me. I first bought a Crosstrek Wilderness but traded it out for the Outback. Couldn't be happier and been getting like 32 MPGs on the Interstate.

[@SaxonTerror]

You're full of crap too.. no outback gets 32mpg

[@boygeniusofvegas]

Wrong move mate. The 4Runner is a 500k miles car when maintained properly.

[@pipesmoker956]

With the proper maintenance most all vehicles will last over 500000 miles.

[@jugglematt100]

I went down the rabbit hole of researching and buying a new car 2 years back i originally went for a twin cab truck ( we call them utes in Australia) but after a couple of weeks i realized that I had made a huge mistake. I took the hit sold the ute and started again. I then stumbled upon the subaru outback and it was like i had come home . The smooth ride quality made it a pleasure to drive, it just soaks up the bumps on our terrible country roads . , the seating felt like it was made for my 6ft5in frame . . 2 years on i still love my outback. It does everything i need it to .

[@davidanderson8469]

I'm 6'4" and have a tough time not hitting the body while getting in an Outback plus the Eyesight gismo by the rear view mirror is a blind spot looking up through the windshield. My buddy there had a Holden Ute in 1979 when I visited him. Super mellow place the in NSW.

[@vlj1133]

"We all have our weak points, but usually we also have the self-awareness to try to conceal them. That's the reason this channel is about cars, and not escaping social anxiety, or dancing." - Tyler Soprano, having apparently resumed his sessions with Dr. Melfi.

[@Realistick]

Too much Gaba, not enough gool🥸

[@mickeybrumfield764]

The Forester is more at ease off-road, and the Outback is a more relaxing experience on the highway.

[@chrish8487]

This channel is great for comprehensive and well-balanced reviews 👍.

[@ChrisN06999]

"maybe a different transmission. On that I'm just dreaming, Subaru is not doing that." I felt that.

[@xyz-md2mv]

There will be ECVT in its full hybrid version. 😉

[@allynwadleigh2210]

I am well over six foot tall and found the outback headroom inadequate I had to duck just to get in! Whereas the forester had plenty of room to inter the front cabin area !

[@philjohnson-ic7dm]

It depends what your after. I own 2017 Outback I love it, love the room, love the ride, this car rides out. We purchased 2025 Subaru Forester Sport, loves Outback but she states she feels like she's driving station Wagon. I get it, traded my junk in and I drive the Outback, love it. I would mention dealer service we work with is 2nd to none. Service means everything.

[@712Jefferson]

Great video! Very well polished and informative. Also, very helpful for us tall folks that you're 6'3". Kudos.

[@jparker1823]

As an owner of both, I think your review was spot on. It was kind of hard to justify the Forester's price over the Outback, but once you start to list all the upgrades from the Forester SK to SL, it starts to make sense. Also, we liked the lack of the TCV and the residual value of a Forester is historical higher than that of an Outback in case we trade it in.

[@nyrocks5580]

The 2.5 is a snoozer no-go - literally - for me. The Legacy XT (which we have) and Outback XT can get out of their own way, pass at speed, and merge onto highways with ease. It's a shame the Forester doesn't have that option. Also, while I would have preferred a smaller screen and more physical buttons in our XT, we find it to be fine, certainly not the big negative a lot of people talk about. To each their own

[@drn13355]

I sold my Ranger turbo and got an Onyx outback 2.5. Literally zero issues getting around and the gas mileage is sick. I am done with turbos. The funny thing is I had a V6 BMW 323i and it had 170hp. My Outback has 182. Perspective I guess. I live in Wyoming near the northern wind river range. No issues getting to speed even at altitude.

[@nyrocks5580]

@@drn13355 that's awesome, enjoy the ride!

[@janoycresnova9156]

Put that XT engine into Forester and all is forgiven.

[@nikolavonfulton5195]

I would love for them to do this

[@AP-cc1uw]

The next generation Outback apparently is ditching the wagon form factor and moving to more of a boxy SUV package. It resembles the new Landcruiser and Defender according to those who have seen it. This might be the generation of Outback to get for those who really want the wagon.

[@Mububban23]

Nnnnooooooooo!!!!! 😭😭😭

[@justdifficult]

This is the best looking Forester design since pre-2009. I'm glad they made it more boxy and less frumpy and finally ditched the lobster claw taillights. Only gripe with the design is the bumper and that left side port covering where a dual exhaust should have gone.....Subaru always teasing us with a non-existent turbo. :)

[@atmartens]

I really hope the Forester’s future hybrid coming out next year fixes the under power. The 2.5L engine really is slow. I know it wasn’t huge sale success but the Forester not having a XT trim sucks.

[@jzwqa]

At some points in your video it wasn't clear which car you were talking about ... esp when you referred to "this" or "it". Great vid regardless

[@EricGrassi]

I've owned four Subarus, including a 98 S and a 21 Sport, and I would NOT consider buying this generation at all. I hate how it looks. Awful, boring front clip, ugly taillights, weird crimps above the RAV-esque wheel arches, odd belt on the weirdly shaped D pillar, and strange geometric shapes all along the bottom. Yuck. Hopefully they fix at least some of that in a refresh in a few years.

[@Lukas-cv6kb]

Mein Outback Limited kommt morgen an. Ich habe alles, was wichtig ist, geladen und bin bequem überall hingefahren, wo ich hin musste. Die perfekte Wahl für eine aktive Familie.

[@ChrisN06999]

For other markets where the 2025 Forester isn't yet released/unveiled, this review is helpful for those who have it as their option to buy even if they may be of different variations.

[@RichS.74yroldbodybuilder]

Having a big screen helps people who don’t wanna wear their glasses all the time if you wear glasses all the time you probably don’t have an issue. A lot of people want to be able to look over and see something without having to lean into it or squint anyone over about 45 . You have to think about that on your reviews. It’s one of the reasons that iPhone pluses are so popular. Don’t discount the bigger screen a lot of people that buy these cars buy them because they’re older.

[@sjs1555]

Great point

[@Oregon-2024.]

Dumbest comment ever

[@tonysterbenc]

Good on you for alertly observing the price overlap, although I'm confident it's only temporary. Meanwhile, this is pretty ambitious Forester pricing by Subaru, considering it basically comes with no upgrades to either power or infotainment, both of which are lacking. I suppose their faithful will pay it, but more's the pity.

[@jaywbus]

Forrester Fov and spaciousness wins vs Outback. Outback feels like a big sedan/ wagon.

[@suburiboy]

I wish more companies made "pleasant wagons", the outback is almost more SUV than wagon. Discontinuing the Legacy instead of offering it as a wagon seems like a bone-headed move. I believe that people of our generation want affordable wagons and would buy them if they were available.

[@jamesdorsey2077]

The Height and Width stats are backwards... For clarification- the Outback is longer and wider, while the Forester is taller.

[@Realistick]

Thank you! I just made a pinned comment with the correction and time stamp.

[@Mububban23]

Really good video. My only feedback would be to add chapters, but that's a minor quibble on a very good video 🙂

[@Realistick]

Noted, I’ll add that in tomorrow ✌️

[@SevenYe]

Great review! Would love to see your review for a 2025 Crosstrek.

[@taelee347]

I have zero desire to buy another Forester until they put the 2.4L DIT engine in it. Currently have 2014 Forester XT, while CVT, still peppy and not terrible on gas. (I had 2004 XT with a manual as well before that) I have had multiple Foresters with 2.5L as a loaner and all of them have been gutless. I must be missing something because I don't understand how these higher trim Foresters with base 2.5L non-turbo engine is selling for 35-40K and people still buy them. "Sport" meaning some colored accents??

[@Mike-vu9xf]

Well, the new engine design has thinner cylinder walls. As I see it, adding a turbo charger you’ll have problems down the road..

[@ericfan1223]

Amazing video! Very funny, and knowledgeable! We will be test driving both, 2025 forester and Outback tomorrow morning and im hoping the forester is what i hope it will be. We test drove the Honda HR-V and were blown away with how great it was. But its the same price as a new forester. So its almost worth just getting the bigger car.

[@dsg9486]

If they put normal transmission, I will buy one.

[@CC-kr2fs]

I understand you reassonings, but from experience i will say; Had an outback, went to forester, and then went back to Outback. Outback is a more comfortable road car, and the room, though close, is more usable on a daily basis. besides it looks better, in my and my wifes opinion.

[@jg7634]

The info/tainment system is just terrible.. I want buttons not a giant screen...

[@CFOPG]

Hi Tyler, another great review. I’m looking to replace my 2015 Outback and am considering the Toyota Crown Signia for its better gas mileage, more modern infotainment system, and overall greater refinement. Do you have any additional thoughts on the two cars beyond what you said in the Signia review? I’m particularly interested in differences in driving dynamics, ride, and seat comfort. One side note on roof racks, reviewers always point out the great swing-out roof bars on the Outback, but as someone that’s hauls a wide variety stuff on my roof, I’ve always thought it was a weak point for a car aimed at outdoors enthusiasts. I can see how they be great if everything you haul fits between the rails, but having bars that extend out beyond the rails is necessary for hauling wider items. I replaced the factory Outback crossbars with Yakima towers and crossbars that really feel solid, with none of the bend found in the factory bars. You might consider adding some basic information on roof racks to your reviews. Things like rack weight capacity, between rails versus overhanging crossbars, fixed point or sliding bars spacing, and the maximum bar spacing would be really helpful. Just a thought, though probably too niche to be useful!

[@andrews7146]

The Crown Signia is more refined, more luxurious, more attractive, and has higher fuel economy than the current gen Outback. However, it comes at a significantly higher price, has a lower and overall tighter feeling interior, less ground clearance, and a much less spacious cargo area. The Outback is generally a better choice for utilitarian reasons and is arguably better value for money, but certainly does not pretend to be a Lexus. I have both a Lexus and an Outback, and the Outback is just not a luxury class vehicle. The Crown Signia is a nicer car, especially if you value refinement and aesthetics. It’s very nearly a Lexus. I would expect the redesigned 2026 Outback to be a bit closer to the Signia, including its price point. Both cars are great choices, it just depends on what you value most.

[@genzigzag]

I like the updates to Forester, for the exception of the Ford Exploder front grill. If the long-term reliability is there in the 2.5T, it would be nice to see that offered in the Forester also.

[@chrish8487]

The 2.5T is no longer offered in any Subaru. They have the 2.4T from the WRX in the higher Outback trims, but the Forester only has the NA 2.5 which is underwhelming IMO.

[@rami1985]

Japan has a 1.8T forester, wonder if anyone else will get to see that

[@pgb1913]

Excellent video! Can’t wait for the 2026 re-designed outback to compare with the new forester.

[@stopthebs77]

First time viewer and loved your comparison review, bro!! Just fantastic and sooo much more thorough and on point than the vast majority!! Instant subscriber ❤ Side note, and important question... I've owned three Subarus. An '03 MT Outback, a '10 MT Outback, and an '18 MT Crosstrek. My Crosstrek was sadly totaled by a hit and run driver and although I had a witness and got full reimbursement from my insurance company, I just kept driving my '10 Outback that I still had. Now, I'm in the market for a '24 Crosstrek, but I'm a bit leary on the CVT having never driven one and hearing mixed reviews on the CVT in general. Is this something you could respond to? I'm quite nervous and could use some help!! Thanks, bro!! I'll take a look and see if you have any reviews on the '24 Crosstrek too 😃

[@0HOON0]

If you're going to keep it for more than 5 years you may want to consider a Toyota or Mazda.

[@curtisayers7933]

Very articulate and focused review.

[@charlie3851]

The Forester has better acceleration too, based on owning a 21 Forester and recently test driving an Outback, The 21 Forester just feels good when I sit in it, whereas the 25 Forester, just doesn't do it for me, not sure why but it doesn't, so, looking at Outbacks. Outbacks seem to be selling slower, I wonder if it is because of the cladding. I think they overdo it with the cladding on the Outbacks, maybe ok for the Wilderness but get rid of at least some of it on other models. I think I am in the minority who do not have a problem with a CVT. Some of the automatics can hunt for gears and have erratic shifts in certain situations.

[@atmartens]

The Forester had a lot better deals, especially because a new generation is coming. The Outback will have a new generation for 2026. Also, the pricing for the Forester is lower. So the Forester outselling the Outback isn’t just because the Forester is “better”.

[@saraaronzon4562]

It’s OVERPRICED!

[@greendg7]

Good review, honest and not pandering

[@user-handlethetruth]

OK, I remain a staunch fan. Sometimes when you are in the midst of this review, I lost track of which vehicle you are driving. Since you have such obvious skills with your video editing, maybe consider a banner with the car you are driving at the time. However, your review at the end summarized succinctly everything I needed to hear about your impressions. Another detailed and spectacularly educational video. On another subject: I would like to see Subaru do what Toyota did with Lexus so well, and what Nissan did with Infiniti (less well) . The sport BRZ is an obviously niche vehicle for fun daily driving, but I would like to see a luxury model. Subaru may not be big enough to take this on. Also, I note the obvious disappointment from most reviewers about that giant screen with poor sensitivity. That alone is keeping me from buying any Subaru yet, I consider that a giant step backwards. On the other hand, the CVT is taking too much heat. If you buy this vehicle you better service the CVT transmission, and that is not optional. Odd, though, that all of this is to save a couple of miles per gallon means that I keep putting off any new vehicle purchase until my current vehicle dies, because I don't want the compromises of the govt imposed regulations....yet. Yeah we are saving gas, but losing performance. More performance, and no car payment, I keep putting money into my old car because maintenance has kept it running perfectly at 200K miles.

[@Realistick]

The comparisons can get tricky at times, I will try to add in more of those lower third graphics if I bring up the other car while driving!

[@anthonyng3014]

@@Realistick I agree, great review and comparison but I too had to go back and rewatch parts of the video to be clear on which vehicle you were referring to. For example, the parts about the noise levels because I believe you were at one time comparing prior-gen Forester to new-gen, and then suddenly switching to comparing to the Outback. It wasn't until you showed the actual db measurements that I was sure the Outback is still quieter than the Forester. Superb informative review nonetheless. I'm in a 2024 Outback XT so this comparison tells me all I need to know regarding the new-gen Forester.

[@mattheviewer]

Wait untl 2026 when the new boxier, larger, more expensive Outback (also wearing larger 20" wheels) is introduced early in the year. Perhaps a grown up Forester?

[@harrisond8132]

I had a 2007 Outback. I loved that car. The newer gernerations are way too big. I drive a 2018 Forester now and really like it, but they're bigger now too. Not sure what I woud buy next.

[@cw4623]

@Realistick -- At 12:43 you comment on the steering differences. But your commentary was confusing. You say that the Outback has heavier steering. But then you say that the Outback steering is lifeless/disconnected (generally attributes associated with light, boosted steering) and that it gives you no sense of what's going on as you demonstrate back-and -forth steering play. This is confusing. If the Outback steering is heavy you shouldn't be able to shift it back and forth at speed, like that. And it should feel less lifeless if it is heavier than the Forester. So is the Outback steering truly heavier? Does it have more or less steering play on center than the Forester? What do you mean when you say that the Outback feels "more flat-footed"?

[@Realistick]

Maybe I can help clarify! Heavier weight does not mean more feedback or a better sense of connection. I explain in the video how it feels disconnected. It’s most notable just off center. I describe it as vagueness on center, the steering is floaty there, you have no feel for what the car is doing until you see where the car is going. The forester has a different steering rack design that essentially eliminates that. Btw, some of the most communicative steering racks, are light to medium in weight! As for flat footed, it means less agile, a good athlete runs on their toes, one with bad habits is flat footed.

[@darkknighte]

My 21 outback xt comes off lease and I extended it so I could get the new redesigned 2025 model! I’m so disappointed that it’s going to be at least another year now!? 😮 I wish they would be clearer with customers when these changes will come. I had a Forester in the past but when they took out the turbo I changed to the XT. The forester without the turbo is just no fun and lacks power when you need it. I love my XT except for the incredibly finicky and super slow screen and gps. If you need to change destination it takes more than one stop light to do it because it keeps skipping letters or getting it wrong. So ridiculous. That was enough to get me to switch, but with a new update and refresh for that screen system supposedly to address those issues , the redesign not coming for at least a year, and frankly for me, the new Forester redesign looks like it was done by a committee who couldn’t draw curves on their cad program. I’m not impressed with that awkward style and the wheels look much too small for the body. Looks like a baggage cart to me. I may just stick with my XT a while longer. Try harder or hire some more adventurous designers.

[@hotcarlsf]

I went from a 2015 WRX Limited CVT to 2019 Outback 3.6R CVT. I enjoyed the instant torque from the NA engine. Test drove a 2020 Outback XT. It would take off like a rocket, but bad turbo lag. The infotainment screen is so bad on newer Subarus, I'm glad my 2019 has more physical buttons than newer ones. It was an $1800 repair and took months to get the new unit. The units GUI is outdated and slow which reminds me fold out in dash screens back when the first Fast and Furious movie came out

[@cyon5217]

Keep up the great work!

[@robertjaycox8488]

The Outback is a more heavy car. The ride is better without a doubt. And it is more luxurious inside. (for a Subaru) We have both

[@cw4623]

NOPE. That 11.6" StarLink infotainment system is a death-knell for Subaru. IT IS AWFUL. Subaru is bleeding customers with that impractical and infuriating glossy touchscreen. 👎

[@bryce7516]

I love my car (outback wilderness) and enjoying it. Probably the biggest complaint is the touch screen. I ordered protective screen to see if that fixes it.

[@churrocapitan9380]

The Subaru screen is my biggest gripe and the main reason I'm considering going with a different brand for my next car purchase.

[@tomaskroupakkfoto4132]

As is CVT and kinda also the engine...it´s just Subaru, they make thing different :)

[@benzalkionium]

The idea someone would choose a vehicle based on screen response time is hilarious to me.

[@Hallowsaw]

They should have redesigned them both at the same time because you know the outback is going to get a price increase as well. Currently there is like no good reason to get a forester over an outback other than length. Forester does not have a powerful option nor a wilderness modwl currently. I am seeing the forester already with 2-3k off msrp. Not a good look for subaru.

[@RareGenXer]

Credible buzz directly from Subie sales rep and online Outback forums is that the new Outback is going upscale. Like 4-7K more! It will be styled more like the now ubiquitous and frankly tiring "Land Rover" look🥱. It will bring back more physical controls, which would be a plus. It will be more SUV-like and less Wagon-like. "Discontinuing the Legacy frees them from the constrains of the OB being a lifted wagon variant of a car." Per Dealer rep. This will be a terrible change in my opinion😠. It will essentially be closer to the Ascent in size, because the Ascent is rumored to be going away (or be replaced with something larger and much more competitive in a 3 row SUV). This also helps explain the current price inversion of Forester and Outback. In short: Expect it to look and be sized and priced like the new Hunyadi Santa Fe, which I think looks gimmicky and cartoonish and won't age well at all.

[@jerryq1000]

Completely agree. Rover and Kia offer NOTHING in the way of looks, IMO.

[@SlabSheetrock]

Ugh. This is bad news. The whole reason I bought an Outback was that it was the closest thing to a true wagon I could find without spending $20-30k more on a Mercedes, Volvo, or Audi. I love my Touring XT but if they go in the direction of yet another upright box, this will likely be my only Subaru.

[@RPSartre01]

I really want an outback but that black trim is butt ugly.

[@lorenschwiderski]

OK Forester or CrossTrek. IMO, the CrossTrek still has more sporty look and maybe slightly faster? I like how big the windows are, but sitting on a car instead of in a car reminds me of a Model T Ford. 😅 Is the noise level on CrossTrek higher or lower than a Forester?

[@katylowe3504]

None of this discussion is necessary unless the first statement is "You can now get the XT engine again in the Forester". I have a 2018 Forester XT and will not let go. Would not bother with any newer Forester until I can get the XT engine in it.

[@anotheran]

Lol your thumbnail title works on so many levels

[@angelas4681]

Whyyyyyyy don't they offer that 2.4T engine in the Forester? So short-sighted.

[@GameOnRammy]

Is the Forester color at 14:37 the new River Rock? or what color is it?

[@lorenschwiderski]

The front seats on the Outback don't feel right for me. The seats upper back is just not touch around the shoulder blades, as though the seat is sweeping backwards nearer the top. The CrossTrek and Forester seem like better seats. I assume that for most people, the Outback seats work, thus I cannot say they are not right for everyone. It always varies.

[@yankeeblues2007]

My OB has 260 hp and 28.5mpg around town. 5.8 seconds 0-60. Never driving a Forester.

[@anthonyng3014]

You mean never driving a non-XT of anything. Forester used to have an XT model that was even faster and agile than the OBXT due to lower weight and shorter wheelbase.

[@Camsimsy2k]

i cant wait to see the 2025 forester wilderness

[@USNAVDC]

EASILY CRACKING WINDSHIELDS 100%. I'd 3 windshilds in my 2018 Outback in 3 years!

[@iwejun]

Have you driven the new Forester? It has plenty of go and the cvt transmission is quiet. Hell the whole interior noise is quite a bit lower than previous Forester and uses the WRX steering gear which makes it a bit more tighter.

[@davidanderson8469]

If you're tall the Eyesight glob creates a huge blind spot when looking upwards through the windshield.The new dash is hideous.

[@flat6gts]

There are differences between the two, for sure, but I question whether Subaru truly needs both models in their lineup, or could instead invest in something more differentiated. But obviously sales have justified having both.

[@Jmaninaz1]

Forester's styling is better, I guess, than prior iterations, but to me it's like a glass of skim milk--good for you, perhaps, but hard to get excited about it. I read many, many years ago an article on a car that said the car's design utterly fails to incite a pulse--my feeling exactly about this new Forester design. It's an appliance, and a very effective one at that if you deal with seasons, but will I be excited about it or open the door to the garage appreciating the beauty of a car I have in the garage? Nah, but that is just me. That being said, Subaru will sell every Forester they can build because what it does, it does well.

[@Realistick]

I agree, it's a car designed to do most things for most people, and that tends to make a vehicle dull, however, I'd also say that's the idea behind most compact crossovers with the exception of the CX-5 and CX-50. They made some meaningful improvements here to make it feel like a nicer appliance without sacrificing the rugged side of the nameplate. It's exactly what I'd expect from Subaru, even if the price now sways me even more toward an Outback!

[@carolhunt1767]

Great review as always! ❤️

[@jamesdarcy3902]

I will put money in to my 2015 Outback as necessary with 153,000 miles in excellent condition. I would much rather have older's tech Port Injection, simpler push button controls and a basic infotainment system, and I could care less about Apple Car Play or Android Auto. To my understanding Subaru is ditching that dreaded Thermo Control Valve and going back to the reliable old fashion Thermostat for 2025 on their 2.5L N/A engines. That seems like a +.

[@jasonholland3837]

Subarus have many good qualities like a great AWD system and reliability but there is no way the Forester sets the benchmark for "the small crossover driving experience." It uses an under powered NA 4 with a CVT. It doesn't drive like a BMW X3.

[@Realistick]

I see your perspective, but benchmark doesn’t mean best in every category. It handles with confidence, it’s comfortable and the CVT is smooth and responsive. Those are the qualities most look for on the road in a crossover. I used to sell compact CUVs and hardly anyone cared about its 9 second 0-60. This is why most brands got rid of higher power options. If it was a Luxury car, people would definitely care. Which is one reason why a BMW X3 sets the benchmark for… compact luxury suvs!

[@whitelotus1594]

I'm picking my 2023 Forester Premium.

[@JRTrilling]

Subaru should have had a hybrid version of this new Forester out of the gate.

[@PapaA7145]

Purchased a 24 Forester Wilderness and it’s been great so far. Took our granddaughter with us as she is tall and used her to check for backseat legroom. The Outback had more comfortable front seats the Forester had more useable legroom. The Forester beat out the Outback, CR-V and RAV4. All of them would’ve been good choices but my wife liked the Forester Wilderness looks. Mazda 5 would have been in the running but no dealer within 50 miles.

[@0HOON0]

Pro tip: Avoid the new giant touchscreen by purchasing the previous gen 2024 Forester Wilderness.

[@eamonfr6526]

Base model doesn’t have the giant screen but still lacks most of the physical buttons we need

[@0HOON0]

@@eamonfr6526 2024 F Wild still has the climate control dials and buttons. They remain in inventory for the moment.

[@agak61]

Love the big screen 😅

[@enmass90]

Previous gen forester and current gen outback have the TCV issue. Only the new forester and the turbo outbacks are exempt from it.

[@minnybiker4505]

I drove a 2024 Forester with the little screen... Did not like it at all. Love the big screen in my Outback.

[@mountainhobo]

16:26 [Subaru is not moving away from the CVT] - If they adopt Toyota's hybrid system in the next major update, they might go to the planetary gearset. Still technically a CVT, but a completely different animal from the current one.

[@Realistick]

Agreed, E-CVT is superior. I'm sure they will use one in the upcoming hybrid, which was confirmed to be in partnership with Toyota! I'd still like to see an 8 speed with the turbo, non-hybrid powerplants but that's a fantasy at this point unless they borrow a Hybrid Max system from Toyota too.

[@mountainhobo]

@@Realistick Is there a solid timeline when the hybrid Outback will be coming, and will it also be offered on the Wilderness edition?

[@0HOON0]

Toyota's E-CVT is vastly more durable than conventional cvts. Talk to rideshare and taxi drivers. Tons of hybrids have 400k+ and are still on the original trans.

[@Realistick]

@@mountainhobo I haven't heard anything specific yet. If I'm to make guesses, I'd say that they'd debut the hybrid late this year or early next year with the Forester or with the 2026 Outback redesign!

[@李沐声]

The video is good, the presentation is very detailed. But your photography sucks, the lens keeps shaking, get a better stabilizer plz

[@Realistick]

I’ll add a nee gimbal to the shopping list😂

[@deecee6810]

I like the new Outbacks, I own 2 Foresters because you can put a two-tier cat cage in it because of the large opening. I like Toyotas but my cat cage wouldn't fit in any other car, so... I also fit in the back if I need to take a nap in it. I have been all over the US, including Alaska, and Canada in my Foresters without any problems. I still have Alaska and Canadian mud underneath one of my Subarus, which I think is now permanent. That mud would have caused problems in some other vehicles. So having the all-wheel drive is always reassuring no matter where you end up. I love them. The new Outbacks look awesome, but the rear space has less headroom than the Forester, but I love the rack on the top because you can flip it so fast. But on that note, anything on top of your car is an instant mpg problem, so I have hitches and can put stuff in the back which helps with the mpg problem. The only time stuff on the top is warranted is if you are on a ferry, where they go by length measurements. I've driven the Ascent, and that is a step up, but a bit too much car for my needs. I am hoping that Subaru will come out with a hybrid Forester soon. I like the EV they have, but I'm usually in the middle of nowhere so hard to hook up to electric.

[@RedHuntsman]

Waiting for a Forester XT

[@In-obscurity-n7j]

I'm curious how Subaru will incorporate Toyota's 4th gen hybrid and deliver symmetrical all-wheel drive. They will be the first.

[@jamespatrick5930]

I bought a 2025 Forester Premium, I like the CVT. The upside-down oil filter drains down to empty causing dry starts every morning. This causes more engine wear. So to hide this it has no oil pressure gauge.

[@ronkuzyk3836]

The Subaru oil filter has an anti drain back valve. Unscrew it and see how it does not drain out. Aftermarket oil filters might not have it.

[@endrizo]

i want manual gearbox frameless windows and a spare wheel.. just like subaru used to be.

[@patrick-rb3ul]

Owned three Foresters and now a sleek Outback! Great vehicles!

[@LavernLee-zz5ln]

Own a 2021 Forester Touring.. purchased thru Costco. Good suv..for 2 adults.

[@activepuck2225]

In Canada, at least my location, there’s only a $500 increase in price amongst the Outback trims from 2024 to 2025. Forester, OTOH, has around a $2000 price increase. Obviously more features, redesign, etc, but that’s still a factor for one looking at a new vehicle. I’m personally content with my ‘24 Crosstrek for the price to features ratio. 😁 Not a huge fan of the Forester redesign but that interior does look really nice. I really do hope there’s a Wilderness trim in the future, though.

[@philnoreen8642]

The 2025 redesign is hideous. Bronze rims on the sport??? Very disappointed!!

[@tinhinnh]

shouldnt the forester be taller?

[@Realistick]

Yes, i pinned a correction but it seems the pinned comments don’t show anymore. I switched the width and height of the forester and outback in the graphic! My apologies.

[@kw6382]

hate hate hate the big stupid screen enough to never buy one

[@JustChillingNahhhhMean]

Subaru cars are so boring… are they looking how the competition designs are?

[@liltomtom9055]

what is the debate? subaru makes the best all wheel drive system in the automotive industry, its leaps and bounds ahead of anything else irregardless of class

[@agak61]

Which color is better for a girl ? Green or blue ? I can’t decide for Forester 😅

[@albingasinec1615]

all hybrid cars are not worth the extra cost! It`s not that efficient as they are claiming 2B

[@stevens.7654]

For a company that prides itself on utilitarian vehicles it is surprising that the infotainment is so cumbersome and non-intuitive.

[@Widebody20]

Can not buy a 2025 Oouback where i live.

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

There are 38 in stock at my local dealer... they still have 26 2024s also. There are no changes to the 2025 Outback except some trim feature changes... so get a 2024 if you can get a good deal.

[@Widebody20]

@@GetOffMyyLawn Why would I buy a 2004 when I don't know how long this car is sitting. I want fresh with options I want and willing to wait. Price is not top priority.

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

@@Widebody20 Lol its your money.

[@Widebody20]

FORESTER no turbo

[@george-ng5gj]

Outback Turbo - this is the way.

[@kimba262]

Peccato che ai motori Subaru mancano almeno 70/100 cavalli specialmente qui in Europa. Io ho avuto 12 Subaru. Mai avuto problemi. Trazione integrale ai massimi livelli. Ripeto peccato per la grande sotto dimensione dei motori. Ottimo servizio. Saluti dalla Svizzera 🇨🇭 👍👍👍👍❤️

[@andrewbaker7717]

I can;t get over that awful screen

[@wholeNwon]

Facial recognition? So now my insurance company will know who is driving when the car just happens to be doing whatever.

[@Realistick]

Nope, local storage only, no cloud or online access for the facial recognition! Though I want to say many cars do share driving data these days. Toyota sells each new car with a sticker saying so, Mazda does the same thing too.

[@wholeNwon]

@@Realistick I'm not a privacy hawk by any means, but I find the collection and commercial sharing of data derived by a product that I own to be too intrusive. Guess I'll continue to drive my 26 yo car that's still a joy to own and which doesn't spy on me.

[@wholeNwon]

@@Realistick BTW, why any "storage"? Is it so that when they get their hands on your car for "service", they can collect those data and images?

[@Realistick]

@@wholeNwon The storage is so that it remembers your face for the driver profile. You can have up to 3 driver profiles linked to the car. The storage remembers who is who and then matches your face with memory settings. So when you hop in, it sees your face, then changes the mirrors and seat to your memory settings!

[@wholeNwon]

@@Realistick I have a memory button in my 26 yo car that does that.

[@jontnoneya3404]

I dunno man - I'm hearing more and more issues with the Outbad. Leaking CVT seals, persistent electronic issues and routine, regular oil consumption. This is on a sub 25k mileage vehicle. NONE of that crap should be happening on a brand new car/suv and it 100% DOES NOT bode well for their reliability. I'm starting to think the people talking about their reliability are simply fan bois who don't want to be honest. AND they haven't lived with one of these for anything beyond 50k miles.

[@andrewleventis8341]

It’s an easy decision get both

[@billyrock8305]

Topguns 🥇 Wait for hybrid engines folks and new infotainment system ✅

[@saraaronzon4562]

Where is 2025 Forester Wilderness?

[@seb5945]

Subaru got the balls to put CVT in off-road cars. It shows how confident they are in their customers that they will never go off-road.