Off-Road Torture Testing The New 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness

[@Ericdravyn13]

I bought this very same car (in green) and love everything about it. I went deep down the KZbin and Subaru forums rabbit-holes when researching this but, sadly, only found your channel recently. This video would have made my decision even easier! I have been binge watching your videos ever since and this morning decided to reach out because I got in my car and found myself doing a "bolstering test" on my way to work! Thank you for all the hard work that goes into these videos; you do an excellent job!

[@nickhorton785]

Your assessment I felt was honest and genuine. Your antics make it fun to watch and laugh along with. I did 29 years in body repair and the under car look see all great information. Impressed how you noticed a lot of stuff.

[@PACKYCSONE80]

Subaru salesman: " what brings you in to the store today?" Me: "Sarah and some penguins."

[@davidjpeacock]

Easily the most intelligent and impartial car review channel I ever saw, on broadcast TV or streaming. Keep up the great work. :-)

[@MarcGaerlan]

First review I’ve seen where the reviewer drives the vehicle as many would-for fun. Glad I found this channel.

[@charlessimkins2855]

Definitely need to put X-Mode into deep snow/mud for that hill climb and it would have been able to handle it just fine. The dirt/snow mode will disengage over 25mph but the deep snow/mud will not, the wheels are spinning over 25mph when trying to climb that hill so that is why this is super important. You can add a locking diff to it as well but I digress, stock is what you're reviewing just don't forget to review all the features when trying stuff like that to see it's full capabilities.

[@bobonthis9520]

Yup. I have a 2022 Outback Wilderness. I've gotten up similar hills like that. I was yelling at the screen.."put it in deep snow/mud" !!!

[@aaronmarc8687]

It only disengages over 25mph on the forester. This does not apply to the Outback.

[@nickkalister6291]

yep traction control off and xmode on would have done it I bet

[@Traumatree]

@@nickkalister6291 That's exactly what X-mode 2 (deep snow and mud) does.

[@brandondann3514]

Sarah. Please reconsider giving the obw the beans once more, respectfully. We need to see this hill climb again in X games mode. In the name of science

[@edwardlaw797]

Not weird. Combine Lexus and 4-Runner in one package. No competition. Had a 4-Runner brand new for rental and was tired after a couple of hrs of highway driving. In an Outback if you owned one you can drive forever and never feel tired. Steering one finger vs. Toyota's famous all over the place steering. See better, rides better, much quieter, doesn't rollover. Rock crawlers have their own place in the dirt 90% of the time and unless that's where you live, no reason to get one other than a second vehicle dedicated for fun.

[@trudgyhd]

Before hitting that hill what mode was it in? Had you tried the different modes and X mode?

[@niklaswejedal463]

What I really like with your car-reviews, Sarah, is that you take the off-roaders on real off-road driving. Some car-reviewers leave that part out and just drive on normal roads, which kind of misses the point of the vehicle. Thanks for doing it properly!

[@matthewh1325]

This was one of the better car reviews I;'e seen! You were using this almost exactly as I 'd hope to as well. Not a rock crawler, but eats up dirt trails, some mud, and snow. Plus the scoring system is awesome :)

[@Billhatestheinternet]

As an Outback owner, the black steel plates in front of the rear wheels are to protect the petrol tank.

[@j.r.b.5464]

On the hill climb fail what X-Mode setting were you using? If not the deep snow and mud setting, if you have another chance to test a Wilderness edition Subie (whether another Outback W or the upcoming Forester W) give Deep Snow and Mud a shot on your hill climb. It allows a little wheel spin and gives the slightly slow off-roading logic a better chance to solve the traction puzzle.

[@jjay718]

Old review but just now watching. I also think it would of made it in deep snow and mud setting.

[@Deeboskim]

Nice review! As an owner of a 2020 Outback Onyx XT and previously 2014 and 2017 Forester XT I totally agree about the fake shifts. I definitely preferred the shiftless I and S modes in the 2014 Forester XT and was annoyed that they changed it on the newer versions. I guess they're just trying to appeal to the "Purist" type of people that are used to shifts and can't wrap their brain around the CVT concept and efficiency. The fake shifts just kill the boost and actually make it slower to accelerate even though for some it might feel more fast/sporty. Would be nice to at least have the option for both like they used to.

[@tonycosta3302]

Subaru needs to embrace the CVT and celebrate its advantages rather than mimic a traditional automatic. Simulated shifts are like fake exhaust tips. No reason for them.

[@IbangedYaMama]

"embrace the CVT" ....lulz

[@rapTorfx4]

Why would anyone want a CVT? They're lifeless and take the fun out of driving

[@pmscalisi]

When I hear CVT I have nightmares

[@cigarsgunsanddiesel8032]

@@rapTorfx4 exactly... ly Legacy would be so much better with a 6MT or a NORMAL auto!!!

[@derfstang480]

Maybe Subaru figured out that the shift behavior removes some of the stress that causes cvt’s to prematurely fail.

[@richardmccaughey5928]

Sarah, you have the only car reviews that make me laugh out loud!

[@mtacoustic1]

That intercooler is quite the bug collector!

[@jasongray6437]

Just found your channel and this is the first video review I’ve watched to the end for AGES! loved it.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

Hi Sarah, I bought an 2021 Subaru Impreza (yes the economy box) Hatchback sport in manual transmission. I have accessorized the heck out of it including pinstripes, illuminated shifter ball, foot illumination, El wire throughout dash and on doors, LED headlights, and luggage rack. I also added an tunning chip. I love driving the little sputterer and the practicality of the hatchback. Love your reviews and even your tall white legs 😂. Thank you.

[@refugiodemontanayecohostel5076]

Sarah, realmente el Subaru Outback no puede subir esa cuesta?

[@tomKphotoFortCollins]

I love mine - takes our bikes, kayaks, tents, dogs up all of Colorado's famous mountain passes and is easy to keep clean (minus the undercarriage carpet - mud sticks to it like peanut butter).

[@dianeadkins-diorio1783]

How awesome is this? I get the alert for this video right after watching one of Liz's older videos :)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Sarah, I’ve been watching you ever since I had my white 2015 FXT (just like yours). Like yourself, I have nothing but love for Subaru, but now that I drive a Honda with iVTM4 and the ZF9 I’m also absolutely blown away. I can love both brands, and I really appreciate you showing how class leading (shared title, by the Ford Bronco Sport badlands and other twin clutch awd (excluding toyota) the AWD system is. I think the Ridgeline is the only AWD that has made it up your stress test so far.

[@pingpongballz5998]

I wonder if the Bronco Sport would make it up.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@pingpongballz5998 a regular Ford Bronco might act similar to the Kia Telluride. They’re both geared 17-18:1 and have an AWD system similar to the Subaru. The Telluride actually did worse than the Subarus. I’m unsure how the regular Ford AWD stacks up to symmetrical awd.

[@christopher6895]

Honda really got the mechanicals right on the current passport. Big V6 with a proper ZF auto and torque vectoring electronically locking diff.

[@andyota]

So glad to finally see you doing a review on this model. I’ve had mine since early July and can’t get enough of the extra features. This is a beast Outback, but could still use extra armor underneath, and potentially rock sliders. Go Turbo!!!

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

The CVT only fake shifts when you get on it. I can press the accelerator on my 2018 to an RPM from a stop and keep it there up to speed.

[@WrenchingOnCars]

YES!!!! The signature Sarah seat bolster move. Keep it coming, it makes the car review!!!

[@silo_fx3182]

"Geyser Blue" - "Gals'er Pink". Get it? I'll see myself out....

[@RangerRickTV]

How can the Forester wilderness make it up but not the outback?

[@gordon3988]

So did the Crosstrek version

[@riderNdriver]

Finally someone found out the camera placement so the elevation is captured real. Great job!

[@packedgarage3004]

Thank Sarah for the silly review. You covered the bases well. I purchased the same Geyser blue Wilderness, and I love it. one thing to add is the full size spare with matching wheel and tire. I'm planning on putting gold vinyl on the wheels to see how it looks.

[@madmattsubieman9807]

They do not come standard with metal skid plates. Even the front one is not metal. We bought one and came with all plastic skidplates. Look online and we are not the only one that felt deceived on the skidplates. We were under the impression that at least front was metal and came in plastic.

[@JoeJ-8282]

Something Subaru has ALWAYS needed to add to their cars is electronically lockable differentials, front and rear, as (them NOT having) that one specific thing severely limits their hill climbing ability! I had a 1991 Legacy wagon with 4WD and a 5-speed manual transmission, and that thing was great off road, except in extreme off camber or extremely steep or rutted hills, anything that made more than one wheel lift off the ground at the same time. That's where open diffs fail everytime! If Subaru would ever offer the option of having locking diffs in the front and rear, (and also an extremely low range hill climbing gear or something, since they don't have a 2-speed transfer case like a 4WD truck usually does), then Subaru could finally have a really decent off roader, especially if they also keep the ground clearance decent, and have the upgraded suspension like you mentioned!

[@IronmanV5]

With a conventional automatic, and maybe a low range like Subaru used to offer, this thing would be a beast!

[@sblagg527]

This. I wish they would at least offer these things along with locking diffs as an option. I know there are plenty of folks who would pay over $40k for one of these with locking diffs. Also wish they would make the Eyesight system optional again, I personally detest it. (Then maybe they could bring back the 6 speed!)

[@IronmanV5]

@Green Yoshi Distantly related. Very distantly.

[@ln5747]

CVT is better in snow because it gives more continuous traction, at least that is part of Subaru's reasoning.

[@tabaapparel3040]

I have a question I have just bought a mr2 and the o2 sensor was cut off not sure the wire colors to wire to a new Bosh I have search the internet just seeing if you got in information to help me out

[@jaymzafish]

I'm going with Jay Leno on this one, the rod is cheaper and isn't as prone to failure as much as gas struts.

[@HiddenArsenal77]

Agreed. Give me a steel rod. A tiny bit more work but it'll be headache free foreeeever

[@mostcom]

Cheap under rated gas struts fail. premium ones don't as often.

[@jaymzafish]

@@mostcom and solid pieces of metal fail less than struts.

[@mostcom]

@@jaymzafish no argument there, but I'm lazy I like to pull the hood latch step-back let the hood rise on its own and gaze at the top of my supercharged engine.

[@jaymzafish]

@@mostcom you seen the Koenigsegg open all of its' doors with one push of button on the key fob?

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Only you, Sarah, could coin a phrase like "ass tears." So hilarious. I also liked how you perched the car with one wheel off the ground, while giving the ratings information. These things are what make your channel so entertaining to watch.

[@philherman8633]

I was just wondering earlier today when you’d be getting around to the Outback Wilderness.

[@johntotten4872]

You should see what they do to the Subies up here in Washington state. They do 6 to 10 inch lifts, big gnarly tires etc.

[@DQNguyen91]

I've been waiting for you to review the wilderness!

[@QueenFairy420]

i feel you shouldve used deep snow x mode on the first hill, it better brakes the spinning tires and opushes more equal power to the ones on the ground

[@mini2nut67]

I love your hoist lift segments. I enjoy seeing the underside of new cars😁

[@njc113]

Nice review, wish you tried the dual x mode deep mud and snow on the hill

[@roymurray6374]

Happy Tuesday Sarah!!! I've been seeing a lot of all terrain tire clad Subies around Tucson lately, they look really fun. When I was a kid, it would crack me up how Subaru would put the spare tire in the engine bay. Great review as per usual. Stay excellent!!!😎

[@alanbradford3130]

"I'm out back in the Outback!" - Dad joke from Sarah? WOW!

[@MagicFlyinPotato]

🤣👍

[@timkoryciak5622]

I love your excitement and enthusiasm in your videos you’re awesome Sarah

[@dantu5377]

Did Sarah tried to use the x mode going up the hill

[@wild_lee_coyote]

With the value of Subaru doing aftermarket upgrades won’t break the bank like some other cars. Those tires are what I was looking at for a 2020 Ascent. Subarus are fun cars to chuck around. I just wish it had a overland outlander package that had locking diffs, upgraded shocks, and tuned to remove the fake shifts.

[@traviskorda3262]

The CVT is the primary issue

[@NNTorious]

@@traviskorda3262 are Subaru cvts low quality or just general cvt hate?

[@brettatenciorn8522]

@@NNTorious I like my 2014 outback cvt it is very efficient, it is easy to service as the access to the valve body is on the top, I had to replace 2 solenoids made by Bosch to restore my rear wheel drive and torque converter lock-up solenoid, but I think part of the reason people criticize cvt's is that it takes away control from the driver and people love to be or at least think they are in control, I know I do.

[@therealtpain90]

Cvt’s dont have low enough gearing for crawling up things

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@@therealtpain90 the differential on this makes up for that. It's geared lower than nearly everything without dual range

[@1969Risky]

So when will we see the upgraded Subaru Outback Wilderness Bushland Steppe Veldt Scrub edition?

[@alp21188]

Next summer

[@Greenmtnman]

I really do appreciate your ability to be consistent regardless of of the type of car you’re reviewing…👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks for that, keep it up Sarah¡

[@dd6233]

Great review as always Sarah. I just picked up my Wilderness yesterday and do not have any of the skid plates found on your vehicle. There is a plastic front skid plate with a riveted aluminum piece on the leading edge only. If your able to share the VIN I would be interested in the build history of your test vehicle. Thank you!

[@refugiodemontanayecohostel5076]

Excelente ! El terreno es similar a mi region. Muchas gracias. Toda la onda

[@markreams3192]

You’re probably the only car reviewer in the history of car reviewers that talks about peeing on the seats. Original!😂

[@danoneill2846]

I thought about getting some BFG All Terrain , with 3 ply side walls . I have them on my Crew Cab & they work Great for my needs , mostly street use . I didn't because the extra weight I heard would slow down an already slow car . In some places we have sharp rocks in my area , I just don't want a flat . The worst thing about The BFGs , they pick up rocks , I often pick them out so they do fly into other cars OR dig in & damage the tire .

[@dyokdyok]

reason for watching sarah -n- tuned before: 100% car reviews now: 20% car review 80% comedy

[@fbriggs285]

The Queen of dad jokes!

[@gadfly149]

When someone can drop dad jokes that still go over this (points at self) dad’s head…Respect!

[@Allgone-b4k]

I love how you sneezed Sarah so cute. Love the vids

[@tfrogginhfroggin]

The Dexter reference and yellow shoes 👍 and was that the Breaking Bad RV in the background at the start of your dessert run?

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Fun, informative and a breath of fresh air, nicely done

[@Timbo_SliceGaming]

Been waiting for this vid, got excited when I saw it in the background of you previous video

[@Bc20002]

If you brake torque the engine the transmission won't fake shift

[@SM-McKraken]

As others mentioned, Sarah needed to put XMode into Snow/Mud and it very likely would have made it up 1st try. I've seen many vids of the Outback Onyx XT and OB Touring XT making it up hills no less gnarly (and without OEM Geolanders, no less!). I'd love to see Sarah do some winter snow driving in the OBW, I think she'd be really surprised at how well Outbacks do in snow.

[@pizzamann95]

Excellent review. I'm considering buying an Outback Wilderness to replace my '19 Crosstrek. Mostly, because I need the room and you can't go wrong with a Subaru. I knew you would provide the useful information I needed to make my decision. Not very many reviewers pop the hood on the vehicles they review and I never see them throw it up onto a lift to reveal it's dirty under parts. Keep doing what you're doing. :)

[@kevinlyon9501]

You do make your reviews informative and funny, ass tears :), note to self don't drink tea when Sarah is talking. Nice that you can charge your penguin too.

[@dennisjanes1611]

Well Sarah Outback would have climbed that hill if you would have had the X-Mode set for deep mud/snow, the system would have allowed more wheel spin. Also if you want to do 0-60 times on a Subaru equipped with X-Mode always place in the same as above. Doing so will give you approximately 20% lower first gear ratio so you can get a better 60’ time. You can feel the difference. Just saying for a friend.

[@AmirSharon]

Love to see your reviews. About this hill climb you had to activate the deep mud&snow X-mode becuase it was slipery steep hill climb,although its dry,this option gives to all wheels to spin .in a regular X Mode use the wheels stop by the traction control that move power from side to side this cause the car to loose energy in the climb. If you will try again I think the Wilderness will climb this hill.i have the Sport model with the dual X mode fanction. Thanks a lot.

[@felissilvestris8190]

Yes hope you will sometime give it another try, I’m confident the outback can do it like the forester did…thanks for the very nice vids anyway

[@edwardlaw797]

Surprised wildness can't make that. I can make it in my XT limited. Need more wheel spin. I was in a 45 degree incline full impassable mud in a ditch and after a prayer slowly it climbed out like a goat in slow motion. Did you try all different modes?

[@2visiondigital]

I wonder if the 87 wagon i had with dual range could make that hill. It didn't have lockers but 1st gear low range was very gusty.

[@thetezz0001]

The interior look excellent

[@BVDsGoneFishing]

Color scheme throwback to the triple nickle, and 5:55pm on the infotainment screen. I see what you did there. Free the CVT, no more fake shifts Subaru!

[@tedwalker1370]

One thing about the hood prop. It always works and doesn't have to be replaced ALL THE TIME LIKE THE GAS PROPS.

[@mostcom]

Blame the bean counters for the failure of undersized GAS PROPS.

[@danny11date]

I’ve been looking up videos about this car and you are the only one whipping it 👍🏼

[@noegunn4303]

I found going a little faster is just better with SUBAR and traction control enables as its stability will be ok at a faster speed and yes if you drop typer pressures which you would do for any 4x4 when needed it's just the point where you need to do it that changes. I put a LSD in the rear from a nissan no much needed to be changed both from fuji heavy industries. Make a cheap and instant improvement but the turn of x-mode on dirt or rock hopping.

[@seanstewart6292]

Sarah did you try deep snow and mud on that hill because it probably would have made it you only tried regular mud and snow it allows less wheel spin deep allows more wheel spin.

[@javierhowe3665]

The fact I get to sit in these everyday as my job makes this that much better lol

[@MayorMcCheese78]

What I've been waiting for. Thank you Sarah

[@jwelchon2416]

I am adding Depends to my off-road kit.

[@jasonh4167]

I used to have a 2008 suzuki sx4 crossover 4x4, w/lockable diffs. Front and back. It would climb that hill.. i miss it so😞

[@garyworokevich2524]

2:28......"outback", I get it. I like the rims and the whole package, like all Subaru's, it would great for the winter road conditions where I live.

[@davidwayne9982]

I was looking at one of these-- a 2024 though- and deciding on IT or a MAZDA CX-50--- but watched your SUbaur video and others and have DECIDED on MAZDA CX-50... LOVE IT-- THANKS..

[@PSYK0MANT1S]

Probably the best video online about this car. I bought a rather nicely appointed Outback Wilderness a month ago with every internal and external option. By default you don't get ALL the skidplates. The ones you are showing here on this demo vehicle has skid plates that are optional as accessories. They don't come for "free" which is disappointing. You get the small approach-angle skid plate which is aluminum. Outside of that, the engine and fuel tanks all have a thick plastic plate. I didn't even get a CVT plate thrown in either. I was rather disappointed when I got mine up on the lift.

[@vkwhitehead]

Did you still have traction control still turned off or was that just for the launch Maybe it needs that for traction on climbing

[@aftdude2180]

I just watched yohr first video and was happy to see it was far from your last. You've come a long way. Congrats.

[@lyfandeth]

Didn't you say the (not so offroad) tires on the Forester were probably stopping it from climbing the hill?

[@briandowdy7609]

Did you have it in X-mode for the hill climb? My 2019 Forester sport was a goat with the X-mode on and my 2023 Outback Wilderness in X-mode is the same.

[@johnkkkj]

You should have put it in Xmode deep snow and mud so that the traction control is off and it will allow the wheels to spin more and it would have made it up that hill. Regular or mode 1 X mode still has VDC on, Xmode 2 does not have the traction control breaking wheels.

[@lowlifeangler]

I pass one of this one of these coming home from work everyday day. It's sick. I only have a 2018 Outback premium

[@honeybadgerwrx]

To help nearly full eliminate the simulated shifts you can put some transmission mount inserts and or get the Cobb pitchstop mount. And you can get aftermarket hood struts (which I have yet to install due to lack of wrench time)

[@stidechameau]

Saw the Wilderness in your previous review, it was up next ;-) I wonder if it would go up that hill in deep mud & snow xmode…? Great review, but then again I’m biased since I ordered one lol.

[@InertiaCreeps]

Another 5 out of 5 Penguins for this review! Respect The Cubby Penguin! 🐧

[@RRr-yl8zr]

I think that X-mode 1 sets that traction control to on, (cuts power?) X-mode 2 turns off traction control? X-mode 2 better for "hill climbing"?

[@merlinsk1]

Loved the review ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@selewachm]

I wish they offered MT per special order. I'd buy this in a heartbeat.

[@ULTRAMAGADEPLORABLEcultmember]

Just put some MT Geolander’s on yourself… problem solved! I have them on mine and they are fabulous.✌🏼

[@piercel.6515]

I will take MT in this Outback

[@lichen-ve6tp]

@@ULTRAMAGADEPLORABLEcultmemberhow is the suv holding up? Im interested in getting one with 20k miles as my first non beater car

[@nolangeorge921]

You and I have the same sense of humor. Love your reviews!

[@kilohotel6750]

For the parents that need to do serious off-roading when they have to park in the field at their kids soccer game. I'm just not sure the 1 inch lift will provide enough clearance for the soccer ball to roll under the car without getting stuck.

[@jaycomber4154]

Sarah do you like outback wilderness or rav trd better

[@goombah6158]

Sarah, I just bought a 2023 Limited. As far as the carbon buildup, can’t I install a catch can??

[@blaster00006]

Bought one of these in white this summer. I absolutely love it! Put more aggressive Falken WildPeak tires on it and took it off road in Colorado a week ago and it was a billy goat!

[@wezleey25]

While I'm not sure it would have been enough in this case, switching to the deep snow and mud setting will help on hill climbs. Just allows a little more wheel slip before the brakes are applied so you can keep some forward momentum.

[@inkblot100]

How would you compare this to a rav4 trd off road would you say is better

[@ph33lix]

At 2:28 "aayyyy 😆" At 3:36 "AAAAAYYYYY 🤣🤣"

[@AnonymousEmployee-kk9ot]

Those legs ❤

[@leer.2137]

No hood struts, and so much less/more - I don't see how you could personally love this vehicle, (Subaru) with so much missing (my only disagreement out of all your reviews) one would need at least another ten thousand and a lot of work/modding too make this heap a love connection

[@charger19691]

I’d love to have one of these Outback Wilderness editions with a 6 Speed manual transmission and maybe a high and low range in the transfer case like my 83 Subaru GL 1800 4x4 wagon had. I would be extremely happy. I love Subarus and I always will. Thank you Sarah for another great review, you had me laughing out loud at times!

[@Kacpa2]

Last low range subarus wete early 2010s 1.6 XV's and lowest trim Outbacks and Foresters.... Its a shame really. But cupholders won with lownrange levers :/

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

Subaru with cvt is like a grandmother on steroids...who in World would buy such a car with cvt and go offroad...🤦‍♂️

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

Gear ratio with manual would be much better for consumption...at 22mpg this is awful to spend ypur money. I would rather buy used low mileage Land Cruiser 150 Prado with Crawl Control diesel here in Europe than this Subaru...

[@ronaldrrootiii6040]

​@@The_Touring_Jedi yeah other than someone who just has to go on dirt roads to get home it really is kind of a gimmick the entire car line. I've known owners who slowly find themselves getting into off-roading and realizing that they really can't do much then just certain types of dirt roads so why be so limited? Also get an SUV that can carry more and do some real off-roading it doesn't have to be hardcore rock crawling but just actual off-roading with big rocks and washed-out spots. Why have to have you something breaking plastic when you can just have something you can actually do it easier? I really feel like the majority of the people who forced them to go off-road constantly have to justify how it's not a Jeep when really they want to be able to go up some tougher things otherwise what's the point of taking those little Subaru dirt roads the spots that slowly turn more fun if you're not going to have the more fun? I know they have himself convinced otherwise but I've spoken to honest owners who told the truth and admitted their feelings but they just like the car

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

@@The_Touring_Jedi Lots of people.