Subaru Hybrid: Top 6 reasons why you shouldn't buy one | Auto Expert John Cadogan

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[@AutoExpertJC]

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[@tadstertrolley7770]

Good report. I just bought a 23 forester sport. I looked at the hybrid, but looked like a fundamental fail to me, I thought it was pure laziness on the part of subaru R&D team. Xtrail epower did it so much better, mountains of torque, less complexity, quick, smooth and very quiet, more modern and interior and exterior. Subaru have lost the plot, their new Outback XT turbo is also underwhelming. I might add, my new Forester is surprisingly zippy and the CVT is actually very good.

[@letsseeif]

John. When I went to school, we had an English segment called 'CLEAR THINKING'. We deconstructed advertisements and critically looked at them in isolation. I commend these subjects to Parents and children.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Agreed. More useful than calculus, for non-STEM people.

[@herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513]

I learned about the media and sectionalism in primary school in the early 80s...

[@Shanes_Shed]

Well, can't see any mainstream car reviewers telling their readers/viewers that sort of info. Well done JC.

[@BigBoyJ623]

John, I love your videos man, been going through a lot lately, your videos definitely help and cheer me up. Keep up the good work.

[@CelticKnight2004]

So happy you covered this. I have actually driven one of these in the exact conditions you would hope you would expect PERFECT performance from a hybrid. In the city, in start stop traffic.. that sorta thing.. Now you'd think it's electric motor would shine. I've produced... solid matter... that shines better. It took off from the lights every time running on battery. Before I got up to 15kph it would cycle the motor in, and it would STAY cycled in, until I stopped at the next lights... where the whole car would stop, the battery (now depleted) would cycle the car forward and I would be stuck in drive, at the lights... Unable to move briefly till the engine started. After this experience? I was totally dissastisfied from ANY hybrid type only. I'd like to test drive a PHEV at some stage...

[@inverlane1939]

Great review and really enjoy your factual, easy to understand no BS productions here in 🇬🇧 😊👍

[@downtoearth5108]

Thankyou John, I appreciate you crunching the numbers, and a review on the electric motor of the Subaru here. You've highlighted what we should consider if buying a hybrid Fullstop. Thankyou again John, great show. Inch by inch its a safe drive. Go well John.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thank you for watching.

[@tonystephens6485]

Hello John, Doesn't Toyota have a financial interest in Subaru, that could explain the the change to beige? Tony

[@Low760]

@@tonystephens6485 he's covered this before.

[@markadams458]

Hi John. As a long time Subaru family you are preaching to the choir. When looking to upgrade our 2016 outback 2.5 premium I was so despondent with the current Subaru offerings, I test drove the hybrid rav4. Then for various reasons went off and purchased a Mazda cx-8. Very happy with my decision. I unfortunately see Toyota doing a Honda to Subaru. The eclectic reasons we loved them here in oz are no longer there. Can you please do a logical breakdown on the the outlander phev. That was my other option if it was available. Mark

[@tezza8717]

good to see you love your tools

[@mullins6429]

Great video John. Geez I’m really starting to run out of options with a potential changeover to a hybrid vehicle!!

[@user-wt8jp4qx6l]

Thanks John. You've neatly summarised all that my gut feelings about Subaru hybrids were telling me - and you've given us the figures too (ps I'm going to duckduckgo the Atkinson Cycle next!). Here in Great Blighty, we've only got the choice of the Outback now in none hybrid form and I can't see that lasting long, especially with Subaru only selling about 1000 new cars last year and even less the year before. Im looking forward to reverting to The Flintstones means of vehicular power in the next 10 years. YabbaDabbaDoooooo...

[@et8893]

I wish could think as logical as you. Your ability to dissect information into understandably bites always impresses me. Love your videos.

[@seegee7728]

Bought a new 2.5 forester a month ago, did not even consider the "hybrid" as all the 6 points John mentioned made the car un purchasable.

[@iChefTheImpossible]

My Kia Niro helped me cut my fuel costs in half. With all season tires I can get up to 1000km per tank. I was just curious to see what other hybrids there were and it seems Subaru might not be the next choice. Thanks for breaking it down

[@AB-jk7tw]

Here in Canada we don’t have the hybrid Forester yet John. We were planning to look at it for our next car when it arrives here but listening to your objective and well informed report, we seem to have lost our enthusiasm.

[@badzullu]

Another great one. Thank you !

[@M8YM8]

Couldn’t agree more. I love my MY22 Forester 2.5i-S petrol, have taken it off-roaring on the beach and it goes great.

[@glitched4070]

Another brilliant review JC 👍👍👍

[@tfre3927]

Thanks, John. I tip my hat to you sir! Valuable information, indeed.

[@timstiv]

Brilliant video John.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks Tim.

[@johntolmie1725]

Hello John. Great points on the Subaru Forester barely there Hybrid system. I'm not a fan of weak hybrids. The new Yaris (since 2021) does have a fashionably correct Lithium battery. It weighs 12kg less than the previous generation NiMH battery. It will be interesting to see how they last in Australia's hot climate. NiMH batteries degrade more slowly than Lithium in hot climates. Some Prius Gen 4 models have had Lithium batteries since 2016, some Camry since 2018, some Corolla since 2019, and some RAV4 since 2020 in some markets.

[@mayflowerlash11]

Dear John, I've just had an idea. Please don't tell me Toyota thought of it first, I rarely have an original idea. Here it is. Suppose the H2 is made onsite at the fuel station by electrolysis using renewable electricity. Each fuel station need only have a relatively small storage for H2 because it would be passed directly to vehicles that came to refuel. This eliminates the need to transport H2 any distance. Each refuelling station would have its own H2 generating plant. It would be small but sufficient for the expected customers. I realise that industry likes to make big centralised industrial plant rather than many smaller ones. But the savings would be made in the not transporting the H2. The things that need to be worked out are; the minimum size storage tank for the H2, The cost of many small generating plants in contrast to the cost of a central plant. The efficiency of converting electricity into stored H2 then back into water in the car fuel cell. I bet this will be way better than the 35% efficiency of HC fuels. Is this a daft idea?

[@valdius85]

Forester has so much bigger trunk. You did not mentioned the shape of the rear end - Forester is a square box, XV has a small rear end. I own a Forester because of the trunk was too small for me. I tested with the staff I carry, like baby trolley. You are right about the e-boxer. I own one in Japan. The price was the same as 2.5l so I am fine with the decision I've made. 7. The threshold for e-motor turning on is high. Too hight for my smooth driving style. So when I am in the mountains driving calmly, the motor does not kick in, even though the battery is full.

[@alanhilder1883]

For the fuel range... Some other brand is running their ads as " He's going the distance ". This one is " He's stopped yet again to fill up ".

[@kenc8359]

I totally agree with you about the "yawn factor". I still drive my Subaru Liberty GT Wagon MY2004 since new. Now close to 250,000. Still plenty of fun and reliable. No mods, as original except for Bilsteins for improved handling.

[@TheMagicOfReality1]

Excellent review, John. Six shots all on target.

[@D_L_J_83]

Hi John! Could you make a video on hybrid recommendations in the market these days? My in-laws are keen on getting one to replace their old car

[@torleifremme8350]

What do you think of the new Mazda MX-30 R-EV. Cf your arguments related to Subaru's hybrid

[@ianmcleod8898]

I had an older Subaru Impreza awesome small car, then I bought a later model Subaru and the best outcome for that car was to park it on the iron rail road and be entertained by the inevitable, which would be far more exciting than the modern Subaru's performance.

[@erickwinter6402]

Could you please recommend cross over or SUV hybrid you would suggest buying?

[@KiwiCatherineJemma]

In many countries or jurisdictions around the world, "hybrids" are exempt charges, like London's greatly extended new ULEZ which I hear is about (UK equivalent) $50 per day. I am wondering if the Subaru you mention, is the first of a new breed of "Beyond Useless" hybrid or PHEV models, designed basically to be a hybrid in name only, but to qualify for various tax and congestion charge exemptions etc ?

[@KiwiCatherineJemma]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqjbl6uIZrp3b80

[@AutoExpertJC]

Even if not specifically designed for that as such, it could be a good countermeasure against those kinds of fees.

[@simonrook5743]

ULEZ is on harmful pollutants and all new cars qualify, so it’s not going to help with that at all. The London congestion charging fee only gives a get out to plug in, so not going to help with that either.

[@jamescaley9942]

Even an old Bently Continental GT is ULEZ compliant. ULEZ targetting older cars. But not the very oldest.

[@stuarthirsch]

@@simonrook5743 So Subaru and other manufacturers are going to put a small charger and and plug port on the car and call it a plug in hybrid. Still a PLEV in name only.

[@kippen64]

Great t-shirt. Great video.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Shirt (and me) say 'thanks for watching'.

[@p38arover22]

We are on our 3rd Forester. Our current one is a 2010 2.5 turbo with 100,103km on the clock - it replaced our 2009 2.5 NA model which was too slow in acceleration. We have Foresters because they are easier to get into and out of, that slightly higher seat helps these old legs. Fuel consumption on the turbo is around 9l/100km on a trip and 11 around the suburbs (I just checked my spreadsheet). I expect it to last a lot more than 15 years! My L322 Rangie is 20 years old and I expect it to last a lot longer, too. I can't see us ever buying an EV/hybrid. At our age, the figures just don't add up.

[@MalHanson]

66Nm of torque from the Subbie electric motor! My electric assist bicycle produces 80Nm of assistance on the highest setting, and while I am overweight, me and the bike don't weigh 1,600kg!

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Hi from the UK. I would not buy a Subaru due to Subaru's poor fuel consumption figures. Here in the UK petrol is nearly twice the price that it is in Australia! Like the shirt John!

[@markfoster1599]

Not sure if the RAV4 Hybrids in 'stralia are deliberately different but my UK spec 2021 RAV4 Hybrid has a lithium battery.

[@donnairn3419]

what sort of battery can be charged as 20C can the regen braking charge the battery in about 2-3 minutes? I have an electric car and on a long down hill regen rates in the order of 30+ kw are common. Looking at the product is greenwashing the only logical conclusion?

[@gsh0cked]

I tested the Forester Hybrid and the petrol engine was on most of the time. The I tried the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and it was amazing. More Power, quieter and quicker. Also it was great driving it in pure EV mode. I currently own a Forester XT and love it. Would love to see the Forester Hybrid do well but it needs work! Fingers cross for the next one! What puzzles me is that Toyota owns Subaru. Why can Subaru borrow/rework the Toyota system. Just like the joint EV car they’ve produced. Soon maybe…

[@benchapman5247]

I drove a hybrid forester late last year, a rental, hated every minute of it, was useless, ICE running almost all the time anyway as battery was out of charge within seconds, full of nanny tech, gutless and wasnt frugal either. CVT didnt help, never liked CVT's. Our old 2008 manual Outback with low range is still going strong (albeit with no A/C any more), drives well, is surprisingly good off the bitumen (not hard core off road) and it is fairly easy to work on.

[@hackney7106]

Same as the Hyundai Sante Fe,brother in law took one for a test drive, pretty useless system.Hybrid system hardly kicks in.He will more than likely go back to a diesel.

[@kevinvogelsang5612]

With cvt you are selecting the speed with the throttle not engine revs.

[@hackney7106]

@@kevinvogelsang5612 It’s not a true transmission in the ‘true’ sense of the word.It does not drive like a vehicle with a ‘traditional’ belt & pulley system.Simplified its an EV car with an onboard ICE generator that turns highway speeds.Fascinating stuff.Honda’s Hybrid is a series hybrid @ low speed,& can change modes to run as a parallel Hybrid @ highway speed.

[@Garage-uj7pv]

I came here for the car review, I stayed for the explanation of the Socratic method ❤

[@darylcheshire1618]

I wondered if Subaru’s purpose in creating the hybrid was to move the vehicle from a standing start, that is an electric first gear. Apparently the CVT is worst from a standing start. I have a MY2018 XV and have no issues but many people hate the CVT. Hopefully you won’t flatten the battery too much from many standing starts. So the tiny battery is not intended to reduce fuel costs but provide an electric first gear. I have never driven this hybrid vehicle so I may be totally wrong.

[@JabboRockets]

I've driven one of the new Forester hybrids, I'm no car reviewer but I couldn't believe how bad it was. Surprisingly inefficient on fuel (I think I was getting around 8l p/100km) and really underpowered. This is even comparing to hybrid camry, corolla and RAV4.

[@pjmack75]

John, have you driven the Outback XT yet? I’d be interested in your opinion now it’s here.

[@jarekast754]

John. What to do if you want a Forester and the only version available in Europe is eboxer? We have no choice here. The only available non-hybrid Subaru in Europe is Outback which is 10 thousand Euros more expensive than Forester.

[@cme2cau]

My sister in law loves her XV. When she was looking for a new car we did the sums and figured out that the hybrid didn't add up. Took less time than the hybrids range.

[@brianmalden4517]

John, love the show question; with the introduction of large American dualcab utes etc RAM CHEVS FORDS TOYOTA of all weight s 150 to 450 is there any drivers license and insurance limitations to owning and driving these monsters. Could make for a good show

[@davidnobular9220]

The Greenie-triggering benefits of these vehicles cannot be understated.

[@derekhobbs1102]

Appears to me that a petrol Forester with a quality aftermarket exhaust would be a better proposition fuel consumption wise.

[@zAlaska]

I live in the middle of the woods in Alaska 100 miles round trip from Anchorage or three round trips to the store and I have solar panels and 48 volt PMG windmills and I fancy having something I can plug into the sun, go to town and make it back up the mountain, a Honda inverter perhaps as secondary power somewhere between a bicycle and something that floats like my 1976 Subaru all-wheel drive station wagon in the deep snow where it was impossible to walk but the car kept going up the hill. Young and stupid, we drove into the blizzards purposely because we knew nobody else was on the road. 17 km per liter, 40 Mi to the gallon. I pulled the engine out my hand myself and changed my own clutch. The autograph of the two of us setting the engine on the grill provides the evidence of My Success. I was thinking what about Subaru Electrics, hybrids and I asked for a video and yours is the first one that popped up. The Toyota Prius gets 50 miles to the gallon going up the mountain and back with four people and luggage. I have a dream. If it's nothing more than a battery powered bicycle I build for myself like none other. How wonderful to have a car that floats over snow rather than sync into it. From Wasilla Alaska

[@dragancrnogorac3851]

It's kinda like start stop system that is kinda worth it. Smaller gas tank and spare tyre ditching is kinda bastard's move. I put gas in tank when it says 200-250km left. When the thing have 500km range in the first place... Kinda operational disadvantage. Like you travel and every time you go get coffee and take piss you gotta top up tank. Sometimes there is a line for gas... And when you top up fuel and it says 34 liters added. I would sacrifice 15 liters of trunk for decent fuel tank

[@MaverickAus]

Don't know about the subie but the Toyota hybrids are awesome.

[@johnmartin7158]

They are. I own one. I’m biased just as the channel is biased, lol.

[@simonrook5743]

I have a mild hybrid, it’s not even advertised as a hybrid, but having come from a similar previous car I can tell you that I get about 7% better fuel economy. But they swapped the whole range over to mild hybrid at a facelift so any price increase is hidden.

[@stuarthirsch]

My new Forester is a "hybrid light". The engine stops when I stop then restarts. Try to disable that "feature". It really is annoying.

[@suad01]

Why? The engine should start almost instantly in that scenario

[@Hallowsaw]

After im through with my legacy 3.6r at 24mpg, Im getting a civic hatch sport touring that can get 38mpg... more cargo space, better interior, no need for awd since tire tech is pretty good these days, resale value of civics are amazing and a solid increase in mpg. Then after that mpg really wont make much of a difference till cars can get to 60mpg since the price of cars will outweigh the cost of fuel

[@crouchingturbo]

Not to detract from your other points, but (All seats in place) Impreza hatch cargo volume: 20.8cu ft (All seats in place) Forester cargo volume: 26.9cu ft -- 29% more volume is not trivial

[@andrewsillar9715]

Thanks for the video John it has confirmed my reasons for not “upgrading” to the hybrid. I live in a regional area & my 2014 Forester at 200,000k’s gets better fuel economy than the hybrid and it doesn’t have eyesight either. It’s a good old fashioned rugged Subaru which I’ll be keeping it as long as possible.

[@davidnobular9220]

Does it have CVT ? And if so have you had it replaced ?

[@andrewsillar9715]

@@davidnobular9220 yes it does & not replaced

[@davidnobular9220]

@@andrewsillar9715 Impressive.

[@chrisa4853]

@@davidnobular9220 I've never heard of Subaru CVT, which has not had something silly done to it, being replaced. What do you know? please share.

[@sccroobyj4024]

In my experience, your foot does most of your fuel savings and that small difference in the fuel economy between the Forester hybrid and ice could be bridged by your driving behaviour.

[@davidnobular9220]

SSSSHH !!! Don't tell the Greenies.....

[@abogoni]

i used to have a older Subaru Liberty - was good for 300K - sad to see what they are making now 😑 also i didnt think to check if the rav4 was a lithium battery 🤔

[@roberthunter6927]

Thanks John. As the owner of an Impresa [for many years] I was considering a hybrid Subaru to update it. The ordinary Subaru lived up to its name. A nice driver, practical, no mechanical probs at all, and the only money I have spent on it is regular servicing and the usual consumables like oil, tires, filters, brake pads.

[@chrisnewman7281]

The worst of both worlds not enough electric capacity to give good range on the one hand and a ice with its regular maintenance costs on the other

[@mahcooharper9577]

Thank Jebus someone points out stuff like this... Thankyou John

[@Noah_E]

The XV/Crosstrek hybrid in America is even worse. Also, cargo space matters. I traded my Crosstrek for a Forester after our first camping trip. There simply wasn't enough cargo space. Giving up some for a battery that affects MPG so little is a losing proposition.

[@AusEnduroChannel]

Good video. Toyota RAV4 has an nimh battery Subaru has a lithium so that's probably why it's smaller as well but they all sound like they're underdone the plug-in hybrid which they want to bring here by 2030 is prob the go

[@davidbrookes9424]

I think you need to insert a paper ball camera shot just after you throw it. I always wonder if you get the shot or not.

[@skyline3694]

As a regular Carsales browser I couldn't believe how crap the Hybrid Foresters fuel economy is compared to the plain petrol, not really that much better at all. When you look at things like a RAV4, Outlander, or the new X-Trail Hybrid, they have a noticeable improvement in fuel economy over the petrol ones, so at least they are somewhat justifiable to buy. The only reason you'd buy a Forester Hybrid is to avoid some sort of emissions tax etc, and even then you'd have to still be a Subaru fan to buy one over a RAV4 or X-Trail Hybrid.

[@Rockbottomsurf]

The whole “having two complex systems” thing is the killer for me. Having an LPG and petrol car now could have been a big gamble if not for the fact that lpg was half price for the last 20 years.

[@J-P88]

In Victoria it was alot less then half the price, I got my licence in 08 and had my VT commodore converted to LPG and was regularly filling up for 40 cents

[@Rockbottomsurf]

@@J-P88 I got a government rebate on fitting too.

[@J-P88]

​​​@@Rockbottomsurf yup same, I've installed lpg on both of my vehicles, current one is still going, 05 Ford Courier and I've had it 12 years, $ per kilometre is slightly better then a newer TD dual cab and that is with lpg cost $1 a lt here in Victoria now. Every 2 years i pay $200 for lpg system to be serviced, I told a mate that has a LPG work van about servicing the system, he has owned the van 15 years and never knew it had filters.

[@Rockbottomsurf]

@@J-P88 getting hard to get lpg in Sydney now cabs don’t use it.

[@J-P88]

​@@Rockbottomsurf yeah, the closure of Ford and Holden's manufacturering and then Hybrids have contributed alot to that shift as alot of taxis now drive Hybrid Toyota's

[@mnkybndit]

My 250cc trail bike has 11kilowatts of power. It's flat knackers doing 90km/h up a slight hill.

[@jkye1980]

i have the same watch as yours, the G shock Goulf master

[@Mong0thepawn]

Fuel economy is not an issue for me as long as I can get about 25 miles per gallon with average use. The main reason that I am interested in a hybrid vehicle is for the performance in acceleration you get with a good electric motor. I have no interest in charging the battery. I would simply fill up the fuel tank as needed and let the engine charge the battery.

[@snowqueenny4879]

Sadly i know they are underdone but its the only option in my country cuz we don't get pure petrol car here only the hybrid model so there was no choice (only mildhybride option)

[@craigquann]

I'm still amazed that more manufacturers haven't used hybrids like Ford did with their f150 "powerboost" the electric motor and battery is setup to be used as a 7.2kw generator. That's commercial grade heavy duty worksite power built in to the truck. Imagine if Toyota Hilux or Nissan Navara or whatever ute/wagon did similar. Electric assist for low speed grunt and Regen braking for hill decent in "off road mode" but work like a proper hybrid on pavement. And an integrated 12v setup for fridges and other camping gear or even the "shore power" from the inverter/generator. Hybrid vehicles will help save the weekend.... Or make it even more glamorous.

[@StuFletch68]

love the T Shirt John

[@bmccameron7642]

As a qualified tech with many years experience in the Hybrid and PHEV space can I gently suggest there remains only one choice in this increasingly mainstream market....Toyota. I've owned several Toyota Hybrids and unfortunately one Outlander PHEV. The Toyota hybrid system, plug in or not is just brilliant. Delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, reliable beyond belief, very nice to drive with great resale. There is no downside if you go Toyota. Everything else is just a cheap ALDI knockoff.

[@798Jinx]

Rav4 prime in Australia would be nice.

[@bmccameron7642]

@@798Jinx you could always import one from Japan. I've got a JDM grey import Prius plug-in that we never got here thru the dealer network. Best car I've owned. Japanese typically look after their cars very well.

[@hawkeyes4768]

a year later and you are correct its so under done Subaru just announced a Toyota partnership to make their next gen hybrids n evs

[@dougstubbs9637]

I love it when the two for one kit kat comes up. That and a can of Coke = healthy Smoko.

[@AutoExpertJC]

I know. Keto smoko.

[@rc70ys]

You’re spot on John. Useless Vehicle it is. I’m looking at Corolla Hybrid. Which offers 4L/100KM.

[@bluemoon3525]

are there any hybrids that are cheaper than its equivalent combustion model

[@muzzaball]

Hi John, great informative vid as usual. I know the reason why anyone would buy one of these - reputation of the brand, and never seeing this video. As you say, the car maker will sing the praises of the vehicle good points from the rafters, but forget about ever hearing the content of your presentation. And the other reason is that with zero honest, real motoring journo's or their publications being available anymore - how would anyone ever know about these shortcomings. And personally, I doubt I would know to ask half of these questions at purchase, and the salesmen are pretty much like Pollies when it comes to smoke, mirrors and outright deception. Cheers mate.

[@barrythomas6429]

Love my Forester XT.

[@dr3638]

Love my Forester XT

[@stormysrider]

We own 2 diesel foresters, routinely get between 6 and 7 l per 100km. I recently had a hybrid forester as a work car. Could not get it under 8 no matter how hard I tried…. Bring back the oiler it uses less fuel!

[@chefgav1]

7lit per 100 is terrible

[@AquaMarine1000]

​@chefgav1 It's not a Subaru, but it's big and comfortable with good fuel consumption at 12lt to 100klm

[@stormysrider]

@@chefgav1 we get 5 highway but do a fair bit of around town and traffic stuff as well

[@ifillam7511]

I had one Forester hybrid before. The best I got was 6.8l/100km but most of the time is between 7.5-8.5. I would get a RAV4 hybrid or diesel engine Suv with AWD if I have chance to choose again. There's no space for spare wheel. A full tank can't ride over 560km. The hybrid system is too weak and slow. The maintenance cost is higher than RAV4. I am having a outback xt right now and the fuel consumption is similar the Forester hybrid. Around 8.6 on average but the engine is more powerful.

[@clubgus07]

John I totally aggree the Caveat Emptor Subaru Forester EBoxer is the White Elephant of the pick, if one isn't researching Redbook and comparing Combustion and EBoxer then i think this idea of having a electric hybrid has affected buyers brains . They should kill it quick before it destroys their reputation of the brand if not already FD, your taught us this never go out bush without a FULL size spare not some pissy 80km bike tyre or in this case a inflation kit. Perhaps in the kit, they should include a Flare and EPurb so the jet liners can find the Eboxers stuck in the middle of Dingo Piss creek on a wrecked Spare tyre that cant be repaired thx for your honest criticims this Forester EBoxers are flawed.

[@gregsullivan7408]

I have the "48V mild hybrid" system in my MY22 Q7 - I assume it's even more useless than this Subaru system. Also, there seems to a problem with these Audi systems - the alternators fail prematurely - lots of reports on the net, and I know of four in the hire car community. These alternators are also (weak) motors, and also start the engine when it's warm, as I understand.

[@michaelnugara1]

Putting all the tech negatives aside, any car without a spare is a fail. Thanks for sharing

[@stephenwalters8061]

I live in rural Victoria. Here most hybrids just don't cut it in terms of fuel use. After 30 or so kms you are back on fuel and their relatively smaller under powered engines end up not providing any real performance, let alone better km/litre than for example, my Mazda 6 GT turbo. So this Subaru might be OK as a city option for the occasional country drive, but then why are so many vehicles such as this being used as 'mum's taxis' in the city when an electric choice or even a 2WD internal combustion engine is better suited. In effect down here, if you visit the Main Street of our local town, the real 4wds are all farmer's utes. What a 4wd should be for, and all the better with a couple of Kelpies in the back. 🙂

[@ToadRoach]

Never understood why Toyota say they use the Atkinson cycle when their implementation is clearly Miller cycle.

[@samboelliott1]

...and just when I'd seen every video on KZbin... Let's do it!

[@SirDeanosity]

Loss Leader I think applies to the Subaru.

[@MrEtnorb]

My electric bicycle has a 900 Whr battery. It’s excellent for a 28 kg vehicle.

[@curiositykilledthecat1557]

Thanks John. Well argued. I have the Camry Hybrid with a nickel metal hydride battery. I'm guessing Toyota have gone that way as Lithium ion batteries are more risky in the case of fire. I'm always amused to see images of crashed Tesla's, burnt to a crisp, despite there being no fossil fuels on board.

[@andrewdegozaru74]

I was convinced enough at 2 John. After that you were bayoneting the corpse of a prospect of me getting a hybrid Forrester in 2023. When are you going to do a show 'n tell review of your lathe?

[@t5ruxlee210]

Never directly ask ANYTHING about a person's lathe. Even hobby machinists... (;-)

[@AutoExpertJC]

But I like bayoneting the dead.

[@AutoExpertJC]

But me a few drinks, I'll almost certainly show you my 'lathe'...

[@J-P88]

​@@t5ruxlee210 like asking a woman her age

[@TomSmith-cv8hk]

Atkinson cycle, the T Model ford had a late closing inlet valve, high speed racing engines have extremely late closing inlet valves. Long power strokes are BS, the work is done over several degrees of rotation, the exhaust valve is opened when the fired gases are cool enough that they won't shorten valve life, any later is a waste. The manufacturer saying their engine has Atkinson cycle means nothing, especially in this age of variable cam timing etc, they have optimised valve timing for all modes of operation, at least as much as physics allows.

[@EricksonEtc]

Sounds like it's basically adding a solar trolling motor to a weak speedboat.

[@AutoExpertJC]

It's the Wonderbra of hybrids.

[@derekhobbs1102]

Why aren't spare tyres mandatory anymore?

[@petesmitt]

they never were mandatory.. you don't need one for a roadworthy in Australia.

[@derekhobbs1102]

@@petesmitt Tell that to people who have been defected in SA for not having one.

[@johnmartin7158]

Spare wheel is a must to me.

[@petesmitt]

@@derekhobbs1102 Do I need a spare wheel or a jack for the roadworthy inspection? No - although it is advisable. Common questions - Government of South Australia

[@petesmitt]

​@@johnmartin7158 Don't use a space saver wheel.. Australian Design Rules allow space-savers to be supplied with vehicles, but a car running on one will not pass a roadworthiness test. Use of such tyres is illegal in NSW, among other states. In NSW, police say it is illegal for a car to run on a tyre of a different width, tread or diameter from the other three full-size wheels and tyres. Officers have discretionary powers to book the driver (a $74 fine), issue a yellow defect notice (which allows the car to get home) or a red defect notice (which means the driver must stop and park on the spot).

[@joshash5944]

I'm picking up an Outback XT next month. Cadogan is bang on - the reason I bought that car is because it can be a family car, as well as being a little bit fun with all wheel drive and so forth. The wait times for cars are ridiculous.

[@QALibrary]

So this car was designed as a compliance vehicle for USA normally, so like I said in the past Australia going to turn into a dumping ground of cars that can not be sold anywhere else… also I would never go near it due to the way it treats its customers in Australia

[@scottb721]

Despite its factory defective dashpad my 08 flat six Liberty is surely Suby's last great car.

[@murrieteacher]

What a dog's breakfast. Thanks for the vide John.

[@martinstockamp8240]

Didn’t even need to watch the whole video to see this car is a waste of time and money! Nice work John keep them coming.

[@pedtrog6443]

The battery capacity of a good ebike.

[@davidnobular9220]

I've got a milk frother with a bigger capacity.....

[@ricktotty2283]

The only purpose for having a Hybrid is to not burn the fuel in the first place. My 2007 Civic Hybrid has burned 1000+ gallons less fuel than a standard Civic which I also own. All transportation is achieved just as fast and comfortable. Saving money wasn’t really a factor.

[@suad01]

Those Honda civic hybrids are underrated imo. Can get 4.litres per 100 km on the highway on e10 f

[@GodCoastQLD]

Thank you for this You are wrong about co2 (being bad) also. Keep searching. God bless you

[@Alex.I.Jane88]

I don't know if I am the only one.. the driving force that pushed me into an EV few years ago was the BS with gas stations. the price can jump 20-30 cents in a few hours for no reason, that and having to stop at the station and spend 3-5mins to fill up is kind of annoying.

[@petesmitt]

Go propane.. the price only adjusts once per month.