Subaru Outback 2020 review: 2.5i Premium

[@keiths314]

Driven a couple of these - it’s really very good indeed - solidly built, handles well, very spacious, lovely to drive. And it’s a handsome car. No pretentiousness at all - just solid good stuff, start to finish. In short, it’s the best of a great range of cars in my oppinion.

[@CheatinJerry]

Love your reviews Richard. If some people are upset that you are not serious, well, there are dozens of serious review places, but none that have this mix of all the serious stuff you need, plus being entertaining as well. Keep it up.

[@lukebrinsmead]

I own a 2016 four cylinder premium. There’s not much I don’t like about the car. That key feature looks helpful. What a great idea.

[@CarStory]

Your review of the 2019 Camaro is the most entertaining and creative car review I've ever seen.

[@Grant_Ferstat]

I love Outbacks. Seriously considering one just a bit concerned about some reports I've read about how the CVT deals with even light towing.

[@garoarabian3017]

Then get a manual.

[@gabrielwafula1689]

Excellent review thanks, my next car it is!

[@stefentango]

The only thing that disappoints is the engine outputs. Its been 2 decades and the 2.0 and 2.5 outputs by Sub haven't hit over 200bhp but the cars have generally gotten heavier. I love this car to bits otherwise

[@phillyFoReal]

Best car out.. so underrated but let it stay like that so it can stay affordable!

[@spikeyflo]

Just bought one and will let you know in time how it goes but loved the drive I've had and the heap of features. Unlike other people below thing it too expensive my wife and I thought it a good price. Picking it up next week. I thought the review was good too. So there!

[@mrlionman8739]

So how is it going so far mate? And what do you use it for? I am considering to buy and the price is ridiculously cheaper than other brands

[@spikeyflo]

@@mrlionman8739 we have just come for 12000kms and all has been perfect. Just did a 3000km trip with my wife up to the QLD border and did a lot of dirt driving and camping out. Fitted all our gear or 3 weeks inside with room to spare. It is actually quite a large car. Still getting used to all the geegaws and doodahs but love it, as does my wife. We are in our 60s. I like the 'eyesight' but not for use in the city. Took a bit of getting used to. The clearance is great and we crossed a few pebbly creeks with water up to the doors and no problems. I don't like the standard Bridgestone tyres as I think they are cheap and don't provide the grip I think they should in muddy farm tracks so I will be upgrading them to something a bit meatier when these ones wear out. Steering doesn't have much feel compared to my old Citroen C4 (which I loved). That's about the only semi negative point. A really great car and I think it is great value for money.

[@mrlionman8739]

@@spikeyflo appreciate the reply and I would say it seems like an overall good car. I was wondering if they had typical 4x4 upgrades such as lift kits and ability to swap stock Tyers for larger more off road use. Not that I am aiming for only off road use just a thought should I take that path with upgrades. I love my old mans Forester but need something with more space (I’m used to driving a commodore and everything else seems small). Super happy you had no problems on the long trip as I will be driving a lot of kilometres yearly. We go to see one tomorrow and am now even more excited 😁

[@bricksandwheels]

Dude, you are the best. :) love your presentation skills! thumbs up

[@sinclap2]

Not considering an Outback, I just enjoy Richard's reviews.

[@Cooliemasteroz]

My friend recently paid a lot less for a forester and parks it in his back yard and says his got a subaru out back.

[@Naza_44]

Hahahha...🤣🤣

[@LL2500]

Hope we can get 6th generation Outback soon and the infortaiment system can be upgraded so that the 11 inch screen won't be wasted when the Android auto or Carplay is connected and the response can be quicker

[@isarayyanmd]

richard u crazy sob, u made my day. like u better than matt at carwow. too silly to my liking. kipidap rich. always like ur quirky but useful approach to reviewing the cars

[@xkyokorin]

in Indonesia, the AWD tax is killing us, we will have to pay 40% for this Outback. So sad...

[@Arrwmkr]

Richard rocks!

[@alokt1905]

this guy is so fun to watch !!

[@thecamlog]

When is Australia receiving the new generation?

[@ianmoone2359]

Cam At least another year is my industry insider information! 😡👎👎

[@VBHB83]

2021 apparently

[@ianmoone2359]

VBHB So JC says! “Come on John, when are we going to hear from you about the new turbo outback please?” “Yeah - great use of my time. Reporting on a car that’s not here yet, and which can’t be bought here or driven here, and which won’t be available for over a year, and for which no commitment has been made from Subaru Oz about the engine lineup for Australia at this point… Apart from these minor details - excellent suggestion.” There you have it straight from the mouth of JC (Autoexpert).

[@yhinz17]

End of year according to Subaru Australia's announcement last week.

[@alasdairgrant4301]

March 2021 is what the dealer said to me yesterday.

[@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

CVT assessment is bollocks. They're brilliant, especially Subaru's.

[@MC-xg9fv]

The 6-month service interval certainly puts a lot of people off.

[@SambSylla]

Misleading title. This is not Outback 2020

[@Richb46]

That looks like a 2019 model, the North American 2020 has an updated cockpit

[@MR-xv5oo]

You are funny mate 🤣. Good review.👍

[@gezalinko]

According to Subaru, the new next gen outback is coming early 2021 to Aus. Whilst our American friends are enjoying it right now. This is not the new Outback.

[@jerryglass6556]

gezalinko here in the US I picked mine up in December 2nd. 2020 Out ack Premium with the BSD/CTA, Sat, Nav, heated seats, mirrors and windshield wiper rest. Someone else picked there’s up at the beginning of October.

[@MrPwor]

Can’t really go to the lot and drive one home. It’s about a 4 month wait when you order one

[@ndk4]

This is the 2020 model in australia. We wont get the next gen until early 2021

[@Mogsy28uk]

cool & entertaining review, just bought a new OB Prem with Oyster leather a few months ago. i like a lot more than the Mazda SUV i had before it, even though its missing a HUD and heated steering wheel (not available in UK/EU oddly). just wish it had a little more performance. still, it's a better engine (though thirsty) and the 2.0 in the Levorg & XV == way too rev-hang for me. Be good to see the new 1.8 turbo engine going into next year's Gen 2 Levorg.

[@hoffhomme7106]

Boxer Engine was originally designed by VW........then Porsche enhanced the potential of the engine design to produce greater power output via turbo's and so on to the WRX.

[@martinshelton9533]

Not sure if many know but the Honda Goldwing Motorcycle and some BMW ones also use Boxer engines!

[@jkolec]

@@martinshelton9533 Correct!

[@aaronraines3375]

Nice review amigo from estralia

[@buggersofoz]

Great review! This small details make a real difference, thanks Richard! Anyone knows if this PIN feature is available in 2019 Forester?

[@JohnSmith-nz4bn]

Why is the old version being reviewed when the new one is just around the corner?

[@terrykeith1921]

Yeah thats not a 2020

[@jerryglass6556]

Picked up my 2020 on December 2nd. Someone else I read picked there’s up at the beginning of October. We’re in the US, so maybe other parts of the world had a later release date?

[@JohnSmith-nz4bn]

@@jerryglass6556 Australia mate. We get everything later than everyone else.

[@terrykeith1921]

@@jerryglass6556 We are building them as fast as we can. Not sure how they decide where they go to first. I work at the Lafayette Indiana Factory

[@Mogsy28uk]

@@terrykeith1921 all US Made Subaru's usually stay in US/CAN, all other models are made in Japan for right hand drive (Japan, UK, Aus, NZ etc), as far as i know. But great that you are involved in the build process....it must be a good feeling seeing the finished product roll off the production lines. 👍

[@Shimadzuuuu]

How's the 3.6R model go compared to something like a an Octavia RS?

[@Sarannah100]

Do the side mirrors fold in when you lock it?

[@nessuno5403]

@ 1:26 nobody told Mr Berry that one should always LOWER the centre of gravity instead? 😂

[@garoarabian3017]

I just checked the website to build one. How come there's no manual option? I don't want a CVT

[@wax333]

had the unlock feature on my 2003 liberty wagon using the drivers door. although never used it or trusted it lol

[@procrastinator1842]

More details!

[@wax333]

Jamie Kulhanek you would use the drivers door handle to program it. Only knew it had this feature once i pulled the handle and it would beep

[@procrastinator1842]

@@wax333 just tried it on my 2003 BH outback. Nothing. Damn.

[@csweet207]

The US Premium doesn't have the sideview camera :-(

[@annawork3402]

That is a 2017 Subaru Outback Created in September 2017

[@TheAlphapuck5280]

Did Australia not get the updated dash like in the US?

[@TheAlphapuck5280]

Wait this is a 2019 outback!!!!! LIAR

[@iggynor5007]

Why we`re not getting the new version with the 2.4L turbo?

[@worrywart1311]

This is not even the all-new new non-turbo body!

[@iggynor5007]

@@worrywart1311 yeah I have noticed that as well, as usual Australia get the leftovers when it comes to Japanese cars

[@nessuno5403]

@@iggynor5007 not just cars... everything is old and dumped in Oz

[@test143000]

Because Australia is a small market and is low in Subaru's priority list.

[@stefanocrescenzi7174]

Why is Australia not get the new 2020?

[@VBHB83]

Waiting on the FA24DIT

[@martinshelton9533]

Hi, I'd like to suggest you throw in showing how the built-in roof racks work! I'm researching what I'm going to buy in the next 3 months but I had to do a separate search to find out how they work!

[@timothychienyunchew8365]

That's odd. it's impossible to trap your keys inside especially when its using a keyless system

[@martinshelton9533]

Yes impossible by accident, the video clearly shows for it to work you have to do it deliberately!

[@PreeMoo]

He looks like Will Wheaton from Big Bang.

I don’t understand, why you can lock the car when the keys are inside? I thought that is no more possible with modern cars?

[@wax333]

he had to disable the key before it would allow him to lock the key inside the car otherwise it wouldnt let him do that

[@buggersofoz]

And this is actually an extremely helpful feature for e.g. going to the beach for a swim (for which I use a “diver’s egg” in my pocket tied to the bathers, but it’s not very comfy) as Richard said in the review. BMW and Land Rover solve this via special rubber wrist band proximity keys (activity keys) and Subaru solved the same problem with a simple solution and no extra hardware. Brilliant! Does anyone know if the 2019 Forester has that feature too? I’m thinking of getting the Forester because of the newer platform and being as spacious as Outback, but on a smaller footprint.

[@Albuermeduardo]

that is not the 2020!!!

[@test143000]

That is 2020. For Australia. Australia is not going to get the new Outback till the end of 2020.

[@leedaq7767]

Yup that outdated infotainment is just wrong 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤢🤢

[@Mogsy28uk]

it is for the rest of us, EU/UK not seeing the Gen 6 until next year. Only US/CAN have the Gen 6 for now. I'm hoping we get a turbo petrol option next time, though i'm liking my 2.5i Prem, just a bit thirsty!

[@Sam-wn5jb]

test143000 Australia get 2019 model in 2020 doesnt mean 2020 model. Its 2019 model in 2020, got it?

[@pngmick]

Morse code to access a car.

[@edwinmoruri564]

Love the car

[@R2D2trashcan]

When we get the real 2020 outback anyone know if we will get the turbo petrol in Au?

[@leedaq7767]

So xv then outback without the forester?

[@ndk4]

I have a problem with my interior light, it seems that they turn on automatically when i am in close proximity, i didnt even open any door. Is there anyone else having this problem?

[@sheriffdollard694]

its a curtosy light feature, my XV does the same.

[@frfshiraz1218]

That's a feature darling.

[@EdwardJWhiting]

Garrawarra Farm Rd?

[@annawork3402]

This car was created in october 2020

[@kennyir9385]

Check out the servicing cost. Every 6 months and expensive.

[@procrastinator1842]

Go buy your camry and enjoy the excitement of your weekly woolworths trips. I'll even buy you a box of tissues for the parcel shelf.

[@martinshelton9533]

Don't get it serviced by a dealer, saves dollars and it still ok on the Warranty!

[@gregherman4691]

I purchased a new 2017 Outback fully loaded. I had RAB problems and other electrical problems from the start. The dealer did nothing to fix the issues, just deleted the PC ( erased the evidence ) then refused to provide any paperwork to prove I was there, even tho the car was only a few months old. As the issues got much worse, full engine shutdown, towed to the dealer 4 times. Each and ever time I called Subaru service, I told them my car was a lemon and I wanted the car returned and replaced. They told me they would make note and take care of me. In short, they turned their back on me, 10+ times for repairs, still not fixed, they didn't know how to fix it. District service manager told me to contact customer service and demand a full refund. I did as he said, but customer service said, because the first dealer did not provide the paperwork, even tho I had many phone calls demanding Lemon Law protection, she basically said, to bad to sad. Traded the car in, still not fixed, still under warranty. Lost well over $14,000 because Subaru does not stand behind their cars.

[@surfinwaves4769]

Tell us the dealer ... so we don’t get burnt

[@gregherman4691]

@@surfinwaves4769 large mid Michigan dealer. There is a good delaership in Bay City, they actually provide the required paperwork. IF you are going to buy a Subaru, check them out, but Subaru as a company is not dependable, try Toyota

[@franciscoinc2658]

Why bother, it's due to be replaced?

[@oasisyongchen]

Good stuff

[@DeclanFerg]

2020 model?....It looks a lot like the 2018 version

[@Mogsy28uk]

not every country has the Gen 6 yet, unless you're in US/CAN. So this is the 2020 version until next year.

[@ColinMill1]

The Outback became an SUV (and a slightly shaky, wobbly one at that) back in 2009 and they have been giving it a fair old beating with the ugly-stick ever since. How could the rather elegant gen. 3 car spawn a munter like this?

[@henrylawson430]

I could buy this car just for the pin entry.

[@midlifebiker7424]

My pin would be 1..1..1..2..

[@AbubakarrMansaray-w8g]

Outback Subaru 2021

[@metalmick99]

Some of the review was interesting enough, but I didn't enjoy the humour - Matt Watson does it far better. I thought the PIN (*not* PIN number) in case of lockouts was great. Not sure if it's on my OB. I'd just be wary of the roof-bar covers. I'm on my third set in just over 2 years because the wretched things keep deforming. They're replaced under warranty but the work has never been done properly by any of the dealerships I've gone to. A worrying sign. Overall though, I can't disagree with anything else that was said. EyeSight is getting improved all the time too.

[@blackyle3]

An outback will get you to the same camp sites as a civic

[@iShaymus]

The Subaru rumble has been gone for 5+ years. Really takes away from the review when the reviewer doesn’t know that

[@澳贼]

the pwd key feature just so useless

[@annawork3402]

mrt fc3s drives car year 2020

[@needleontherecord]

This is the old model. Pointless review.

[@jameshinchy7758]

So don't watch it?

[@nessuno5403]

Many buy run-outs to save

[@jwa2088]

I don't think the new model arrives for a while in Australia

[@test143000]

Tell this to Subaru. They don't want to bring the new Outback to Australia.

[@needleontherecord]

test143000 it’s already in New Zealand

[@vsboy2577]

Too expensive

[@pngmick]

Morse code.

[@heathhancock]

this guy is weird. great video otherwise.

[@jeffbigbear1766]

Subaru please get your mind off petrol already

[@procrastinator1842]

Diesel is on the way out...

[@bigchief2331]

overpriced, expensive servicing and outdated ! new one looks good but still feel subaru are ovepriced and too expensive, even my French car cheaper to run than subaru also better to drive and very nice features also.

[@sscfc1]

Poor review

[@cristibusu1]

Get serious... It is not a stand up comedy channel...

[@nessuno5403]

Nobody called you here :)

[@zooks3894]

No thanks. I dont wont a boring car review where they yell at us. I prefer this style any day.

[@Ricardo-ur7tp]

You're not funny....