Subaru Outback Review | Don't Buy An SUV, Buy This

Today on Buckle Up, Rob drives the new Subaru Outback.
The Outback doesn't have too many rivals left, but those from the past include the Skoda Octavia Scout, Volvo V60 Cross Country and Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain.
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#BuckleUp #Subaru #Automotive
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[@andyisyoda]

I don't think that is what symetrical means in this case. I am sure it is to do with "The entire drive system, from the longitudinally mounted Horizontally-Opposed Engine to the rear differential, is mounted in a straight, symmetrical line" - that is from the subaru site. The torque split front to rear can be varied as it drives.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Well then I apologise, this is the information I was provided when filming

[@marcusrawlinson5024]

Like you I don't like SUV's, unlike you after covering over 100,000klms in an Outback I am convinced of the advantages of a cvt, the lack of performance is only apparent not actual and the economy, as you remarked, is very good. They are lighter and simpler than a dct too.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Glad we agree about SUVs. However, I would still argue the CVT is the main weak point of this car. If you are really bothered about weight, a manual is always the best option. And I’d rather have the added weight of a DCT and get to 60mph two seconds quicker, in a smooth and much quieter way.

[@kingscres]

The Outback AWD system will normally distribute torque 60:40 (front / rear), but it's an active system - so monitors changes in tyre grip and adjusts the distribution accordingly. I don't know, but maybe the "symmetric" part of the description refers to the fact that it's an "always on" AWD - compared to some systems that are normally 2WD and only switch to 4WD after a loss of traction is detected.

[@BuckleUpShow]

We've learnt our lesson, it refers to the fact it has equal length drive shafts which just naturally mechanically helps balance the torque without any E diffs or locking. Saab used to use the same theory to mitigate torque steer in the 99 and 900 turbos

[@kingcres4550]

@@BuckleUpShow Yes - that does make sense.

[@MS-VO]

Excellent review, thank you!

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks Michael, subscribe for more!

[@Mart16g]

How tall are you pal? Is it good for mway cruising for a 6’4” driver? Cheers

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’m 6’2” and I was fine. Go sit in one before buying to make sure though.

[@marcusnz232]

Just bought the Turbo Touring spec here in NZ. Awesome car - really comfortable, really capable and for NZ, the perfect car. It is a great shame you don't get the Turbo version in the UK - it is well worth the extra money.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I imagine this would be the ideal vehicle for NZ, the turbo version would be great to have here!

[@askaniuk]

Hi there could you please clarify on your statement that there are no Volvo cross country estates anymore on sale…Have they now discontinued the 2023/24 versions and any subsequent models for the foreseeable future? I just went to their website and they still show the cross country v90 variant, it’s a favourite model of mine.

[@BuckleUpShow]

It’s our understanding that these models were being discontinued at the time of filming. The V90 is quite a lot more expensive than the Subaru, so not sure it has any true rivals at this time.

[@askaniuk]

@@BuckleUpShow hi there thanks for clarifying and keep up the good work

[@BuckleUpShow]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@richardmusto7591]

loved the fact that his destination was twatt on the touchscreet

[@BuckleUpShow]

You should check out our other reviews, I think you'll like our humour

[@quantum5652]

Awesome car I have ordered one. Waiting for it to arrive. But what did you say about the warranty? How long is it? I heard it was 8 years

[@BuckleUpShow]

3yrs/60,000 miles in the UK

[@enricomirandola5695]

8 y with unlimited kilometres here in Italy, I've buy a Forester, great car!

[@quantum5652]

@@enricomirandola5695 Nice. What engine does yours’ have? Honestly I find my 2.5 underpowered. Great car but highway driving is not enjoyable because there’s not enough power. And no, I am not a racer. But my old Peugeot was way more powerful and more enjoyable to drive.

[@enricomirandola5695]

@@quantum5652 In Italy you can order only one motor (for the Forester). 2.0 litre natural aspirated engine with a 16.7hp (60Nm) electric motor on the gearbox Because it's a natural aspirated motor the max torque is at 4.600 rpm. You have to maintain motor at that revs (and possibly in manual mode and sport mode) if you want the best performance with this natural aspirated motor. Anyway this is not a sports car and is better when you drive smoothly.

[@quantum5652]

@@enricomirandola5695 yes same in my country. I wish they sold the 2.4 turbo in Europe

[@paulnutten8183]

Great review, very tempted by the new Outback to replace our Galaxy. 3 kids, 2 dogs and lots of stuff, plus caravan - seems to fit the bill nicely. AND - it's not a bloody SUV!

[@BuckleUpShow]

I think this would make an excellent replacement for the Galaxy now that’s finished it’s production run

[@cormacsage7126]

Here for not just the outback but the English and the outback accent

[@BuckleUpShow]

Glad I could assist

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Does this have a turbo yet?

[@BuckleUpShow]

Not in the UK

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@BuckleUpShow Thank you. Lack of turbo puts me off. Currently drivng a Volvo V90 Cross Country T5 Polestar. Would love to own an Outback, though. Any plans to introduce a turbo variant here? I see they do sell them overseas.

[@PlatoTacitus]

You would have to import an Aussie or JDM model then, the former comes with FA24 2.4T and the latter with new CB18 1.8T. Maybe Subaru deemed the CB18 (1.8 direct-injected turbo) certification for EU to be too expensive when considering it's such a small market. It sells less than 3% of it's production capacity in Europe, so definitely NOT a priority market, whether we like it or not. This would have been the perfect engine choice for european market, especially as a mild-hybrid (to please the faux green crowd).

[@chrislockey7706]

Think you can still get the Audi Allroad

[@BuckleUpShow]

No you can’t, not in the UK anyway…

[@Waybeyond]

It's kind of like still 2022 MY. Not cool to put it as 2023, yet the front looks almost like a 2023 model. US has the 'proper' 2023, we still have to wait in Europe for it and let's hope it's not the one you're showing, as inside and systems-wise it's not changed like the US is. 2023 US has a wireless charger, wireless AA / CP and option to pin / shortcut stuff on the screen. Also AVH and SS can be used with a single touch, without going through the 'car' icon. All that not present in this car you're showing. Also the steering wheel on the US 2023 is now fully covered by heaters instead of the partial, spot heating used before the face-lift. This one you're reviewing looks inside exactly like the last year's model. Still dumb to keep it all on touch screen instead of physical buttons, but yes. Screens are cheaper than buttons, semiconductors, controllers, fuses, wires etc. all combined. Nasty way of saving money by the manufacturer :( Besides, in an Outback it's really important to show what's under the boot's floor (e.g. space to fit in the cover / blinder etc.) and not just talk about it, as you didn't care to move the camera or use a secondary one ;) It's the car we choose due to its practicality, so please do show it and not only talk about it :)

[@BuckleUpShow]

There’s no pleasing some people

[@Waybeyond]

@@BuckleUpShow Yup :) You can never please everyone. Yet still, talking about something as important as the boot area and not showing the super practical part under the floor (while actually talking about it and then showing levers, hooks, woofer etc.) is simply just wrong and ironical comment won't change that :)

[@BuckleUpShow]

Actually, I think my comment was very matter of fact with no hint of irony at all. I notice you have since edited your comments about the model year, which by the way is only an American thing that serves no purpose anywhere else in the world. The long and short of it is, it’s currently 2023 and this car is still on sale in the UK. Therefore, it’s the 2023 Subaru Outback. We didn’t get any footage of the space under the boot floor and for that we sincerely apologise (that’s irony). But, so far, you’re the only person who has taken issue with it. If those are your only issues, I think this must be the best video we’ve produced so far.

[@Waybeyond]

@@BuckleUpShow Well, I know the car by heart (both EU and US 2022 - my friend was so annoyed by the EU version that he imported and 'legalized' the US variant - 2.4 T Wilderness) & 2023 US only from videos available since several months. So I am picky here. Still waiting for an official 2023 EU version. The whole cockpit, multimedia etc. remained as they were last year. Edit: I got confused by the fog lights shape and had to check how they look on the one we use... :) This 'American thing', MY, isn't just a MY. In this case it's 2023 face-lifting. Much more than a 'model year'. The whole point / issue here is that again Subaru deploys a 'proper' product in the US and Europe gets the updated / face-lifted model later. Looking at our mid-term rental (still waiting for the proper lifted version to get it leased instead) this one you're reviewing is identical on the outside as well. Lights shape and front bumper not yet updated. So just no change compared to 2021 / 2022. Still waiting for the face-lifting in Europe then. Hence back to my original comment that I didn't need to edit. It's not a 2023 face-lifted model. P.S. Your irony doesn't work on me but if it makes you feel better, yes - great video! :)

[@gerrywhelan7426]

Country folk who loved Subarus, will now hate this thing with it's stupid touch screens. Imagine your fingers wet & mucky trying to operate a touch screen! Subaru has lost sight of it's demographic & that's a fatal error.

[@BuckleUpShow]

It’s a fair point, but I wouldn’t say this model was aimed at people in the market for a utilitarian vehicle - that’s more a pickups job. It’s more for families and will be competing against Audi’s, BMW’s and Mercedes’. I want buttons and dials as much as the next person but it would look outdated and cheap compared to those marques without this tech on display.

[@tetchuma]

I’ve driven a Subaru with a CVT. It was horrible. Sadly, by the time I could afford a new Subie, they had discontinued the manual for the Outback. 😡

[@BuckleUpShow]

As I say in the video, it’s the best CVT I’ve used. But, it’s still a CVT…

[@shaun1900]

Have one in Australia, CVT isnt bad at all, its a brilliant car

[@BuckleUpShow]

It's certainly the best CVT we've ever driven, we think

[@shaneandersen1316]

The majority of drivers would not be aware it’s a CVT. Could be worse … a DSG transmission for example. Great car.

[@BuckleUpShow]

It does do a very good job of mimicking a conventional gearbox. The DSG is an excellent gearbox, but is not well suited at all to a vehicle like this - for offroading you need the slip of a torque converter.

[@all_roads_europe]

Love this car! Just need money to buy it... :P :D

[@BuckleUpShow]

Rob a bank

[@all_roads_europe]

@@BuckleUpShow ehh...😁

[@fragu123]

…for that shitty roads in the UK, the soft ride is the best option a manufacturer can take…

[@BuckleUpShow]

It depends

[@baltvdb]

Sat Nav destination, ....disgraceful !! 🤣🤣🤣

[@BuckleUpShow]

Shhh 🤫 😂

[@chrishalstead4405]

Why would one buy an Outback for serious off-reading?? No-one. So why mention it??

[@BuckleUpShow]

Here’s a fun fact. Just because you’re too scared to take your car off-roading, doesn’t mean current owners or potential purchasers won’t. That’s why we mention it.