Subaru Outback XT Review | Harry Situations

The same engine as a WRX but in a wagon that always looks like it is on its way to soccer practice? Sign us up! While some prefer flash, Harry Situations has a love for sleepers. What is a sleeper? Any vehicle that is more capable than expected and takes you by surprise, whether it is a Suzuki Samurai in the rocks or a Subaru wagon on the road. This particularly wagon is a 2009 Subaru Outback XT. The XT denotes the EJ25 turbocharged engine under the hood, and 2009 was the last year you could get this engine backed by a manual transmission.
We started with a good thing and made it even better through the addition of a Primitive Racing suspension lift and skidplate, Cobb Accessport tuner, LED foglights from Diode Dynamics, and taller, more aggressive Nitto Nomad Grappler tires. The end result is fast, fun, and capable without breaking the bank or drawing too much unwanted attention from street racers and local law enforcement.
0:00 Today I want to talk to you about… Subarus
0:20 I love sleepers
1:09 Nitto Nomad Grappler
1:56 Looking for a new daily driver
2:26 Must have a manual transmission
2:53 I would never modify a Subaru, right?
3:25 Subaru uses a boxer engine
4:05 Enter the Subaru Outback XT
4:45 Upgrades and modifications
5:41 Lifted Subarus are all the rage
6:03 Work within the design parameters
6:40 Practical modifications
7:01 Nitto Nomad Grappler detail
8:48 Nomad Grappler sizing
9:44 Credits
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[@Michael-fi5rd]

wow thanks for the 8 minutes of plugging nitto, wanted to hear about the car

[@anthonyng3014]

Yep, what's with the huge ads? I thought this video's about the Outback XT and instead listened to talk about tire sidewalls and sipes.

[@daved1644]

I have a 2007 with the manual. I had to put in a new motor and tons of work and money but now it’s insane, I’ll never get rid of it.

[@pyro530916]

Sleeper is right. I don't think most people understand the huge difference between the non-turbo auto and the turbo manual. From the outside, other than the badge, the only way to tell the difference is the hood scoop.

[@HarrySituations]

I agree, they are totally different driving experiences.

[@connorm1600]

Subaru nerd here. The reason Subarus have the distinct sound is because of the unequal length headers. Also the turbo EJ cars do have there fair share of maintenance items so perspective buyers should do alot of research before purchasing. I would probably have a compression test done before buying any higher mileage turbo Subaru. Also the primitive racing stuff is awesome.

[@HarrySituations]

Thanks for the feedback! I didn’t realize that about the unequal length headers.

[@TheMCVillage]

100% agree. I would also say if you’re not doing your own wrenching, then you should strongly avoid this car. There are a ton of issues to address on this generation. But once you do they can be very fun and reliable

[@HarrySituations]

@@TheMCVillage thanks what upgrades would you recommend to ensure reliability?

[@connorm1600]

@@HarrySituations There is a lot of mixed opinions about this out on the Internet. But most people will tell you to get an air oil separator. IAG is the best. If you intend on doing a lot of aggressive cornering A lot of people will opt to change out the oil pick up tube to a more robust unit. Those are the first two that I can think of off the top my head. And of course keeping up on maintenance timing belt, oil all that good stuff.

[@TheMCVillage]

@@HarrySituations Basically what Harry said above. I could probably write an essay on everything that "should be done" to this car. But to be brief the absolute #1 is removing the banjo bolt filter from the turbo oil feed line. That filter almost always clogs, even with decent oil change intervals. When that filter clogs, turbo gets oil starved, turbo goes boom, turbo shoots metal into the engine (most likely), then you cry big time. So definitely have that removed and do your oil changes every 3K and constantly check the oil level in between.

[@lennyvalentinoSchiaretti_lvs]

Great car! I live in Germany and I own a Subaru 2008 manual but with natural aspirated 2.5 liters. I am looking for a manual XT but it is almost impossibile to find one in Europe! I will continue with my search...

[@vannevels6758]

Interesting tire infomercial. The vaping disclaimer?

[@kyridgejumper]

Always a great view on the tires and a eye opener on a different vehicle 👏

[@ricvanwinkle1665]

My dad had the same vehicle and gave it to me. The issue is everyone and their mother had their hands on that vehicle and he used cheap oil for the first 60k and not use premium gas, so yeah things happen when cars are not maintained properly and it was an auto to boot. Quick car but autos are so so boring. I sold car as my cats gone bad at 100k and we know that cause of all the blow by so I sold it 😢. For sure it’s a sleeper but with a manual it has to be so much fun as I have a 7th gen Celica GTS and a 5th Gen Camaro Ss, both with a 6 spd manual and your what? 4 cylinder turbos with a stick are definitely fun. Great video

[@imranalisyed9731]

Nice video I like how the car has not been that modified.. just what it’s needed.

[@edwardkrochmal8268]

The best sleeper I drove was a dodge colt turbo back in the 1980s.

[@onetwentyeight]

I had an 07 XT 2.5 with a manual transmission. Great little car, I took that on some very sketchy trails much to the amusement of my friends. The AWD was awesome, and it was super confidence inspiring.

[@AtomicBleach]

Just got a 09 outback. Putting the primitive plates on it and debating between getting their 1" or 1.3" lift strut assembly. Think I would slap the same tires on it as they are the same size my crosstrek has. Honestly thinking about trying to find a 16" rim to go down a size from the stock 17s to give me more tire.

[@HarrySituations]

Sparco makes some really nice 16-inch rims that I saw on Tire Rack. I want to get some of those for winter tires.

[@mariusmaskaliunas6898]

I agree, I buy it and also mechanical transmision 2.5xt 2009 and in the rear is LSD, ir is better then new model BR 2009-2014 also I have it with cvt, it is more familly car more place in rear siting

[@jordanbrydon3809]

can someone tell me where in the world do you get the proper fitting hood deflector for the 08 obxt? also in Canada would be dope but whatever.

[@iancayton2079]

Manuel or not the 3rd gen outback are fantastic for the streets and punt in the woods

[@brendanberry6263]

Yep, I owned one of these - an '05. Fantastic car. With a few modest mods and a short throw shifter the thing was probably the most fun /car/ I've ever owned on balance.

[@HarrySituations]

Great suggestion what brand was the shifter?

[@brendanberry6263]

@@HarrySituations I think it was a Perrin. I added a short ram intake, blow off valve, and mildly upgraded the exhaust, then called it a day. Was very happy with that setup.

[@reekgoesoutside]

I did the same when i bought these tires, stock called for 235/65 18 I went with 245/60/18. It threw my speedometer off by a few miles per hour but the ride feels so much better and the handling is solid.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

We backed a little trailer 20 feet up a hill in our automatic XT, the transmission heat warning light came on...that has NEVER happened with our automatic Super Duty or Xj Cherokee

[@homeimprovementsubaruguy2556]

What’s your point?

[@bluerineimb1148]

I'm a bit confused I thought I was watching a video about the outback all I've heard is a shuttle add for tyres

[@Hutchgarage]

As some say Miata is always the answer. But I think you are correct here.

[@HarrySituations]

I’ve definitely got my butt kicked at the auto cross track by enough Miatas to respect them now!

[@ThatPNWlyfe]

So you made an ad for Nitto…

[@Doc1855]

Of course our 19 Outback has the CVT transmission (which we Hate) we would sell our Outback to buy a new Outback with a transmission that actually has an automatic transmission with gears.

[@Capricorn2500]

Loved this video something different is always nice 👍🏻. Plus my wife and I just bought a outback wilderness and so far we love it but fuel economy does take a hit with that package.

[@Mike_44]

Great cars indeed. Just keep an eye on their oil or you’ll end up with a spun rod bearing.

[@steven0931]

The timing on this video is perfect I just started looking into these today hahah

[@connorm1600]

Good luck with your search. Finding a clean Manual ONXT is getting tough these days.

[@homeimprovementsubaruguy2556]

I just sold one in August and bought another a week later. There’s still quite a few out there.

[@eikokawabe9043]

Gq

[@eikokawabe9043]

Gq