The Ultimate Rough-Roader? | 2021 Subaru Outback

[@The_k81]

Got that 2020 turbo. It eats up the road, snow, ice, ruts, mountains, whatever is thrown at it. Such a beast.

[@darrellborland119]

@K H...2020 Onyx xt...35K and fine...not the info center, tho...but the way the car drives makes up for the aforementioned poor design. Have fun!

[@The_k81]

@@darrellborland119 yeah the info center is unfortunately mediocre. Also which the seat heat buttons were physical buttons in the winter. But the driving performance is great.

[@karencline3593]

The paddle on the lest side allows you to use engine braking in slippery conditions. Great braking assistance in snow and ice, which is most of our Minnesota winters.

[@codtide]

I recently bought a new-to-me 2019 Outback Limited. I am completely happy with it. It has the standard 2.5L engine and I find it has enough power. I have no problems merging onto LA's speedways, you just have to put your foot into the throttle and off you go. The size is right, I can haul my 2 Rotties and stuff with room to spare. I haven't taken it off road but it's nice to know I have the ability to explore dirt roads if I want. I never considered an Outback before. I was looking for a pickup but the prices for new or used trucks are insane. So while exploring other options at Carmax I found my Outback.

[@2004cyrus]

This is a great comment to read sir!! Congrats on the new to you Outback! I think you made a great choice for you and the fur babies and you are accurate about trucks being so crazy high! I’m in truck country in Oklahoma. Good luck with her!

[@dlg5485]

I too have been shopping for a truck, but the prices in that segment are truly absurd which rules it out entirely for me. An Outback XT certainly can't do everything a truck can do, but it's still a very practical vehicle and is at least $6000 less expensive than a comparably equipped midsize truck. I wish the Forester XT was still available because I like the more compact footprint of that model, but the base 2.5 engine is not for me.

[@vitaly6312]

You have some of the best and most comprehensive car reviews out there. Without fluff and stupid shit.

[@2004cyrus]

Well said

[@craigt8432]

Hey Alex! At the beginning of January we actually bought a 2021 Subaru Outback Touring and we love it. We found the seats to be extremely comfortable and the top trim gets and extending thigh cushion for the driver. We also love the Apple CarPlay improvement which was hindering us from the 2020 model. Love your reviews man, keep up the great work!

[@makopolo234]

I purchased the 2020 Outback Touring XT model early last year and the CarPlay situation was rather frustrating. Regardless, Subaru has since released a software update that provides the 2020 model with the full screen features that is shown here in this video and I agree, it is a huge improvement. I went with the Touring model specifically for the leather seats and I'm pretty impressed at the amount of luxury for the price.

[@MisterMister5893]

@@makopolo234 good luck stewing in your own sweat because you cheated out of the ventilated seats, jk.

[@MisterMister5893]

I’m thinking if the onyx myself,

[@Skunked68]

My wife is on 5th Suubie over 30 years. Snow country gravel road, they really dig in and go. I also finally got a 16 Outback new, still have it, 42,000 miles is all, higher off ground, easy out. Had to have that Eyesight after she got it. Her new Touring is finally pretty quiet inside. At last some refinement. Love the heated steering wheel. And they gave more power to the power steering, like that a lot and the gas pedal doesn’t tip in as fast, easier to smoothly drive in town. The biggest bumps still hit spine more than I like. I’m old and liked Oldsmobile smoooth ride, but not floppy bouncey like old Buicks. Her 2011 Outback 1st Gen CVT had no "virtual gears", it whined and droned endlessly and felt like a rubber band. Next generation hugely improved. We are rather stuck on Suubies now. All around everything, especially safety. Slowly they become more refined and not just excellent deep snow traction. I actually as old guy put a keen eye on new Wilderness, but I suppose the lower gearing increased fuel, I shall go Touring, possibly Touring XT in next couple of years. Everyone likes to carp on CVT, but if not trying to seriously off road, are fine enough, they did bump up mpg’s instantly 5 mpg’s better than older Subarus. That is significant savings over life of car, and less pollution. Being able to get close to 30 highway when AWD, I find important. I do love a power motor, but I suppose for myself, will be hard to justify the turbo as long as we don’t drive in a large city and need to merge quickly. Keep costs down and MPG’s as good as can. Cuss. Less fun !! I recall big block V8’s and four barrel carbs, 2nd gear rubber with automatic and a huge sled. 11 or 12 mpg’s max-best, too !! 15 was almost remarkable. 20, maybe 22 was a manual with overdrive and probably 6 cyl. And hard starting problems hot and cold before fuel injection. Very good we are beyond that !!

[@tomridesbikesPNW]

Alex. You should also mention the Outback's excellent safety ratings, it should not go overlooked with the demographic buying these vehicles and transporting their kiddos around.

[@normt430]

Which cars are not safe today? Volvo used to be the safest.

[@A2Kaid]

@@normt430 Not all cars have driver assistance tech like this one does. But many new ones do have them.

[@normt430]

@@joeferreira4992 you don't know what you are talking about. All cars are safe today as evidence by IIHS tests. The newer the vehicle the better the rating because of features that work. The scoring is so close that they have gone to headlight ratings. What is next taillight and turn signal ratings?

[@DaBoyz1616]

@@joeferreira4992 Um Hyundai was the safest vehicle for a long time. Still are. That’s their motto because of kiddos

[@Ryan57Garr]

If people are referencing iihs ratings, keep in mind that the ratings are for that class of vehicle. A top pick of a small car is still going to be less safe in a collision than an suv with lower scores due to physics. However, I do believe Subaru is a safer brand, not just for its collision avoidance systems, but because of the way the car crumples in a wreck. The low-sitting boxer engine is designed to be shoved under the car in a wreck instead of into the firewall, giving you a greater survival space in an accident.

[@csuao]

My brother and I both got matching 2020s. It is amazing car. Seriously don't regret buying it. This car is extremely comfortable on roadtrips with the safety features.

[@scottstewart5784]

I have a 2014 with the 2.5 liter (175 horsepower at the time). I never feel it's underpowered at all. Loaded up with family for roadtrips - not a problem. And I would never take it true off-roading. It's great in the snow and wet. It's great on log roads, rutted roads, muddy roads, etc. Just don't go rock climbing, it's a station wagon.

[@marinusmourik9494]

You're completely right,I really don't understand these guys who are trying to do these kind of things with an Outback........ it's not made for that,buy a jeep.

[@jeffarnholt1310]

My 2011 Outback purchased new 10 years ago still runs great. Alex, thanks for pointing out the benefits of a low roofline for loading cargo. Comments like these distinguish your excellent reviews from the rest.

[@normt430]

How many head gaskets later? Engine rebuilds due to oil consumption? How many cracked windshields and is it currently cracked?

[@Carlos-ig6oo]

@@normt430 My 2010 Outback has a bad head gasket I need to get replaced and no engine rebuilds yet. Ugh.

[@brthgo54]

@@normt430 I bought my 2011 in 2010; no head gasket issues thus far (100K Miles); oil consumption when new was noticed, but I then changed to synthetic oil and no problem since. I do have a cracked windshield, but I live in Alaska where cracked windshields are referred to as "Alaska windshields" they are so common. For me it has been a great car, drive it mostly on snow/ice covered roads; its been driven the length of the Alcan Hwy 3 times without issues. I did replace the rear stabilizer bar with a thicker one; the Outack (2011) was too floaty on curves (went from 16 mm to 19mm), it helped. The headlights though have sucked (recalled) but still an issue.

[@declansdad]

My better half has a 2012 Outback approaching 100K....only issue was a worn wheel bearing at 60K. Looking to get the wife a 2022 next year.

[@CFIRST58]

@@Carlos-ig6oo I just recently learned Subaru makes a heavy steel gasket, but they only put it in the turbo XT models. I read another review where someone asked Subaru how much to put the turbo model steel gasket in their car $2,000. he bought the steel gasket from Subaru and had a friend put it in for $500. I hope this helps you. The steel gasket eliminates blown head gaskets.

[@lawpolo]

As an owner of two CVT Subaru's with paddle shifters, a 2015 and a 2017 impreza, I still use the paddles everyday, mostly to blip down a couple ratios for overtakes or acceleration. Yes I can drive stick and enjoy it, but can't beat a cvt for daily driver fuel economy. Auto reviewers do give them a lot of grief. Btw, this is my favourite review channel

[@srmtn1]

Agree. I use the paddle shifters routinely primarily for engine breaking. From time to time slip into full manual shifting. But it’s a much appreciated feature for someone that spent many years in sports cars.

[@lawpolo]

@@srmtn1 how'd I not mention that. You're so right. The programming was improved as well between the generations to smooth out the engine breaking as well.

[@illinoistiger8694]

The automatic start/stop defeat switch being right there next to the home button might make the Outback a strong buy for me. That remedied a big problem I had with the 2020 model. Alex's review on the Outback was very well done, as usual. AOA is probably the best channel for new car reviews. This youtube-based clear and unbiased format is making car rags like Motor Trend and Car and Driver obsolete.

[@devindiep919]

This guy has done his research, I really appreciate his comparisons as will. Very well done!

[@bikingmoments]

Regardless of other things, a big credit to Subaru for making active safety standard on more models!

[@MisterMister5893]

And led lighting on the cheapest model. No one seems to focus on illumination when talking snout safety,tech. Some high end cars like Mercedes and porsches are still fitting their cuv suv with halogen projectors.

[@airjohnpro]

Took delivery of my first Outback in December, and have been loving it. 2021 Onyx XT and this thorough review made me feel even better about my Outback. I’m 6’5” and not comfortable in many mid-sized vehicles, but am super comfortable in these seats with the great legroom and headroom. (I went without the moonroof for extra headroom.)

[@weeksauce23]

Easily the best color and best trim. Wish my wife would have gone with the turbo on her 2020. With all the updates to the infotainment system that make it less buggy I have zero complaints about this car.

[@2004cyrus]

I love this color also

[@sl5932]

Not a fan of the green, prefer abyss blue, white & silver

[@andyb8005]

Great vehicle. Having had other SUVs over the years, the Outback XT is definately the best we have owned.

[@illinoistiger8694]

Yeah our 2014 Outback has been very sturdy. It's sort of an appliance, but it's very reliable and we enjoy it a lot. Will probably buy a 2021 or 2022 Outback in a year or so.

[@WahotsW]

14:00 Those paddle shifters are the literal difference between life and death in certain parts of the country. On icy, curvy mountain highways, they allow you to slow the wheels if your studded snow tires and brakes aren't gripping on steep, icy descents. Looking at you, Idaho side of Lolo Pass.

[@brodiwheeler7583]

Exactly! I don’t know why people hate on simulated gear shift functionality on CVTs... being able to gear down for steep descents to save brakes, or for staying in the power band on steep ascents is useful no matter what kind of transmission.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

My gripe isn't that you shouldn't be able to control the ratio, but why stepped gears? I would MUCH rather have paddles that commanded say a specific engine RPM and the transmission varied ratios around that. The result would be excellent and smooth engine braking downhill, sort of like variable regen braking on an EV.

[@brodiwheeler7583]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide I think Nissan tried that with some of their CVTS with a L Selection on the gear lever, raised the rpms and still functioned with its Continuous Variability. Personally, I use my stepped ratios in our CVT all the time and I think it is very useful; holding in peak power and engine braking while making moves in traffic, Up & Down Grades, downshifting into corners & twisties. Very Handy

[@jonzaremba]

Your reviews are the best out there.

[@zooropa8297]

Can’t wait for the Wilderness Editions!

[@arielrosenthal_]

That’s what I’m waiting for!

[@stevepowsinger733]

Are they supposed to handle the Wilderness the country is headed for?

[@SubieandFriends]

Yes the wilderness edition would be nice but what exactly would it include to make it special? A 2 inch lift would sure be nice but that's something you can already do with any outback and it's not too expensive and its rather easy to do. To me a wilderness edition should include a 2 inch lift with under body protection, tow hooks front and back and should include all terrain tires, and should be based on the Premium trim to keep the cost down with the turbo engine being optional.

[@bt4b4]

Subie......I love my Subaru Ascent ! The turbo is powerful and the AWD system is great in snow. Peacefrom510 .

[@BillyYang]

I've had my Onyx XT for nearly 10K miles now and I LOVE this thing. Appreciate the video!

[@2004cyrus]

It’s good to hear a real world view! Thank you! I’m considering one of these

[@Honestandtruth007]

@@2004cyrus You can not go Wrong with Subaru cars..... It can Handle In All Weather Conditions with proper tires. I own 2014 for 7 years now with little to no issue. Most Auto have 3-5 recalled on them... But Subaru only One recalled.

[@2004cyrus]

@@Honestandtruth007 that means a lot to helping me with a decision! Thank you so much for taking the time to help me!

[@MisterMister5893]

@@Honestandtruth007 Only one recall or one model per their whole lineup? There is a growing concern about the windsheilds on the Outback, Legacy and Ascent. I"m not sure about the last two but the Outback is of particular interest of mine and some are getting very fragile cracking on these. It has to do with a manufacturer they used for the glass. No recall for this issue but probably warrants one.

[@mycircleofcarecooperative]

@@2004cyrus m/

[@avonperera2187]

Listening to Men at Work Down Under in an Outback. Sneaky little reference there ;)

[@normt430]

...ick...

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Teehee

[@normt430]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Edmund's long term test has had their teething issues with late model Honda's including CR-V and the latest Passport.

[@BobMar1964]

Now I want a Vegemite sandwich.

[@robertduklus6555]

@@BobMar1964 no you dont

[@pankajtayal4433]

This is a my kind of crossover . Not too tall but same time not ground hugging. Perfect for most situations.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Ive just got a 2016 Outback in the UK. Fabulous car. Hope to keep it a very long time with plenty of fun to be had.

[@yankeexpress]

Excellent review of the Outback and its competitors! My story is: Had a relative looking to trade in his old Grand Cherokee and asked for my opinion of the Outback compared to a used Porsche Cayenne V8. I dislike CVT and talked him out of the Outback. His wife liked his Cayenne better than her Audi Q6 and adopted his Cayenne, so he traded the Q6 on another used Cayenne, a turbo V6. Only to have my wife buy an Outback CVT while I was buying a new STI. He asked why I “let” her buy an Outback. She doesn’t mind the CVT and really likes the rest of the Outback for all the reasons Alex outlined in this video. We have 4 cars...3 manual sticks (STI 6spd, Forester 5spd, Xterra 6spd) and the Outback CVT.

[@broinsocali]

I bought a 2021 Outback Premium. My 1st Subaru. I love it. Can't wait to get her out on the hay for my first road trip up to Sacramento to see a friend.

[@DL-rx7pj]

Ford awd systems overheat very quickly and go into 2wd to protect itself. A lot of manufacturers have a similar issues. Subaru does not have that problem so keep that in mind if your planning on doing any type of off roading.

[@dentuso8]

thanks!

[@mountainhobo]

13:59 "I find paddle shifters on a vehicle with a CVT about as useful as paddles on a French poodle".

[@greentjmtl]

They have their uses, choosing different levels of engine brake, preemptively "downshift" for passing, etc.

[@mart0225]

I use the paddles for engine braking-especially longer hills. That helps reduce the need to ride the brakes. I never use them to accelerate ‘faster’.

[@cocoyc495]

I also use them for "downshifting" They work well on twisty down hill roads.

[@mountainhobo]

@@cocoyc495 Do they work that way on a CVT? I've always used downshifting for hill driving / engine breaking, but that was mostly on a manual and more recently on a slushbox. Can CVT take that without long-term damage?

[@niuhuskieguy]

@@mountainhobo Yep. I use it when driving in the snow. The adaptive cruise control also uses downshifting to help control speed as well.

[@wendymontie5660]

Have an ‘18 Forester, my first Subaru...adore it. However, had some service done the other day, had a loaner of a ‘21 Limited Outback. Ohhhh...my. I fell in love. It may be next.

[@twohouses2259]

Thats why the Dealership gave you one to drive…..”He’ll be back”

[@chrisbaise4333]

Dude. First time I’m watched any of your videos. All the info vs the competition is amazing. Saving me time here. Definitely a fan

[@craigt9415]

70K on my 2016 3.6R and going strong in all regards (and I tow my camper a lot) and 26mpg average. I've owned two chevys that kept slipping before having complete transmission failures and a jeep cherokee that shifted hard and hunted for gears. The Subaru 3.6R w/CVT is quiet and smooth. CVTs lack the bottom end gitty-up a regular transmission has, and to each their own, but most buyers will be happy with it. I'm thinking a lot of the CVT hate in the comments comes from people who have never owned one/owned a Nissan CVT.

[@colechapman6976]

I have a 2012 Outback 2.5i Lited. 10 years later and 106,400 miles on it, it runs like a dream! Only oil changes so it's pretty reliable for me. Comfortable and practical too. I live in New Jersey but my parents live in Upstate NY with lots of bumpy roads and tall mountains. Where I visit my parents it also gets tons of snow up there so having an Outback takes the stress off of me when I make the drive there. It's very competent on the highway too and it's good for the two-hour drive to get up there. I think this new one would be just as capable and strong! Except for no physical HVAC controls, nothing here really bothers me

[@fredhagman387]

Just bought an Outback Limited with all available options. Love this vehicle.

[@BradleyEdwardAnderso]

We have a 2017 3.6 with the low profile roof rails. I think we'll be happy with it for many more years. No low profile roof rails in this version is a deal breaker for my wife, etc.

[@mauritsvw]

A very valid point about the roof height when you want to load things. SUV roofs are just too high for that in comparison with vehicles like the Outback.

[@thudang3039]

Love your work! Really like the comparison segment that you do.

[@jmrdrgz]

I appreciate the comparisons at the end. I think many more people do as well.

[@bobeyk1]

Agree 100% - we have been swapping Toyota for Subaru over the last few years. Daughter drives a new Crosstrek, son drives a Forester and I am about to trade my Rav 4 hybrid for an XT Outback. The loss of fuel efficiency was the ONLY drawback between the two.

[@blueiris5735]

Just purchased a 2021 Outback Touring XT a few days ago and absolutely love it. The limited and Touring have sound insulating glass in the front and it does quiet it down inside compared to the other trims. I was shooting for a 2022 Limited XT, but when the dealer had a 2021 Touring XT on the lot, for a few bucks more a month, I took it for a spin and fell in love with it. The seats are very comfortable and I liked the ventilated seats more than I thought I would. Gobs of power to spare in the XTs. I was not impressed with the base engine; it will get the job done, but that's about it, which is why I "required" an XT model. Now, if they'd just offer the blacked out badging and wheels as options on other XT trim levels, it would be perfection!

[@bommareddybrijendrareddy9301]

That's great to hear 👍🏻 Onyx is your answer 😀

[@josiahstearns9615]

First time I’ve seen the ground clearance chart in a while. Lol

[@markhamer5112]

Thanks for an excellent review. I really like the additional graphical information you add to the video. It adds the sort of comparative information I want to know.

[@billbrimmer1739]

Great job Alex. Just test drove the 21 Outback with the base engine. It has the on/off when waiting at a light which is a little hybrid like. My wife liked the Outback very much.

[@darenmcgovern4285]

Can you shut off the engine on/off?

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Your review pretty much sums up why the Outback is so popular and if I lived in the snow belt I would have one. But I live where it rarely snows so I prefer my front wheel drive Golf wagon that holds lots of stuff, gets over 40 mpg and the last thing I need is a giant infotainment screen. 🙂

[@pilot1226]

I just bought an Onyx Edition XT and it is Subaru #4 and the best car I have ever owned. It is so good! I would love to have a hybrid or plug in electric option, but this is great for everything I need my vehicle to do. I don’t think I can go back to the NA 2.5 after this.

[@normt430]

MPG average on fuelly dot com is about 23 mpg for 2.4t.

[@miken.7891]

This was an absolute amazing review! Thank you for taking the time

[@autonewstv86]

My wife drives a Forester & loves it after driving Honda’s for years - could well spring for Outback next - really liked interior amenities of the Touring. Great review - have KZbin on my 65” smart tv - engine revs sound great on the sound bar! 😂. Really great review, guys - you two look like stars on the big screen!! 😎

[@2004cyrus]

Who is you two? Alex and ?

[@karenmason6002]

This review has been very helpful to me as I am leaning toward the Outback 2.4L Turbo 260 HP version to eventually tow a teardrop camper. I love the safety features, seats and features on the dash LCD. Wondering if you can get a factory installed tow package on the Outback 2.4L Turbo 260HP? Love the comparisons to other similar SUVs too. Keep up the great job!!

[@Piketom1]

12:40 This is a gripe that I have with a lot of cars. What is the point of a wireless charging mat if Apple CarPlay and android Auto require a wired connection to function?

[@Clam73]

Vehicles need both wireless charging and wireless Carplay...and not just on top trim levels. (But that’s probably what they’ll do)

[@wyw201]

Wireless charges my phone when I don't need carplay or android auto.

[@Piketom1]

@@wyw201 I only don't need it on short trips. The wireless charger for my iPhone charges at 5W which is not enough to make a difference in a 15 minute drive. On a longer drive when charging matters, I also want the phone integration.

[@ibmtpx24]

I just install an android heat unit in my car. With offline navi app installed I just need bluetooth to use phone calls and anything else I just install apps directly on the head unit. Not sure why people make such a big deal on apple play or android auto to use the apps on their phones while driving.

[@Piketom1]

@@ibmtpx24 Siri hands free texting is the one reason I will never buy a car that does not support Apple CarPlay. I works so well and means that I can actually communicate via text in the. Another reason is that switching between cars with CarPlay is super simple. No pairing required for all of my settings and contacts to transfer between vehicles. It is simply the best way to use an iPhone with a car.

[@D__Lee]

I'm thinking of buying a used 2021 Subaru Outback. Thanks for posting this excellent video!!!

[@chovue2363]

Already bought the outback xt and it is a sweet ride! Rides like its glued to the road when speeding through small off road mountain trails! Paddle shift engine breaks on down hills are pretty fun and slow hill descent control on powder snow is a life savor. Dual x modes have gotten me into and out of situations i should not have gone through with all terrains. Love my outback!

[@doctorzaius4084]

I think you're probably right about the gearing. The Outback with the turbo has a low ratio in the CVT of 3.23:1 and a final drive of 4.11:1 which isn't terrible for an automatic transmission. However, from doing a little research I found that the torque converter clutch is designed to lock up at very low RPM. Good for fuel economy, but you'd normally be getting additional multiplication while the TC is doing its thing (typically ~2:1 - manufacturers haven't published TC ratios for decades, sadly). Years ago, Jeep had an optional CVT in the Patriot that could do a 19:1 (!!!) ratio. I'm not exactly sure how that was accomplished (whether the pulleys themselves could yield that ratio or if there was a underdrive gear), but it wasn't very expensive so it couldn't have been all that complicated. I'm surprised Subaru has never done something similar.

[@johnfarel3152]

I got the 2022 on Monday, premium trim. I love the touch screen. It’s pretty fast and responsive and looks great. Adaptive cruise is new to me and it’s amazing

[@mhicks5008]

I had a 2016 Nissan Murano that had the 360 degree camera - it NEEDED it. Visibility was not that great. I now have a 2020 Outback Touring XT and I rarely even use the front camera - it doesn't need it. Visibility is fantastic!

[@SakuraSakura8596]

I used it a lot especially in cities

[@mauritsvw]

Visibility in Subarus has always been one of their best features.

[@mhicks5008]

@@SakuraSakura8596 - I would LIKE the Outback to have a 360 camera, I just don't feel it's necessary, unlike with the Murano which would very hard to park without one.

[@justcollectingdust]

Alex, I love your videos, please include closed captioning for those of us that are hearing impaired. Thank you!

[@dlg5485]

I am currently considering ordering a 2023 Outback Onyx XT, but Subaru has raised the price by $3000 on the refreshed model. It now starts at $38595! Configured with the accessories I want and including the destination charge it's $40640...and this is the least expensive trim to get the turbo engine. I'm still leaning toward pulling the trigger, but it's definitely not as attractive at that price.

[@msschill]

Wow yeah that is pricey. I'm considering a used XT and going a little older to avoid the "eye sight" tech. Here in Colorado windshields get cracked a lot and will need replaced, that system makes that pretty pricey!

[@mikado2005]

Brilliant analysis, exactly what I needed to hear this evening. Thanks so much!

[@stanpowers600]

I had a 2004 Subaru Forester XT and loved it. The Outback always calls to me. Looks like Subaru has done just about everything right for 2021. I do lament the loss of the cleanly squared off rear and the resulting crazy good visibility of the older models. Another great review, Alex! Thanks!

[@garydinn8793]

My favorite transmission is an 8 speed. It’s a good balance of complexity and performance. It would be great if a lot of CVTs were retired and replaced with 8 speed units across the industry.

[@pilot1226]

Toyota has a well executed planetary CVT. Their newer Corollas have a launch gear in lieu of a torque converter. Honestly once they start making everything hybrid you have instant torque at your fingertips anyway. Curious if they would start Atkinson cycle everything like Toyota started.

[@MacTechG4]

The manual is still superior as far as fun, durability, longevity and simplicity, bring back manual availability on all trim lines CVT sucks!

[@garydinn8793]

@@MacTechG4 Good to see the bigger picture and I agree totally. Why don’t car makers offer a 6 speed manual at a high trim level? Do they really see a manual as a cost saving rather than pure driving pleasure that it is?

[@N8RTH]

Getting my 2023 Touring XT in 2 weeks, and I can’t wait. Alex, thanks for your review!

[@craigtomanek4417]

Just purchased the 2021 Subaru Outback touring xt. I have only 150 miles on it, but so far so good. Love the interior seats and 11.6 screen and the leg extender for the driver.I would only get the XT

[@perseverance86]

Backed out of a deal for a Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid XSE and purchased an Outback Limited. Very pleased with my decision! Although the difference in price between the standard engine and the turbo was not an issue with me, I opted for the regular engine as the delivery of power was smoother and more refined than the XT. Once you got going the XT had great power but it was not immediate and I didn't feel it was worth it. The auto start stop also felt more abrupt with the turbo engine than the base. No regrets. Excellent review as always!

[@AB-jk7tw]

Great vehicle. After 2 years of ownership, we love the comfort, performance, reliability and surprisingly good handling of our Outback XT.

[@johnroberthanna1623]

miles per gallon..?

[@AB-jk7tw]

@@johnroberthanna1623 Just over 30 on our last 2500 mile trip to California and back.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, This is the last mainstream wagon left on the market. I expect many potential customers are looking forward to the day Subaru adopts reliable powertrain components from their corporate overlord Toyota. Just imagine a near 40 mpg Outback with the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp drivetrain. BTW I am sure we all hope you get a garage with a hoist soon as we can't wait for detailed suspension analysis to be added to your video workload ;-)

[@alanhorn8253]

If Alex started doing an underbody view and analysis, Savagegeese would likelly retaliate by climbing in every trunk and referring to his " favorite winding mountain road" in every video despite being in Illinois...

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@alanhorn8253 I am confident they are both up to the challenge.

[@afcgeo882]

You don’t consider Volvo “mainstream”?

[@miloslogic]

@@afcgeo882 Volvo isn't the same since Chinese took over

[@JBM425]

Volvo is in the luxury/near-luxury demographic. It’s not considered part of the mainstream auto segment.

[@missys]

Excellent review! Thanks for firming up my upcoming move to buy the Subaru outback onyx XT. This was very thoughtful and thorough. This is the only review that I've found that covered as much as you did! Thanks again!

[@juliecats812]

Your reviews are outstanding! Greetings from Cincinnati!

[@motoace2007]

Fantastic review. Thanks for being so thorough.

[@joecanis484]

I looked at all of those and bought a Forester XT. (2018)

[@msschill]

How is the road noise with your Forester? I've heard it doesn't have the sound insulation like the outback has.

[@lisagr2888]

Very helpful presentation. Leaning more to outback now in our new car search

[@redkellum]

Wow. Very thorough review. You literally went through all the steps I take when researching new vehicles to buy. Thanks for posting.

[@1wadesdad]

The competitive statistics shown in the video are informative and helpful. Nice presentation and excellent descriptions provided with your narrative!

[@YasumotoUS]

Bought a STI (with those, ahem, locking differentials) in the Fall, but the Outback XT was a close second with practicality in mind. I suspect that I'll migrate into the Outback in several years. The Outback is such a great car that can readily haul four adults and chew through highway miles with ease. The cargo capacity is perfectly fine and the length is a real plus for tools.

[@hl08809]

I purchased a 2021 Outback Limited in early November and so far am pretty happy with my choice but wish I had gone for the XT. I think the extra 2 grand would have been well worth the upgrade. The base engine seems at times to be underpowered when merging onto a highway or going up a steep hill. I was surprised to see that a recent software update now includes an auto start/stop button on the bottom of the main screen to the right of the car icon. I wish my car had that feature.

[@marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938]

These are great where your State and County can't be bothered to maintain the roads in bad weather...at all...and potholes are left go...occasional visits to national parks and beaches...

[@tristanajohnson]

FULL SIZE SPARE!

[@marinusmourik9494]

Not in every country !

[@Hallowsaw]

Never have i once needed a full aize apare in my 30 years of driving. Ill take a donut. Especially if i have to replace all four tires anyways if one is destroyed

[@marinusmourik9494]

@@Hallowsaw then you're very lucky, even in the middle of the Sahara desert I got a flat one because of a huge nail.

[@seabiscuit726142]

You need a full size spare for the symmetrical AWD system. A wheel of different size would damage it.

[@allanblack8635]

Paddle shifters when offroad or snow with x-mode is useful. Keeping the car in "1st gear" is useful indeed. The turbo has a way of getting away from you. 1st and 2nd gear keep you in the sweet spot without a low range.

[@triarii_00]

on a cvt the manual mode can help for towing. leave it in auto mode to get to speed, then used fixed gear while driving to smooth things out. the cvts can be jerky under load.

[@MacTechG4]

Towing? With a CVT?? Enjoy your transmission exploding on you... ...no, wait, that’s normal CVT behavior... CVT sucks

[@triarii_00]

@@MacTechG4 cvts are fine if you take care of them

[@MacTechG4]

@@triarii_00 still boring as shit and destroy driving enjoyment

[@vitaly6312]

If Subaru ever puts out a light truck, it would be amazing. If you get 9 inches of clearance on the crossovers with quality engines, imagine what you would get in a mid-sized truck.

[@MacTechG4]

As long as they don’t insist on shoving that piece of shit CVT in it...

[@vitaly6312]

@@MacTechG4 I agree that it probably isn’t suited for a truck, but a piece of shit it is not.

[@markking9778]

My poodle has paddles amd i find them quite useful thank you Sir! 😂

[@hans-jurgenwiegand7465]

I’ve always had a negative attitude towards the Subaru, because I hadn’t seen a good review. My Sister has an Outback, and I wanted to know if she is in good hands. After watching your review, I’m impressed with the vehicle. A lot better vehicle than I imagined. Thanks for a great review. 👍🏻

[@jdhreiss]

I use the paddles for down hill engine braking. Works fine up in the mountains

[@JamesOmori-p9x]

I have the 2021 outback onyx and drove it in the mountains with a bad experience. Going over rocks I cracked and broke my rear suspension. I took it to the subaru dealer and an estimate of ten thousand dollars in damages. In the repair I asked them to make my suspension stronger so they put in a 2 inch lift. I thought my car was stronger than that but I still love my outback and maybe next time I wont break anything in the suspension.

[@sweeperdave1]

While I've lived and skied on the top of the Sierra Nevada, driven all over the backroads of the Eastern Sierra, and slithered through the backroads of the Santa Cruz mountains, I've never really considered the Outback. It was only recently when I started considering an adventurous AWD SUV that, initially, I was only marginally exposed to Subaru preferring offerings from other makers. But as I compared on paper and through reviews on all prospective vehicles, the Outback slowly and surely crept to the top of my list. Now only the Forester is my only other consideration.

[@717dash_cam]

One should also mention, that the software tweaks made to improve the infotainment are likely available if owners of the 2020 models connect to wifi, go to the settings and check for updates. Subaru seems to be putting effort into making software updates easy for owners to install, without a trip to the dealership.

[@cobra454tim]

Alex I Daly drive a 13 Legacy 3.6 R I get about 27 mpg mix driving here in Sacramento. It's been a great car and engine , but I keep on maintaining it with reg oil changes ect. The new 2.4 is over built and will be showing up in other Subaru platforms. What worries me is CVT longevity in Japan Subaru calls for 30 k trans oil changes but here the dealers say the fluid is lifetime... .....Now I know the CVT doesn't have clutch packs like the trans I have in my 13 model but.....

[@miller1]

Very comprehensive and professional review resulting in a new subscriber.

[@ZapFlashD]

This is my favorite Subaru! If I could have one I would!

[@JBM425]

Subaru Outback: the SUV for people who don’t want an SUV. It strikes a nice balance between a sedan/station wagon and a crossover/SUV. My only reservation is the towing capacity, but it would handle 100% of my current needs while still being able to pull a small camper or trailer.

[@AlexPotvin]

Looking at buying one currently. Funny you came out with this today, I'd been looking at your older scoring lol. The base model is gold for me in Canada.

[@MisterMister5893]

Get touring at least for thr heated steering wheel.

[@michaelnelson3469]

I live in the mountains. I bought a lightly used 2020 Onyx XT and I am absolutely delighted with it. I love changing stuff on cars, customizing, but so far I have not come up with anything I want to change. I did install the OEM receiver hitch and was very impressed with the design, integration and quality of the hitch. PITA to install it, but I know a lot more about the ass end of my car now. ;-)

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Thank you so much for sharing your copious amounts of automotive knowledge. I too, find CVT's somewhat more troublesome compared to their traditional Torque Converter automatic cousins. As a $26,000 car, I find the Subaru Outback incredibly well-priced. It is in good company against the Toyota Rav4, Honda CRV, and Subaru Forester. However, as I see other options and trims climb into $39,000+ territory, that makes me quite anxious. I suppose modern new car prices can not and should not be viewed in a vacuum. There are a multitude of market forces at play here. from stagnant minimum wages, to the lack of raises comparable to inflation. I wish used cars were not so expensive, I wish new cars were more affordable. But seeing a single automobile cost more than a person's yearly wage stings.

[@differencemaker242]

Economic lesson here: stagnant minimum wages would cause prices to reduce or stay flat. When the minimum wage goes UP that means the cost of all labor goes up with it and prices also climb. We recently saw this in Seattle where the woke politicians raised the minimum wage to $15 and several businesses went OUT OF BUSINESS. To compensate for the higher cost of labor they had to increase prices or cut hours of their staff. Customers responded by rejecting the higher prices or poor service thus sinking many businesses. It's basic economics.

[@jimmic4000]

@@differencemaker242 If you can't pay a liveable wage, you SHOULD go out of business.

[@differencemaker242]

@@jimmic4000 Your opinion doesn't matter. The employee/ employer relationship is an A&B agreement C your way out of it. If 2 people agree on a wage no matter how low or high who are you to say otherwise? Let each man decide for himself what is "liveable". That's none of our business.

[@jimmic4000]

@@differencemaker242 It's quite quantifiable actually, depending on where you live, and it's not a difficult concept.

[@drawspanish]

Great review! Definitely looking to buy the turbo version now for my other son. We have the 2016 Outback 2.5 and it's been a great vehicle.

[@rickecheverria8052]

Looking forward for a 2022 Subaru Wilderness review...

[@martinmartin5904]

I regret the time when we could order the Legacy station wagon in a simple 4-wheels drive version without hi-ground clearance and without plastic cladding . I live up north , cdn , & I premium the low center of gravity in ordinary driving than to have the possibility to go in the snow banks . If you’re there, it means it’s time to call CAA.

[@payrocoin]

If Subaru had a hybrid version of the Outback then, I'd be all over it. Mating the base engine to say a 50 horsepower electric motor combined with an eCVT would be such a nice package. I love the exterior and interior. I'm not a fan of boxer engines but, I'd give this a chance.

[@Jordan-we3eu]

The improved infotainment is huge

[@azatecas]

Ever since the rav4 prime came out, i cant even look at other suvs the same way

[@normt430]

Subaru's demographic would have Loved a hybrid Outback.

[@ibmtpx24]

@@normt430 add plug-in version while you are at it. Though it is a good question if Subaru would keep the boxer engine for battery recharging or completely replace their symmetrical all wheel drive system with electric motors. The more I see electrifying cars the more I doubt ICE has a future.

[@normt430]

@@ibmtpx24 an inline 4-cylinder would be smoother in frequent starting and stopping of a hybrid than a boxer design. Not sure how Subaru will make the switch to EV but they may be one of thr last ones to do so.

[@valdius85]

I wished my Forester had a similar front face. The new gen Forester has a strange styling. I like the looks of the Outback, but it's too long for Japanese roads and my usecase. I am rather happy with the Forester e-boxer though :)

[@mess0965]

The CVT holds the Outback back. A traditional AT would be a slam dunk.

[@perilsensitive]

I prefer the CVT. I've never liked traditional AT that changes gear just when I don't want it to.

[@CRHK88]

Unless I am unique, I really think all of this CVT hate is from the past. I have had zero issues with my 2019 Ascent Touring and I am around 35k miles. Not saying that is a lot, but I have heard people with new Jeeps that have had multiple transmission issues in the first 10k miles. I LOVE the turbo 4 too. Averaged over 30 mpg on a 1300 mile road trip to Florida and that is in a 7 seat AWD.

[@pilot1226]

The 4EAT wasn’t more reliable and had its issues. But it was cheaper to repair if it had a problem.

[@pilot1226]

@@perilsensitive I would prefer the CVT more if it had an actual scheduled maintenance interval on the fluid. Not lifetime.

[@Tonga2]

Outback XT Onyx, fabulous ride, great value !