Top 5 Settings you will want to change on your NEW Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek & More

[@atvchicZ400]

Thank you for doing this vid. The 1st person that actually explained more than others.

[@peggywilson8790]

Your videos are so valuable!! I have learned so much from them . Thank you! It is extra difficult I think for people who are not great with new technology to have it explained in detail. Would be nice for dealers to give a class on how to operate a new vehicle.

[@137hey]

Love my Forester. I appreciate the buttons.

[@tammyfowler9994]

Thank you Alex! My 1st suburu ever and your video's are very informative!

[@darrellsephus5378]

I enjoy your videos. I just bought the 2024 Outback. Subaru has given me an appointment to show me how to use all the technology that is new to me. I've figured out a lot of it already but there are a few things still to learn. So far I absolutely love the Outback.

[@ramonalee1]

Must be nice to have such a caring car dealership.

[@darrellsephus5378]

I live in Bakersfield CA. Bought from Sangera Subaru.@@ramonalee1

[@DebbieDooo]

​@@ramonalee1 All Subaru dealers are supposed to do this.

[@KimofCoventry]

I'm on my 3rd Outback, after a Crosstrek in between. Only 1 of the 3 dealers I've used has offered that. That's why I'll stay with this dealer if I ever buy another. Unfortunately not all dealers are equal in customer care.

[@phoenixpr100]

Great video, can't wait till you do a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek wilderness features and tips and walk through, your channel is my go to every time. Keep up the amazing work.

[@Mr.Datree_1989]

Got a subaru crosstrek i love it!❤

[@hoffrun]

Great video, I am overwhelmed .

[@alexpmo]

You’re welcome! Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to help

[@nore8141]

Getting my 2024 forester in 6 weeks and will probably look at all your videos with my wife. Your videos are very well done 👍. Thanks for your help. ❤❤❤

[@CC-qb9sm]

I actually like the controls on the Forester with the exception of something like changing the maintenance schedule that you demonstrated and also the lack of wireless CarPlay, I like the set up in general. I really like the mix of old school manual controls and the two separate screen displays in the middle of the console with one up high and one down lower. Nice way to get a variety of info simultaneously. Great information as always Alex. Have a good rest of the week.

[@samb8996]

I don’t like Subarus but I like your videos Quite a dilemma

[@alexpmo]

Well thanks for watching! 😄

[@suryaanesi5220]

Thank you Alex. This top Setting will help me. I am buying a new Subaru Crosstrek. That will be so helpful to me.

[@jewelsmith5167]

I just bought a 2023 forester and I’m so confused!! Thank you for these videos, they are wonderful!!

[@Mar-cs8ny]

Nice video. Can you do a video on car washes and which which features to turn off while going through a car wash?

[@carolpadgett8618]

Thanks for ALL the info for operating my Subaru. I bought a used 2018 Forester, first car since my 2002 Subaru, there for I need lots of info on the many accessory services my Forester offers. Many many thanks.

[@BrandonsYouTube]

Going to look at a Forester Wilderness this Friday. Live in Nashville, half tempted to drive up north to Kentucky lol

[@alexpmo]

Would be happy to help! Not a bad drive from Nashville either! About 2.5/3 hours

[@donnaphilipp1677]

First, thank you for this channel. It's absolutely fantastic. I have a 2009 Forester that I bought used many years ago and at 74 , I'm pretty sure it's going to be my last car. Since you pretty much have to murder a Subaru to get rid of it (like my last one), I'm not too worried about that. I love my little beast. I have a couple of questions that i hope you can answer. 1) Is there any way to remove the roof rails? I'm 5'2" and wasn't thinking about snow removal that September. Come the first snowfall, I realized the problem - I can't reach over the rails to clean the roof. 2) I'm having major problems with the rear hatch release. It only works maybe once every 20 tries. 2009 was pre-inside release, so this is a huge problem for me. Last time it actually opened, I was able to pop the little cover and manually release the mechanism. I WD-40ed the living daylights out of it, but that was a fail. At my age, climbing over the seat into the cargo area isn't an option. Any suggestions? (The rubbery release button seems to be deteriorating and leaves my fingers black, if that's somehow pertinent.) Thank you foryour time and attention.

[@kristihammonds585]

You always share such helpful information, being older makes it harder sometimes to figure all this stuff out!!! Thank you for the help!! 😊

[@briantodd4887]

Hate to say it, but you’re so much more informative than my Subarus salesman! 😂. Can you please let me know asap if on the 2024 OBW can you turn off the exterior approach light? My new car that I am picking up tomorrow has this accessory added in,

[@iverburl]

We had to do research to prevent the radio from turning on at startup. A touch of the power button is only a mute, so the radio returns at startup. If you hold the power button, it turns off and stays off later.

[@valdotorg]

That and lack of CarPlay were the only things I didn’t like about my 2018 Forester. The 2023 model has a menu option to prevent auto start.

[@BiggumsMcHoney]

My solution to that in my 2021 Crosstrek was to dial it to XM channel zero. It automatically turns on but there is no signal and no static noise.

[@jonllanos8707]

Can you provide info on disabling seat belt chime ?

[@a.s.5223]

Put your seatbelt on and it will turn the chime off.

[@pennyarizzio2824]

Your videos are so valuable!!! Thanks you so much!!!

[@mikec2810]

Thanks for more great tips Alex!

[@gryhze]

Nice video. Is here a setting for the garage door opener to only operate with the key in ACC? With the car in the driveway, I’d like that extra level of protection.

[@Madknick]

Great informative videos Alex I do like the auto highbeam feature. I have one question I drive mostly at night,how do you dim the tablet on the 23 outback XT

[@thebradleyarthur]

There is a dial down on the left side by your knee. That will dim/brighten your interior display lighting

[@michellefisher9234]

Hi Alex, Thanks for you helpful videos. Can you advise on how to stop notices (eg 'call in progress') from obscuring the speed displayed?

[@lastcall3366]

That was a good overview. I always have the tendency to plug my phone in the USB slot and now I don't have to do that unless I need to charge my phone. Thank You

[@paulprichard7432]

I decided to test my Forester's lane departure prevention feature. On the highway with cruise control set I relaxed my grip on the wheel. The vehicle gradually drifted to the right then bumped me back, gradually drifted to the left, got bumped back. Two more cycles of this and a warning displayed on the console "Keep your hands on the wheel." I never did that again.

[@ProudNana]

Is there anyway to change the seatbelt chime feature or the volume level? I live in the country and have a couple 1/4 to 1/2 mile single lane dirt roads with gates that I have to physically get out and open, drive thru, then close before I even get to the road where I'll encounter other vehicles. At that point I understand the seatbelt reminder. My driveway, not so much.

[@CassHermoso]

Just got my Subaru 2024 Crosstrek on Saturday. I'm loving it! Thank you for this

[@mardiweber2951]

You do a great job explaining Subarus. The first time I experienced the Auto Stop-Start was in a loaner from the dealership. I thought I broke the car! I called them and they told me what it was. It’s on my 2022 Outback. I always turn it off because it makes me jump when it shuts off.

[@ramonalee1]

I thought the same when I was test driving. I told the salesman something was wrong with it and how it was cutting on and off.😂. How embarrassing!

[@mardiweber2951]

@@ramonalee1 I know the feeling!

[@briantodd4887]

Your videos are a huge help for us that just purchased a new Subaru. All dealerships salesmen should refer there buyers to this site. I would love to see a video on identifying the parts in the 2024 OBW engine bay and power train. Just knowing where things like engine block, cam shaft, air intake, manifolds, alternator, starter, fuse box, cvt, difs, fly wheels, etc - would be a great video

[@justin1130]

FYI for the auto start system. You don't need to turn it off. If you gently come to a stop without completely pushing down on the brake, the auto-start system WILL NOT activate, saving you from having to turn it off everytime you drive and you have full control of when you want it off/on during driving. Try it next time..

[@st3218]

Yep. If you also pay attention to the traffic lights, you can lift up slightly to restart it so you're ready to go. I keep it on because 70% of my drive to work is city. You eventually get a feel for how much you have to push to brake but not stop the engine.

[@PDCruzer]

I opted for the auto start eliminator. Simple plug and play, and don’t have to worry about it again.

[@Jean9-52]

Is that an issue with the warrenty?@@PDCruzer

[@mjc63]

My Forester has the button on the left…easy enough now I just lower tailgate, press gas thing, click adaptive cruise and press AVH…now its just a habit! The gas saving thing is such a gimmick. I suppose people with heavy commutes may save a few dollars.

[@fullenw]

I always wondered why it doesn't always work

[@margarettaraboletti3499]

Could you do a video on the navigational system? Mine doesn't always work and I'm getting frustrated with it. I love my new Subaru, but this is a point of frustration for me in the car. I have a 2024 Subaru Outback.

[@kimberlycope4909]

Thanks! I always seem to learn something new!

[@spudnut3043]

When you use the AVH. When you take your foot off the brake after you come to a complete stop does the brake lights in the back stay on or go off?

[@johnreese3762]

Great info, thanks Alex!!

[@lbview]

Hi Alex, love your channel, it is very informative. I have a 2023 Ascent. I love everything about it other than the navigation. it works very well (with the What3Words) but the display is very bad. Is there any way of changing the colors? In the day mode is it just light lines and in the night mode black with white lines. My last car ( a Ford Explorer ) was very easy to see day or night due to the color settings. It is ok when the is it navigating as the road are marked in blue but sometimes I use it when in a neighborhood that I am not familiar with but it is too hard to see, this was never problem with the Ford

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

Are you referring to the optional NAV (pre programmed / loaded maps) or using Google Maps through your cell phone? If using G.M. I may be able to help.

[@lbview]

@@HomesteadOnThePreserve the built-in navigation that is standard with the Touring.

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

@@lbview Ahhhh I see.

[@jefffunke252]

I notice that buttons like the lock/unlock and the rear hatch liftgate are lit up in Drive, but then go dark when in Park, right when I need them. Is there a setting for that?

[@HippieHikerChik]

Great video. Very helpful. Thanks!

[@lynellethompson5521]

Do you have a video on XMode and how to use it?? Do you turn it on and drive in a snow storm or only when you get stuck?? Can you use it in a heavy snow storm in the city with multiple traffic stops, or only on the freeways?? I previously had a vehicle with VSA and it was useless!! Just turn the VSA off in snow and rain and when on a muddy road!! VSA pulls back and forth and fights against itself!!

[@NatalieHenson-m4b]

Can you tell me what all I’m supposed to get when I buy the Shield 360 protection plan.

[@KentuckyOutback]

I'm so glad, I got my Outback in 2015, before all this goofiness started, especially the elimination of the 3.6...

[@alaish360]

I like the tips and tricks. I tried to find the change MPG readout in the center dashboard gauge but didn't find the setting on the 2023 Subaru Forester. Is this a Outback only setting?

[@carlosochoa4915]

Hello Alex first of all thank you for all the videos they are very useful, I have a question I have a forester sport 2023 and when I lock it doesn't sound the beep or when I unlocked don't sound so is normal?

[@garypolonetsky5712]

With the last infotainment update the avh has an on/off button on the main screen next to the auto on off button..

[@craigp187]

As a first time Subaru owner, I want to say that I really appreciate these videos. I do have a question about the controls however. I have 2022 Ascent that shows an option for speed volume adjustment. No matter where I set it I cannot get any effectual change in the volume of the radio at varing speeds. I’ve read in some forums that this feature is dependent on the radio system. I.e. does it have an amplifier or not. Can you confirm that the speed volume function is dependent on a higher end radio and the presence of an amplifier?

[@nochenoche9905]

I'm a first-time subaru owner of 2019, and I've also appreciated these videos. I got mine for a Ford dealership, so I wasn't told about any of these nice features lol

[@Chanatx]

I was getting all excited that I didn't have to plug my phone in to use the apps. Then you said, "Unfortunately with the 2024 Forester, you still have to plug it in." 😭 But I'm really appreciating your videos!

[@alexpmo]

Oh no! One plus to the cable requirement is that it'll still simultaneously charge your phone while using Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Both of these tend to use a lot of phone battery power

[@reg26]

I have watched your videos a lot and became a subscriber because they are very informative. I have a 2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT with the mag phone charger. Well after an hour or so my Apple phone gets so hot it shuts down. Even after 20 minutes of driving it gets hot. So now I just use a USB cable and plug inti the back seat charger and it stays nice and cool and will work on really longer drives. What gives with this? The wireless carplay works perfectly but the mag charger is useless.

[@elissawaldman-sison9103]

Do you have any info for my 2016 Outback?

[@Beyondesp]

Very helpful as always. Do you know how to connect an audio player (ipod classic with a blue tooth adapter ) with blue tooth ? And still use android auto / carplay ? I have tried to connect the blue tooth adapter, and then it drops my phone and then doesn't fully connect to the iPod. Have an outback 2024.

[@yoloparrot42]

Yeah unfortunately I'm not aware of a workaround for that, its a bummer

[@jillkenyon8105]

Is there a chance you can review the Legacy Premium?

[@TheOrganicsBoutique]

Is there a feature to tilt the side mirrors down when it's in reverse?

[@lindavaders1111]

Hi Alex, I’m not sure if you got my email but I bought a 2024 cross track sport edition and I’m just wondering if you’ve heard of any rearview mirror on the driver side vibrating I’ve had the mirror change the whole apparatus changed and it’s still vibrates when I’m traveling.

[@markwisner3972]

Great video. The one thing that annoys me with my 2024 Crosstrek Limited is, when I turn off the car, most of the time the radio does not turn off right away but then other times it does. I can not find any pattern that makes it turn off instantly, foot on the brake, emergency brake engaged etc... Is there a setting where I can make the radio go off when I turn off the car?

[@kenarcher2292]

Hi , I am a new owner of a used 2016 (1 owner) Subaru Crosstrek, but after watching Your videos, ( which only seem to apply to the latest models) I am starting to wonder if the 2016 model has any features.

[@worldrecords7969]

The Auto Start button can be disabled in one of the screens so you don't have to hit the button on the home screen. Unfortunately mine won't disable and I have to use the home screen button every time I start the car.

[@davidlcolburn7745]

2021 Subaru Forrester. How do you keep the lights from coming on when the switch is in the off position.

[@CecilWaldo]

Do you know how to set up the door alarm because it does not come activated from the factory.

[@Terrifirmastudio]

Love your channel. Just got a outback touring. Is there a way to disable the rear seat belt alarm? I have 2 50-65 lbs dogs and ad they move around in the back it triggers the alarm. Looking for a setting or a work around.

[@RogerOtzenberger-je4oj]

What about a 2019 Forester? Maintenance?

[@jamesmales1611]

Can you turn off the adaptive Crosstrek cruise control beeps which are very annoying on a winding road

[@georgegutchigian151]

I have a 2023 cross track I saw on the motor trend show on TV that they have a pulldown loop that is an option on a 2020 Ford cross track trying to find out where I can get one and is it able to be installed thanks, George

[@tannertate7713]

How do I turn on blind spot monitor on my 2019 subaru forester sport

[@mjc63]

This was a very helpful video. So glad I got my 2023 Forester Premium specifically to avoid that big screen TV in the dashboard! Seriously, living in sunny New Mexico the glare alone would be an issue for me as well as having to navigate everywhere for everything. Sometimes a dedicated button is just an easier, simpler solution.

[@landlocked54]

@alexpmo. WOW, I just found your channel, and I love it. It's already helped me find some cool features for my 2023 Outback. Two questions that you've probably already answered, but I need some help finding the video. 1. How do I lock the doors and keep the engine and AC or heat running so my dog can stay in the car while I run into a store to get something? 2. Whenever I switch from SiriusXM to my Android playing Amazon Music, the sound volume decreases quite a bit. My phone volume is set as high as it can be. What am I missing? My dealer did a vehicle software upgrade. Didn't change a thing. Help! Ron in Idaho Idaho

[@rockymarquiss8327]

I wish there was a way to set the default setting for the auto start/stop

[@gregdironca8679]

Hi Alex, I have a 2022 Legacy. Is the lettering on the radio knobs for volume and tuning supposed to light up? There is some light by the knobs, but you cant read the lettering at night.

[@jasenliu]

I see your Forester info has weather and my 2022 Forester has weather before but it all gone now. I am wondering why

[@trackguy4038]

Can an iPod work on the 2024 Forester Premium trim?

[@alexpmo]

It should! I know it works wirelessly on the 2023 Outback (i've tested on my own) so it should work with the usb cable on the 2024 Forester

[@odalysferrer]

Hi! I have a question: Is the Subaru Crostrek 2024 engine noisy?

[@ralphaguayo]

Hi. I bought a trunk light for my Crosstrek and can not find plug to plug in . I took off the trim where it goes

[@sherrenehiggins6181]

Martin. You are such a master at helping your personal journey in life help so many others who may be struggling. What you share. I have no doubt, saves lives. Thank you.❤

[@raneloangelo5802]

Hi Alex- i just bought a 2024 crosstrek with eyesight. Where is the best placement of a dash cam without interfering with the eyesight? Thanks

[@lynellethompson5521]

Looking for instructions on how to turn your headlights to automatically dim from high beam. I'm trying to use this feature but I'm doing something wrong!!

[@philipburgess2865]

in my 2020 outback the avh app icon isn't there is there a way to add it?

[@ducatiman]

Hello! I've been watching your reviews, they're very informative and interesting. I really like the Subaru Outback reviews. I have a couple of questions: I have a 2022 Outback XT with swiveling headlights, but they don't turn during turns. In the main SRH menu, it's active and turned on. Perhaps there are some sensors or wires that need to be connected? Why doesn't the start-stop system always work? It says it's active, but sometimes it doesn't engage at traffic lights. Thank you in advance for your answers.

[@alexpmo]

Hey, thanks for watching! Glad to hear you've found them helpful. I was going to suggest checking to be sure the SRH is turned on in the menu. Sounds like you've already done that so next steps would be having a Subaru tech look at it. Could be something wrong with it. Auto start/stop will only active when certain conditions have been met (i.e. engine temps and/or interior climate controls have been met). So when the engine is cold or your interior climate control is above/below your set temp, auto start/stop won't activate. Hope this helps provide some clarity!

[@ducatiman]

@@alexpmo Thank you for the prompt response. I appreciate your explanations and advice. Wishing you success and more insights about the Outback. Best wishes to you!

[@USNAVDC]

Nice video

[@fmih]

Hi Alex-is there a way to change your settings without starting the engine?

[@joer4367]

I have a 2024 Crosstrek and hitting the start button without having your foot on the brake puts in the "accessory" mode.

[@susanstanley1109]

Alex, please talk about interior lights. At night, on my 2024 Outback Onyx XT, there are no interior lights until I start the car. At night, cannot see the door unlock button until after I start the car. Any way to increase passive interior amount of lights when 1st opening door?

[@joanntarateta7606]

Can you turn off the beeps for the back seat seatbelt alert?

[@randolphwilson211]

Hello Alex. Just ordered a 2024 Subaru Forester this morning here in Myrtle Beach, SC. Will have to wait 8-10 weeks for arrival. The dealership (Hadwin-White Subaru) tried to find one in my color (Ice Silver Metallic) but none available coming into the dealership. I was pleasantly surprised my trade in (2017 Toyota RAV4) was valued more today than it would had been a year ago???....do not understand....other than a changing market. Thanks for you help as I have watched many your videos in the past.

[@611rain]

The RAV4 is a highly sought after vehicle, so it being above what you paid is the norm these days. Demand is greater than supply. We had a 2 year old RAV4 Limited and received 1k over what we paid initially, and that was last year.

[@randolphwilson211]

@@611rain Thank you. My trade in was a 2017 RAV4 LE with 47,000 miles. Did not receive more than I paid originally, but was surprised by the trade in value. The salesman did say that a year ago the offer would be less than the offer today. My thinking was Used Car prices were coming down....but evidently not.

[@bear_momo]

not sure how to make the start/stop hold longer, change a bigger battery?

[@watchyerstep]

Please correct me if I'm wrong on this, models like the 2023 Forester with a manual Auto-Start switch (lower left panel) can deactivate the system "permanently" meaning Auto-Start will not default back "on" at the next engine start if the Auto-Start switch is off, correct?

[@marcoaguilera4569]

Hi, I do have a question. I bought a new crosstrek limited 2024, and since the beginning, i had issues with carplay while I am on a regular phone call, facetime audio or whatsapp audio. Others cannot hear me, but I can hear them very clear. I had tried restarting my phone, disconnecting the phone from manage devices setting, but nothing seems to be working. what can i do?

[@GarySchulman]

On my 2024 outback I am unable to move the avh to the first page…. What am I doing wrong? Do I need to remove an icon from the mainpage? Thinking that, I tried to move a mainpage icon to the second page to free a spot but that didn’t work either. I drag the icon to the edge of the screen it won’t go.

[@MrMSCHWARTZMAN]

How does one gain control of the headlights. Our 2020 Forester lights come on without being on auto. I want to turn them on when I want them on.

[@2Elkhounds]

I have a 2022 Crosstrek Sport. Is there a way to turn off the automatic radio from coming on when starting the car? Here in VT, all I get is static. Also, that stupid safety question that comes up everytime....so annoying!!!

[@raymondgrose9118]

I have an “Auto Stop Eliminator” plugged into the module under the passenger seat. Takes 30 secs to install and the Engine Start Stop will not reset when the engine is turned off. You can still use the function if you want to or leave it permanently off.

[@jonllanos8707]

Great Subí videos btw

[@mrhalfstep]

Alex, I have a couple of issues that I hope you can help me with. The first deals with the auto start/stop system. It's winter time (cold outside) and I am not running my heater (because it isn't THAT cold outside and I'm tough) and I'm not running my A/C (because I'm not THAT tough!). In spite of the fact that I'm not running the sort of things that would normally make the car shut off and then restart soon after (to save the battery) , my car Outback keeps shutting off at stops and then IMMEDIATELY restarting. It isn't saving fuel, because it is an immediate restart, and it's just wearing out my starter motor, it seems to me. I didn't mind the stopping and restarting when it stayed off until I unbraked, but this seems to now be wearing out a critical part on the car. Have you heard of this issue? The second item deals with the built in navigation on my infotainment system. I would like to have the route/arrow and map always oriented with FORWARD direction at the top of the map. In other words, FORWARD UP rather than NORTH UP. Can you tell me how to change that? I'm really glad that you're still making these videos. I've seen many other salesmen on other YT channels doing it, but not nearly as well as you do. 👍😉

[@hunterhawk5710]

Left side below steering wheel on my 23 out back there is a thumb wheel that turns like 6 positions, what does it do?

[@savannahkillinger5406]

My avh setting stays on in my ascent 🎉

[@joetarlos]

Hi Alex if you program your car for maintenance with it automatically pop up when the maintenance is due or do you just have to keep an eye on it and check your mileage that you would put in???

[@trackguy4038]

On the large touch screen, you have the "Car" icon to change the Driver Assist settings. I have the small touch screen and it does not have the "Car" icon to change the Driver Assist settings. How do I find the "Car" icon on the small touch screen?

[@JT-xf3ly]

I set sped alerts in the app. I assume it will alert me if I go past the limit I set. I don't hear or see a alert. Does this not do this? Or a. I doing something wrong?

[@LonLack]

Does the 23 Acent not have auto start/stop?

[@alexpmo]

None of the Ascents 2019-2024 have the auto start stop feature. My guess is because it already meets the EPA guidelines as-is.

[@kimmiepint9388]

I have a 2025 outback. Is there a way to remotely put windows down? with Remote or App?

[@alexpmo]

unfortunately not

[@Konformation07]

More WRX content please

[@Amberdogproductions]

Waiting for a fix to the 6 chimes at startup. Hope they fix that.. omg!

[@alexpmo]

Yes, it's a pain 😅