I have been a Toyota guy my entire life. But, I got tired of paying extra for basic comfort features; so I just purchased a 2023 Outback Onyx XT. So far it has exceeded my expectations. I still have my 2015 Tundra TRD Pro in my stable. I will use the Onyx for those long trips to visit my grandkids.
The Outback is a sensible, non-flashy, logical automobile. It isn't designed to impress. It's designed to do the job! It is all-weather capable, comfortable, and has enough utility to do many home improvement jobs or get you to your favorite camping spot. Lumber and PVC pipe for home improvement projects can either fit inside with the tailgate open, or just be strapped to the crossbars on top. It'll tow 3,500 lbs so the Outback can handle small utility trailers, small campers, a small boat or jet skis. Outbacks are more fuel efficient than most SUVs and any pickup truck other than a Maverick hybrid. There's a reason Subaru sells every one they can make out of that Lafayette, Indiana plant.
I am a Subaru Impreza owner. I was literally telling my wife today how much I love the Outback, and if Subaru comes out with a hybrid Outback next year, I would no way look at another brand.
I was a Toyota guy as well... Now drive a '23 Outback Limited 2.5, and absolutely love it. The touchscreen can be a little laggy at times, but works well and looks nice overall. The extendable seat cushion for the driver is fantastic (I'm 6'2"). I do notice the wind noise (my Prius had none of that), but the road noise and rattles are essentially non-existent (my Prius had ALL of that). So, I would say the Outback is a much more luxurious experience compared to the Prius. My brother's Highlander is probably a little quieter than my Outback. But I love the elevated car height of the Outback vs the low Prius and the tall Highlander. It's pretty close to perfect.
Recently bought a 2024 Outback Premium. My spouse and I have had 8 Subarus over a 42-year period, and I purchased 3 more for the office at my old job. The new one is not flashy, but rides well and I know it will be good in the snow. The touchscreen is mildly annoying due to its lag time and there's not a ton of room up front, but overall we are both quite pleased. Have a big road trip coming up in March 2025 (800+ miles) so we'll see how it does.
I've got a '22 OBW with almost 36k miles on it. It's fun to surprise restraining order bros at stoplights and it can hold it's own off the road too. Mine has seen more dirt/mud than most Jeeps and has never let me down.
Actually easy to beat. Onyx XT is better. Startek should be an option on any trim. Why tf would I want leather on an outback this isn’t a bmw or Benz that’s gonna be squeaky clean.
I have a ‘21 Touring XT and absolutely love it. Plenty quick with the 2.4 turbo and the perfect road trip machine with great seats and tons of storage. Only complaint is the over reliance on the touch screen infotainment.
I've been a Subaru guy for quite a while. I bought my wife a 2022 Outback last year and it's been great. It's a little quirky with all of the options it has but overall the interface is easy to get control of. The Premium lacks simple features like a reliable back up beeper and has 1,000 extra safety features up front that are mostly annoyances. The back seat leg room with our 2 child seats is quite stellar compared to anything besides a mini-van or big SUV. The 2.5 does not impress as this is just about the biggest vehicle that that engine can handle. All of the smaller 2.5L Subarus I've driven (from a '99 2.5RS coupe to a new Crosstrek Sport) feel peppier and more nimble. It's still a great car all around and just about the only station wagon style car still out there, so when my '05 Forester finally ages out, an Onyx XT is still at the top of my short list.
I got an 2024 Outback Onyx and love it. I got rid of my Ranger and I am loving the way better gas mileage and it is way more comfortable for day to day driving. I live in northern Wisconsin and the AWD system is great on bad roads which we have a lot of. The 2024 Onyx has the Harmon Kardon which truly is amazing.
Having owned a 2003 Forester, and 2010, 2015, and 2022 Outbacks, all with 2.5 NA engine, I have to say that your review was well done & accurate. The 2.5 does OK, can even tow a 2,000 boat. I have had 1 windshield crack (2015) & two batteries die prematurely (2015 & 2022), and one minor oil leak (2015). Otherwise they have been trouble free (most miles I had on any of them was 77,000). The current gen info screen does take more time to make some minor adjustments which does takes my eyes off the road longer than ideal, but overall it ain't too bad.
I drove a 2009 Scion xB for 15 yrs, it's ZERO frills. Just got the 2024 Limited XT a week ago. So that's a HUGE upgrade. lol Cars have come a long way in 15 yrs. lol I have to get used to not punching the gas. Funny thing is I had thought I would just waltz into Honda and get the CRV and be done with it. While that is a very nice vehicle. I also test drove the Honda Passport which ruined the CRV for me- both hybrid and regular gas, they felt like stilts on wheels. Passport was such a solid vehicle but the MPG was gonna be less than my xB. While I did drive the RAV4- it was grossly underwhelming and cramped. That's how I ended up at Subaru, it seems like a proper middle ground with lower end towing capacity and okay MPG (better than my xB). Now I can tow a small teardrop camper or something like it. I have a reliable car for the next 15 years. (I hope)
I'm currently looking to buy the first NEW car I've ever purchased in my life - a 2024 Outback. Everything I hear and read is confirming for me that it's a good purchase. thanks for the review!
I just did the same thing last week. 24 outback onyx. The AC compressor went out when it was 115 out the day I drove it off the lot. Hopefully just a rocky start to a lovely car/driver relationship ,
I just bought a 2024 Outback Limited XT 3 days ago, and didn’t know-until this video-that those crossbars rotated over to connect to each other. How fun is that?!? Thanks!
I happen to be getting a base outback within the next year.... and I disagree on a lot of points that you brought up.... such as the double screen.... first of all I don't think it looks "cheap" as you called it.... secondly, being, I am getting the base model that is the screen I will be getting, which is one of the reasons why I'm actually getting the base.... I prefer the double screen as opposed to the 11.6 inch oversized screen.... don't get me wrong it is very nice but in my opinion, it's rather gaudy in this particular vehicle.... my brothers ram truck has the big screen but it fits and looks better in a big truck like that.... it looks to be too much in the outback.... the ride quality in the outback is phenomenal.... it feels almost like a luxury car in terms of ride quality of handling pumps and divots in the road.... I worked for a Subaru dealership for a while and was a PDI technician, so I got to test drive all of the Subarus, and absolutely fell in love with the outback when I drove it.... it is without a doubt, a very, unique looking SUV.... I refer to it as a crossover between a Station wagon, and an suv and in my opinion, is one of its defining features... overall no matter which trim level you choose I feel it is the best value of any vehicle.... first of all for the many features that you get, even in the base model and above all for the safety features that all Subarus have.... Subaru does not put a price tag on safety, and I appreciate that more than anything.... I also don't agree with your analogy of the outback being boring, in fact, I find it actually fun to drive.... I feel that a lot of reviews I have seen about the outback... including yours.... tend to nitpick on a lot of things.... the outback along with the Forrester get a lot of high praise from consumer reports
Traded my 2017 Outback Premium for a 2024 Outback Touring. Coincidentally, my new Outback is the same color as the model you tested (Autumn Green). My only regret/complaint about the new car is the engine. I should have gone with the XT. The non-turbo doesn't know enough to get out of its own way. Press the pedal and it moans and groans, yet it doesn't move. Lesson learned.
Interesting comment, since the 2024 has a more powerful base engine (182hp) than the 2017 (175hp), which is what the Premium trim comes with. In your experience, did the previous base engine somehow seem superior to the current one?
@@tomeisenmenger7048 - The previous generation, in my opinion, was much quicker/responsive from a dead stop. It also felt a bit more lively when going up a hill or passing. The 2024 is a lovely vehicle. A lovely vehicle that likes to take its time.
@@MaureenStapletonFan If you went from Premium to Touring, you added about 150 lbs. with the additional features. That probably accounts for most of the difference.
Real nice job.. Ive been binging on Outback vids and this one had alot of info that you dont see on other channels. Living in Florida we see flooding now a few times a year and I have a Prius for when i drove 22,000 mile a year and now that I work from home I want something with more ground clearance.. im sold on the Onyx and probably just the base engine as I fear service hell with the turbo.
The flooding here gets worse and worse it’s horrible about 10 yrs ago I drowned a car( the engine not the actual car) because of the flooding and I’ve been cautious ever since
Excellent review, with a remarkably thorough discussion of the pro's and con's of the vehicle. The practicality of the vehicle is fantastic. I will make the point that the problems with the infotainment system and the cracked windshield issue are keeping me away. And, my source is the "Car Wizard" that I fear recalibrating the very excellent "Eyesight" function has proven a challenge, even to the dealerships, after the cracked windshield replacement. The whole cracked windshiield issue makes it a "no go" for me. That, and my belief that the infotainment system will fail in 5-10 years and be the "Achilles heel" of the vehicle because of the cost to replace it. After all, longevity is at the core of the purchase of a Subaru for many of us. I am more inclined to buy a used car that has a record of good reliability, than a new Subaru, right now. I have exhausted myself trying to talk myself into getting one, though. This young man has done as good a review as I have seen. Kudos. WRX owner "Lost the girlfriend by challenging a Subaru Outback XT" 🤣
Own a 2022 Outback Premium. Great car. Hoping for a hybrid Outback in the near future. As an IU Bloomington grad really enjoyed seeing the Bloomington scenery!
well done on this. I have a 2020 Outback (non-turbo); had the Wilderness as a loaner car earlier this year... the turbo was nice, but the extra bit of height was kinda wobbly at times. and, those tires... I think it would cost a fortune to replace them. I think the XT is the sweet spot. again, well done video.
I like my Limited XT but the gas mileage has been well below the EPA specified 22 - 28 mpg. I get about 15 mpg in town. The dealer will not analyze the problem.
Since there isn't a surround view camera, do the outside review mirrors bend down when the car is in reverse so you can see the side of the car? Excellent review as always. I'm about 95% sure that I'd be happy with a Touring XT model..
I had a Tacoma Trd Off Road 2020 for reliability, but my needs have changed. Sold it for an Outback Wilderness 2023. It has exceeded my expectations so far, from space, maneuverability, cargo and especially comfort. just came back from a 2 000 km trip and i was so pleased with the driving. My only problem with it is sound system is bad (but not as bad as Tacoma) and the giant screen, it's buggy. Especially with a baby coming, back seat space is a giant PLUS and the fack that the cargo is within the car and not in a tonneau, things can stay warm or cold depending of weather.
I have a 2007 Subaru Outback 5-speed that I really enjoy! It does have excessive oil consumption, but its one of 2 daily drivers, so it isn't the end of the world. I add oil every 2 weeks. I would really like to see Subaru make a modern wagon that isn't so SUV/crossover-looking. I also don't like the giant touchscreen. Physical buttons are definitely preferred, especially for climate control.
He says in his videos he's 6' 3". I'm the same height with long legs and I fit great in the Outback (which I've driven several recent ones, plus I own a 2021 Legacy which has the same cabin in sedan form). My right knee doesn't even touch the center console. Plus the pull out thigh support is a game changer on long trips for tall people. I've never sat in more comfortable seats
I have a 2022 outback and at 6ft5in im comfortable. Great for around town and can comfortably do long road trips . After sitting in so many vehicles the outback was the first that i instantly said i can be comfortable in this vehicle..
Any trim with the pull out thigh support is worth considering. It makes such a big difference on long trips for long legged individuals (have a '21 Legacy Touring XT with those seats).
For those wanting to get a. 2024. Find out about insurance first. Im having a difficult time getting a decent rate. And my driving record is impeccable.
@@Realistick been with them for years. All of a sudden they want to charge me 300 a month for the Outback. Granted, I had. 4 cars bundled. The young lady told me they're taking advantage since not many insurance companies can find a 24 Outback in their system. AARP seems to be offering a better deal.
Mine is a compact crossover SUV. That’s why I bought it. The body type is wagon. The final choice was between the Outback and the RAV4 - another compact crossover SUV and a wagon as well. The Crosstrek is subcompact, the Outback & Forester are compact, the Ascent is midsize.
@@cruiseadmiral I had a 2020 Rav4 and that thing was tiny compared to the Outback. So glad I went with an Outback but I’ll never consider it a compact no matter what the car world “considers” it.
@@cofffeejoe2079 Same here. What you call tiny comparison I call nose-to-nose and cheek-to-cheek plus multiple test drives, borrowing cars from co-workers to get familiar. I did it for the Outback, Forester, Rav4, CR-V, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50, Hyundai... VW Tiguan... when I was looking for a replacement for my CR-V. They are all crossover SUVs, same price range, same target group of potential clients. They are not carbon copies of each other, but all of them (excluding CX-5) are technically AWD wagons. That matters because this is what they really are for the buying customer. But if we want to put it on map of the "car world" , we have to outline this group as compact crossovers that are between subcompact (Crosstrek, HR-V, CX-30, etc.) and midsize (Ascent, Pilot, Passport, Highlander, Telluride, etc.). I have posted a video on my channel that covers this topic specifically (Outback "wagon" BS). Take a moment to watch how I changed my Outback. Some things may be helpful for the real owners.
Can think of plenty of competitors that are actually looking more dated .... the Camry, older Accord is looking weird compared to the more mature Subarus....
Good to hear your feedback, did you previously own the 11.6? What makes you say it’s more reliable? To my knowledge they’re equally buggy but I don’t own one.
I just want to know where my map has gone on my 2024 Outback. Can someone please tell me. I do not want to always use car play and my phones map. Thank you.
Back roads of Indiana????? really???? We, here in New England, it's all about MUD, SNOW. I've enjoyed my Outbacks 'mudding' while my 4x4 truck friends are stuck in Mud Season
"[Florida] u need vented seats down here" -- Get cloth, and your problem is over. I am in Florida, too. Cloth is better, breathes without added complexity. God help you if you or your passenger spills coffee on those fancy perforated seats.
@@mountainhobo what world do you live in ? Cloth seats ? it’s 85 % or higher that most cars have leather or this new faux leather seats ppl need to wake up it’s not 1993 anymore it’s 2023 like it or not
@@johnfranktullo3463 Blah blah blah. Grow up. Cloth seats are easily available unless you buy a car to impress your neighbor instead of looking for a practical solution, and then cry that you get a heat rash.
Sorry,sir but have had leather seats in a 2015 Subaru Outback,and the cloth is more comfortable,in summer and winter ,I live in Chicago,am 75,on my fourth Outback,the 2.5.is plenty peppy for this old greaser!
Subarus may be practical, but the styling is a visual mess. This current one is really bad with arbitrary plastic shapes littered all over it. The roof rack is surprisingly plasticky, as is the interior which looks cheap. Another surprising misstep is the lack of buttons and knobs, especially for the HVAC controls. The touch screen is less safe as you have to look away from the road longer. Safety, Subaru? Subarus always have a lot of front overhang because the engine hangs out entirely ahead of the front axle line, somewhat belying its off-road prowess. On the street, the need for AWD is always questionable compared to installing snow tires on a FWD car in winter. Overall, I just can get past the tasteless styling.
when did 1' rollout become an industry standard if you are not at the drag strip? Tesla began this to make their numbers look better but for the past 3 decades know one has used a 1 foot rollout when performing 0-60 or 0-100mph runs... finally I really hope the outback demographic is not hung up on 0-60mph but hopefully 30-50 or 40-70 etc..
It’s the standard and has been for a long time now (there’s no refuting it, google how Car and Driver or motortrend do it if you must), people criticize tesla because they are tesla. I don’t like it but it’s the numbers everyone uses when they compare cars (even if the people reading are unaware) so it makes more sense. Unlike most, I give you the full sheet so you can use whatever numbers you want (including 30-50)!
@@Realistick Unfortunately no. One foot rollout is not an industry standard. This method is used at drag strips due to where the timing trigger is... I mentioned Tesla not because I hate them but because they used one foot rollout to make the already fast Plaid look faster 2.1 seconds vs. 1.9 seconds which they publish - marketing. No other automaker does this.. one foot rollout is NOT 0-60. I mention 0-60 vs. 30-50mph because for an outback owner passing is more important and as you correctly stated if passing is important get the turbo which we did. I did not assume your back ground or what you may or may not be aware of I only made an observation. If you disagree show me and we can exchange some minor knowledge. I have been reading both publication for 20+ years and spent just as much in the industry. So here is the link to how Car and Driver conducts their testing. Hope it allows some advancement for all. www.caranddriver.com/features/a32018270/how-we-test-cars/
@@KOFIV77 Read the links you send because it verbatim says “we switched to using 1ft rollout, the industry standard” and then says in the past, we just measured from 3 mph to simulate rollout. www.caranddriver.com/features/a30085446/acceleration-testing-procedure-change-rollout/ There’s no arguing to this. Plus, I give the whole sheet, use what you want.
@KOFIV77 everyone uses it, much like the performance data back in the day. "Corrected" to sea level numbers for 0 - 60 & 1/4 mile time and speed was used by ALL magazines.
All you wonderful people,the lines to charge up these electric vehicles,in Chicago when it dropped to 20 below this past January,made me shake,raddle,and roll,my 2220, outback sat out side for 4 cold as hell days,combustion engine turned right over,and purred like a kitten,the batteries,in those electrics took triple the time to charge,and did not hold a charge as long as they were suppose too!FACT,another liberal idea shoved down our throat,and I am neither a liberal or conservative,just a 75 year old guy,who don’t want any bull Excretement!
The Wilderness is nice, but I chose the Touring XT as there is too much novelty with the Wilderness - the gold touches in and out will date it. The Napa leather in the Touring is fantastic.
for some people this will make a lot of sense, but not for me. can't really see myself driving a snow machine in sunny southern california. otherwise not too bad for a dad car on stilts.
To much electronic wizardly and that transmission. No thanks. Give me a basic Subaru (remember those) no frills wagon with the turbo and 6 speed manual.
Your,wanting a sports car,then buy one,as a 75 year old guy who has Ben driving since he was 15,the 2.5.has plenty of pep,and I have owned a2006,2015,2220,and now a 2024,all outback’s,plenty of speed,but what do I know!
@@Cowdog1 Yeah, it’s Disgusting. I had my 11 Ford Ranger pickup reupholstered in Red with Black stitching and trim to match the custom 2 tone exterior paint, (Silver over Red metallic) and metallic red pinstripe. It originally had the gloomy gray and boring black. Our 1990 Dodge Caravan was white with gloomy gray interior. My 94 Geo Metro was Red metallic with gloomy gray interior. My 02 Camry was Silver with gloomy gray interior. Thankfully my 11 Toyota RAV4 Limited was Gold with Tan Leather interior. I wanted the Red metallic, but it came with Boring Black Leather interior and I was sick and tired of gray and black even back then, so I opted for the Gold. My current Forester Touring is Bronze with Saddle Brown Leather interior. I truly didn’t want to spend the extra money just to get ANYTHING EXCEPT for gloomy, outdated, boring, dull, drab, cheap looking gray or black interior. When shopping for my wife’s Outback we looked around forever to find a color combo that had the Ivory leather interior. Any old dead fish can float down stream like everyone else, but we’re Sick and Tired of having those 2 unsophisticated cheap outdated gray and black interior colors. We live in the PNW, so when the sky is dark gray, everyone’s vehicles are silver, gray, charcoal gray or black and have depressing gray or black interior colors and then over 50% of Americans paint their homes gray with white trim, their interior motif colors are gloomy gray, dark, depressing colors people wonder why Seattle has such a high suicide rate. Just look around you… everything is depressing Gray !
@@Doc1855You know what,maybe if you live alittle bit longer,and maybe have some tough times,and maybe have to just worry,about transportation,and maybe not having to go to war,maybe you will be a happy man like I am at 75 years old,just maybe!Thomas A.Filipiak
@@tomfilipiak3511 I am happy, but we still have the right to Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression. We still have choices and the rights to express what we do or don’t like. If you don’t like the Freedoms that I’ve fought for in America, then you have the Right to LEAVE !
@@Doc1855 doc,first of all is I offended you in any way,I am deeply sorry,as far as love of country,1st Cavalry Viet Nam 1967 1968,and since you fought too,God bless you,and Thank you!
A sponsor implies that they pay me, which they do not. It would be rude of me to not thank them for letting me test drive their cars and they are pretty nice as far as dealerships go. Even sold their Golf Rs and special edition GTIs without any markups.
@@Realistick Ok, that's even worse. A dealership loans you out a new car it has for sale, you spend an afternoon driving it and reviewing it and doing FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION runs on a new car that's not even broken in yet, and then return it to the dealer and they sell it to some unsuspecting customer? Some cars you've reviewed, like the WRX, explicitly state in their owners manuals to keep the revs below 4000 RPM for the first thousand miles, or no full throttle acceleration, and here you are taking a brand new car and doing just that. Forget the sponsored stuff then. If Royal cares about their cars and their customers they shouldn't be loaning out cars to Johnny RUclipsrs like you. Just my two cents as someone who doesn't want my new car flogged before purchase.
@@robertk1049 A valid concern although many of the times, like in this, my full throttle tests use a car well past the break-in (it was a 2022 onyx XT). Additionally, the main reason why you avoid 4k rpms is to keep the temperature down. Savage Geese did a great video about this recently where they talked to the engineers of the new Corvette about break-in. I believe he even said a couple of zero to sixties won't hurt anything but hard driving definitely can if it's sustained like it would be on the track. For me, i treat it like a test drive. I've always done one acceleration test with the car up to operating temp and then drive it easy to keep it from getting hot. Test drive is done after 15 miles and if i grab b roll, it's another 10. Lately, to avoid any concerns I've really been lunging for press cars, used equivalents or service loaners for the road tests.
I have been a Toyota guy my entire life. But, I got tired of paying extra for basic comfort features; so I just purchased a 2023 Outback Onyx XT. So far it has exceeded my expectations. I still have my 2015 Tundra TRD Pro in my stable. I will use the Onyx for those long trips to visit my grandkids.
I think that trim is the best deal.
Both my wife and I did the same thing. She got the Outback Onyx and I got the Accent Onyx limited. We are both happy.
You’re not paying extra for a Toyota, for basic comfort features, you’re paying extra for a real transmission, unparalleled longevity, and safety
Have fun rich people. Just please, stop recommending this garbage brand to poor people. Its really messed up.
The Outback is a sensible, non-flashy, logical automobile. It isn't designed to impress. It's designed to do the job! It is all-weather capable, comfortable, and has enough utility to do many home improvement jobs or get you to your favorite camping spot. Lumber and PVC pipe for home improvement projects can either fit inside with the tailgate open, or just be strapped to the crossbars on top. It'll tow 3,500 lbs so the Outback can handle small utility trailers, small campers, a small boat or jet skis. Outbacks are more fuel efficient than most SUVs and any pickup truck other than a Maverick hybrid.
There's a reason Subaru sells every one they can make out of that Lafayette, Indiana plant.
I am a Subaru Impreza owner. I was literally telling my wife today how much I love the Outback, and if Subaru comes out with a hybrid Outback next year, I would no way look at another brand.
Good news bro coming next year
I was a Toyota guy as well... Now drive a '23 Outback Limited 2.5, and absolutely love it. The touchscreen can be a little laggy at times, but works well and looks nice overall. The extendable seat cushion for the driver is fantastic (I'm 6'2"). I do notice the wind noise (my Prius had none of that), but the road noise and rattles are essentially non-existent (my Prius had ALL of that). So, I would say the Outback is a much more luxurious experience compared to the Prius. My brother's Highlander is probably a little quieter than my Outback. But I love the elevated car height of the Outback vs the low Prius and the tall Highlander. It's pretty close to perfect.
As someone who has driven every single Outback version, as I work at a subie dealer, the wilderness with the turbo engine is by far my favorite
Does 4:20 the Outback have a hybrid model.😂
Dropping Toyota 👍🏼 button here!
I recently bought a 2024 Outback Limited and I couldn't be happier.
nice job! I bought one and still find myself watching the reviews. I guess I like the car that much!
Recently bought a 2024 Outback Premium. My spouse and I have had 8 Subarus over a 42-year period, and I purchased 3 more for the office at my old job. The new one is not flashy, but rides well and I know it will be good in the snow. The touchscreen is mildly annoying due to its lag time and there's not a ton of room up front, but overall we are both quite pleased. Have a big road trip coming up in March 2025 (800+ miles) so we'll see how it does.
I've got a '22 OBW with almost 36k miles on it. It's fun to surprise restraining order bros at stoplights and it can hold it's own off the road too. Mine has seen more dirt/mud than most Jeeps and has never let me down.
+1 for "restraining order bros"
Great review Tyler!
The Outback Touring XT is hard to beat for ride, comfort and power!
This is a keeper!
Thanks, Subaru definitely doesn’t need to do much for the next redesign!
Actually easy to beat. Onyx XT is better. Startek should be an option on any trim. Why tf would I want leather on an outback this isn’t a bmw or Benz that’s gonna be squeaky clean.
I have a ‘21 Touring XT and absolutely love it. Plenty quick with the 2.4 turbo and the perfect road trip machine with great seats and tons of storage. Only complaint is the over reliance on the touch screen infotainment.
no voice controls for infotainment/gps/ hvac?
I've been a Subaru guy for quite a while. I bought my wife a 2022 Outback last year and it's been great. It's a little quirky with all of the options it has but overall the interface is easy to get control of. The Premium lacks simple features like a reliable back up beeper and has 1,000 extra safety features up front that are mostly annoyances. The back seat leg room with our 2 child seats is quite stellar compared to anything besides a mini-van or big SUV. The 2.5 does not impress as this is just about the biggest vehicle that that engine can handle. All of the smaller 2.5L Subarus I've driven (from a '99 2.5RS coupe to a new Crosstrek Sport) feel peppier and more nimble. It's still a great car all around and just about the only station wagon style car still out there, so when my '05 Forester finally ages out, an Onyx XT is still at the top of my short list.
This really is one of the best reviews out there.
I got an 2024 Outback Onyx and love it. I got rid of my Ranger and I am loving the way better gas mileage and it is way more comfortable for day to day driving. I live in northern Wisconsin and the AWD system is great on bad roads which we have a lot of. The 2024 Onyx has the Harmon Kardon which truly is amazing.
I also have the 2024 Onyx (2.5L) and am looking forward to this winter in Michigan!
Having owned a 2003 Forester, and 2010, 2015, and 2022 Outbacks, all with 2.5 NA engine, I have to say that your review was well done & accurate. The 2.5 does OK, can even tow a 2,000 boat. I have had 1 windshield crack (2015) & two batteries die prematurely (2015 & 2022), and one minor oil leak (2015). Otherwise they have been trouble free (most miles I had on any of them was 77,000). The current gen info screen does take more time to make some minor adjustments which does takes my eyes off the road longer than ideal, but overall it ain't too bad.
Trading in my 2016 for a 2024 onyx on Monday. Can’t wait 🎉
Excellent detail here brother.....great review as usual.
I have always had a Toyota Tacoma but I bought a 2024 outback wilderness and absolutely love it
Looking to switch from my 2020 TRD OR
I drove a 2009 Scion xB for 15 yrs, it's ZERO frills. Just got the 2024 Limited XT a week ago. So that's a HUGE upgrade. lol Cars have come a long way in 15 yrs. lol I have to get used to not punching the gas. Funny thing is I had thought I would just waltz into Honda and get the CRV and be done with it. While that is a very nice vehicle. I also test drove the Honda Passport which ruined the CRV for me- both hybrid and regular gas, they felt like stilts on wheels. Passport was such a solid vehicle but the MPG was gonna be less than my xB. While I did drive the RAV4- it was grossly underwhelming and cramped. That's how I ended up at Subaru, it seems like a proper middle ground with lower end towing capacity and okay MPG (better than my xB). Now I can tow a small teardrop camper or something like it. I have a reliable car for the next 15 years. (I hope)
Ngl, Subaru dealers are the only ones that didn't mark up their prices
They actually gave me invoice price without even asking for it. I did buy a brz from them but still. Also they have great aprs
Always enjoy the thorough car reviews. Slowly becoming my goto channel for auto reviews.
Thanks, glad you enjoy them, only improvements in quality from here!
I'm currently looking to buy the first NEW car I've ever purchased in my life - a 2024 Outback. Everything I hear and read is confirming for me that it's a good purchase. thanks for the review!
I just did the same thing last week. 24 outback onyx. The AC compressor went out when it was 115 out the day I drove it off the lot. Hopefully just a rocky start to a lovely car/driver relationship ,
I just bought a 2024 Outback Limited XT 3 days ago, and didn’t know-until this video-that those crossbars rotated over to connect to each other. How fun is that?!? Thanks!
I have a 22 Outback Touring and I hate the infotainment, but I wouldn’t give up the car. I love it!
I'm buying a 2024 touring xt next week. My 5th subie. Excited.
honest review. keep doing this good stuff bro
I happen to be getting a base outback within the next year.... and I disagree on a lot of points that you brought up.... such as the double screen.... first of all I don't think it looks "cheap" as you called it.... secondly, being, I am getting the base model that is the screen I will be getting, which is one of the reasons why I'm actually getting the base.... I prefer the double screen as opposed to the 11.6 inch oversized screen.... don't get me wrong it is very nice but in my opinion, it's rather gaudy in this particular vehicle.... my brothers ram truck has the big screen but it fits and looks better in a big truck like that.... it looks to be too much in the outback.... the ride quality in the outback is phenomenal.... it feels almost like a luxury car in terms of ride quality of handling pumps and divots in the road.... I worked for a Subaru dealership for a while and was a PDI technician, so I got to test drive all of the Subarus, and absolutely fell in love with the outback when I drove it.... it is without a doubt, a very, unique looking SUV.... I refer to it as a crossover between a Station wagon, and an suv and in my opinion, is one of its defining features... overall no matter which trim level you choose I feel it is the best value of any vehicle.... first of all for the many features that you get, even in the base model and above all for the safety features that all Subarus have.... Subaru does not put a price tag on safety, and I appreciate that more than anything.... I also don't agree with your analogy of the outback being boring, in fact, I find it actually fun to drive.... I feel that a lot of reviews I have seen about the outback... including yours.... tend to nitpick on a lot of things.... the outback along with the Forrester get a lot of high praise from consumer reports
Bought a Onyx Edition XT in Autumn Green. Love it! Has 2000 miles on it already after a month! Has a style that will age really well
Having taken my Outback Limited down some gnarly forest roads around Moab, I can confirm that it’s way better off-road than it has any right to be.
Traded my 2017 Outback Premium for a 2024 Outback Touring. Coincidentally, my new Outback is the same color as the model you tested (Autumn Green). My only regret/complaint about the new car is the engine. I should have gone with the XT. The non-turbo doesn't know enough to get out of its own way. Press the pedal and it moans and groans, yet it doesn't move. Lesson learned.
Interesting comment, since the 2024 has a more powerful base engine (182hp) than the 2017 (175hp), which is what the Premium trim comes with. In your experience, did the previous base engine somehow seem superior to the current one?
@@tomeisenmenger7048 - The previous generation, in my opinion, was much quicker/responsive from a dead stop. It also felt a bit more lively when going up a hill or passing. The 2024 is a lovely vehicle. A lovely vehicle that likes to take its time.
@@MaureenStapletonFan If you went from Premium to Touring, you added about 150 lbs. with the additional features. That probably accounts for most of the difference.
Is there less road noise? Looking to do a similar jump, but the road noise is something I dread every drive commute home.
Real nice job.. Ive been binging on Outback vids and this one had alot of info that you dont see on other channels. Living in Florida we see flooding now a few times a year and I have a Prius for when i drove 22,000 mile a year and now that I work from home I want something with more ground clearance.. im sold on the Onyx and probably just the base engine as I fear service hell with the turbo.
The flooding here gets worse and worse it’s horrible about 10 yrs ago I drowned a car( the engine not the actual car) because of the flooding and I’ve been cautious ever since
Excellent review, with a remarkably thorough discussion of the pro's and con's of the vehicle. The practicality of the vehicle is fantastic. I will make the point that the problems with the infotainment system and the cracked windshield issue are keeping me away. And, my source is the "Car Wizard" that I fear recalibrating the very excellent "Eyesight" function has proven a challenge, even to the dealerships, after the cracked windshield replacement. The whole cracked windshiield issue makes it a "no go" for me. That, and my belief that the infotainment system will fail in 5-10 years and be the "Achilles heel" of the vehicle because of the cost to replace it. After all, longevity is at the core of the purchase of a Subaru for many of us. I am more inclined to buy a used car that has a record of good reliability, than a new Subaru, right now. I have exhausted myself trying to talk myself into getting one, though. This young man has done as good a review as I have seen. Kudos.
WRX owner "Lost the girlfriend by challenging a Subaru Outback XT" 🤣
Thanks for posting. I appreciate that your review is different than most others for the Outback.
Excellent review! But I think the subtitles misspelled a few words - those flat 'forks' do get good mpg's! ; )
My wife and I left Toyota she got the Outback Onyx and I got the Accent Onyx limited. We are both happy no regrets!
Accent? Do you mean Ascent?
Own a 2022 Outback Premium. Great car. Hoping for a hybrid Outback in the near future. As an IU Bloomington grad really enjoyed seeing the Bloomington scenery!
well done on this. I have a 2020 Outback (non-turbo); had the Wilderness as a loaner car earlier this year... the turbo was nice, but the extra bit of height was kinda wobbly at times. and, those tires... I think it would cost a fortune to replace them. I think the XT is the sweet spot. again, well done video.
I like my Limited XT but the gas mileage has been well below the EPA specified 22 - 28 mpg. I get about 15 mpg in town. The dealer will not analyze the problem.
Since there isn't a surround view camera, do the outside review mirrors bend down when the car is in reverse so you can see the side of the car? Excellent review as always. I'm about 95% sure that I'd be happy with a Touring XT model..
did they fix the windshield cracking?
I had a Tacoma Trd Off Road 2020 for reliability, but my needs have changed. Sold it for an Outback Wilderness 2023. It has exceeded my expectations so far, from space, maneuverability, cargo and especially comfort. just came back from a 2 000 km trip and i was so pleased with the driving. My only problem with it is sound system is bad (but not as bad as Tacoma) and the giant screen, it's buggy. Especially with a baby coming, back seat space is a giant PLUS and the fack that the cargo is within the car and not in a tonneau, things can stay warm or cold depending of weather.
LMAO “dudes with restraining orders” had me dying 😂
I have a 2007 Subaru Outback 5-speed that I really enjoy! It does have excessive oil consumption, but its one of 2 daily drivers, so it isn't the end of the world. I add oil every 2 weeks. I would really like to see Subaru make a modern wagon that isn't so SUV/crossover-looking. I also don't like the giant touchscreen. Physical buttons are definitely preferred, especially for climate control.
It shouldn’t chew through oil like that I’d check for a leak my friend
Love your reviews Tyler! How tall are you btw? Trying to figure out if the Outback is a good choice for a taller driver.
He says in his videos he's 6' 3". I'm the same height with long legs and I fit great in the Outback (which I've driven several recent ones, plus I own a 2021 Legacy which has the same cabin in sedan form). My right knee doesn't even touch the center console. Plus the pull out thigh support is a game changer on long trips for tall people. I've never sat in more comfortable seats
I have a 2022 outback and at 6ft5in im comfortable. Great for around town and can comfortably do long road trips . After sitting in so many vehicles the outback was the first that i instantly said i can be comfortable in this vehicle..
Very nice review!
Any trim with the pull out thigh support is worth considering. It makes such a big difference on long trips for long legged individuals (have a '21 Legacy Touring XT with those seats).
I like the olive green one
A Good Quality car with reasonable price prop to Subaru 👌
good review thanks
expecting my green ob onyx in a couple of weeks. 🤞 ill accept any tips and tricks.
For those wanting to get a. 2024. Find out about insurance first. Im having a difficult time getting a decent rate. And my driving record is impeccable.
Try progressive
@@Realistick been with them for years. All of a sudden they want to charge me 300 a month for the Outback. Granted, I had. 4 cars bundled. The young lady told me they're taking advantage since not many insurance companies can find a 24 Outback in their system. AARP seems to be offering a better deal.
@@MM-yy9ib ouch that’s not great. Glad you found another option though!
@@Realistick if you don't mind. What were you quoted?
@@MM-yy9ib I dont have an outback but my gr corolla (full coverage) and 96 mustang gt (near state min) is 660 every 6 months.
This compact crossover SUV is still the best in class.
Its a wagon and its no way compact
Mine is a compact crossover SUV. That’s why I bought it. The body type is wagon. The final choice was between the Outback and the RAV4 - another compact crossover SUV and a wagon as well. The Crosstrek is subcompact, the Outback & Forester are compact, the Ascent
is midsize.
@@cruiseadmiral I had a 2020 Rav4 and that thing was tiny compared to the Outback. So glad I went with an Outback but I’ll never consider it a compact no matter what the car world “considers” it.
@@cofffeejoe2079 Same here. What you call tiny comparison I call nose-to-nose and cheek-to-cheek plus multiple test drives, borrowing cars from co-workers to get familiar. I did it for the Outback, Forester, Rav4, CR-V, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50, Hyundai... VW Tiguan... when I was looking for a replacement for my CR-V. They are all crossover SUVs, same price range, same target group of potential clients. They are not carbon copies of each other, but all of them (excluding CX-5) are technically AWD wagons. That matters because this is what they really are for the buying customer. But if we want to put it on map of the "car world" , we have to outline this group as compact crossovers that are between subcompact (Crosstrek, HR-V, CX-30, etc.) and midsize (Ascent, Pilot, Passport, Highlander, Telluride, etc.). I have posted a video on my channel that covers this topic specifically (Outback "wagon" BS). Take a moment to watch how I changed my Outback. Some things may be helpful for the real owners.
Not with that cladding
I want an Outback sooo bad ❤
Puns galore. I love it!
had one for a day and hated the touchscreen. having to navigate through menus to get to the air conditioning controls was so dumb
Welcome to every new car
They need to make a hybrid. 38 mpg city and 35 mpg highway would be amazing
"Dudes with restraining orders" LMAOOOOOOO 🤣
Always like your reviews !
Subarus always look very dated to me. Kinda like the type car that my grandmother would be driving
Can think of plenty of competitors that are actually looking more dated .... the Camry, older Accord is looking weird compared to the more mature Subarus....
Thank you again for another insightful review!
Thank you for watching!
Shocked when I needed my backup camera at night in my new '24 Limited.... Poor resolution, worse than my old DIY install on the older car
Nice video. My wife loves this car. I normally am nervous around the Subaru folk but they are growing one me. 😂
The cameras it has are more than adequate.
We have the 2024 base trim Outback and we love it. I actually prefer the dual screens as they are more reliable.
Good to hear your feedback, did you previously own the 11.6? What makes you say it’s more reliable? To my knowledge they’re equally buggy but I don’t own one.
Did you have a difficult time insuring it? Just got 24 XT Limited and insuring it is becoming a pain.
@@MM-yy9ib why? what is the issue with the insurers?
@@MM-yy9ib What's the issue with insurance?
Good job!
I just want to know where my map has gone on my 2024 Outback. Can someone please tell me. I do not want to always use car play and my phones map. Thank you.
Make mine a 2025 Outback Touring XT
If they made this in manual or maybe even dct id trade in my 2023 wrx😂
I had just about decided this would be my car until you mentioned the vague center with the steering. That might be a dealbreaker.
Back roads of Indiana????? really???? We, here in New England, it's all about MUD, SNOW. I've enjoyed my Outbacks 'mudding' while my 4x4 truck friends are stuck in Mud Season
Do you have a salesman down there you’d recommend?
The big soo-bar-oooo. Wow
I've seen that old commercial somewhere.😆
really hate those touch screen controls.
good Japanese car 👍
It’s crazy how much Subaru relies on their fans to keep buying their vehicles while skimping in almost every way
Being in Florida and hating all these huge p/u trucks I’m looking at the xt trim bc u need vented seats down here
"[Florida] u need vented seats down here" -- Get cloth, and your problem is over. I am in Florida, too. Cloth is better, breathes without added complexity. God help you if you or your passenger spills coffee on those fancy perforated seats.
@@mountainhobo what world do you live in ? Cloth seats ? it’s 85 % or higher that most cars have leather or this new faux leather seats ppl need to wake up it’s not 1993 anymore it’s 2023 like it or not
@@johnfranktullo3463 Blah blah blah. Grow up. Cloth seats are easily available unless you buy a car to impress your neighbor instead of looking for a practical solution, and then cry that you get a heat rash.
@@mountainhobo like I said what world do u live u can’t even find a manual tranny anymore unless it’s a hd truck
Sorry,sir but have had leather seats in a 2015 Subaru Outback,and the cloth is more comfortable,in summer and winter ,I live in Chicago,am 75,on my fourth Outback,the 2.5.is plenty peppy for this old greaser!
Needs a Turbo Hybrid. Otherwise excellent
Subarus may be practical, but the styling is a visual mess. This current one is really bad with arbitrary plastic shapes littered all over it. The roof rack is surprisingly plasticky, as is the interior which looks cheap.
Another surprising misstep is the lack of buttons and knobs, especially for the HVAC controls. The touch screen is less safe as you have to look away from the road longer. Safety, Subaru?
Subarus always have a lot of front overhang because the engine hangs out entirely ahead of the front axle line, somewhat belying its off-road prowess. On the street, the need for AWD is always questionable compared to installing snow tires on a FWD car in winter. Overall, I just can get past the tasteless styling.
Hey,man there good cars,at 75 years old,you want bad,you should of driven the cars I drove since I was 15,I will give you some cheese with that WHINE!
It’s so uncool that it’s actually cool
when did 1' rollout become an industry standard if you are not at the drag strip? Tesla began this to make their numbers look better but for the past 3 decades know one has used a 1 foot rollout when performing 0-60 or 0-100mph runs... finally I really hope the outback demographic is not hung up on 0-60mph but hopefully 30-50 or 40-70 etc..
It’s the standard and has been for a long time now (there’s no refuting it, google how Car and Driver or motortrend do it if you must), people criticize tesla because they are tesla. I don’t like it but it’s the numbers everyone uses when they compare cars (even if the people reading are unaware) so it makes more sense. Unlike most, I give you the full sheet so you can use whatever numbers you want (including 30-50)!
@@Realistick Unfortunately no. One foot rollout is not an industry standard. This method is used at drag strips due to where the timing trigger is... I mentioned Tesla not because I hate them but because they used one foot rollout to make the already fast Plaid look faster 2.1 seconds vs. 1.9 seconds which they publish - marketing. No other automaker does this.. one foot rollout is NOT 0-60. I mention 0-60 vs. 30-50mph because for an outback owner passing is more important and as you correctly stated if passing is important get the turbo which we did. I did not assume your back ground or what you may or may not be aware of I only made an observation. If you disagree show me and we can exchange some minor knowledge. I have been reading both publication for 20+ years and spent just as much in the industry. So here is the link to how Car and Driver conducts their testing. Hope it allows some advancement for all.
www.caranddriver.com/features/a32018270/how-we-test-cars/
@@KOFIV77 Read the links you send because it verbatim says “we switched to using 1ft rollout, the industry standard” and then says in the past, we just measured from 3 mph to simulate rollout.
www.caranddriver.com/features/a30085446/acceleration-testing-procedure-change-rollout/
There’s no arguing to this. Plus, I give the whole sheet, use what you want.
@KOFIV77 everyone uses it, much like the performance data back in the day. "Corrected" to sea level numbers for 0 - 60 & 1/4 mile time and speed was used by ALL magazines.
All you wonderful people,the lines to charge up these electric vehicles,in Chicago when it dropped to 20 below this past January,made me shake,raddle,and roll,my 2220, outback sat out side for 4 cold as hell days,combustion engine turned right over,and purred like a kitten,the batteries,in those electrics took triple the time to charge,and did not hold a charge as long as they were suppose too!FACT,another liberal idea shoved down our throat,and I am neither a liberal or conservative,just a 75 year old guy,who don’t want any bull Excretement!
The Wilderness is nice, but I chose the Touring XT as there is too much novelty with the Wilderness - the gold touches in and out will date it. The Napa leather in the Touring is fantastic.
Have you noticed the vague center of steering that he mentions in the video?
That face detection is a little creepy...
I would turn that OFF. Hope it is really off :o
👍
for some people this will make a lot of sense, but not for me. can't really see myself driving a snow machine in sunny southern california. otherwise not too bad for a dad car on stilts.
To much electronic wizardly and that transmission. No thanks. Give me a basic Subaru (remember those) no frills wagon with the turbo and 6 speed manual.
I think the Turbo engine uses Premium Fuel!
It doesn’t!
In US it doesn't, in Australia it does.
🤤
The NON-Turbo model is simply a SLUG.
Your,wanting a sports car,then buy one,as a 75 year old guy who has Ben driving since he was 15,the 2.5.has plenty of pep,and I have owned a2006,2015,2220,and now a 2024,all outback’s,plenty of speed,but what do I know!
The cladding makes it look awful!
aggressive design and most sluggish engine and power train in its class....not a good match afterall
The first thing I noticed was the 34 year old dated, drab, boring, gloomy Gray and Black interior colors
Like 90% of other cars .
@@Cowdog1 Yeah, it’s Disgusting. I had my 11 Ford Ranger pickup reupholstered in Red with Black stitching and trim to match the custom 2 tone exterior paint, (Silver over Red metallic) and metallic red pinstripe.
It originally had the gloomy gray and boring black.
Our 1990 Dodge Caravan was white with gloomy gray interior. My 94 Geo Metro was Red metallic with gloomy gray interior. My 02 Camry was Silver with gloomy gray interior.
Thankfully my 11 Toyota RAV4 Limited was Gold with Tan Leather interior. I wanted the Red metallic, but it came with Boring Black Leather interior and I was sick and tired of gray and black even back then, so I opted for the Gold.
My current Forester Touring is Bronze with Saddle Brown Leather interior.
I truly didn’t want to spend the extra money just to get ANYTHING EXCEPT for gloomy, outdated, boring, dull, drab, cheap looking gray or black interior.
When shopping for my wife’s Outback we looked around forever to find a color combo that had the Ivory leather interior.
Any old dead fish can float down stream like everyone else, but we’re Sick and Tired of having those 2 unsophisticated cheap outdated gray and black interior colors.
We live in the PNW, so when the sky is dark gray, everyone’s vehicles are silver, gray, charcoal gray or black and have depressing gray or black interior colors and then over 50% of Americans paint their homes gray with white trim, their interior motif colors are gloomy gray, dark, depressing colors people wonder why Seattle has such a high suicide rate. Just look around you… everything is depressing Gray !
@@Doc1855You know what,maybe if you live alittle bit longer,and maybe have some tough times,and maybe have to just worry,about transportation,and maybe not having to go to war,maybe you will be a happy man like I am at 75 years old,just maybe!Thomas A.Filipiak
@@tomfilipiak3511 I am happy, but we still have the right to Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression. We still have choices and the rights to express what we do or don’t like.
If you don’t like the Freedoms that I’ve fought for in America, then you have the Right to LEAVE !
@@Doc1855 doc,first of all is I offended you in any way,I am deeply sorry,as far as love of country,1st Cavalry Viet Nam 1967 1968,and since you fought too,God bless you,and Thank you!
Hate these they are everywhere get out of the passing lane.
When are these videos going to be flagged as sponsored videos ? I'm so sick of hearing about Royal Subaru.
A sponsor implies that they pay me, which they do not. It would be rude of me to not thank them for letting me test drive their cars and they are pretty nice as far as dealerships go. Even sold their Golf Rs and special edition GTIs without any markups.
Really? That's just over the top. Take your meds you'll be okay..
Maybe cause we live in America!!! Don’t watch, just that simple!!!!
@@Realistick Ok, that's even worse. A dealership loans you out a new car it has for sale, you spend an afternoon driving it and reviewing it and doing FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION runs on a new car that's not even broken in yet, and then return it to the dealer and they sell it to some unsuspecting customer? Some cars you've reviewed, like the WRX, explicitly state in their owners manuals to keep the revs below 4000 RPM for the first thousand miles, or no full throttle acceleration, and here you are taking a brand new car and doing just that. Forget the sponsored stuff then. If Royal cares about their cars and their customers they shouldn't be loaning out cars to Johnny RUclipsrs like you. Just my two cents as someone who doesn't want my new car flogged before purchase.
@@robertk1049 A valid concern although many of the times, like in this, my full throttle tests use a car well past the break-in (it was a 2022 onyx XT). Additionally, the main reason why you avoid 4k rpms is to keep the temperature down. Savage Geese did a great video about this recently where they talked to the engineers of the new Corvette about break-in. I believe he even said a couple of zero to sixties won't hurt anything but hard driving definitely can if it's sustained like it would be on the track. For me, i treat it like a test drive. I've always done one acceleration test with the car up to operating temp and then drive it easy to keep it from getting hot. Test drive is done after 15 miles and if i grab b roll, it's another 10. Lately, to avoid any concerns I've really been lunging for press cars, used equivalents or service loaners for the road tests.