I have to strongly disagree with your comments about the gauge cluster and infotainment system. I would 100% prefer analog gauges and HVAC to digital controls any day of the week. I don't mind a smaller screen for CarPlay, but I don't want to be relying on a screen for vital car controls. In my opinion a high-end vehicle like this should certainly be using higher-quality analog controls instead of a screen. They will last longer and are much more satisfying to use. Big screens do NOT equal luxury.
I've had my XT Touring since March. Absolutely love it. I took it into the Watagans a couple of weeks ago, the X-mode faux lockers work so bloody well off road, made it up some tracks you wouldn't think possible in an AWD car. Economy wise I can't get it to do worse than 10.0L per 100km.
I am willing to risk ridicule and say this the best allrounder for money you can buy. The perfect car for us being outdoorsy people that does plenty dirt roads and need some space. Having that brilliant comfortable suspension is a boon. The turbo is what we have been waiting for. My kinda car. If I was 18 I would obviously not buy this.
I now have my XT sport. It’s my first Subaru and first CVT. I can confirm both are great and I’m not really sure about the CVT fuss. The car drives beautifully and is very quiet. I’m still getting use to the eyesight systems and stop start as I’ve never had them. But they are also great. The touch screen is as simple as and IPad and even my 10 year old intuitively knew how to work it straight off the bat. I’ve come from a ranger then hilux and honestly I prefer the station wagon and the petrol motor over the diesels. It’s also cheaper to fuel and I am averaging 8.1 for 50/50 driving with a Thule box.
Hi Aussie made, my 2022 Outback is my 4th Subaru. It's a big upgrade to my 2004 Liberty sedan that lasted me 18 years. I love how plush and quiet the Outback drive is, and I find it has very low rolling resistance which adds to its good economy with some highway driving - given it is a big 4WD car. The ground clearance and all-wheel drive were such a bonus during the bad rains we had in Melbourne in 2022. It's a great vehicle.
@@chasingcars most digits displays end up mimicking analog gauges, the the net result is the same. Yes some can do cool looking features with respect to navigation, but I’d argue if you’re using google maps via a main screen then that’s irrelevant in most cases anyway.
The digital display does show a digital speedo, wish is handy in the age of speed cameras and school zones. I just wish the digits were larger and easier to read at a glance.
Great review! I've got an Outback Wilderness (in Canada) and it's really the ideal family all-rounder, while also being a bit unique and incredibly capable off-road for a unibody wagon. Would recommend it to anyone with a growing family, or if you have a 1 car garage and like getting a bit off the beaten trail.
We have had our touring XT now for 3 months and can report 4 major faults. At 2 weeks old the infotainment system shut down and froze. Much the same time had all sorts of warnings lights going on and off. This got fixed at the one month new car check up. Needed a factory reset of system due to software glitch. Then at 2 months I took the car back to dealer with a failed electric tailgate and a constant creaking sound coming from the roof area. They identified faulty roof rails. Both parts (tailgate motors and roof rails) had to come from Japan so car was off road due to tailgate for two weeks. Subaru fixed and now 2 weeks later there is another fault with infotainment system with some graphics appearing then disappearing constantly. Very disappointing for a $63k car. This car was was going to see me through to retirement but will now be selling before the warranty expires, if it lasts that long.
I think I'd prefer the upcoming Forester in the hopes of more modern tech such as digital driver display and HUD. How long is this Outback compared to the Forester? I currently drive a Ford Ranger but looking to downsize a little as I don't go hard off-road any more. Just want mild off-road capability and comfort with modern technology.
I prefer the more aggressive Sport exterior with the black accents and wheels, but the Touring interior for the seats and stereo in particular. Why can't we have the Touring with an optional sport pack? Frustrating that for $61K I wouldn't get the car I absolutely want.
@@bretttippett636 I’ve got one on hold as well. Curious about the colour though and it’s pending sighting that in the flesh. Shame it’s not available in the autumn green.
Love the Outback. I'm glad they still make it in the midst of the current SUV-mania. Although it does make me lament Mazda's missed opportunity to come out with a competitor. Case in point: the Mazda 6 Wagon - raise the ride height and give it a more rugged suspension, then stick the proven 2.5T and combine it with the AWD that the CX-5 has and you have a decent, more luxurious raised-wagon option. Sure, it probably wouldn't be as capable as the Outback but it would do all you would require from it while looking absolutely stunning (despite it's age).
@@dedclownsRfunny that’s an interesting take. What makes you say that? We’ve had 3 Mazda’s and they’ve never failed us and just did what they needed to do. That’s all you could ever want for a pragmatic transporter. I don’t mind paying a little more for a car that I want? You don’t have to buy it if you don’t like it. At least they don’t gouge you like VW and Skoda just to package in heated seats and safety features that should be standard.
@@XQoozMii it’s been my experience from friends’ family’s Mazdas compared to Subaru. I realise YMMV. I’m accounting for additional features and extra costs. Skoda used to be exceptional value in Australia but prices have come up. I still think they’re pretty good value for money tho. VW not quite as much.
Love mazda designed but they use clutch activated AWD, and the clutches will wear out much faster than the clutchless symmetrical AWD of subaru. ALso the subarus AWD is going to be better off road and in snow storms. The disappointment of the CX50 for me is the beam axle out back and 1" less ground clearance.
This is the exact car I wanted (Outback with a turbo) but unfortunately it didn't exist 18 months ago. Instead, I ordered a Rav4 and am still waiting with no production date. Joke is on me!
@Charlie Dao, If the Outback XT is what you really want, it’s not too late to cancel and get your deposit back, is it? Speaking with a Toyota salesman in February this year, he said I could leave a deposit, but he couldn’t guarantee the final price, nor could he even confirm what model I would get, due to the queue being over two years long. Does that sound like serious car contract to you, or does it sound like a refundable deposit to get in a queue? It’s a Mickey Mouse contract IMO. When I put down a deposit for an Outback Touring XT at the beginning of March this year, the wait was 4 months. A month later, this queue remained 4 months long for someone as soon as they put down their deposit. I’m guessing it would be around the same now. So a few months wait, but not ridiculous like the Toyota hybrids are. Toyota has the party trick of really low fuel consumption, but the Subie has it beaten in a number of other areas which won me over.
An electric Outback is an interesting prospect, however for me some questions remain: 1. Electric cars in Aus don’t have spare wheels so how “Outback” would that be? 2. Can you get to any National parks and back out again with current charging infrastructure? 3. The manufacture of a large battery pack emits more C02 than that of an entire ICE car and then gets charged from a dirty Aus grid so how “green” is that? 4. If you damage the underside of an EV on say a sharp rock or Highway debris can you repair the battery pack? Or replace it? More C02 emissions…..
There’s nothing by design stopping an EV from carrying a spare; in the US the Rivians have a full size spare; the Audi Q8 E-Tron and Nissan Leaf have space savers here. (2) Plenty of coastal national parks, yes; future infrastructure should allow more distant touring; (3) I think that’s very much debated; (4) there’s nothing by design preventing more extensive underbody protection for rugged EVs
Yep. An EV with the battery packs on the bottom is a major concern for going out on the beaten path. As for spare tires, most cars these days electric or petrol don't come with a spare. Most come with a can of fix a flat and a portable air pump. And if a vehicle did come with a spare, it would likely be a temporary small one. Some vehicles will still have a space for a spare and likely only big enough for a small temporary one that you would have to purchase yourself. But yes some vehicles don't even have a space for a spare. They omit the spare these days to cut down on costs and to shave off weight to try and get better fuel economy.
@@bubbalo3388The Outback in Europe doesn't come with a spare too,a normal size is fitting in the car as you wish. As you mentioned, it's all about saving costs and weight.
It’s a brilliant car. The problem is here in South Africa it will cost you the same as a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire or even Exceed. So really it has out priced itself, people would rather go for those Ute based SUVs of similar cost than the Outback.
South African here 🇿🇦... @TheNorthWatch... you're right! In our market I think it's going to be priced at large SUV level (Everest, Prado, etc) at the R 1 million mark. With that said, its closest rival here, the V90 Cross Country is already over that. I have the 2.5 Forester (which I enjoy) but given the cash I would upgrade to this any day. To Tom's point, the wagon market is pretty niche and the Touring level buyer is into that all round luxury experience. Something to bear in mind when comparing this cost is that the SUVs of luxury brands (Merc, BMW, Audi) are providing XT Touring luxury at an additional third of the Touring price... (I see the value when I think of it I'm that light) 😂 Hopefully the XT Sport packages are significantly less than the touring for me to consider the step up
Great review Tom. On another topic, does your team monitor the inbox on your webpage? Your page says “drop us a line and one of the team will get back to you”. I’ve politely dropped a few lines over the last year or two, including a recent correction to errors in a review of the Tiguan R Grid, and have never received a response, also the errors haven’t been corrected. Cheers, Ben.
Great review! In my country the price of the Outback XT Touring is very similar to the full WRX sportwagon. What are the main differences between the two? I’m looking for a comfortable car and engaging to drive! Which is more quieter in the highway? Thanks 😊
The WRX wagon is stiffer and you can push it a bit harder, while the Outback is much softer and more laid-back. I tend to think if you want a truly sporty wagon, though, you'll be better off with a Skoda Octavia RS (if FWD is OK), or join the waitlist for a Golf R wagon
I passed on everything else and on the 9th. I do mean everything up to $80k us. Almost got a Volvo xc90 until my wife bounced up in the air 2nd row and rode as loud as a truck. We literally laughed out loud to the embarrassment of the sale person
I cant seem to find any comment on the CVT transmission. An oversight, or was that intentional? Once I heard CVT my heart sank; the one in the forester is crap.
Ayt I booked Sport XT in Sydney here and just wondering if anyone using a roof platform and a rooftop tent? I got an Impreza with a rooftop tent and its sitting on 2 Yakima crossbars, but for the Sport XT I am thinking to get a roof platform and then put the rooftop tent on it. Looked at Thule but its expensive and there are others like Yakima and ARB but not many reviews. I calculated the overall height of Car+Platform+Rooftop tent is under 2.2m. Dont know how much height I will get with Yakima or ARB roof platforms
I have to agree with you there, the cladding around the front bumper of the Aussie version looks much nicer/well proportioned vs. the USA model. We also got round fog lights from the start, which just look a lot better than the rectangular lamps. The only thing lacking on my 2022 (Aussie) Outback is wireless Apple CarPlay, although I think there is now a plug-in BlueTooth USB device that enables this.
Bit surprised at your view on the difference between the us and Aus spec version. The big selling point from all the US reviews WAS the increase in power making it such a good all rounder. Bit of a shame we don’t get that and I can’t see a reason why we wouldn’t unless it’s a cost cutting exercise. This and the XV/forester must be the biggest sellers for Subaru so not sure what the reason would be. Also totally agree on the eyesight stuff, but I feel that way about most digital assists excluding blind spot and emergency brake monitoring.
I think this sentiment is a bit off. The XT we get *is* a huge jump in power over the NA car. Yes, that’s what now makes the Outback a much more capable all-rounder. And it’s powerful enough - on a softly-sprung wagon like this, a 7.05 sec 0-100km/h time is comfortable and sufficiently swift. I don’t think it’s dying out for more power to become an all-rounder. It already is one. Further, it’s not cost-cutting AFAIK; the big costs are the cooling and the heavy duty rear suspension, both of which were done; the reason is far more likely to be that America doesn’t get the WRX wagon which needs to be ‘protected’ as Subaru Australia’s performance flagship, much like Volkswagen doesn’t give the Passat 235kW as it does the Golf R. It has 206kW.
@@chasingcars if people are worried about the power I'm sure a custom intake and a flash tune would get you close to if not a bit more than the wrx wagon, but for what the outback is it seems like it has plenty enough go. definitely considering the XT for our next car. #lovewagons. great review as always Tom
Someone hit my outback today I’m looking for a new one and I definitely don’t want a bunch of screens is bad enough that you can’t take the Subaru to anybody but Subaru more or less I want to put a computer in early I need a person with the MIT degree
Hi Tom and Team, How come you never mention the Volvo V60 Cross Country as one of the options. At least when comparing this Subaru top-spec. Granted the V60CC is a bit luxury focused but at the least it also offers the same option i.e. station wagon design, raised to 210mm. Would be interested in your thoughts on the V60 CC as a comparison please.
@@chasingcars Ooooopsie... Apologies Tom/Team. Yep I counted at least 4 times. If you were to make a choice between this and Volvo V60CC (price not being a factor)which one would you leave out and why? Also thank you for taking time and responding to most of the comments below from users.
Very good comfortable spacious car and I am willing to bet that the more stiff competitors will not give any significant beter time in the corners (if we have same power to weight) as the Subaru chassis stay planted, while being soft and absorbing the shitty roads very well is what it does! I actually don't think the other competitors, if power & weight are even) will manage to escape in the corners from the Subaru at all!
Subaru's heyday was in 90's, producing cars that was technologically ground breaking and beautiful design. Sadly the Outback Turbo XT is based on a outdated platform and not so beautiful design, the tail lights looks ugly!! Do Subaru still have a design department?? For $60K I would buy the VW Passat Wagon 206tsi R-Line over the Outback Turbo XT, the Passat is head and shoulder above Outback from every aspect, overall its a better package.
If the US version would have kept the nice conservative front end look of the AU version I would have upgraded my 20 LTD.....IMO the AU OB is much nicer looking and the agressive US look should have been reservved for the Onyx buyers
@@chasingcars yes all the Outbacks have retractable crossbars and the roof rack load capacity is like 175 pounds except for the Wilderness model which has a load capacity of 700 pounds.
That's where the smaller Crosstrek comes into play. Was considering a Crosstrek, but for my household it was too small and the trunk space especially was way too small for my needs. The Crosstrek I think is great for a daily commuter or trips that don't require bringing a lot of stuff for no more than two people. Anymore than two people then I would consider the Outback for an all around vehicle. But it comes at a cost and less fuel economy of course.
I think you might be projecting your subjective opinion onto everybody there. The fact that nearly every competitive vehicle has adopted a modern gauge cluster is what shows the presence of demand, not us pointing it out or not.
@@chasingcarsDon't agree with your opinion about these digital instruments, it's saving costs for the manufacturer and luckily already on it's way back in European cars.
What about the cracking windscreens on these cars. Why would I buy a car that has defective windscreens that Subaru do nothing to rectify. It’s a good car, but I won’t be driving a car with defective glass.
When smaller, slower vehicles such as Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross can cost up to $53-55,000 drive away, I'd say $61,000 for the top Outback XT is very good value
@@chasingcars Probably Volvo will get there first with their accelerated EV program. Hopefully they bring out an EV version of the V60 CC e.g. EV60 CC :)
dinosaur, this design must be at least 10 years old, strange infotainment screen which is tiny, subaru sales have nosedived even chinese brands sell more than subaru, outdated, fuel hog, overpriced...lift your game subaru update your styling!!
Don't miss our Outback XT towing test here: ruclips.net/video/2wl3PADO9bc/видео.html
Its Gone??
I have to strongly disagree with your comments about the gauge cluster and infotainment system. I would 100% prefer analog gauges and HVAC to digital controls any day of the week. I don't mind a smaller screen for CarPlay, but I don't want to be relying on a screen for vital car controls. In my opinion a high-end vehicle like this should certainly be using higher-quality analog controls instead of a screen. They will last longer and are much more satisfying to use. Big screens do NOT equal luxury.
💯
100% Just give me buttons and knobs!
So when the touch screen fails as they all eventually do, you can’t control the heater or A/C ?
That’s their way to cut cost
@@wedantasatrya9458 Except that they've gotten more expensive
I've had my XT Touring since March. Absolutely love it. I took it into the Watagans a couple of weeks ago, the X-mode faux lockers work so bloody well off road, made it up some tracks you wouldn't think possible in an AWD car. Economy wise I can't get it to do worse than 10.0L per 100km.
Your car cannot do worse than 10 l per 100 - really ??
Most the car testers have it at 22 or 13 lph
I am willing to risk ridicule and say this the best allrounder for money you can buy. The perfect car for us being outdoorsy people that does plenty dirt roads and need some space. Having that brilliant comfortable suspension is a boon. The turbo is what we have been waiting for. My kinda car. If I was 18 I would obviously not buy this.
I now have my XT sport. It’s my first Subaru and first CVT. I can confirm both are great and I’m not really sure about the CVT fuss.
The car drives beautifully and is very quiet.
I’m still getting use to the eyesight systems and stop start as I’ve never had them. But they are also great.
The touch screen is as simple as and IPad and even my 10 year old intuitively knew how to work it straight off the bat.
I’ve come from a ranger then hilux and honestly I prefer the station wagon and the petrol motor over the diesels. It’s also cheaper to fuel and I am averaging 8.1 for 50/50 driving with a Thule box.
Hi Aussie made, my 2022 Outback is my 4th Subaru. It's a big upgrade to my 2004 Liberty sedan that lasted me 18 years. I love how plush and quiet the Outback drive is, and I find it has very low rolling resistance which adds to its good economy with some highway driving - given it is a big 4WD car. The ground clearance and all-wheel drive were such a bonus during the bad rains we had in Melbourne in 2022. It's a great vehicle.
Analogue gauges any day. Digital displays offer what exactly? Just another screen to break.
Well, they offer considerably more capability than a tiny screen between two analogue gauges, yes
@@chasingcars most digits displays end up mimicking analog gauges, the the net result is the same. Yes some can do cool looking features with respect to navigation, but I’d argue if you’re using google maps via a main screen then that’s irrelevant in most cases anyway.
The digital display does show a digital speedo, wish is handy in the age of speed cameras and school zones. I just wish the digits were larger and easier to read at a glance.
@@MaxFromSydney1 most centre digits gauges between the analog ones do this anyway?
@@MaxFromSydney1 The XV has that, and I think Subaru uses the same cluster across all their models.
Great review Tom! Also, I would like to thank the team for their effort of doing the time coding, well done!
You’re welcome!
Great review! I've got an Outback Wilderness (in Canada) and it's really the ideal family all-rounder, while also being a bit unique and incredibly capable off-road for a unibody wagon. Would recommend it to anyone with a growing family, or if you have a 1 car garage and like getting a bit off the beaten trail.
Want the Wilderness with ventilated seats!
We have had our touring XT now for 3 months and can report 4 major faults. At 2 weeks old the infotainment system shut down and froze. Much the same time had all sorts of warnings lights going on and off. This got fixed at the one month new car check up. Needed a factory reset of system due to software glitch. Then at 2 months I took the car back to dealer with a failed electric tailgate and a constant creaking sound coming from the roof area. They identified faulty roof rails. Both parts (tailgate motors and roof rails) had to come from Japan so car was off road due to tailgate for two weeks. Subaru fixed and now 2 weeks later there is another fault with infotainment system with some graphics appearing then disappearing constantly. Very disappointing for a $63k car. This car was was going to see me through to retirement but will now be selling before the warranty expires, if it lasts that long.
I just traded my '23 Premium for the Touring XT. 🎉
Wowsers.. what a rocket! And the cooled seats in this Las Vegas heat...!
Having worked on these, I can say they are great cars. Difficult to repair but reliable and handy dandy.
Thanks Tom, appreciate your review. Have you got some information on the Subaru outback 50 years edition outback 2023 for Australia? thank you!
I think I'd prefer the upcoming Forester in the hopes of more modern tech such as digital driver display and HUD. How long is this Outback compared to the Forester? I currently drive a Ford Ranger but looking to downsize a little as I don't go hard off-road any more. Just want mild off-road capability and comfort with modern technology.
Well looks like I’m getting a Subaru Outback touring XT!
It’s a good thing!
@@chasingcars yes, very good
Great review thank you We, We can't watch the towing video, when we click on the link it says its private ?
Australian market deserves Subaru wilderness
We’re possibly gonna get it too
@@chasingcars no talk about it at all unfortunately.
I prefer the more aggressive Sport exterior with the black accents and wheels, but the Touring interior for the seats and stereo in particular. Why can't we have the Touring with an optional sport pack? Frustrating that for $61K I wouldn't get the car I absolutely want.
Good idea
You can with the 50th anniversary edition. I’ve got one on order
@@bretttippett636 I’ve got one on hold as well. Curious about the colour though and it’s pending sighting that in the flesh. Shame it’s not available in the autumn green.
You can add the black rims when you order the touring xt.
That's what exactly what I think as well. The 50th anniversary edition only got one color turns me off.
You also didn’t mention the button on the tailgate that acts as a PIN code entry if your keys are inside the car. Great for surfers
Great review! Just wondering how this car would compare with a top end Klugger?
Love the Outback. I'm glad they still make it in the midst of the current SUV-mania. Although it does make me lament Mazda's missed opportunity to come out with a competitor. Case in point: the Mazda 6 Wagon - raise the ride height and give it a more rugged suspension, then stick the proven 2.5T and combine it with the AWD that the CX-5 has and you have a decent, more luxurious raised-wagon option. Sure, it probably wouldn't be as capable as the Outback but it would do all you would require from it while looking absolutely stunning (despite it's age).
It would still be a Mazda tho 🤷♀️ Mazda is good, but not great, and you’d be paying more than it should be priced
@@dedclownsRfunny that’s an interesting take. What makes you say that?
We’ve had 3 Mazda’s and they’ve never failed us and just did what they needed to do. That’s all you could ever want for a pragmatic transporter. I don’t mind paying a little more for a car that I want? You don’t have to buy it if you don’t like it.
At least they don’t gouge you like VW and Skoda just to package in heated seats and safety features that should be standard.
@@XQoozMii it’s been my experience from friends’ family’s Mazdas compared to Subaru. I realise YMMV. I’m accounting for additional features and extra costs. Skoda used to be exceptional value in Australia but prices have come up. I still think they’re pretty good value for money tho. VW not quite as much.
Love mazda designed but they use clutch activated AWD, and the clutches will wear out much faster than the clutchless symmetrical AWD of subaru. ALso the subarus AWD is going to be better off road and in snow storms. The disappointment of the CX50 for me is the beam axle out back and 1" less ground clearance.
No gas struts for the bonnet? Bit low rent! My 2016 3.6 Outback has em...
This is the exact car I wanted (Outback with a turbo) but unfortunately it didn't exist 18 months ago. Instead, I ordered a Rav4 and am still waiting with no production date. Joke is on me!
Sorry to hear that.
@Charlie Dao,
If the Outback XT is what you really want, it’s not too late to cancel and get your deposit back, is it?
Speaking with a Toyota salesman in February this year, he said I could leave a deposit, but he couldn’t guarantee the final price, nor could he even confirm what model I would get, due to the queue being over two years long.
Does that sound like serious car contract to you, or does it sound like a refundable deposit to get in a queue?
It’s a Mickey Mouse contract IMO.
When I put down a deposit for an Outback Touring XT at the beginning of March this year, the wait was 4 months. A month later, this queue remained 4 months long for someone as soon as they put down their deposit. I’m guessing it would be around the same now. So a few months wait, but not ridiculous like the Toyota hybrids are. Toyota has the party trick of really low fuel consumption, but the Subie has it beaten in a number of other areas which won me over.
Outbak XT is the same, delivery is ayleast 4 to 6 months
Don’t miss our fuel economy test between the Outback XT Turbo and non-turbo: ruclips.net/video/0UvHXOe5Ceg/видео.html
Please review petrol LDV Mifa Lux 👍🏻
How about a Forester XT Subaru Australia?
An electric Outback is an interesting prospect, however for me some questions remain: 1. Electric cars in Aus don’t have spare wheels so how “Outback” would that be? 2. Can you get to any National parks and back out again with current charging infrastructure? 3. The manufacture of a large battery pack emits more C02 than that of an entire ICE car and then gets charged from a dirty Aus grid so how “green” is that? 4. If you damage the underside of an EV on say a sharp rock or Highway debris can you repair the battery pack? Or replace it? More C02 emissions…..
There’s nothing by design stopping an EV from carrying a spare; in the US the Rivians have a full size spare; the Audi Q8 E-Tron and Nissan Leaf have space savers here. (2) Plenty of coastal national parks, yes; future infrastructure should allow more distant touring; (3) I think that’s very much debated; (4) there’s nothing by design preventing more extensive underbody protection for rugged EVs
Yep. An EV with the battery packs on the bottom is a major concern for going out on the beaten path.
As for spare tires, most cars these days electric or petrol don't come with a spare. Most come with a can of fix a flat and a portable air pump. And if a vehicle did come with a spare, it would likely be a temporary small one.
Some vehicles will still have a space for a spare and likely only big enough for a small temporary one that you would have to purchase yourself. But yes some vehicles don't even have a space for a spare. They omit the spare these days to cut down on costs and to shave off weight to try and get better fuel economy.
@@bubbalo3388The Outback in Europe doesn't come with a spare too,a normal size is fitting in the car as you wish.
As you mentioned, it's all about saving costs and weight.
Why couldn't Subaru have gas struts for the bonnet instead of that **** pole.
Otherwise it won’t be a Subaru
Especially since the Gen5 came with factory gas struts!!!
@@kelvpoon My forester has gas struts so do other outback models.
Up to 4,800 rpm the power and torque is equal to the WRX, it’s just turned down a bit above 4,800.
It’s a brilliant car. The problem is here in South Africa it will cost you the same as a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire or even Exceed. So really it has out priced itself, people would rather go for those Ute based SUVs of similar cost than the Outback.
It’s more expensive than a Pajero Sport Exceed here as well, but I think the audience is a little different at the XT Touring level.
South African here 🇿🇦... @TheNorthWatch... you're right! In our market I think it's going to be priced at large SUV level (Everest, Prado, etc) at the R 1 million mark. With that said, its closest rival here, the V90 Cross Country is already over that.
I have the 2.5 Forester (which I enjoy) but given the cash I would upgrade to this any day.
To Tom's point, the wagon market is pretty niche and the Touring level buyer is into that all round luxury experience.
Something to bear in mind when comparing this cost is that the SUVs of luxury brands (Merc, BMW, Audi) are providing XT Touring luxury at an additional third of the Touring price... (I see the value when I think of it I'm that light) 😂
Hopefully the XT Sport packages are significantly less than the touring for me to consider the step up
Great review Tom.
On another topic, does your team monitor the inbox on your webpage?
Your page says “drop us a line and one of the team will get back to you”.
I’ve politely dropped a few lines over the last year or two, including a recent correction to errors in a review of the Tiguan R Grid, and have never received a response, also the errors haven’t been corrected.
Cheers, Ben.
We do, but it’s a finicky system that needs upgrading.
Great review! In my country the price of the Outback XT Touring is very similar to the full WRX sportwagon. What are the main differences between the two? I’m looking for a comfortable car and engaging to drive! Which is more quieter in the highway? Thanks 😊
The WRX wagon is stiffer and you can push it a bit harder, while the Outback is much softer and more laid-back. I tend to think if you want a truly sporty wagon, though, you'll be better off with a Skoda Octavia RS (if FWD is OK), or join the waitlist for a Golf R wagon
This is Australia
This car has a full size spare
Sold !
A lot petrol or ? Because 2024 l looking subaru outback
I passed on everything else and on the 9th. I do mean everything up to $80k us. Almost got a Volvo xc90 until my wife bounced up in the air 2nd row and rode as loud as a truck. We literally laughed out loud to the embarrassment of the sale person
You didn’t mention keyless, hands free tailgate opening by putting your elbow on the rear emblem with you keys in your pocket.
❤ my OUTBACK,
看了这么多澳洲的车评人，这个频道是最喜欢的，讲起来很舒服，很自然。小哥儿应该生活中也是个很好相处的人。
If 2.4l engine is offered in the Forester, would you pick it over the outback?
No, the Forester is considerably less stable while cornering
Where do I find the towing test?
Seems it was the subject of some controversy/ridicule and deleted. Perhaps CC can clarify ?
I cant seem to find any comment on the CVT transmission. An oversight, or was that intentional? Once I heard CVT my heart sank; the one in the forester is crap.
Unintentional because it is such a non-issue when paired with the turbo engine
Ayt I booked Sport XT in Sydney here and just wondering if anyone using a roof platform and a rooftop tent?
I got an Impreza with a rooftop tent and its sitting on 2 Yakima crossbars, but for the Sport XT I am thinking to get a roof platform and then put the rooftop tent on it.
Looked at Thule but its expensive and there are others like Yakima and ARB but not many reviews. I calculated the overall height of Car+Platform+Rooftop tent is under 2.2m.
Dont know how much height I will get with Yakima or ARB roof platforms
Hey Tom, how would you compare this car against the new Bmw X1 20i Xdrive?
Much much softer, perhaps a little more refined overall
I love the sapphire blue color
The Australian version of the Outback looks so much better than the US one.
I have to agree with you there, the cladding around the front bumper of the Aussie version looks much nicer/well proportioned vs. the USA model. We also got round fog lights from the start, which just look a lot better than the rectangular lamps. The only thing lacking on my 2022 (Aussie) Outback is wireless Apple CarPlay, although I think there is now a plug-in BlueTooth USB device that enables this.
Bit surprised at your view on the difference between the us and Aus spec version. The big selling point from all the US reviews WAS the increase in power making it such a good all rounder. Bit of a shame we don’t get that and I can’t see a reason why we wouldn’t unless it’s a cost cutting exercise. This and the XV/forester must be the biggest sellers for Subaru so not sure what the reason would be. Also totally agree on the eyesight stuff, but I feel that way about most digital assists excluding blind spot and emergency brake monitoring.
I think this sentiment is a bit off. The XT we get *is* a huge jump in power over the NA car. Yes, that’s what now makes the Outback a much more capable all-rounder. And it’s powerful enough - on a softly-sprung wagon like this, a 7.05 sec 0-100km/h time is comfortable and sufficiently swift. I don’t think it’s dying out for more power to become an all-rounder. It already is one. Further, it’s not cost-cutting AFAIK; the big costs are the cooling and the heavy duty rear suspension, both of which were done; the reason is far more likely to be that America doesn’t get the WRX wagon which needs to be ‘protected’ as Subaru Australia’s performance flagship, much like Volkswagen doesn’t give the Passat 235kW as it does the Golf R. It has 206kW.
@@chasingcars if people are worried about the power I'm sure a custom intake and a flash tune would get you close to if not a bit more than the wrx wagon, but for what the outback is it seems like it has plenty enough go. definitely considering the XT for our next car. #lovewagons. great review as always Tom
The power difference to the US XT Wilderness/Onyx version is only a few kw. Bugger all really
Just because the Yankees get something different doesn’t make it better.
@@perpetualgrin5804 I'm guessing yes it would.
Someone hit my outback today I’m looking for a new one and I definitely don’t want a bunch of screens is bad enough that you can’t take the Subaru to anybody but Subaru more or less I want to put a computer in early I need a person with the MIT degree
Yes ! The front very good
Hi Tom and Team, How come you never mention the Volvo V60 Cross Country as one of the options. At least when comparing this Subaru top-spec. Granted the V60CC is a bit luxury focused but at the least it also offers the same option i.e. station wagon design, raised to 210mm. Would be interested in your thoughts on the V60 CC as a comparison please.
The Volvo was mentioned a bunch of times in this review :)
@@chasingcars Ooooopsie... Apologies Tom/Team. Yep I counted at least 4 times. If you were to make a choice between this and Volvo V60CC (price not being a factor)which one would you leave out and why? Also thank you for taking time and responding to most of the comments below from users.
Fuel economy seems ok.....what about the oil consumption? Subaru's are renowned for chewing through about a litre or more every 10,000ks from new!
Wrong
That's something totally new for me,I'm driving my third Outback and never had any oil consumption or other fluids.
Very good comfortable spacious car and I am willing to bet that the more stiff competitors will not give any significant beter time in the corners (if we have same power to weight) as the Subaru chassis stay planted, while being soft and absorbing the shitty roads very well is what it does! I actually don't think the other competitors, if power & weight are even) will manage to escape in the corners from the Subaru at all!
Subaru's heyday was in 90's, producing cars that was technologically ground breaking and beautiful design. Sadly the Outback Turbo XT is based on a outdated platform and not so beautiful design, the tail lights looks ugly!! Do Subaru still have a design department??
For $60K I would buy the VW Passat Wagon 206tsi R-Line over the Outback Turbo XT, the Passat is head and shoulder above Outback from every aspect, overall its a better package.
Some people wants both turbo and gas saver.
If the US version would have kept the nice conservative front end look of the AU version I would have upgraded my 20 LTD.....IMO the AU OB is much nicer looking and the agressive US look should have been reservved for the Onyx buyers
Agree our pre-facelift version looks more classic
The Wilderness version should of had built in retractable roof crossbars like the other models.
Does it not? That's a shame.
@@chasingcars yes all the Outbacks have retractable crossbars and the roof rack load capacity is like 175 pounds except for the Wilderness model which has a load capacity of 700 pounds.
Way too many chapters in your video description mate! Jesus!!!
Let's mortgage the house darling. We need a Subee XT.
Cheaper than equivalent Euros and with more included features, generally a better all-rounder, and with usually a better towing capacity
@@dedclownsRfunny agree with that. it's just the recent rise in car prices make new unafordable or don't make sense if tax breaks aren't in play.
6 cly. And manual that’s greetness.
Great review Tom. 👍🏻👍🏻
im jealous of the AUS version of the Outback the NA front end is hideous in comparison.
Lovely car unfortunately They've gotten just way too big over the years . Truly made for country work .
That's where the smaller Crosstrek comes into play.
Was considering a Crosstrek, but for my household it was too small and the trunk space especially was way too small for my needs.
The Crosstrek I think is great for a daily commuter or trips that don't require bringing a lot of stuff for no more than two people. Anymore than two people then I would consider the Outback for an all around vehicle. But it comes at a cost and less fuel economy of course.
It’s very easy to park and drive around suburban shopping centres if that’s your concern with size
I always feel you should be smoking a pipe.
That’s true
Analog preferred for me
Love your reviews, Tom.
Thanks!
They never talk about the Transmission failures.
Have you got something you’d like to say about the issue?
Your thinking of the Nissan CVT Subaru have the best CVT in the business they have perfected it
Please, do tell us about all these so-called failures.
Really wish you’d stop pointing out if a car has digital dials or not. Whoopdy doo. Analog look great and will stand the test of time.
I think you might be projecting your subjective opinion onto everybody there. The fact that nearly every competitive vehicle has adopted a modern gauge cluster is what shows the presence of demand, not us pointing it out or not.
@@chasingcars not too sure about that. The world keeps asking for interiors to be rid of gloss black, yet near every modern car has it.
Modern gauges are far more commonly found than overuse of piano black, actually.
@@chasingcarsDon't agree with your opinion about these digital instruments, it's saving costs for the manufacturer and luckily already on it's way back in European cars.
No EV’s us here in America are not buying them they only sold 2 percent of America car sells in 2023
What about the cracking windscreens on these cars. Why would I buy a car that has defective windscreens that Subaru do nothing to rectify. It’s a good car, but I won’t be driving a car with defective glass.
Wilderness, Wilderness.. 😅
Which will be cool, though honestly I don’t love the sticker pack!
Say no to Beige
no
Robust car but no diesel and Switched off at dash,
Has no idea on colour
60l ! yer nah cant see the value in that.
It’s 2023, and that’s a decent price for this package.
When smaller, slower vehicles such as Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross can cost up to $53-55,000 drive away, I'd say $61,000 for the top Outback XT is very good value
Still looks ugly compared to the US spec version
Shoulda gone to Specsavers.
@@MaxFromSydney1 nah.
If this was an EV I’d buy it 👍
As I said in the later part of the video, I totally support Subaru introducing an EV Outback in future. The idea makes total sense
Hopefully Subaru would prove that EV makers can still find somewhere to put a full size spare in a BEV / HEV.
@@chasingcars I would love it ❤
Agreed Max
@@chasingcars Probably Volvo will get there first with their accelerated EV program. Hopefully they bring out an EV version of the V60 CC e.g. EV60 CC :)
Such a shame that Subaru has lost their way with design - takes some doing to create something that ugly
I don't see it as ugly, just a little ho-hum.
Still with a cheap and nasty CVT g/box!!!!!!
dinosaur, this design must be at least 10 years old, strange infotainment screen which is tiny, subaru sales have nosedived even chinese brands sell more than subaru, outdated, fuel hog, overpriced...lift your game subaru update your styling!!
Outback sales are up 60% this year though
The design is just under 4 years old
Chinese cars are DOA
@@jimmyp1433 shape is a decade old
@@djizzah it's not a decade old, wth.
Yawn 🥱 Boring (overpriced) Subaru Once Again