The Ultimate Rough-Roader? | 2021 Subaru Outback

Live in the country? Own a golden retriever? Are you a lumbersexual? If so, then the Subaru Outback is the wagon, er, SUV for you! Also also apparently for me! Seriously, I don't think there is another crossover on the market today that isn't more directly targeted at my theoretical demographic: middle aged, lives in the country but works in the city, likes AWD and drives on unpaved roads daily. Hmmm. Is Subaru trying to tell me something?

[The_k]

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

[vitaly]

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

[karencline]

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

[codtide]

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

[Craig_Tr]

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

[Skunked]

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

[WahotsW]

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

[devindiep]

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

[tomridesbikesPNW]

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

[csuao]

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

[bikingmoments]

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

[lawpolo]

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

[kielbasa_surowa]

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

[illinoistiger]

The automatic start/stop defeat switch being right there next to the home button might make the Outback a strong buy for me. That remedied a big problem I had with the 2020 model.

Alex's review on the Outback was very well done, as usual. AOA is probably the best channel for new car reviews. This youtube-based clear and unbiased format is making car rags like Motor Trend and Car and Driver obsolete.

[avonperera]

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

[scottstewart]

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

[andyb]

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

[airjohnpro]

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

[mountainhobo]

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

[weeksauce]

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