2020 Subaru Outback | Watch Before You Buy | TestDriveNow

The Outback and Crosstrek are Subaru’s all-stars; a pair of all-wheel drive wagons that have carved out a niche among granolas and those living in the sticks. And this week I’m testing their all-new Paul Hogan mobile - updated but very familiar.

MSRP as-tested: $40,705

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[kevinharrison]

4:01 "Bad news, Eyesight is standard on every model"

Huh?

You are the first automotive reviewer I've ever encountered that has chastised an auto manufacturer for making safety systems standard on all trim levels of a model. I have to respectfully disagree. I don't care how annoying they are, if they save lives and you don't need to pay extra for said systems then it's worth it. Newest safety tech should be standard on every single vehicle full-stop. Kudos to Subaru for doing so with the Outback. All automotive reviewers like you seem to care about is horsepower this, fuel efficiency that, off-road capability this, corner carving that blah blah blah. Well none of it matters if you are killed in a car accident. You can critique the way the safety systems work, and that's fine, but don't criticize a company willing to give their customers all the latest safety tech as standard.

[billlyl]

I’m typically a fan Steve, but all the tree hugger and granola references in re Subaru are getting quite old. And when I hear an adjective like “juvenile” in a car review, I tend to write off any opinions that follow it as reflecting preconceived biases more than anything.

[andyb]

Love our new Outback XT. The new turbo engine is smooth, fast and fun to drive. The car seems very well built and the interior quality is way above what you might expect. Outstanding so far!

[pierretremblay]

« But no foot activated opening of the hatch » whoever demoed the Outback forgot to tell you about the much safer way Subaru does it: you put your hand or elbow in front or the Subaru badge and voila. No standing precariously on one foot with a heavy load.

[thorny]

My new 2020 Subaru Outback Premium is sitting in my carport and I absolutely love it. As much as I loved my 2017 Outback, this year's model is a big step forward....

[primemoverRR]

I find it telling that pretty much every other online auto reviewer gives high praise to the new Outback, including complimenting the ride and quiet cabin, and mentioning that it handles well not to be a sport oriented vehicle. And they all gush over the Outbacks impressive list of safety tech. Yet you pretty much bashed all of that. Your bias against Subaru is pretty obvious here.

[yippie]

You have been really harsh on the cars your test lately. I've driven both this one and the previous generation and you seem to be exaggerating the negatives. Many of your negatives I don't even agree with at all. The Auto/Start/Stop doesn't "shutter" and it certainly is not "violent". It's not the best system I've tried but certainly not the worst. It lands in the middle. I'm not sure why the acceleration is "Juvenile"? I had no issues with that either. The NVH levels I thought were really good. Better than many vehicles I've driven. Then you complain about how big it feels? Seriously? It's barely an inch longer or wider than the last generation. It most certainly does not drive like an SUV and the last generation didn't drive any better. In fact the steering on the this newer one, on the newer platform, feels better. Then you complain about the safety systems. Most of which you can turn on and off. Turn off the sounds or the blinking lights if you want. Taylor it the way you want to. The review is way too harsh Steve. I been watching your videos for a long time and you were never like this before.

[michaelmoney]

You just put your hand in front of the Subaru emblem and it opens the back hatch. Subarus pitch is the foot opening way isnt as safe cause the ground isnt always perfectly flat which is a hassle especially for older people & on different brands which its in different places.

[joeltanen]

I own the Outback 2020 Touring XT and I really like it. Some of the plastic is kind of cheap and the carpets and rubber floor mats are cheap but the car drives really nice. I am a previous Lexus owner, 2000 RX300, 2005 LS430 and 2010 LS460. Those were very comfortable cars. The Outback is also very comfortable. I figured out how to turn off all beeping even though the dealer said it can't be done. Yes, you have to do it every time you start the engine. So what. I turn off auto stop start, then driver assist and I leave on AVH. Overall, great value compared to the Lexus RX350 which I did not test drive. Outback beats Toyota Rav4 and Highlander which I did test drive. Overall, I have no remorse.

[lawrenced]

my mom refuses to drive anything but an outback because she loves the way it drives

[ChristopherTaylorTheTaylorClan]

To maintain the 5 star crash ratings manufacturers need to use these safety systems like Subaru Eyesight.
It’s just how all new cars are going in the 2020’s. Don’t criticise something that’s out of the manufacturer’s hands.

[J]

Damn. This guy really hates on Subaru and Subaru owners... Sounds like he had a pretty good idea how he felt before he ever made this review. An unbiased reviewer would have been better. Thumbs down.

[Lovethatjoke]

This review is very negative ☹️. I still love the outback!

[jazzman]

There are only three full sized wagon options in the USA, Mercedes, Volvo and Subaru. If you love wagons like I do, I have a 10 year old BMW 535 xi that needed replacing, by far the best value is the outback. It drives much better than the Volvo at 15k less with the turbo and the upgrades and is much more practical than the Mercedes. If you factor in depreciation it will cost me 50% less per yr than my old 2009 BMW with many more features. The only thing holding me back was my vanity, so with gentle nudging from my wife and son I picked up a loaded 2020 Outback. All the dealers in my area sell them for less than the sticker and mine came in at 2-3k less than the sticker. I agree with the reviewer on the eye device and warning messages so will need to learn how to adjust the settings. However he is dead wrong on acceleration and handling. It is superior to the Volvo and only slightly lags the Mercedes but you must purchase the turbo option. It is hard to justify an extra 30k for the Mercedes wagon for the extra power and handling and name plate. The bottom line is if you really use the wagon, kids, dogs, skis, gardening gear, potted plants, chain saw, and need a 3500 lb hitch towing capacity to pull a boat the Mercedes just can’t do the job. I’m glad I made the decision to go Subaru!

[michaelmoney]

Also Subaru and BMW offer delivery Specialist who redeliver the vehicle after you buy it and answer any questions since driving. They give you a gas card and teach you these safety features or how to deactivate them.

[larkinoo]

Geez may not like the Outback, OK, but in my opinion a lot of your analysis are way off track. I've had my new 2020 Outback Touring XT for about a week now and I will say that it drives extremely well, is beautifully appointed, comfortable, pretty, and I am just shaking my head at some of the smarmy criticism you state. To each their own I guess but boy I sure do not agree with a lot of what you say. Just Doug.

[Jacobcrane]

Only the base engine will get 26 mpg city. Which is available in all trims. You have the turbo which is rated at 23 mpg city

[michaelmoney]

Auto/Start stop is put on most Jeeps, a lot of GMs, & etc. You can easily deactivate the feature on the new Outbacks. Steve definitely sounds like a Subaru hater but had some alright stuff too.

[andyb]

Poorly done review in my opinion. This is a best seller.

[NovieBigSad]

This is a balanced and fair review. I don't understand the vitriol in the comments from triggered Subaru minions. Great job, Steve for being honest and doing your job commendably, as always!