The 2023 Subaru Outback XT is Quicker than the WRX GT!? / The Problem with the WRX CVT

What's worse than losing a drag race in a WRX? Losing to an Outback. Today, I try to find out why these two are so comparable in speed, and what I think should be done to make this an issue of the past.

Thank you, Royal on the Eastside, for letting me test out various WRXs and Outbacks over the year to make this video possible.

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[sifka]

Shhh! Quit spilling the beans on our sleeper dadwagon!

[SubuwuCollie]

Exactly why I bought my OBXT Onyx... makes more sense than a WRX and especially because I can offroad and go camping with it.. and it still is plenty of fun to drive. Fantastic car

[mistamaog]

Crazy how the Outback is quicker and more efficient despite being higher up and heavier. I think the WRX just needs a better tune.

[classxgames]

Subaru made some weird decisions with this WRX that I'm hoping will be resolved later on. Like why state that you expect 70% of WRXs sold to be manuals, then hold the highest proformance options to the GT trim that only comes with a CVT.

[NGMonocrom]

Every single time I seriously consider getting a 2022 WRX, something new pops up that reminds me why I shouldn't. From the VW GTI being shorter in length, and doing 0-60mph. in a bit less time with Regular gas.... To finding out that the Outback is faster, has better fuel economy, AND also takes regular. Seriously, what the hell Subaru!? 😠

[matthewwain]

Outback XT curb weight: 3946 lbs / WRX curb weight: 3537 lbs. It is absolutely bananas that the outback is quicker (in a straight line), whilst using lesser tires, and cheaper gas, and 409 lbs heavier!!! They both seem to have the 4.11 final drive as well. It's a very bizarre situation.

[MM-yyib]

24 Outback Limited XT. Love Was on some mountain roads last weekend with 4 adults in the wagon. Passing was no problem. Economy dropped to 24.6 mpg. Highway was getting 29. ❤ My OUTBACK!

[RyanKellysProfile]

I was shopping for an auto wrx when I saw a legacy XT at the dealership. After test driving both I ended up leaving with a Legacy Touring XT which was cheaper than the wrx and felt just as quick with the added luxury

[rajTrondhjem]

Now this, is the kind of comparison and insight that's needed in a YouTube car video. Good work..

[ChristianRunsNY]

I've been feeling the same way sitting in my 2017 Forester XT. It's basically as quick as a current WRX... It makes me scratch my head about what they're doing.

[spencerstein]

Subaru should just offer a Legacy wagon with a sport suspension/adaptive suspension option. Space and speed of the Outback XT, but with better handing.

[williamerskine]

Congratuations, I think you're the first YouTube reviewer to get some actual behind the wheel time.  
Thanks for the comparison! I'll be able to enjoy my 2023 Touring XT even more now. That is, once I complete the break-in (half way there)

[perfectstranger]

Don’t sleep on the Outback wilderness!!! That’s a wolf in sheep clothing. True beast!

[mdantoine]

Bring back the Legacy GT wagon. Take the Outback, lose the cladding, drop the ride height and offer a stick. It’ll never happen though.

[chanopokes]

The whole reason I went with the Outback Wilderness. More torque than the XT at the diffential. But off the line is frustrating for sure, however passing boost is outstanding.
Had the WRX shown me a good reason to lose the cargo space I would've gladly run the manual. But it's essentially the same car.

[flutter-one]

I love my XT! So much more comfortable than my WRX was also!

[billyrock]

As a seasoned Dadwagon Topgun, I’ve dusted off more than a few of these WRX hotdog pups 🐶

[quocanhphanho]

I do enjoy your directness in this comparison. Still hopeful that there will be some updates to this wrx cvt, but waiting around 6-8 years for significant changes seem not plausible…

[andrewkoziol]

I fuckin love my Outback XT. I always find it funny how the 0-60 is similar to so many sports cars. It's so fun to drive.

[darvelbidenisapuppet]

I just drove the 2022 outback wilderness, wow, I was not expecting that performance, it felt much faster from launch and pulling out of corners . For some reason I was thinking it would be more spongy and slow like the wilderness Forester. Its FUN to drive.