I have a 2024 outback limited..love it.. took it off road from Bodie to Aurora and it made it..just.. why get a real off road when most people never go off road..perfect for ski trips and soft roading..for far less $
I decided to get my Mahogany XT before January auto show just for that reason - the wagon is very loved. I was afraid after people see the monstrosity of 2026 Outback they will go back to the old version over new one. Bought it two weeks ago. Such smooth drive.
I just noticed your sub count approaching 900k. Wow! I feel that It was not too long ago that the channel was just slowly gaining after 500k. I guess there was a recent surge of new subs recently. My last 4 car purchases have all been based on Alex's reviews; best auto review channel. This is so exciting! This channel deserves to reach 1M subs much sooner than TheStraightPipes did.
That extra child seat clip is actually genius. If you lock the seat in on thoes clips then sit in the seat next to them it means you're closer to the baby than you normally would be and there's no big stretch or lean to get to them. It makes feeding them, playing with them and paying them attention really convenient. The sales guy also said its meant to help with side impact protection for the baby but I'm not sure how accurate that is.
The center of the car is always the safest place, but what would be better than the shared anchor would be a complete third set of LATCH anchors as we see in some vehicles.
The paddles are essential for engine braking when going down mountain passes in Colorado! We skipped the CR-V because there is no engine breaking ability! Overall, we love our Outback and it feels much more like my 2009 Volvo XC70 than a Honda or Toyota product. I’m afraid that the new Outback will be too SUV. We want an off roady wagon, if I wanted an SUV, I would buy an SUV. 😂
Alex, By any measure, the Outback W-A-G-O-N has been a great success for Subaru and a rare ray of light for wagon fans across this woefully wagon-deprived continent. By any measure, the Ascent CUV has been a big flop for Subaru. Why then would the Subaru brains trust turn the next Outback into a CUV? 🤨Thank goodness the Crown Signia has come along for fans of raised Japanese wagons across North America.🥳 Now we just need a Signia LE priced where a mid-level Outback wagon used to be found. 🤩
Not sure I'd say the Ascent is a flop, especially since it's on the same platform and runs the same powertrains. I think it outsells quite a number of other family adventure type vehicles.
I agree with your comments. But maybe by making the Outback more of a boxy SUV, then the next generation of the Crosstrek will be bigger, and dare I say it, more of ! wagon!
These bots are truly obnoxious. That aside, I'd just like to make a short comment: that new Outback shown at 0:02 looks horrible. Why would they do that to a perfectly functional wagon? Now it's just another box on wheels.
I don't see the big deal. Now that the Legacy is gone, there is no sedan to base a wagon variant off of, so they had to essentially create a new Outback from scratch. The spy photos make it look a little taller and more upright, but it still retains long cargo area of a wagon. Subaru doesn't even refer to it as a wagon in their marketing material anyway. I would reserve judgement until it's released and you can test drive. Subaru knows they have loyal fanbase, so I think people are bitching about the new model way too soon at this point.
Another awesome review Alex. Crisp and thorough. Sure you are not using a teleprompter? 😀 You are right, spy shots suggest its no longer going to be ‘Outbacky’ and sadly that could probably be the beginning of the end of our beloved Outback. I think the Outback has been a best seller only because it’s NOT a regular SUV. I don’t think Subaru can afford to have another SUV in their already crowded line up. Just my thought.
Own my 2nd Outback and like the station wagon format. Worried with what I see in the spy pictures. Think they may be alienating lot's of loyal buyers with their new boxy SUV like style.
ive always said if Ford was smart they would bring back the Taurus Stationwagon and make it a lifted awd off-road vehicle and go directly after the outback--I also think they should make the F150 into an SUV option ---- anyway I did look at the Crown Signia and the salesman insisted it was an suv not a wagon when I said it reminded me of the outback.
Just got a 2025 Touring XT last month. I compared it against the RAV4, CR-V, and CX5, and even the Acura RDX and Lexus NX. I'm still amazed how smooth this thing is to drive.
I rented an Outback Limited XT last summer and I didn't think the suspension was any softer than a typical sedan. Over patched pavement or railroad crossings it behaved pretty much like a Camry.
In 1994 some marketing genius at Subaru figured if we raise the wagon a couple of inches and add black cladding we can increase sales. It worked. I’m thinking that functionally it’s still a wagon with a simulated off road marketing image.
My nephew bought a Crosstrek after years of leasing cars the most recent one was a Jeep Grand Cherokee. He finally bought himself a house and decided to buy a vehicle and decided on the Crosstrek and everyone in our family has fallen in love with his car. He’s a conductor on the Long Island Railroad and needs a vehicle that will get him to work in snow and ice whenever he’s called in to work and it also needs to be anvil like reliable so it was an obvious choice for him this time after all of the recalls he experienced with the Jeep. The rest of us just love how nicely the Crosstrek rides and feels. His mom had a Subie when he was growing up for years and never had trouble with it and when it came to laying down his money for the long term it was his obvious choice.
We bought a new 2025 outback limited, also we bought a new 2024 Crosstrek sport. Yes we bought two new cars this summer, like them both. Paid cash for them. Not payments for us.
This 2.5l engine was originally designed in the 80s. It sounds like a tractor and uses fuel like one too. I used to own a 2.5rs from the 90s and I loved it but it's not the 90s anymore. Yes, they have continually improved it but it's unacceptable now and they match it to a CVT? Insult to injury.
Your review and comparisons with the OB, Forester and Crown Sig were spot on based on my experience with each of those cars. As a current happy owner of '22 OB (my 3rd) Touring 2.5i NA and someone who is always wondering what I'll get next I recently had a short test drive of the CSignia My impression is that the CS ride is smoother on 19" tires), than the OB (on 18" tires) & the acceleration a bit better than Subie's 2.5 NA, the interior space & comfort feels comparable (despite specs saying it has 10% less passenger volume -- I think that is probably due to somewhat less head room - I'm only 5'7"). Visibility was good and I appreciated the more forward placement of the outside mirrors & the manual controls for the HVAC. The gear petite gear selector was different but easily mastered. I hunted around a bit but never did figure out the radio controls. The cargo area with back seat up is 6" shorter & 3" narrower despite the CS being 3" longer & 1" wider than my OB. Overall, I felt the CS was more comfortable (ie more isolated from the road - a plus for some and minus for others) , peppier, & more nimble (very quick steering, flatter cornering) than my 2022 OB Touring 2.5i. The reduced caro area (25% less behind rear seat & 12% less with rear seat down accord to specs) could be a deal breaker for me from time to time, I'm hauling a lot of gear in my OB. At this point, I'll keep my 22 OB with just 13,200 miles. But come 2027, I'll do a detailed compro in between the latest OB (hopefully with a decent hybrid drivetrain by then), the Crown Sig, and the latest Hyundai Tucson & Kia Sportage hybrids offerings. Prices will definitely be a consideration. Its great to have a variety of good choices! Interesting, surprising side note is that the dealer I went to had zero RAV4 Hybrids available, but 4 CSs. Methinks the CS may be a bit pricey for the average Toyota buyer
It would be risky for Subaru to drastically change the Outback platform. Yes to better gas mileage and less controls imbedded on that infotainment screen. Other than that it’s been king in its own niche.
I wish they would bring a sedan/wagon Levorg, but both 7.5 inches off the ground and slotted close below the Forester and above the Impreza/Crosstrek. A sedan/wagon with better road clearance would sell to people who live with snow, ruts, and terrible city roads and get better fuel efficiency than the taller SUVs. ...AND it would give an option for loyal Subaru customers who love wagons!
I had a 2018. Great vehicle with lots of room. A car that really wants to be premium, but having a CVT goes against that. I hated it every time I tried to overtake someone.
That's more of boxer rngine features 😂 total lack of low end tourqe and economy as they n2ver was designed for comfort they w1s designed in 90' to drive hard up to redline..
@@scott8919 well sure, but many modern vehicle complaints are about subjective measures like that. I was just curious if the artificial ratios were available then and helped at all with that aspect.
Making it much larger and more SUV-like for 2026 sounds like a bad idea IMO. Outback is proof you can make a more conventional wagon sell like hotcakes. They really abandoned the whole reason it exists in the first place... NOT being an SUV.
I just bought a ‘25 Outback Touring because I wanted the wagon and didn’t trust the ‘26 to still be that. I see so many new Outback owners mentioning similar things on forums and subreddits…buying now to stay with the wagon. Subaru is making a mistake is they abandon the format.
Just picked up a 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6r 6 cylinder 5 speed auto for $6500. Very nice car. Third Subaru in the driveway. I like the simplicity of the older models, not touchscreen bullshit. Visibility from the driver seat is maybe 20% less than the Forester I daily, and the seating position is inches lower (not great for bad backs) compared to the Forester, but it's a third car for us and does what it needs to.
The number 1 limitation for any vehicle off road is trail damage and drive comfort. Subarus can go ridiculously far but most of those trails will be overgrown (and I live in the desert). I routinely take a 'jeep' trail to my favorite hiking spot. Been down in a Wrangler, Tundra, Outback, and a '87 Land Cruiser. The Outback is by far the most comfortable choice; and they all have significant scratches and dents from that road.
I own the '24 wilderness and it is an excellent car for road trips in terms of driving comfort and cargo space. Fuel economy is good if you drive around 75mph on the highway, above that it is not great. The turbo was great in the Colorado mountains. Driving on gravel/forest roads is also comfortable, the suspension absorbs potholes very well. My main gripe is with the console software which can be very laggy and occasionally won't connect to the phone.
I have a feeling the 2026 spy shots are slightly misleading. Hopefully it's still similar in dimensions to the current Outback. I love my 2023 limited 2.5. I hope it lasts a long time. CR's recent reliability rankings give me hope.
Just a note: the image used for the Chevrolet Blazer in the comparison section is the EV version. Anyway, I have a current generation Outback with the turbocharged engine. I love the CVT, it has converted me to appreciate CVTs generally. Also, the car is very comfortable to drive--it is a pure highway cruiser. Over 33,000 miles of city and highway driving I have averaged about 27 mpg. But where it shines it also falls short: handling is sloppy and the suspension is tuned to understeer. Also, if you intend to take your Outback off the beaten path, keep in mind that the front and rear overhangs are very long and the angles of approach and departure are quite acute. My biggest grievance point, however, has to be the infotainment screen and lack of dedicated physical buttons and knobs for common uses. To be a passenger in an Outback is to be a person constantly frustrated by how hard it is to tune the radio, or how laggy the infotainment is. Subaru is making a mistake in switching over all of its models to the tablet-style infotainment system. It sucks.
From what I can tell from the spy shots, the upcoming Outback still looks wagony to me, just with more squared off styling. Subaru is pretty conservative, so I don’t expect them to stray very far from the Outback’s successful formula.
I love station wagons (I have a 2022 E450 All-Terrain), but the CVT in the Outback, makes it a no-go for me. Everything else sounds really interesting.
The CVT is…fine…I’ve had many sports cars and used to race motorcycles and don’t mind the CVT in my ‘25 Outback Touring. It works for what the Outback is trying to be in my opinion…not exciting, but I never think about it when actually driving.
There's nothing wrong with Subaru's CVT's. This is not a Jatco/Nissan unit. Wish people would stop complaining about it. CVT is the norm in today's world.
@@Jonathan-bk3dq "CVT is the norm in today's world." -- No, it is not. Some companies actually are moving away from it. Also, do not confuse CVT with eCVT - a completely different animal.
@@mountainhobo what I said was actually true and if you people out there don’t like it, too bad. Get over yourselves. I’m tired of people whining over a dumb transmission for years and years like a broken record.
I have a Subaru in manual transmission, 5 speed auto, and CVT. Manual is 9/10, every small movement of my throttle foot is almost instantly felt in the drive train. 5 speed auto is maybe a 6/10. Seems to hunt, I only feel the torque at Rpms above 4000, and the system seems to shift much sooner than that. CVT is a 3/10. As an appliance, it works. But I do not trust it to tow our 1000 pound trailer, the audible and tactile feedback are either nonexistent or worse, inaccurate. Something unnerving about idling at 70mph. The driver is detached from all the feedback, and it does feel like you are traveling on a cloud. Luckily, this is the wife's car. 😅
Thank you so much for the great content. I will be getting a 2026 vehicle, and for my needs (off-road capability, 1,000 mile trip comfort, latest tech, safety, reliability, and towing capacity), only the new Passport Trailsport Elite and the yet-to-be unveiled Outback seem to be in the running. I'm also concerned about the looks of the new Outback, but those other factors are my main concern. I like everything about the Passport, except for the lack of a HUD and the cargo-stealing design of the full-size spare; of course, that all depends on how well it handles the highways for quiet comfort. Not willing to go hybrid if there's a significant loss of towing capacity, but I don't care if it's a NA 6-cylinder Auto or a turbo-4 CVT. Is there a thought that the Wilderness trim will be delayed another year the way they did with the Forrester?
Except Mazda says it's not a wagon. In truth when you put it next to an actual wagon, it's clearly not a wagon either. It just has a narrow greenhouse, high waistline, and some reviewers have called it "wagon-ish"
You probably reviewed this car 25x The problem that always remains is the weak engine unless you pay for the Turbo model. The options you want are difficult to select unless you are ordering online. Here as always they feed you loaded version with ugly brown seat$$$. Drivers complain about having to fight the Lane Assist nanny. Did that ever bother you?
OK. My question is: does the rear view mirror obstruct a tall driver’s forward view out the windshield in the 1 o’clock to 3 o’clock (right side) direction? I am 6ft 4in tall and sitting in the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek (which is also a raised wagon) my view is blocked so I have to lower my head to see the road in that direction (even with the seat in its lowest position). This is not a problem in my 2014 Forester. Tall folks thinking of purchasing a raised wagon might want to consider this issue. Maybe this should be mentioned in your future reviews since rearward visibility is often discussed?
I have a Subaru in manual transmission, 5 speed auto, and CVT. Manual is 9/10, every small movement of my throttle foot is almost instantly felt in the drive train. 5 speed auto is maybe a 6/10. Seems to hunt, I only feel the torque at Rpms above 4000, and the system seems to shift much sooner than that. CVT is a 3/10. As an appliance, it works. But I do not trust it to tow our 1000 pound trailer, the audible and tactile feedback are either nonexistent or worse, inaccurate. Something unnerving about idling at 70mph. The driver is detached from all the feedback, and it does feel like you are traveling on a cloud. Luckily, this is the wife's car. 😅
How is the crown signia more efficient? I can carry 5 gallons of gas in the middle of nowhere, run out, and refill again in the middle of nowhere… can’t do that with the signia, suddenly the ob is more efficient. lol
I think Honda's is the best feeling at the moment. It changes ratios rapidly and lacks the "rubber band" feeling that some CVTs have. Hyundai/Kia's CVT isn't bad either.
Have a 24 OB Onyx with the base engine. Beware the gas mileage. While I live in the desert southwest, I have yet to get beyond 24mpg, city usually around 19, hwy - 24. Tucson dealership could care less and the service dept. simply lies about it. I will never buy one again.
Because of terrible real life economy in mine opinion rav4 hybrid is far better choice even so awd system is far superior in subaru, in prelift 5yers old 2.5 non turbo I was getting bearly 25mpg/10-12L/100km/62 miles,Im based in UK so not much of mountain driving like in Colorado 😕 for overtaking you will need a lot of courage 😕
Crazy, I wonder what's going on with your vehicle, sounds like something is wrong. I have a '23 OB Wilderness model (only comes with the turbo) and I regularly average 27 or better on the highway. Sometimes 30 in the right conditions. City mpg is not great, between 18 and 20 is typical. This is especially true when it's cold out, which it often is here in Minnesota, so the vehicle never gets warmed up.
I love it in mine. It is integrated into dash not stuck on the top. Works great for me. Way better than those stuck on ones that stick up over the dash.
@drn13355 I'm talking about the software or operating system. The integration of the screen is good itself, I just don't like how the system looks digitally. I guess I could have been more specific
It doesn’t make economic sense for any mainstream manufacturer to produce manuals. The take rate is low single digits…the mpg delta isn’t big enough anymore for economy minded people to bother with 3 pedals anymore. It’s an enthusiast feature so only enthusiast cars will still have them.
I have a Subaru in manual transmission, 5 speed auto, and CVT. Manual is 9/10, every small movement of my throttle foot is almost instantly felt in the drive train. 5 speed auto is maybe a 6/10. Seems to hunt, I only feel the torque at Rpms above 4000, and the system seems to shift much sooner than that. CVT is a 3/10. As an appliance, it works. But I do not trust it to tow our 1000 pound trailer, the audible and tactile feedback are either nonexistent or worse, inaccurate. Something unnerving about idling at 70mph. The driver is detached from all the feedback, and it does feel like you are traveling on a cloud. Luckily, this is the wife's car. 😅
I'm looking to get the new passport. Definitely better than the outback in everything. Interior, technology, infotainment, stereo, drivetrain, and engine.
Consumer reports just put Subaru number 1 in reliability above Toyota and Lexus. I have had better luck with Subarus over anything elle I have owned. I live in northern WI and it is perfect for bad roads and going hiking and kayaking and whatever.
I have a 2024 outback limited..love it.. took it off road from Bodie to Aurora and it made it..just.. why get a real off road when most people never go off road..perfect for ski trips and soft roading..for far less $
Those spy photos scare me, looks like they are no longer basing it off a wagon platform.
Unfortunately Subaru's also adding 20" wheels to the upper trim '26 Outbacks...not the best choice for off road use.
I decided to get my Mahogany XT before January auto show just for that reason - the wagon is very loved. I was afraid after people see the monstrosity of 2026 Outback they will go back to the old version over new one. Bought it two weeks ago. Such smooth drive.
Screw TH-cam for interrupting your great review every 5 min.
Just install TH-cam ad blocker extension
That's Alex's choice.
@@sansinutube That's only step one.
I just noticed your sub count approaching 900k. Wow! I feel that It was not too long ago that the channel was just slowly gaining after 500k. I guess there was a recent surge of new subs recently. My last 4 car purchases have all been based on Alex's reviews; best auto review channel. This is so exciting! This channel deserves to reach 1M subs much sooner than TheStraightPipes did.
👏👏👏👏
Thanks so much for watching!
Alex is the greatest automotive journalist of our time bar non.
That extra child seat clip is actually genius. If you lock the seat in on thoes clips then sit in the seat next to them it means you're closer to the baby than you normally would be and there's no big stretch or lean to get to them. It makes feeding them, playing with them and paying them attention really convenient. The sales guy also said its meant to help with side impact protection for the baby but I'm not sure how accurate that is.
The center of the car is always the safest place, but what would be better than the shared anchor would be a complete third set of LATCH anchors as we see in some vehicles.
The paddles are essential for engine braking when going down mountain passes in Colorado! We skipped the CR-V because there is no engine breaking ability! Overall, we love our Outback and it feels much more like my 2009 Volvo XC70 than a Honda or Toyota product. I’m afraid that the new Outback will be too SUV. We want an off roady wagon, if I wanted an SUV, I would buy an SUV. 😂
love love love that you will start including information on reliability. there are so many new cars for sale that are unreliable
Alex, By any measure, the Outback W-A-G-O-N has been a great success for Subaru and a rare ray of light for wagon fans across this woefully wagon-deprived continent. By any measure, the Ascent CUV has been a big flop for Subaru. Why then would the Subaru brains trust turn the next Outback into a CUV? 🤨Thank goodness the Crown Signia has come along for fans of raised Japanese wagons across North America.🥳 Now we just need a Signia LE priced where a mid-level Outback wagon used to be found. 🤩
Not sure I'd say the Ascent is a flop, especially since it's on the same platform and runs the same powertrains. I think it outsells quite a number of other family adventure type vehicles.
I agree with your comments. But maybe by making the Outback more of a boxy SUV, then the next generation of the Crosstrek will be bigger, and dare I say it, more of ! wagon!
@@michaelsanders5938 The Crosstrek is a raised Impreza hatch. They already make an Impreza wagon called the Levorg.
These bots are truly obnoxious. That aside, I'd just like to make a short comment: that new Outback shown at 0:02 looks horrible. Why would they do that to a perfectly functional wagon? Now it's just another box on wheels.
Exactly.
I don't see the big deal. Now that the Legacy is gone, there is no sedan to base a wagon variant off of, so they had to essentially create a new Outback from scratch. The spy photos make it look a little taller and more upright, but it still retains long cargo area of a wagon. Subaru doesn't even refer to it as a wagon in their marketing material anyway. I would reserve judgement until it's released and you can test drive. Subaru knows they have loyal fanbase, so I think people are bitching about the new model way too soon at this point.
Agreed, looks like it will be another boring boxy suv
It looks like a taller and more narrow 25 forester
@@janoycresnova9156 Just like you!
Another awesome review Alex. Crisp and thorough. Sure you are not using a teleprompter? 😀
You are right, spy shots suggest its no longer going to be ‘Outbacky’ and sadly that could probably be the beginning of the end of our beloved Outback. I think the Outback has been a best seller only because it’s NOT a regular SUV. I don’t think Subaru can afford to have another SUV in their already crowded line up. Just my thought.
Own my 2nd Outback and like the station wagon format. Worried with what I see in the spy pictures. Think they may be alienating lot's of loyal buyers with their new boxy SUV like style.
…100%
ive always said if Ford was smart they would bring back the Taurus Stationwagon and make it a lifted awd off-road vehicle and go directly after the outback--I also think they should make the F150 into an SUV option ---- anyway I did look at the Crown Signia and the salesman insisted it was an suv not a wagon when I said it reminded me of the outback.
Just got a 2025 Touring XT last month. I compared it against the RAV4, CR-V, and CX5, and even the Acura RDX and Lexus NX. I'm still amazed how smooth this thing is to drive.
I rented an Outback Limited XT last summer and I didn't think the suspension was any softer than a typical sedan. Over patched pavement or railroad crossings it behaved pretty much like a Camry.
In 1994 some marketing genius at Subaru figured if we raise the wagon a couple of inches and add black cladding we can increase sales. It worked.
I’m thinking that functionally it’s still a wagon with a simulated off road marketing image.
This and the crossteck is the most selling car here in Oregon.
My nephew bought a Crosstrek after years of leasing cars the most recent one was a Jeep Grand Cherokee. He finally bought himself a house and decided to buy a vehicle and decided on the Crosstrek and everyone in our family has fallen in love with his car. He’s a conductor on the Long Island Railroad and needs a vehicle that will get him to work in snow and ice whenever he’s called in to work and it also needs to be anvil like reliable so it was an obvious choice for him this time after all of the recalls he experienced with the Jeep. The rest of us just love how nicely the Crosstrek rides and feels. His mom had a Subie when he was growing up for years and never had trouble with it and when it came to laying down his money for the long term it was his obvious choice.
We bought a new 2025 outback limited, also we bought a new 2024 Crosstrek sport. Yes we bought two new cars this summer, like them both. Paid cash for them. Not payments for us.
I’m going to miss the estate car design.
I just hope the new outback isn't just a modified two row Ascent. I'm sure they will be tempted to do that.
This 2.5l engine was originally designed in the 80s. It sounds like a tractor and uses fuel like one too. I used to own a 2.5rs from the 90s and I loved it but it's not the 90s anymore. Yes, they have continually improved it but it's unacceptable now and they match it to a CVT? Insult to injury.
Your review and comparisons with the OB, Forester and Crown Sig were spot on based on my experience with each of those cars.
As a current happy owner of '22 OB (my 3rd) Touring 2.5i NA and someone who is always wondering what I'll get next I recently had a short test drive of the CSignia My impression is that the CS ride is smoother on 19" tires), than the OB (on 18" tires) & the acceleration a bit better than Subie's 2.5 NA, the interior space & comfort feels comparable (despite specs saying it has 10% less passenger volume -- I think that is probably due to somewhat less head room - I'm only 5'7"). Visibility was good and I appreciated the more forward placement of the outside mirrors & the manual controls for the HVAC. The gear petite gear selector was different but easily mastered. I hunted around a bit but never did figure out the radio controls. The cargo area with back seat up is 6" shorter & 3" narrower despite the CS being 3" longer & 1" wider than my OB.
Overall, I felt the CS was more comfortable (ie more isolated from the road - a plus for some and minus for others) , peppier, & more nimble (very quick steering, flatter cornering) than my 2022 OB Touring 2.5i. The reduced caro area (25% less behind rear seat & 12% less with rear seat down accord to specs) could be a deal breaker for me from time to time, I'm hauling a lot of gear in my OB.
At this point, I'll keep my 22 OB with just 13,200 miles. But come 2027, I'll do a detailed compro in between the latest OB (hopefully with a decent hybrid drivetrain by then), the Crown Sig, and the latest Hyundai Tucson & Kia Sportage hybrids offerings. Prices will definitely be a consideration. Its great to have a variety of good choices!
Interesting, surprising side note is that the dealer I went to had zero RAV4 Hybrids available, but 4 CSs. Methinks the CS may be a bit pricey for the average Toyota buyer
It would be risky for Subaru to drastically change the Outback platform. Yes to better gas mileage and less controls imbedded on that infotainment screen. Other than that it’s been king in its own niche.
I wish they would bring a sedan/wagon Levorg, but both 7.5 inches off the ground and slotted close below the Forester and above the Impreza/Crosstrek. A sedan/wagon with better road clearance would sell to people who live with snow, ruts, and terrible city roads and get better fuel efficiency than the taller SUVs.
...AND it would give an option for loyal Subaru customers who love wagons!
I had a 2018. Great vehicle with lots of room. A car that really wants to be premium, but having a CVT goes against that. I hated it every time I tried to overtake someone.
Did it have the faux ratios to help with that?
That's more of boxer rngine features 😂 total lack of low end tourqe and economy as they n2ver was designed for comfort they w1s designed in 90' to drive hard up to redline..
@@ALMX5DP sounds like more of an issue with taste than anything objectively wrong with it.
@@scott8919 well sure, but many modern vehicle complaints are about subjective measures like that. I was just curious if the artificial ratios were available then and helped at all with that aspect.
That is why I would not buy 😂
Making it much larger and more SUV-like for 2026 sounds like a bad idea IMO. Outback is proof you can make a more conventional wagon sell like hotcakes. They really abandoned the whole reason it exists in the first place... NOT being an SUV.
Precisely.
I just bought a ‘25 Outback Touring because I wanted the wagon and didn’t trust the ‘26 to still be that. I see so many new Outback owners mentioning similar things on forums and subreddits…buying now to stay with the wagon. Subaru is making a mistake is they abandon the format.
Just picked up a 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6r 6 cylinder 5 speed auto for $6500. Very nice car. Third Subaru in the driveway. I like the simplicity of the older models, not touchscreen bullshit.
Visibility from the driver seat is maybe 20% less than the Forester I daily, and the seating position is inches lower (not great for bad backs) compared to the Forester, but it's a third car for us and does what it needs to.
The number 1 limitation for any vehicle off road is trail damage and drive comfort. Subarus can go ridiculously far but most of those trails will be overgrown (and I live in the desert). I routinely take a 'jeep' trail to my favorite hiking spot. Been down in a Wrangler, Tundra, Outback, and a '87 Land Cruiser. The Outback is by far the most comfortable choice; and they all have significant scratches and dents from that road.
I own the '24 wilderness and it is an excellent car for road trips in terms of driving comfort and cargo space. Fuel economy is good if you drive around 75mph on the highway, above that it is not great. The turbo was great in the Colorado mountains. Driving on gravel/forest roads is also comfortable, the suspension absorbs potholes very well.
My main gripe is with the console software which can be very laggy and occasionally won't connect to the phone.
Can you use cable for connecting a phone?
@ms-jl6dl yes, you can connect the phone with a cable or wireless.
I love the outback I really want one over my forester
Thank you for this review.
Great car, one piece of advice I’d give to other potential owners is that the touch screen can be incredibly frustrating to use while driving
Outback has very comfortable headroom for my 6 foot 1 son with reasonable price.
I have a feeling the 2026 spy shots are slightly misleading. Hopefully it's still similar in dimensions to the current Outback. I love my 2023 limited 2.5. I hope it lasts a long time. CR's recent reliability rankings give me hope.
We shall see at the January auto show! Fingers crossed.
Just a note: the image used for the Chevrolet Blazer in the comparison section is the EV version.
Anyway, I have a current generation Outback with the turbocharged engine. I love the CVT, it has converted me to appreciate CVTs generally. Also, the car is very comfortable to drive--it is a pure highway cruiser. Over 33,000 miles of city and highway driving I have averaged about 27 mpg. But where it shines it also falls short: handling is sloppy and the suspension is tuned to understeer. Also, if you intend to take your Outback off the beaten path, keep in mind that the front and rear overhangs are very long and the angles of approach and departure are quite acute.
My biggest grievance point, however, has to be the infotainment screen and lack of dedicated physical buttons and knobs for common uses. To be a passenger in an Outback is to be a person constantly frustrated by how hard it is to tune the radio, or how laggy the infotainment is. Subaru is making a mistake in switching over all of its models to the tablet-style infotainment system. It sucks.
From what I can tell from the spy shots, the upcoming Outback still looks wagony to me, just with more squared off styling. Subaru is pretty conservative, so I don’t expect them to stray very far from the Outback’s successful formula.
I have trouble believe that "trail" would challenge a crown signia...or even a mazda miata.
13:00 I was waiting for you to get out with your chainsaw 😀
Is that a single CD player under the armrest?
Yup! Standard on the Touring, optional accessory for all other trims.
@ amazing
I love station wagons (I have a 2022 E450 All-Terrain), but the CVT in the Outback, makes it a no-go for me. Everything else sounds really interesting.
The CVT is…fine…I’ve had many sports cars and used to race motorcycles and don’t mind the CVT in my ‘25 Outback Touring. It works for what the Outback is trying to be in my opinion…not exciting, but I never think about it when actually driving.
There's nothing wrong with Subaru's CVT's. This is not a Jatco/Nissan unit. Wish people would stop complaining about it. CVT is the norm in today's world.
@@Jonathan-bk3dq "CVT is the norm in today's world." -- No, it is not. Some companies actually are moving away from it. Also, do not confuse CVT with eCVT - a completely different animal.
@@mountainhobo I’m not confusing anything excuse you.
@@mountainhobo what I said was actually true and if you people out there don’t like it, too bad. Get over yourselves. I’m tired of people whining over a dumb transmission for years and years like a broken record.
I have a Subaru in manual transmission, 5 speed auto, and CVT.
Manual is 9/10, every small movement of my throttle foot is almost instantly felt in the drive train.
5 speed auto is maybe a 6/10. Seems to hunt, I only feel the torque at Rpms above 4000, and the system seems to shift much sooner than that.
CVT is a 3/10. As an appliance, it works. But I do not trust it to tow our 1000 pound trailer, the audible and tactile feedback are either nonexistent or worse, inaccurate. Something unnerving about idling at 70mph. The driver is detached from all the feedback, and it does feel like you are traveling on a cloud. Luckily, this is the wife's car. 😅
In New Zealand they took the Manuel away from us about 10+ years ago. I hate CVT with a passion, but we don’t get to choose
Thank you so much for the great content. I will be getting a 2026 vehicle, and for my needs (off-road capability, 1,000 mile trip comfort, latest tech, safety, reliability, and towing capacity), only the new Passport Trailsport Elite and the yet-to-be unveiled Outback seem to be in the running. I'm also concerned about the looks of the new Outback, but those other factors are my main concern.
I like everything about the Passport, except for the lack of a HUD and the cargo-stealing design of the full-size spare; of course, that all depends on how well it handles the highways for quiet comfort. Not willing to go hybrid if there's a significant loss of towing capacity, but I don't care if it's a NA 6-cylinder Auto or a turbo-4 CVT. Is there a thought that the Wilderness trim will be delayed another year the way they did with the Forrester?
Forester is like how Chipotle does burrito.
@11:33 Alex fails to mention that there's an optional CD player right there. Come on.
LOL. I thought about it, but I decided the discrete shot was better. I did dig out an old CD-R drive and burn a mix disc to play...
I miss the original size of the Outback, way to big now !
Not mentioning the CX-50 in the other options category is a pretty large misstep since it's the only other mainstream "wagon."
Except Mazda says it's not a wagon. In truth when you put it next to an actual wagon, it's clearly not a wagon either. It just has a narrow greenhouse, high waistline, and some reviewers have called it "wagon-ish"
This is alot of car for the money!
You probably reviewed this car 25x The problem that always remains is the weak engine unless you pay for the Turbo model. The options you want are difficult to select unless you are ordering online. Here as always they feed you loaded version with ugly brown seat$$$. Drivers complain about having to fight the Lane Assist nanny. Did that ever bother you?
OK. My question is: does the rear view mirror obstruct a tall driver’s forward view out the windshield in the 1 o’clock to 3 o’clock (right side) direction?
I am 6ft 4in tall and sitting in the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek (which is also a raised wagon) my view is blocked so I have to lower my head to see the road in that direction (even with the seat in its lowest position). This is not a problem in my 2014 Forester. Tall folks thinking of purchasing a raised wagon might want to consider this issue.
Maybe this should be mentioned in your future reviews since rearward visibility is often discussed?
Checks all the boxes for me EXCEPT the CVT, unfortunately that’s a deal breaker for me 😢
I have a Subaru in manual transmission, 5 speed auto, and CVT.
Manual is 9/10, every small movement of my throttle foot is almost instantly felt in the drive train.
5 speed auto is maybe a 6/10. Seems to hunt, I only feel the torque at Rpms above 4000, and the system seems to shift much sooner than that.
CVT is a 3/10. As an appliance, it works. But I do not trust it to tow our 1000 pound trailer, the audible and tactile feedback are either nonexistent or worse, inaccurate. Something unnerving about idling at 70mph. The driver is detached from all the feedback, and it does feel like you are traveling on a cloud. Luckily, this is the wife's car. 😅
If not for the infuriating CVT this would be in my driveway right now
You probably reviewed this car 25x The problem that always remains is the weak engine
How is the crown signia more efficient? I can carry 5 gallons of gas in the middle of nowhere, run out, and refill again in the middle of nowhere… can’t do that with the signia, suddenly the ob is more efficient. lol
So could a Signia. What is your point?
@ I thought it was an EV…
This is what people want, not EVs
Isn’t the passport more of a comparable vehicle than the CRV?
What is your favorite CVT?
I think Honda's is the best feeling at the moment. It changes ratios rapidly and lacks the "rubber band" feeling that some CVTs have. Hyundai/Kia's CVT isn't bad either.
are you in California?
Grand Cherokee doesn’t have lockers.
Looks old with the analog 1990 display
Have a 24 OB Onyx with the base engine. Beware the gas mileage. While I live in the desert southwest, I have yet to get beyond 24mpg, city usually around 19, hwy - 24. Tucson dealership could care less and the service dept. simply lies about it. I will never buy one again.
Because of terrible real life economy in mine opinion rav4 hybrid is far better choice even so awd system is far superior in subaru, in prelift 5yers old 2.5 non turbo I was getting bearly 25mpg/10-12L/100km/62 miles,Im based in UK so not much of mountain driving like in Colorado 😕 for overtaking you will need a lot of courage 😕
I think you're full of BS. Troll alert!
Crazy, I wonder what's going on with your vehicle, sounds like something is wrong. I have a '23 OB Wilderness model (only comes with the turbo) and I regularly average 27 or better on the highway. Sometimes 30 in the right conditions. City mpg is not great, between 18 and 20 is typical. This is especially true when it's cold out, which it often is here in Minnesota, so the vehicle never gets warmed up.
I liked the older Outback with its h6 engine. Didn’t that h6 come with an automatic or was it only a cvt.
Mine had an automatic!
@ isn’t it their 5 speed?
@@naveenthemachine No.
@@eskieman3948 The H6 from 2010-2014 had a 5 speed automatic.
I hate how Subarus infotainment system looks. It looks so aftermarket and tacky.
I love it in mine. It is integrated into dash not stuck on the top. Works great for me. Way better than those stuck on ones that stick up over the dash.
@drn13355 I'm talking about the software or operating system. The integration of the screen is good itself, I just don't like how the system looks digitally. I guess I could have been more specific
But it WORKS. Nothing wrong with it.
@@eskieman3948 Didn't say it didn't work, I just said it looks tacky and aftermarket, it's not a good looking software.
I like the color coded large icons. Easy to hit when driving; Unlike Toyota and Honda with their monochromatic screens.
CVT keeps me away , add manual to this and the sales would be much higher.
lol 2% of all cars sold in America are manuals. Subaru cancelled the manual cause nobody bought it
It doesn’t make economic sense for any mainstream manufacturer to produce manuals. The take rate is low single digits…the mpg delta isn’t big enough anymore for economy minded people to bother with 3 pedals anymore. It’s an enthusiast feature so only enthusiast cars will still have them.
I have a Subaru in manual transmission, 5 speed auto, and CVT.
Manual is 9/10, every small movement of my throttle foot is almost instantly felt in the drive train.
5 speed auto is maybe a 6/10. Seems to hunt, I only feel the torque at Rpms above 4000, and the system seems to shift much sooner than that.
CVT is a 3/10. As an appliance, it works. But I do not trust it to tow our 1000 pound trailer, the audible and tactile feedback are either nonexistent or worse, inaccurate. Something unnerving about idling at 70mph. The driver is detached from all the feedback, and it does feel like you are traveling on a cloud. Luckily, this is the wife's car. 😅
Might be a great car, but it's hard to get over the looks. It's just ugly.
Is it true that only vehicles with high clearance and locking differential will be allowed on Colorado trails?
I'm looking to get the new passport. Definitely better than the outback in everything. Interior, technology, infotainment, stereo, drivetrain, and engine.
You're on drugs, and you're dishonest about everything you've said. Passports are cheap overpriced junk, and you know it.
Lots of artifacting in the bottom right video.
Quality is what keeps me from buying one. I'm tempted. But they seem to be plagued with problems.
Like?
Consumer reports just put Subaru number 1 in reliability above Toyota and Lexus. I have had better luck with Subarus over anything elle I have owned. I live in northern WI and it is perfect for bad roads and going hiking and kayaking and whatever.
Yeah, the average schill in the comments section has no idea how terrible that CVT is. Nobody should settle for that rubber banded CPU trash.
@@steamroller72it’s metal banded…
Holy hell...still has a CVT? Maybe lease this garbage, but never buy it.
You don't have any money anyway, so why troll?
Just change the "lifetime" tranny fluid regularly and ease into the throttle and the CVT is just fine