I've had this done. The main thing I was looking forward to was having the seat heater controls on the home screen. That's where they should have been in the first place. The AVH was an unexpected addition. I didn't know that was going to be there but I'm glad it is. The AVH is a feature I never used because I didn't feel like wading through the menu system to get to it every time I started the car. This solves that problem. There are other improvements involved with this update that Alex didn't cover so I'll mention them here. I've got a 2022 Outback Premium trim. Other problems I've had with that 11.6" screen are: 1. The system can be very slow and clunky to boot up on an engine start but it was very inconsistent about it. Some start cycles, it's not too bad at all. Others, it might take a minute or more before things start working smoothly. Since the update, the system boots up much more smoothly and in a timely manner. 2. One of the most annoying things was related to the SXM radio. AM/FM wasn't a problem. As often as not, it would take my car two to three minutes at least for the SXM radio to start playing. About 30% of the time, the SXM radio wouldn't start playing at all. The only way I could correct this would be to pull over, shut the car off for a minute or so and then restart. That would usually get it up and running. Since I've had the update, the SXM radio is usually playing before the screen itself had finished booting up and I've only had one time when it didn't play at all. I don't know what was up with that but if that's the worst it does, it is way, way, way better than it was before. 3. The bluetooth connection to my phone was never very good. Outgoing calls weren't too bad but most of the time, the incoming calls I received were unreadable. It was like I was getting every third or fourth syllable and I had to have the volume all the way up to hear anything at all. Since the update, my phone calls, especially the incoming ones, are much better. I still have to have the volume set much higher than with other audio functions but at least it's usable now. Needless to say, I'm very happy with this upgrade. I think they've still got a ways to go but this puts the system very close to where it should have been in 2020, let alone 2022. I'm just glad Subaru is still working on it. I have to say, I'm disappointed that Alex said this update would be free as long as the car is still under warranty. Personally, I think that's BS. There are probably more than a few 2020 owners who would have to pay for this just because of time, or probably, mileage, and I think Subaru should cover it either way (JMO). Other changes I'd like to see, as long as I'm on a roll, are: 1. Put the radio and media function under one app. All those things play through the audio system. There's no reason to have them separated into two apps. Depending on where you're at and where you want to go, it could take up to four taps of the screen to get there. That's unacceptable in my book. 2. They need to give Android Auto more real estate on that big screen. My understanding is that they did it for Apple Carplay. It seems like they could do it for AA too. Android Auto works well in my car but the map is so small as to be almost unreadable. 3. I like that the system can read an incoming text message when it arrives. My previous car would do that and it's a feature I always appreciated. The difference between the car I had before and my Outback is, it didn't matter what I was doing with the audio system when the text came in, after listening to it and exiting out of it, I'd be back where I was when the text arrived. With my Outback. I'm listening to the radio, a text comes in and I listen to that. When I exit the text messages screen, I'm in the phone app, not back in the radio app. So now, I have to go back to the home screen, then select the radio app to get back where I was before. The system should note where it was when the text came in and return to that point after. As is, it's yet another way that this 11.6" screen is way more of a distraction than it needs to be.
Your number 2 improvement I'm looking forward to. While my rate of not connecting isn't as bad as yours, I get it from time to time, too. Your number 2 want ... ditto! The map function on Android Auto is what I mostly use it for and it's painfully small.
Unfortunately, based on multiple interactions with folks at both Subaru and Google - it's on Google to Change the Android Auto to fit the screen size of the outback. I greatly prefer carplay of android auto in the outback but love my pixel phone over an iphone...
Android Auto was fixed…for the 2023 models going forward. Like wireless AA which was also added, it was not backwards-compatible so it is not on the 2020-22 models.
@@nswilson8 The 2023s have full-screen android auto, so they could have included it. I ended up buying a wireless dongle that mimics Carplay and gives me wireless full-screen Android auto with the old software. As my 2020 is out of warranty, I'm not sure I'll pay for the upgrade for the other features (but will do it DIY if the firmware becomes available)
Had this installed the week it came out. Very happy. Many improvements - facial recognition is also faster and on the Touring the ventilated seat button is next to the heated seat button and so much easier to use!
Just had the update done to our 2021 Outback. I think I was one of the 1st to ask about the update, service at first said that there was no update, gave them the info you had passed to your viewer's and when I picked up the car it had been done! Thanks for the post.
I work at a Subaru retailer too. What Alex says is true. It added new features but not everything the 2023 and 2024 can do. Think of it like an iPhone each fall. While an iOS update adds some new features, it does not add them all. For that you need the new phone. Same thing here. The 2023 added more features because the system which was called CP 1.0 is now called CP 1.5. The 23 added Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as full-screen Android Auto. And while FOTA update is available in this car, this particular update was too big for that and does require dealership installation. One of the most underutilized features in this car are voice commands. Many things that people do by touch can be done by voice command. On the CP 1.5, the voice commands even got extended to control the heated seats. The CP 1.0, even with the new buttons, still cannot do that. I haven’t seen all of Alex’s videos so maybe there is one about that. And the reason you need to turn the AVH on each time is because of the Auto Start-Stop feature. On the Ascent which does not have AS-S, the AVH button once turned on stays on. This is Subaru’s new system. It already was added to WRX and Ascent. It’s what on the 2024 Impreza and Crosstrek which are now available for ordering and will be arriving shortly. And whether it will be a 2024 or 2025 model, it’s coming to Forester.
Thanks for the video. I noticed they did not fix some of their biggest complaints. Being able to permanently turn off auto stop/start and permanently turn off that dang camera that keeps telling me to keep my eyes on the road when I have sunglasses on 😔
My car dealer wouldn't do it- didn't know aobut it so I did it myself. Worked perfectly. Took 15 minutes to download into my 2020 Outback. Very happy wth the update!
Thank you so much! I called to set up an appointment to get the touch screen update. The guy that answered asked me who told you about this update and how I found out about it. I just smiled. That's the same dealership that wouldn't go over the touch screen with me because I bought a used car.
Yup many dealerships I spoke to get angry we know about this update. One kept downplaying it saying I'm not sure we would do it. Wish more laws came out to force free updates for say 10 years.
I recently got email from Subaru re update. Updated w link and even had a tutorial link. Followed instructions. No problems and didn't require thumb drive. We have extended warranty but easier to do at home. Also did not need to change to dealer mode . Really like the updates.
Got the update done immediately after seeing this post. It is a HUGE improvement to what always should have been easier access to everyday functions. Thanks for sharing!
@@alexpmo have you found that the turbo models will go in auto stop with AVH engaged and stay stopped? mine will start off stopped and then randomly restart for no reason........
Update is even better than originally thought. I have a 2022 Outback and use the AVH all the time so having it on the main screen is a bonus. As usual, thanks for the great vid and information. And thanks to Steven Rhodes for additional info. I've had the same problems he listed.
FWIW - On 2022 Subaru outback limited I could just connect my car to the home wifi and click software update in the settings menu. Download was fast but the install took quite a while (30 min?). No need to deal with the USB stick (OTA works fine) just need some patience to get it installed :)
I can confirm that it works on a Subaru Outback Limited 2022 from Canada. I just installed this new firmware update and it's GREAT!!! Finally heated seats on the main menu! The bigger buttons are a welcome addition! Yeah! And when you get in the car, the menu starting is a lot snappier. It's not sluggish anymore. THAT'S a major addition too. Hurray!
@@2009bubbaray I did it myself. It was fairly straightforward. It took 20 minutes with the car running. 1. I used a dependable USB key formatted in NTFS of at least 16Gb and I copied the file corresponding to my car (a 2022 limited in my case) in the root of the key. 2. After that, I started my car, got into dealership mode by pressing the 2 temperature button while pushing the TUNE knob 6 time. 3. Afterward, I inserted the USB key on the right side USB port of the car and I selected the "update firmware" of the dealership menu. 4. After about 20 minutes (or when completed...I read that it could take up to 40 minutes in some case), your car will ask yourself to shut it down and exit the car. 5. Shut down your car, exit it and let it be for around 5 minutes and jump right back in! 6. Hurray, you're done!!! Be advised that it's done at your own risk. If your car is under warranty, your dealership MUST do it for you for free but you must take an appointment and your valuable time for a job I consider myself more apt to do than my dealership. Cheers!
@@micquebec Thank you so much. My vehicle IS still under warranty (here in BC), but my purchase/service dealership says there is NO update? I would prefer they do it, but I/husband are reasonably tech savvy and it sounds reasonably straightforward.
@@micquebec Also, where did you get the files and do they need to be Canada-specific or are they the same file(s) for the USA and Canada? Thanks again!
Hey Alex, I’ve been looking forward to this update since you posted your last video, but I didn’t think it would be available so soon. We had our 2020 Outback in today for a routine oil change, and I had them install this update (at no cost) and I’m so happy! In my opinion, the climate controls should’ve been set up this way from the beginning-what an improvement! And adding the AVH button on the home screen is an added bonus. Thanks for the heads up that it was available! Looking forward to more of your great Subaru content.
Thanks for letting us know about this. My 2020 Outback is over 3 years old and off warranty. My dealer wanted $110 to install it. It really is very simple to do the download yourself following very easy instructions from another RU-vid video that’s easy to find with search. It took a total of 30 minutes for a total cost of $3.50 for a new thumb drive from Amazon. Dealer said it takes at least an hour which is absolutely untrue.
My dealership just updated mine this morning, said it was covered so didn't have to pay anything as I'm only 1 yr into my 3yr lease. Heated seat controls are nice and easier to get to, not that I need them anymore with spring here. But def nice having the AVH right on the main screen and fan speed easier to control!!! Funny part is that my dealership had no idea it was available, I had to provide them the ticket number from this video for them to find it.
Did it myself on my 2021 Legacy Touring XT. It was relatively simple and took about 20 minutes. Really like the changes. If you have any sort of tech savvy its better than making an appointment and sitting in the dealership (and possibly being charged). I know its not recommended to do it that way, can't be endorsed and do it at your own risk.
Send me the link. I checked my current software version and I have the older version in my 2021 Legacy. When I try to do an OTA update, the message comes back, "You have the latest version." But I don't. Ugh.
Alex- Thanks so much alerting us that this update existed at all and that it was now available. Even though forewarned before purchasing (2021 Outback XT) I had a hard time not complaining about the unnecessary button pushes it needed. Given all the safety features that Subaru focuses on, how could they sell a car with such a distracting, frustrating touch screen that could take your eyes off the road so long? I wonder if/when the Subaru dealer would have ever informed me about this update? Yearning for all these "fixes" you showed, I took this knowledge and the TSB number to the dealership. They installed the updates (slightly different TSB#) and I'm so happy to have this!
I took my car in three times for Oil Changes to the Dealership where I bought it, and they not only never updated it, they didn't tell me about the update either. Maybe waiting for my 3 year warranty to run out, so they can charge me to do it? LOL
Yep my nearest dealer is an hour drive. I am out of warenty so they said no free updates. I tried car says update failed. Wifi says no updates available.
@@Wrang15 Make sure the 4 files are on the USB, not in a folder on the USB. Also make sure you got the right version for your model. Effortless for me. I'm still under warranty but my dealership doesn't know which USB is which...they just throw them all in basket.
@ajmunn1229 been to two dealers nope car won't update. Same when I tired. Goes through the process. Let car sit 15 minutes nope still on the old version. SoA would have to send a software guy out. The car tests fine when they do checks. Its over two hours round trip to my near dealer so I gave up.
Saw this video about a week ago, before I had a Subaru, ended up getting a 2022 Outback this past weekend. Update had not been performed, asked salesman about and said he would get back to me with a response. This morning I checked to see if any updates were available and went the OTA route and when it was completed I found out it was this.
The software update to fix the heated seats and HVAC controls on the 20-22 Outback/Legacy is FINALLY here! 😀 This video outlines what is new and how to get the update! 2020 - 2022 OUTBACK/LEGACY: TSB 15-261-20R - March 13th, 2023 Update link below: www.subaruoutback.org/attachments/15-261-20r_rev-2023-mar-13-pdf.561434/ *Edit: the 22 WRX does not appear to have this update yet, but I will include TSB on this at a later date once it's available.
@@Goodguy8419 be sure you reference the TSB number in the description for your model and year. They will have to look this up. It’s so new they likely have not heard of it yet
And Google needs to once and for all fix Android auto so it works as it once did in my 2022 Legacy. Every time they change something it causes the entire experience to be nothing short of a disaster and makes it unusable for a lot of people
@@AbleMable nope, you have a small screen on AA for maps which is a waste of the large infotainment screen! You get to use most of the screen for Apple CarPlay, so I feel cheated with Android Auto.
Has the android auto finally been updated to full screen on the 2021 with this updated??? I have been waiting for almost three years for this promised software update
I am under warranty- 16 months and 17000 miles into a 2021 Outback Touring purchase. My dealer said unless there is something wrong with my head unit, they won't update it without cost- qouoted $170.00. I'm going to do it myself!
I got this done at the dealer after I saw your video and it went great. So glad to have it done! The service advisor wasn't familiar yet with it but the technician figured it all out. 🙂
Thanks for the demonstration. Cleared up a lot of questions about the changes. My car is still under warranty but I figured it's not a service issue. Now I know better. I was going to attempt it myself but am heeding your wise advice not to. And with the bulletin number you provided I can reference the correct software update for the Subaru Service Dept. Awesome! Thanks again.
Thanks for the update! I want to get this done. I use AVH all the time and I look forward to having the seat heater control buttons be more functional. I have a 2022 Legacy sedan that is an XT touring model.
Just coming back to update for Canadian Subaru owners -- I had the update done to my Canadian 2021 Outback Premier XT yesterday (along with an A service). Took about 2 hours for both. THRILLED with the updated buttons! Also, the update seems to have resolved the sporadic SiriusXM loading issue. Thanks @AlexPrestigiacomo for the video!
Thanks for the video. Did a little reddit search to get the latest version firmware installed on my 2022 OB. The AVH and seat heating buttons are a game-changer. Unfortunately, Android Auto still runs in half-screen mode. Yet much needed upgraded elsewhere. Thank you. Great value video.
22 Outback Premium. Screen has been acting up more often. Beeped and rebooted while driving. The other day it just froze and I couldn't call or get calls the entire way home after work. I had to turn off Bluetooth and then I could use my phone.. Taking it in soon.
I think something that would really top this update that they can do in the future is just leaving the physical buttons for climate control like most other manufacturers do and realize a gigantic distracting screen is just stupid especially for something so small and simple as climate controls. Not everything needs to be made into an iPad.
My Subaru Dealer refused to do this update. I’m in the warranty period, so that didn’t matter either. They said what I could do is pay $100.00 for service check to pull up the software info and then pay for a software update and pay an hour rate for the “install.” I found out how to do it myself. It took 10 minutes to get the files downloaded and saved to a thumb drive and about 20 minutes to install it myself in the car. It’s a lot easier to do than the dealer makes it out to be.
I have a 22 Outback and have been waiting for this, was just informed my 23 Outback that I ordered will be delivered next week. Crazy timing, at least the next owner will enjoy it.
This past Friday, I brought my 2022 Outback to the dealer for an oil change and tire rotation. I mentioned when I got there that the head unit performance was terrible. The lag, the crashing, and the apple car play integration being bad. They updated the software to the new version....so far so good. Thanks Alex!
This is a disappointing update. The ONE thing AA users wanted was a big map, and once again, AA users have been short shafted. All the other changes are great, but why are Subaru making us wait soooo long. I now seriously doubt we'll ever see it.
This is what I was wondering. The 2023 AA utilizes the entire screen meanwhile there is just this blank space to fill in the 2020-2022 models. Does this update enable wireless connectivity for AA and CarPlay?
Updated my 22' Outback Touring XT however, it still did not address the portrait mode for Android Auto. I've tweeted Subaru a few times, and they've yet to respond. I feel like Subaru is forcing Android users to switch to an iPhone. Not cool. I've never owned an iPhone, nor do I have the desire.
@Alex Prestigiacomo I heard someone say that the 2023 infotainment system has a newer/faster processor, and that the previous models may not have the processing power to run Android Auto in full-screen. Grain of salt... I'm hoping they are wrong.
@@jkjome4095 could be the case. However, Apple CarPlay wasn’t full screen at first when the 2020 first came out and was later added. Seems like it could be replicated for Android as well but I’m also not a developer 😅
@terry I am highly confident a automotive company whom makes cars "wants" to get its users to buy an iPhone. That's like going to a tire shop for tires and them telling you they can't because you have silver wheels. Like wtf? You okay?
Wish they'd put a button to turn off the driver monitoring so you didn't have to go through a couple menus to get to it. I wish it was right next to the auto stop/start icon. I shut them both off every time.
@@williamhritz3455 Its automatic with me. Hit it just before I reach for the gear shift all in one easy move. I'd rather keep the $100 in my account.😉 Now the Driver Focus nonsense - yeah, I'd pay $500 if there was a way to permanently disable the damned irritating bitchy thing.😆
Thanks to you, I found out about this update and had it done to our 2022 Legacy Limited XT. It certainly helps but I wish they had gone farther in the layout of the screen for the climate control. I really don't need 90% of the screen to be taken up by entertainment. You should be able to pick the layout you want. Oh well, still better, thx!
I did the update today to my 2022 Outback wilderness. Took me about 30 minutes. This was after my dealer initially tried to charge me $150 to do it and then when i said no, its a warantee update, so they should do it for free. They then followed up by saying there was no update available for the 2022 wilderness. Dealers can be lame for sure.
Got the update last week and I am super happy with every aspect of it! Funny, there's actually empty space for two more "on/off" icons near the bottom. Subaru states this update was far too large to do wirelessly from your home BUT i'm thinking if there's a future update, like filling in those blank spaces, it won't be a problem.
I just used WIFI to update. No need for a thumb drive. Just click on the software update in the menu and it downloads. You do have to start the car after the download to install and leave it running until completed.
I am at my local Subaru dealership and they said that Subaru needs to have a recall on the VIN before they can do the update 😡😡😡… so I told them I was having a radio issue… WTH?????
Sounds like they are confused. Share this PDF with them. It's not a recall. Hope this helps! www.subaruoutback.org/attachments/15-261-20r_rev-2023-mar-13-pdf.561434/
wait if you need to drive to the dealership to do the software update, then whats the point in enabling automatic software update in the settings of the display?
Thank You Alex for this video, I just bought my 2023 Legacy and I'm looking forward to updating my infotainment system to have the AVH button next to the Auto Start Stop. Again THANK YOU ALEX!
@@denissh3955 You're right Denis, I went to my local Subaru Dealership and they "updated" to w 33-681. But there is no shortcut for the AVH on the main screen. I feel let down.
@@alexpmo Do you have any insight into when we can expect this software update for the 2023 year model? We still only have the shortcut home screen button for AVH.
I would love to see a button to quickly turn off Eyesight. Recently while on the interstate, I entered a construction zone and Eyesight jerked the wheel to the right and activated the brakes because it detected a non-existent obstruction as I was driving through the barrels that marked the detour. Thankfully, I had both hands on the wheel and kept control of the car. (it scared the crap out of me) It happened a second time under similar circumstances but I was a alert to the possibility as I approached another construction detour. I would like to be able to "one touch" a button to disable Eyesight when I see road construction ahead and then re-enable once I have cleared the detours. (2020 Outback)
Took less time to do at home than it would take to drive to the dealer. And, no one tried to sell me rear brakes when it was done. (Local dealer tries to tell everyone they need new rear brakes). So nice to see all these changes...finally. Now, if they could just fix the driver distraction system.
22 OB Touring XT and I’m very happy with the improved responsiveness and heated seat button locations. I feel like there is also an opportunity to add an X-mode button next to the Home Screen button as well.
You can have X-Mode options displayed on the horizontal strip at the top and then it's 1-touch. We just took our Onyx on some off-road adventures and I used that a lot.
Hey Jeremy, after the update, do your ventilated seats operate the same as before even though the heated seat operation was changed. I have 22 OB touring. Thanks
Useful video, I'm picking up my "new" Subaru Outback 2022 model on Saturday. I don't know if it's been updated, I assume the update is also available in the UK, will definitely be checking.
Hi Alex Thanks for letting uis know this was out i just had my dealership upgrade mine and i love the new interface! I was wondering if you could answer a question or shed some insight onto why the Carplay interface looks and functions so much better on the 11.6" radio then the Andriod Auto? Is this a due to a deal Subaru has with Apple or due something else?
I just switched from a 21 to a 24 legacy. I did the update on the 21 and I loved the AVH button where the home button is. Now my 24 Legacy doesn’t have the AVH bottom like the 21 version. I have to use the larger icons where the apps, phone, etc are.
Hopefully this fixes the random software crashes, infinite black screen, and then the follow on inevitable crash of eyesight functions etc. For a $40K car that relies on a touch screen display to use so many features I have to say Subaru winked this up. Fingers crossed they’ve finally got it right! As always, great video man! I always like checking in on what you upload
You obviously don't look at many other current vehicles from other manufacturers with similar touchscreens, do you? There are several FAR more expensive vehicles out there with infotainment systems that will truly show you the meaning of "winked up" in comparison.
My dealership will not upgrade 2022 outback with the new features. I fall under the 3yr/ 36,000 miles warranty. But because I am not having any issues they charge me. I guess it is not worth it. They weren't aware of the upgrade
Appreciate the vid, glad to see this update come thru. Not appreciative of the clickbaity “at the end of video we’ll tell you how to get this update on your car” and end up saying go to the dealer. That goes without saying, c’mon. The Subaru community is full of DIYers, and pretty sure this is not an overly-involved upgrade. Hate seeing this trend on YT lately where the creators are more than willing to waste my time, and at end of video reveal they DONT have the answer to question. Just say at beginning of video that this is to be dealer-installed, not difficult! #BeBetter
BTW, thank you for informing of us this update! I would not have known otherwise. Always great, accurate and informative videos, it's why I subscribed!
Hey Alex just came across your videos and love them! Already subscribed. So helpful and easy to understand. Thank you. I have an android and loathe AA because in my Subaru Outback 2021, with the update, the maps still do not fill the screen like Apple car play. 😩 It's super annoying. Any suggestions please?
The TSB is in the description. You can share this with them and they will be able to find it: www.subaruoutback.org/attachments/15-261-20r_rev-2023-mar-13-pdf.561434/
I can definitely do this update myself but my only problem is I can’t download the files that I need to update because only emoloyees can get the update at Subarunet😢
