Top 5 Things I LOVE About The Subaru Outback 

This is a solid video love how it’s genuine and not reading from a spec sheet like all the other car journalists

Up here in the wilderness of interior Alaska, here are 5 things I love about the Subaru outback. 1) Traction for our Oct-April winters. 2) Starts when its been outside at -30 degrees 3) You get a real spare tire, not a donut tire 4) Until recently a real spare tire fit under the mat in the back. 5) I've had 3 outbacks over the years and ran each to 200,000 miles with no major problem. Changed the oil every 3,000 miles.

Just bought my first Outback a few weeks ago (2006). Got hit with some serious rain in the Farmington, NM area and was going on some really muddy roads trying to find my campsite... as I quickly learned, this thing LOVES mud... I couldn't believe how well it handled it... got me grinning like a silly fool. Took me forever to find my campsite, but I didn't care... mudding in an Outback is fun! :-)

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve had a 2005 Impreza wagon, 2011 Forester XT, and now a 2018 Outback 3.6R. I’ve been extremely impressed with the vehicle. Paired with proper snow tires, it’s nearly unstoppable in the snow. Comfortable, quiet, luxurious, safe, handles great, and so versatile. Once you really experience Subaru all wheel drive in the snow and in bad conditions, it’s tough to consider any other vehicle.

On the safety...I had a 2002 Outback and flipped the car over on some black ice, emerged from the car with no injuries at all, and was then able to drive the car for another 200 miles (granted, it wasn't fun as basically all the windows were cracked or smashed out, but I did it). I think that sold my family on Subarus (my dad also has one).

Just bought a 2019 3.6. Our legacy has been with us for 20 years now and she still drives great!! Best family cars around in my opinion.

I bought my first Subaru six months ago - 2018 Outback 2.5 Limited. Until Christmas Day I told everyone that this is the best car my wife and I have ever owned (I’m 74 years old - many cars owned over the 48 years since turning 16). Last week the whole infotainment center in the car (6,000 miles on the odometer). When this goes out you have no backup camera, radio, navigation, Starlink, or telephone. Apparently this is a common problem with the new outbacks with the better/larger infotainment screen in the top of the line models. At this point neither the local dealer or Subaru of America can or will tell me when they will be able to repair my “new” car. Subaru of America has conceded that the car is not safe to drive in this condition and agreed to provide me with a loaner car. I certainly hope that this issue get resolved quickly. I understand that a class action lawsuit has been filed in Federal Court on behalf of the many Subaru owners who are involved. At this point I am not an advocate of class action lawsuits and simply want Subaru to make my car great again.

I just purchased my 2015 outback and was thrilled to see how well it will do in the snow. I'm assuming mine will do as good as yours that has been lifted. Lol. I would be terrified to to climb heels with mine like you do. I'm just happy that mine will go over a little bump when I'm going out of a parking lot the wrong way. My Elantra that I had before this was definitely not the car for West Virginia hills. I came to visit my mom and totally tore up a tire going up a holler. After being here for years, I finally got brave enough to go in and talk to someone at Subaru. I'm so glad I did. It's not a brand new car but it is fantastic for me! Within a week I had put two 5 ft bookcases in it and actually got the hatch closed. I stacked one on top of the other and pushed the button and it closed all the way. I almost did a happy dance.

I have a 2016 3.6R... I could not agree with you more, on each and every thing you mentioned. I think it is one of the coolest cars anyone can own an drive.

Eyesight adaptive cruise is awesome. I even used it for about two hours in stop and go Los Angles freeway traffic a few years back. Yes, it works all the way down to stop-n-go. Pretty cool.

2010 Outback owner here...been very pleased all around; towing, hauling cargo, commuting and looks good around the town. I totally get your sentiments about performance in the snow; driving circles, and more circles, around others, esp. pick-ups. However, TBH, not so much love for cabin noise and whining CVT, but I'd still buy it again.

Just got a 2019 and im in love. Same color to boot I just happened to get the 2.5 which is surprisingly is plenty for me. Good video man.

Highway fuel economy amazed me when I traveled with three adults from Rochester, NY to Dayton,OH. The 3.6R with 52K on the clock, driving at speeds from 55 to 80mph, with numerous stops, acheived 29.9 mpg. The drivetrain is extremely smooth in it's operation and feel. Since the 3.6 six cylinder is no longer available, we will keep this car as long as possible. My wife says it is the best car we have ever owned.

I have a 2016 3.6R in the same color. Best car and best Subaru I’ve ever owned. I had a 1996 outback that made it to 2016 and a 2001 Forester: both fantastic cars but my newer outback is beautiful, strong, and a joy to drive.

Subaru's are great. My first one was a 1971 I really loved it. Our newest one is a 2014 and we still love this one. First new one I ever had. Priceless.

I have the 2018 3.6R and I absolutely adore it! The ride quality is simply amazing! I also feel very safe on it, regardless of the weather. Best car I've owned.

Just took my 2019 3.6R on its first long distance drive. Loved the gas mileage (25 - 30 mpg), comfortable seats, steering feel, and many other factors.

My love of Outbacks started in 2009, when I purchased my first 2.5 limited. I sooo wish the Gen 5 had the same body as the gen3, as well as the limited slip diff, but that's pretty much all. My 2015 3.6 gen 5 is everything I could ask for in a car, let alone an Outback. What drew me to the Outback where 4 basic needs. #1 Being disabled, (Back issues) I need a car that's comfortable, and easy to get in and out of. #2 I need a car that will get me to my doctor appointments, no matter what the weather is #3 I need a reliable car, that will last. And I know whenever I get in, it's going to start every time. #4 I need a safe car, that will protect me as well as possible, in case that horrible day comes... The bottom line, Subaru Outback has to be hands down, the best, most reliable and safe car I have ever owned.

Hi from Australia . I am on my 5th Subaru, a 2016 2.5 Outback, that i went for a drive in the outback. I got to 950km ( 590 miles ) before i had to brake to stop to get fuel ( gas ) 57 litres ( 15.05 gallons ) = 39.2 mpg us I drove everywhere on cruise control, even around town and follow cars around roundabouts

In 1970’s had small Subaru, front wheel drive then. They advertised engine dropping down in accident, so in 1978 lady turned front of me, no brakes just head on, for me. Worked as advertised! I got out as she was cut out of a midsize American car,

My wife has a 2017 touring model she love it and you are right on the highway the feels great to drive in you can drive for hours and the gas mileage is very good with the 2.5. I recently purchased a 2013 Outback premium not as great of gas mileage but you still have the same fun driving it on the road.

I want one so badly but my 18 yr old Toyota Highlander just keeps going and going and going and going. Next car for me will be the Touring Outback for sure.

Love the green color! I bought a 2012 Limited model and it’s been great. I’m looking to upgrade to a green 2015 Outback limited model when my car reaches 170,000 miles. I currently have 107,800 miles, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Im religious with oil changes and have done mobile one synthetic every 5,000 miles

I 'am happy owner of a 2011 3.6l with near 300km on the clock and STILL capable of towing my 1800 lbs camper going up hills on the road to Sept lls Québec. Love the ride and comfort. I would buy that same car again and again for the rest of my life.

The only thing I'm not a fan of is the roof rack/cross bar system. Imo, the cross bars are way to close together, and not being able to adjust them bugs me. Subaru finally came to their senses and got rid of the gaudy roof rack with the 2019's, and put a long rail system that you can put whatever you want for cross bars on!

😂 after our recent snowfall of 15", i was being lazy and didn't snowblow the driveway, just shoveled a small path to the "Snowbaru". Pulled right out and through the plowbank at the end of the driveway. Safe to say i will probably never clear my driveway again 🤷‍♀️

Thank you for your videos. Most think the outback is a sissy vehicle driven by d people...dang like me. But I go overland push snow like you do here, take long trips cross rivers...etc and nobody thinks you can do that. They think you need a Jeep and you don’t, and you show why, so thank you! Have a fun year with your suby.

I have a 2015 legacy 2.5. I bought it new with 14 miles. Today, 01/04/19, the odometer rolled to 178,000 miles. Everything works like new. I heard that the cvt are the weak link but so far no problems. I live in Texas so snow isn't a problem the car is too low to the ground but that helps get 30-33 mpg.

I’ve had 4 Outback’s…. Two 2.5 4 cylinders and two 3.6R Limiteds. One with the shiftable automatic and one with the CVT .Forget the 4cylinder models…noisy 4 cylinder engine…under powered about a turtles pace 0 to 60, just totally underpowered unsophisticated engines. The two 3.6Rs definitely had more sophisticated engines, my 2012 had the shifting automatic a much better tranny than the awful CVT in my ‘15. The CVT I was told would get better mileage because the CVT is more economical. I get 23.7 miles per gallon in either one. Accelerating to merge on the freeway is a raise your voice noise situation with the CVT. Even the new Nissan Muranos and Maximas have ditched the CVT for a shifting automatic. Regardless of the minuses with the CVT….the eyesight is a royal pain on narrow marked roads with its constant beep beep beeping that drives everyone nuts. I could turn the lane keep distraction off, but then I could just see me ignoring my lane and hitting another car. So, I begrudgingly keep that on all the time….Beepbeepbeep! On the plus’s side, my 2012 Outback saved my life in a 40mph offset front collision where the on coming SUV crossed into my lane and hit me almost head on. The Outback folded up like an accordion like it’s supposed to and after crawling over the console and passenger front seat, I got out with only scratches and contusions in my chest area, caused by the airbag. My chest hurt, a remark ambulance EMTs jump to attention over, but it wasn’t a heart attack! The insurance adjuster called me saying he couldn’t believe I was talking to him from my phone at home. He thought I would be talking to him from a hospital room, based on the damage done to my car. It was totalled. It did what Subaru said it would, and that was that it saved my life. Days later with the insurance check in my hand, I went car shopping with my wife. I was looking at a number of different cars, SUVs, and stopped, remarking, “what am I doing”, the Subaru Outback saved my life. I’m getting a new one. I called my dealer, they had a shipment coming with a cranberry Limited 3.6R, due in a couple of days. I bought it with all the safety features including eyesight, and except for the lane keeping beepbeepbeeping, I still enjoy driving it. Viva the 3.6R!

These cars are really quiet at idle and low speed. Sitting at a red light you don't even notice the engine running. I would say it does wander a bit on the highway, maybe because it sits a bit higher than a Legacy. The throttle response is also non-linear. A tap of the throttle from a standstill the car lunges forward. Also hill assist does not work (car will roll forward) if you are on a downward incline.

I love the super-easy do-it-yourself oil change.

Imagine the off-rode capability if you had the gear ratio to go with the +2 tires. The taller tire changes the ratio. Trade-off for traction.

Thanks for the great video Brucey. We love our new 3.6. SuperRu

I have a 2005 XT Limited. Bought it new. Best car I have owned. I agree with all your points.

I have a 2011 3.6 Outback. However, there's no snow here in Houston, TX to push through. We do have "mountains": They're called overpasses and flyovers. Plenty of them. I have no trouble at all navigating over any of them.

love my 2018 Forester, as much as I did my 06 Outback, best safety and traction, all weather..

I love my 2018 2.5i Outback. The "Eyesight" adaptive cruise control is great! But the only thing that bothers me is that when I am on the highway trying to go a steady speed and the guy in front of me is speeding up and slowing down repeatedly on the open highway (that happens a lot in NY and PA), my Outback mimics his car and does the same. So eventually I have to pass him. I do like the punchy acceleration off of the line and really keeps up with the traffic. Maybe because of the 4.11 final drive ratio.

My Outback is my undercover car. Nobody pays you no mind til you roost a hill that built rigs with shit drivers can’t make. In a 2.5l no less.

Not an outback but I love my 12 Forester in NH. It's an x model 5sp with zero options but it does have 12 airbags, or 10 idk but love it. Got the taller suby for camping

Fully agree with all what you said - I love mine very much because of all that....

Sweet! New sub here from “softroadingthewest” channel.

my record in the cruise control game is 112 miles without touching the pedals. that's in an 00 as well!!

I just bought a 2019 Crosstrek based on watching roughly 250 IIHS videos with my kids. I also read all of the captions on their website on the photos of each aspect of their crash tests. This comes from someone that works in a hospital setting taking care of people that have been in accidents and wonder how much of their injuries could have been reduced if they were in a better scored car in IIHS tests. I have worked in PICU, ER, and a rehab hospital and seen them come in with their injuries to discharge with their disabilities.

I've got a 2019 3.6R Limited. LOVE the vehicle except for all the chimes and dings etc. It's simply too much. The car is getting way too "techie" for me. Great drive (especially with the 6 cyl) but just try and replace a cracked windshield....jeeez...about $1500 because of the calibration of eyesight. Personally, I turn all that nonsense OFF. Love the car overall tho....and I have owned over 30 cars in my lifetime. This one is really nice.

The IIHS tests car headlights in a careful and systematic way. Many of the vehicles that the test get fair or poor ratings for their headlights. The Outback is one of the very few vehicles to get a "Good" rating for its headlights. Look up "IIHS vehicle ratings" for all the details.

I like my 2016 too. No eye site. It drove / handled much better after putting premium tires on. At about 50k miles the motor started to feel like it had full power. Much better acceleration.

Hate the eyesight option [im 6'6"] it blocks my vision - have a 2014 base model outback with 17: tires - it is ok, But helps to turn off traction control while passing [yup ive been brought to a crawl by it a few times] OFF and I go up the driveway with no problems [slow or fast, but prefer to go slow] being able to throttle on, off, on, to just change it to keep the car going is great. I HATE the electronic parking brake (NO emergency brake?) :O that is the biggest complaint I have about the modern Subaru cars. Got a 2019 crosstrek for my wife and it has an emergency brake :) plus better mpg and a fun car to drive. but for Comfort - I choose the Outback, it might cost more fuel, but its much more comfortable and a quieter ride. Subaru should never have an electronic parking brake it is unsafe and fails when there is no power [DC] an emergency brake is for Emergency use when all else fails to stop you. [just keep the cables in good shape to be safe] the E-brake can only be operated manually with great difficulty (try operating it during an emergency, the port is behind the drivers seat and operated with an alen wrench [which is hidden in a bag] the E parking brake is NOT an emergency brake

Wouldn't trade my 2017 for anything...LOVE the active cruise control...complete game changer!

So it has it's good points and it's bad points, I have the 2016 Outback Limited 2.5L and on long trips it's amazing on gas mileage and ride and when the wife takes it back roading on Kayak Trips it goes where other cars cannot? Previously I had a 2010 Audi Q5 and it had Airbag Recalls and to this day there are still NO AIRBAGS AVAILABLE! That Q5 is Gone and the 2016 Outback is it's Replacement!

Love that 3.6R engine

Where was 1:33 shot? That's a 70 series LandCruiser (and a TroopCarrier to boot!) in the US. My brain isn't computing.

Awesome videos!

I have the 2015 turbo diesel 6MT and it is a joy to drive, but I miss having the eyesight system

Looks like you had KO2's in some footage and Wildpeaks in some. How much better mileage do the Wildpeaks get than the KO2's did, do you know? Which one got that 30 mpg?

Ok so what lift did you put on, and what size wheels/tires?

As far as snow driving nothing comes close to a Subaru out of everything I've owned. Subarus go through snow like it's not even there.

1. Capability 2. Safety 3. Capability+Safety 4. Active Cruise Control 5. Capability again? lol :D

Nice points Brucey...but I didn’t know that the outback even gets tired....lol

I had a 2003 Outback for many years and now I’m leasing a 2018 Outback premium. I didn’t like the seat in the old Outback and I don’t like the seats in the new Outback. I didn’t notice it on a test drive, but once I started putting more time in it, I realized how much I dislike them. The driver seat bottom cushion is too narrow and not very supportive, in my opinion. I am a male, 5’11” , 185 lbs, and athletic. My left thigh is getting squeezed in a bit by the left bottom bolster and making me uncomfortable. I might turn it in at the end of the lease, instead of purchasing it, because of the seat.

I got a Subaru Outback 2019, it will be deliverd half juli. Ifs on its way from Japan to Holland now. Now I drive a Forester Nagano. Also a great car. My 6e Subaru. 👍👍👍🎉🎉

I have the 2012 and i bought used and i have replaced the windshield wipers the tail lights and the backup lights all ready. and I have to replace the battery but the gas mileage is amazing

Bruce, thanks for all the good take away points. My next company car is going to be a 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i. I wish I could get the 3.6, but I don’t have a say with trim- they only offer 2.5i limited with option 24 package- hey, you can’t beat free90free! Question: coming from your 2000 4cyl and going to your current 3.6- how much slower/lacking is that 2.5i? I’m afraid I’m going to really regret going Subaru when I could have gone with a Toyota Avalon or GMC Terrain. These Idaho winters make me think Subaru is the better choice, hopefully!

I have been buying new cars since 1978. The new Subaru Outback I spent a fortune on, was a LEMON from day 1. Subaru kept promising to refund my money on the Lemon but in the end, they left me with nothing. Car in shop well over 15x towed in 4 times, 42 days without my car. Avoid Subaru at all costs, or, it will cost YOU.

I love the Outbacks I have a 2001 2.5 5speed I also have a 2013 Impreza sport 5 speed I think I will always own at least 1 Subaru for the rest of my life

I still prefer my FJ over my old legacy outback edition. But I'm jealous of your fuel economy on the highway. I put my foot down on the highway the other day to pass a truck up hill and my MPG plummeted to 9.

I love my outback too 👍😉 super video

I hear 2019 is the last year for the 3.6R. 2020 will have the a turbocharged 2.5 I and run on regular gas. 256 hp

Damn youre right....my outback is the best 2018 model...

I hate that so many people who own these dont exploit this car to a 10th of its potential

you are a good guy. God bless you.

Hi Bruce. How do you rate the road noise on long trips?

I have had a Subaru forester 1997 (automatic) from new, that has been great for all the years with very little to do other than annual services. However, recently I have had a lot of vibration & shuddering on the wheels when making tight turns (left or right). It is difficult to identify which wheels the noise or shudder comes from and I don't feel much through the steering wheel. I have had all difs replace that has reduced the frequency but not always. We hope it isn't the automatic gear box but has anyone got any ideas what to do next.

At 5:49... Would the tongue weight have exceeded 200lbs on that trailer?

I have 2011 2.5 premium I want to love ,but as far seat comfort on a trip my but hurts like hell about an hour in the seat ,dont understand that because I have honda goldwing motorcycle that I can do 500 miles on with zero but pain ,thanks for the video I really liked it, thanks Glenn Carlisle pa

To bad the 3.6R engine will be a thing of the past when the 6th generation Outback enters the market.

Mr B got no road lost..

Now to convent my Wife to get a leagy evil "laught"

you forgot to mention the camry that we totalled together!

After your left, did you experience any vibration during slow speed? By the way what size tires do you have?

Go/stop/steer stop/steer is the problem with these cars in messy weather.

Great video I might have to buy this for my wife..

I have a 2017 2.0 Diesel (you don't have this model in USA) its almost perfect the only lack.. don't have Eyesight.

Test drove a couple of these at the dealership. Felt bulky and slow and awful compared to my little 90s Subarus, which drive like little rally cars.

We’re considering trading my wife’s tahoe in and we used to have a jeep and loved off-roading but now we’ve got 2 kids and the jeep jk was horrible with car seats, and the tahoe is huge and 2wd. So I’ve been looking into outbacks, is the 2.5 useless off-road? I’m not sure we can afford the extra trim to get the 3.6

Does your outback eyesight x mode off when off road? Thanks Great video~~

Our 19 Outback with the 2.5 4cyl only gets 27 mpg, which SUCKS

I'm trying to decide on what to buy right now between an Outback and a RAV4. My wife and I like to get out to the mountains in Arkansas and occasionally Colorado but we live in Oklahoma so we don't really see much snow (ice in the winter though). Does the 3.6 require premium or does it run on regular unleaded? I think I lean toward the Outback but if the upkeep and cost of ownership is significantly more than the RAV I don't know if it makes sense for us considering how little we would really get to benefit from some of the ways it shines in performance (definitely a fan of the safety features though). Thanks!

Only btw Here agree completely with you ;-) and one Point what i would to complete, is the enormous durabilty over the time but I belive you know. XD

2008 Outback here,,,,,,,, what tires on that in the snow?

I have a 2010 outback i love it

I have got a Legacy wagon Sport 2 liter Boxerdiesel...not bad 😉

What year is your Outback?

Hey Bruce can you give me a little info about the lift and the size tires for your outback I have a 2014 thank you

Still rocking the suby huh bruce Getting it with the outback

What kind of tires on these when u drove through snow ?

Did you stop for the car that spun-out in front of you?

I live in Ohio to! In Cincinnati,what part of Ohio do you live in?I drive a 2015 limited STI

A safe car inside out.....

What tires are you running?

Subaru owners “get it”.