Used 2020 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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Auto-Stop - Are You Kidding Me??
The car tuns turns itself off and stumbles coming out of intersections. For what? So Subaru can claim 1/2 MPG better numbers? Thanks Subaru (for nothing) - what a joke! Would have sold it if I there was not a way to defeat it (but not from Subaru)
So Far, I Love it!
This car is everything I hoped it would be. The sound system is amazing, it's very nice to drive, and has all kids of fun tech.
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- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $20,6404 mi away
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $19,9952 mi away
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $22,9909 mi away
CONFIDENT & IMPRESSIVE CAPABILITY
The 2020 Subaru Outback is greatly imroved for this new model year. Handling and performance are excellent on paved roads in all conditions, and the off-road capability is impressive for a vehicle that is not a dedicated stump jumping 4x4. The OEM tires provide confident and predictable vehicle dynamics in dry and wet conditions (dedicated winter tires for ice and deep snow are recommended), on or off hard surface roads. The interior is very comfortable and quiet during all driving situations. Seating demonstrates superior ergonomics and body support for short to very long road trips; the seats and belts are not special rough terrain equipment, yet they do a wonderful job of keeping the driver and passengers safely supported during the intended use of this fine vehicle.
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I have a Green Subaru Onyx
Going on six months now. This is our 6 Subaru and it is the tops of them all. We usually drive them 20 years and 200k miles. We normally have three vehicles. Kept the 14 with 70k as a third vehicle.
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Go back to the Toyota dealer
Attention Kmart shoppers I test drove a 2020 outback premium two weeks ago besides the ridiculous 11.6 inch touchscreen and the low acceleration from the week engine why would anybody buy these on reliable overpriced vehicles? Many better choices out there the boxer engine is garbage the CVT transmission is garbage might as well buy a Nissan if you want to be in the repair shop Not to mention the sales person said all we can’t compete pricewise with Toyota other volume is too high and the quality and all the above so I went back to the Toyota dealer
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great buy
Still getting use to all the new bells and whistles - all for the better though- the new 2.5 engine is a good update as well - over all love it! And the price was right thanks to Edmonds and 0% financing!
I don’t get why people love this car
I’ve owned it for 6 months and only put around 3500 miles on it. The seat feels comfortable when you first sit in it but after about 45 minutes, you realize it has 0 cushion. The giant touch screen is cool but distracting and overly complex. It should take 2-3 menus for basic features. The ride is nice but engine is so buzzy it’s distracting. The number of times to crash avoidable has scared the living crap out of me can no longer be counted I can’t even begin to explain how miserable the auto start/stop feature is.. unacceptable. Fortunately the car has held its value so I can get a decent trade. But I shouldn’t have to.. I want to love it too but I just can’t.
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2020 Subaru Outback - Radio/screen Issues
I have had constant problem with my radio. At first the system would totally shut down and have to reboot. Then in addition to that the station would change and/or the sound was awful and I would have to change stations to get the sound correct. Now the sound is totally gone and I’m having to wait over 2 weeks for the dealer to schedule me in to check it out again. After all the rave reviews of Subaru, I’m not at all impressed!
Dryfly
The start stop feature is a nightmare. The car surges when the car re-engages after the stop. The feature appears to have a mind of its own when my foot is firmly on the brake pedal and will re-start even though my brake pedal is still fully depressed. While I have leased the car and I am unsure what any long term problems will present themselves. I have contacted both the dealership and Subaru and they do not have a solution to this problem.
Not What I Expected!
I owned a 2020 Subaru Outback Touring XT (flagship Outback) and it had more issues than my 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sport. After 24 months of ownership, I had to sell it due to the infotainment system resetting once to twice a week, paint beginning to fade and chip, the EyeSight system disconnecting on three separate occasions in the middle of a sunny day, and other quality issues with the vehicle ranging from a shuttering driver's side window when rolling it up to a steering wheel with poor stitching. This is not what I expected at all from a $41k vehicle, especially a Subaru! The vehicle is comfortable to sit in, but that is the extent of the positives of the vehicle. Overall, this vehicle is not a good value and Subaru has appeared to lost its appeal of being a driver-friendly vehicle without all of the frills. The 2020 Outback strives to be a Tesla with its lagging infotainment system and detracts the driver's attention while in motion.
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Great vechicle!
My Subaru is the best car I have ever had.
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Rides like a dream
I've only had this car for 2 weeks, but so far I love it!! It rides like a dream and handles very efficiently. Will take a while to figure out ALL of the gadgets, but there are you-tube videos to help with that.
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Nice but Looking to Move On
I’ve had my Outback Onyx XT for 2+ years and while it generally is a good vehicle I’m frustrated with the technology and the CVT. The vehicle is comfortable, and performs reasonably well in the mountainous terrain. It’s also been a great road trip vehicle. Then there is the technically challenged infotainment system….it’s slow, cumbersome and unreliable. Every time I start the car I hold my breath, as it often “freezes up” and is unresponsive for varying periods of time. I’ve also been on road trips and the audio totally goes out for several hours (I get a message that it’s updating). Every time I take it into the dealership they do a software update….which is code for we don’t have a clue. The screen is also poorly placed ergonomically, in that you must look down and take your eyes off the road to see any of the menu’s, etc. The Center differential had to be rebuilt (took four weeks to get parts, but Subaru was good for a loaner) and I just received a recall for a potential transmission issue, for which they don’t yet have a remedy. I’ll likely be moving on before the drive train warranty expires.
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great car, great dealership
Lots of room in the trunk and very easy to fold the seats down for even more room! The cruise control works like a dream.
Roomy and sensible
Fits our 3 teenagers in the back seat with plenty of leg room ... aside from the Ford Expedition, 3rd rows simply aren’t comfortable on long trips, so we like the leg room in the Outback and ample cargo room In the back, rather than compromising both leg and cargo room like so many 3-row vehicles do.
Suabru Outback
I have now had the car for about a month and a half and love it so far. This vehicle is equipped with a lot of safety features which is different to get used to but once you do, it's great. I feel so much safer driving on the road than any car I have ever driven. In my opinion, the cosmetic appearance interiorly and exteriorly is great and with all Subaru's there is all-wheel drive and great visibility. The front screen on the vehicle is enormous and definitely a plus compared to their other models if you are into that. The mpg highway compared to my previous car (Subaru Crosstrek) is the same give or take but the city is less. My only complaint is the fuel feels like it goes more quickly but then again the car has more horsepower. Overall, I would definitely recommened this car.
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A Real Car For the Serious Driver
I’ve had over 55 vehicles in my lifetime. Classic muscle cars before they were classics. Sports ars that were proven classics to be . Trucks, motorcycles and even a couple gas/hybrids. Some luxury cars but this 2020 Subaru Outback wins hands down for all around best and safest vehicle value car I’ve ever owned. Yes my first car was fun and I miss it dearly but a 356 Porsche just wasn’t reliable bring in the shop 3 times for engine rebuilds in the 7 months I owned it. Most of my other cars were faster and quicker. But there are so many things i found out about this car after i owned it that are very smart and are exactly what i would have done designing a car if i could. The best feature on this car that when compared to almost ever other car in the world are the adaptive headlights. At night they turn to shine on the road where you are driving NOT where you have been. This makes driving at night so much safer and gives you a secure feeling about being in control. There are numerous features that don’t typically show up in a Low $30k type vehicle. Symmetrical All Wheel Drive is a welcome drive feeling even though I will never use it off road. Little things too that don’t seem like much but it they stand out proving this car was designed and not just built; rear wiper that is off in the drivers side making the rear view a little more open. Cross rails built in that easily swing out of the way and lock when no longer needed, a hide away rear cargo cover area when you need extra carry room in the back, subtle rear door support studs to secure the cabin in case of a crash a infotainment system that actually is Quality HK Audio and works well with Android and iOS devices! The 225/60/R18 tires are well sized for this vehicle just improving the handling and adding to the comfort and enjoyment of the ride coupled with a quiet cabin and very well damped suspension that doesn’t squeak or clank on rough roads or bumps. There is plenty of rear cargo room and the rubber mats on the back of the fold down seats make so much sense as does the removable rubber copped mat at the hatch area. I used to laugh at these cars as I owned the worst Subaru made- the Brat, a first year vehicle that in California felt like it was going to rollover on the cloverleaf freeway designs there. BUT, then I found this 2020 Outback by chance and fell in love. Some of my other cars -ok many of my other cars I miss but only 1 came close to the style and features of this 2020 Outback- the Lexus RX-350 but higher cost ( similar adaptive headlights)’but it fell apart literally and required substantial engine repairs ( shades of my Porsche). I just turned 80K miles and It gets about 530 miles on a tank and averages 32-34 hway & city combined My other cars all had sentimental feelings thinking about them but just could not compare to this 2020 Outback . It’s not a quick car but it does fine. If you just want to impress someone buy something else. Do yourself a favor buy one -at a Subaru Dealership and enjoy driving a real car, I did. -j/fl
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A superb vehicle!
A safe and comfortable ride - and I have a really bad back! Excellent state of the art safety technology, solid/quiet ride. Perfect for short trips around the city or a long trip.
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Great Car
This car has so many great features. It just keeps amazing me. It rides smooth and fast. It is very responsive. Fuel economy is there. Comfort is there. I do a lot of outdoor activities. The Outback is equipped to make my trips fun and effortless.
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Outback having fun!
I am happy with the whole car. Love the extendable drivers seat, when you have long legs it's more comfortable and actually why I chose this car. I had test driven several others prior.
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Best SUV I’ve ever driven
I’ve owned allot of Subarus beginning back in 1977 when I bought a 1978 Woody Wagon Dual range 4WD. It was the ugliest vehicle on the road but it went through anything and everything on and off road in the mountains. I sold it 2 years later for $1200. More than I paid for it new. Since the I’ve own 4 more and now the 2020 Outback Onyx XT. After driving a number if competitors from the other Japanese manufacturers we decided that nothing compares to this Subaru. Interestingly, when I spoke with sales reps from the other brands every one said that if I don’t buy there car, they suggest the Outback. I found that interesting. Our Onyx has absolutely everything I’ve seen in much more expensive SUVs plus better ground clearance and the only dual range AWD out there and it comes with a full size spare. It drives like a dream and the performance is way better than the standard engine. Since everything is electronic, we opted for the 10 year/100,000 mile Subaru bumper to bumper warranty. Awesome vehicle for the money.
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Not worth it
Had the 2020 Outback for a year and a half. The ride is comfortable and the the utility is great. After a while, it developed rattles and squeaks that the dealer couldn’t figure out. My windshield cracked for no reason whatsoever, luckily Subaru replaced it at no charge. The screen is slow and I hate the stop start function. It’s just annoying after a while and the fit and finish just suck. It’s also slow. Passing traffic is out of the question. Glad to see it go.
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Wish I never bought a Subi.
This car has been nothing but a headache & stressor for our family. I've already had to change the battery 4 times on top of the other multiple problems this car had given us. The reliability is ZERO!!!! This car has literally left my family stranded because it would not start. I wish I never switched to Subaru.
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After 40+ years, I cheated on Honda!
I drove a Subaru Outback around 4 years ago and thought to myself then , 1 day I'm going to buy an Outback. Due to the recent rise in new cars I decided to buy a used one. After quite a bit of looking for I found a 2020 OB Touring and purchased it site unseen. What a great decision! I've only had the car for 2 weeks and say with a Big Smile that it's everything I was looking for and drives like a dream.
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Go Granny, Go
I love sitting up higher (about 8”) than a sedan. It took me a few months to adjust to not having a “trunk”, but figured it out. Honestly, I really didn’t need all that stuff in my sedan’s trunk! One of the best cars I ever had, love it!
Excellent Experience
We purchased the 2020 Outback Touring model. It has all the bells and whistles, including the latest safety features. It also has the acoustic glass, which makes for a much quieter ride. The sound system is fantastic. The large touch screen is very intuitive and easy to use. The interior is comfortable and roomy. The styling is great. A truly beautiful car.
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Android auto not functional.
Was told by salesman that Android Auto was a feature but it does not connect with Verizon Samsung. Even had service department try and tell me this function not work on my 2020 Outback. Using navigation on the car which is TomTom, it is so out of date, it does not recognize my home which is over one year old
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What's not to love?
The Subaru Outback has the most comfortable ride and amazing safety features. The CVT transmission allows for a smooth transition when driving on hilly roads and the AWD in snow helps with maneuverability.
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Nice but not overly impressed
I had a 2015 Legacy and loved it. We downsized and had to sell our reliable Ford Flex all purpose hauler. The 2020 Outback appeared to be a good compromise. Size is right and comfortable quiet ride. Definitely the 2.5 litre works much harder than expected. Definitely need turbo version if thinking about an Outback. Auto Temp does not work as well as the 12 year old Flex or my 2016 Genesis Coupe and dealer doesn't find any issue. I hate the electric servo steering as there is no feedback in inclement weather. The Eye Sight drives me crazy and i hate Auto Start has to be disengaged every time vehicle is started. Probably last Subaru in our future purchases.
Transmission in XT makes annoying chirp
When shifting from park to drive the transmission CHIRPS. SOA and dealer indicate this is normal. A 39k should not do this. Seems cheap. Interior is very comfortable but media screen is to complicated. AUTO Stop Start very annoying and difficult to disable every start up. Handles well. Has turbo lag should be more refined like Lexus NX.
2020 outback limited
Lost my favorite 2015 outback to a vicious tree attack. This is a very nice replacement. Subaru is right on track.
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We have driven Subarus for over 40 years best yet
WE have had our 2021 Outback Touring since 1/21, This car is without question one of the finest cars on the road. Consumer reports said it rides better than sedans costing over $115,000! and it does, Its comfortable, quiet, and has oodles of power ( Makes other vehicles seem cheesy) just rented a 21 Mazda CX5, what a piece of junk! Rude like from the 80s NO COMPARISON. We also rented a 21 RAV4 which is miles ahead of the Mazda but still no SUBARU... Subaru is the Dudley Do Right of the Automobile Industry
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Nice ride, good gas mileage
Comfortable ride, all the bells and whistles
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2020 Outback
The car is roomy and has all of the latest security features which helps on insurance costs. I wish it had the turbo. It just needs a little more power, maybe a tuned exhaust system. I'm sure that they were trying to keep good MPG's. It's a little more roomy than my VW TDI sports wagon but not as quick. Kennesaw Subaru cut me a really good deal. Ask for John Settineri.
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The Family vehicle of the Year!
The Outback has the space, the better gas mileage of other SUV, and the features to make you feel a tad spoiled but has the durability to withstand two kids and long drives.
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Oliver Outback owns my heart!
I used to drive Sexy Lexy but had to trade because of age and arthritis. I was having issues climbing in and out of the convertible. I traded for mid-size Sedan, Maude Malibu. Never loved the car - the purchase was like taking foul tasting medicine. Struggled with trying to adjust to so much less of a car for 3 years and when she left me stranded on the highway I developed huge trust issues. And then I met Oliver Outback. It was love at first site - the buying experience, the driving experience - ah...My feet are 3 feet off the ground! This is truly a fine vehicle.
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After 20 years, we got a new car.
Excellent ride. Meets all our expectations,.
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LOVE MY NEW UNLIMITED OUTBACK!
This is my newest Outback-Outback 2020 Unlimited. Drives like sweet Butter! The Tech will take a little to learn, but that’s ok! Get the Unlimited Model as it has the insulated glass for noise control that the other models do not have. It’s worth the extra $$$$. Our son gets the 2009 Outback! Love, love, love my new outback. Only one thing I would change is the cheezy sun visor. Rest of car is excellent but Subaru cheaped-out on this.
Big screen tv
In the 2020 I found the large console screen awkward in location. Outback is lower, but wider, than the Forester. Confusing about the "new" power in engine 4, Turbo. It's not readily available. Only a few are turbo. I went in to buy the car, but the salesman made about every mistake possible. Test drive? "I guess I could drive you around." "Oh, I came in to drive the Outback to see if I like it." Salesman, " I guess I could let you drive the car. I have an appointment coming in." I left and didn't buy the Subaru brand I had shopped for several years. I bought a Lexus. I did like the Crosstrek at a different dealership. I was allowed to drive it.
Really cool Subaru
Our Subaru Outback is extremely comfortable and beautiful. It rides like a cloud and is fully loaded with great features. Victory Subaru is the best!
My Outback
Great SUV, love it.
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2020 Subaru Outback Onyx XT review.
I was looking for a non special niche well rounded vehicle just under 40k. and determined the Outback Onyx XT is the best value in the price range. Niche vehicles in terms they do something exceptionally well (dedicated off-roaders, performance, 3 rows, luxury, efficiency) but may lack in other important areas. Of course if money is not a concern there are vehicles that pretty much can do it all. The Subaru Outback Onyx XT - MSRP 39k, paid 37k checked the most boxes leading to my decision to lease over some competitors in the same price range at the time of sale. For a two row vehicle the outback does very well for itself with good front row legroom and headroom. The drivers seat has excellent maneuverability. The second row reclines a bit, leg and headroom are good, and the cargo room in the back length wise is very good for the segment. Taller items might have a hard time fitting due the wagon style of the vehicle. Could be better for the money - second row sunshades and/or second row seats folding flat. The Onyx XT has good creature comforts with expected convenience and safety technology comparable to any other vehicle in its price range. My biggest complaint is drivers side small item storage. There's no place to put my cell phone which does not fit into the wireless charging area. The wireless charger slants trapping small unwanted things getting stuck or caught. The plug in cord in that area is in a very tight spot and hard to maneuver. The infotainment system works well and generally has no issues. A couple of small frustrations are within the climate controls - adjusting climate controls/heated seats should not be as difficult as it is in the outback having to reach around the gearshift pressing small little screen icons should be improved. Other minor complaints are the onyx XT is a little noisier than I thought, but that can be remediated by spending more money for the touring model. The driving dynamics and styling separated the Onyx XT from its competition. After brief turbo lag, the Onyx XT really gets going and is excellent in passing maneuvers. The ride is very compliant, definitely not soft, and with much less body roll then the outgoing 3.6 R. The Subaru Outback has very good fuel economy for a combustion setup, but my focus will shift to hybrid and/or electric when the lease is up in two years and wonder which automaker will offer the best value blending all the great qualities the Outback Onyx XT offers?
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What my 2017 Outback needed
Better and quieter ride, finally has apple car play. Not a fan of auto stop/start feature.
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Great Subie
Outback Touring XT has proven to be a great vehicle...plenty of power, comfortable and filled with all the perks one could want. Yes, the stop/start is jarring, but turning it off takes care of that issue. Highly recommend the Outback!
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Smooth ride
Great safety features. Very comfortable ride with plenty of room.
Comfortable ride, lousy infortainment and touch
I drive this car for 3+ years/27k miles. Base model is good. So far it was reliable, no repairs needed, one pending service - wheel alignment to fix minor uneven tire wear (uneven, but symmetrical). I like comfortable seats, i like that all seat adjustments are manual and rear hitch is also manual. It's not a sprinter, but it feels good and ride is nice for me. Infotainment (i have 2-screen setup) is not good: slow, especially on start, it may loose satellite radio, Apple car play works most of the times, but not always. I really miss buttons for air-conditioning, menu for it is unresponsive. Police may fine you for using phone, but actually they should put a fine on manufacturers for 'equipping' cars with such lousy touch-system. Auto start/stop is jerky and dangerous, i switch it off every time after start or on a first stop when it kicks (major annoyance). I read reviews of newer outback models and see same problem (electronics) persist over several years, not a good sign. I prefer infotainment to remain infotainment, and other functions to be separated and mechanically (knobs/buttons) controlled. Update: at age 4y experienced first major repair: ThermalControlValve replaced [fully covered under warranty]. Seems to be known problem for 2020/2021, read forums. So far the service experience was very good. Anyway, this is a dent in my confidence in the car reliability.
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Punchy and fun
50k miles in. No mechanical issues. Several recalls all been addressed but none actually affected me. Regular software updates. Discs were resurfaced but still under warranty. Turbo Onyx XT edition. Utilitarian, fun, terrific off-road capabilit, incredibly fast, value for the money good looking. Has every Bell and whistle you could need for one. Comfortable ride love the eyesight technology works well.
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love it,may get buy anther
comfort and mailige
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Glitches technology
Smooth ride. Great safety features. Seamless cruise control. Gas mileage could be better. Technology is sub par. It does not recognize the driver. It is difficult to switch between apps- you have to take your eyes off the road to change from audio book to Spotify, etc. You need to plug into apps using UBS. EYESIGHT bounces on and off. The potential is there but it is not reliable.
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New to Subaru
There are many safety features!!
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