Used 2020 Subaru Outback SUV Consumer Reviews
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Disappointed
Sara Ann, 01/20/2020
2020 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
86 of 97 people found this review helpful
Our third Outback. This one a Limited. Had a 2012 (premium)and traded a 2017 (premium) in for the new 2020. I found my 2017 Outback far quieter than this vehicle. The 2012 was a noisy car, and I feel this one has regressed to that engine noise level. But my major complaint relates to the infotainment system. Whichever engineer decided to incorporate the climate control functions into the digital screen needs to be fired. The touch screen is difficult enough to navigate ( pretty exclusively use the steering wheel controls) but putting the climate control in the screen is downright dangerous. Non- intuitive, tiny controls, the glare is incessant on a sunny day. A major change in driver experience for Subaru owners. So disappointed, we are considering a trade in after only a few months of use. Tap, tap, tap. I feel like I am at work using this interface. Not sure the market Subaru was trying to appeal to, but look around. 20 somethings aren’t driving Outbacks. 40 somethings and up don’t want a huge screen in the middle of the dash needing to make numerous selections just to heat your seat. Huge miss which I predict will hurt sales. So disappointed.
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Head unit take over
Frenchguy007, 02/14/2020
updated 08/17/2021
2020 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
30 of 33 people found this review helpful
I've had my limited XT for 3 months now and love many parts of the car. It rides and handles quite well but the tech leaves a bit to be desired. Here are some of the issues: 1. The heated seats require going through different screens to activate. This is especially an issue when trying to back off heat since it distracts you from driving. Also, you want heated seats when you get into a cold car, problem is the head unit is slow when first starting. You have to press the screen and then be patient. If you think it did not take your touch you could be jumping around and have to start over. 2. The start/stop feature is three screens away and must be disabled every time the car is restarted. Because it is a boxer engine there is a natural shudder that occurs at every restart. Also, the car seems to restart when it wants to, not when I lift my foot from the brake paddle. Sometimes the car has restarted as pedestrians are walking across the street in front of me, they always jump in fear thinking I am going! 3. The head unit has started to act up at start up. The radio won't start for 20-30 seconds, the back up camera stays on for a short while after putting the car in drive, the screen goes blank, all kinds of quirks. I am hoping that this is cold weather issues and will disappear when the weather warms up. 4. The heated steering wheel does not heat between 10 and 2 on the wheel. 5. The rear hatch sensor and interior lift gate button are quirky and hard to understand. The manual is filled with warnings but short on clear instructions (honestly, this is my third Subaru since 2006 and the manuals have always been poorly written, I think they use Google translate from Japanese to English rather than get someone to ensure it makes sense). 6. I have the temperature set at 16 degrees in the car, anything higher and you cook. At that setting the car feels like it is at 21 degrees when warmed up. You get used to the discrepancy but it would be nice if it were accurate. 7. With the Limited you can enter your driver information but because the Limited does not have the facial recognition it has no benefit other than giving information to Subaru. Overall most of the issues seem to be when the car is cold. Once warmed up I quite enjoy the ride and the car. However I am worried that the head unit issues will get worst and not better. Luckily this is a fleet lease so I will hand in the keys in 3 years and not worry about resale value or long term reliability.
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First Subaru Outback - Won't Be My Last!
icefins, 02/25/2020
2020 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Let me start by saying I have owned a Subaru before: a 2009 Legacy. I absolutely loved the car and for some reason I got into a Nissan Altima, a Hyundai Sonata and a Honda Accord down the road. I got burned out on living the "trunk life" and wanted to explore the small/mid-size SUV market. I finally test drove an Outback and never turned back. First off, I ended up going with a Premium trim and added the keyless entry feature, along with cross traffic alerts and the hands-free liftgate. The first thing I noticed is how quiet it is. I came from a Honda Accord and the difference is quite dramatic. I especially notice it at stop lights with the auto start/stop kicks in as well as on the highway. I was told Subaru upgraded their glass thickness and also some noise dampening material in the paneling. It has definitely paid off. I love the height of the car, the sight lines and the EyeSight lane centering feature while on cruise control. The car literally can steer itself (although it will yell at you to keep your hands on the wheel :)). The only knock I have is the hands-free liftgate feature. I have a very difficult time getting the hang of this feature and its very finicky. I'm hoping I'll figure it out over time.
2020 Outback Limited
Musicmaniac68, 12/26/2019
updated 12/29/2022
2020 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
After 3 months of ownership I am pleased with this purchase. I really like the 11.6 inch infotainment screen. Yeah it does make some simple tasks that a knob would do easier but not a deal breaker. Favorite thing is the driver seat thigh extension. Really comfortable on long drives. Some improvements I'd like to see is, passenger seat have same functions as the driver, including the thigh extension, and add 4 way power lumbar to both. For a black interior there should be an option for a black headliner. Another 20HP to the base engine would be nice and would still be another 60HP away from the more powerful engine. And last but not least, how about a sport mode option for quicker transmission shifts and tighter steering. Other than that it's a nice ride. Car is still doing well. The nav update putting the start/stop button on the front panel helps.
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Love the Limited XT
Sid, 12/18/2019
2020 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
I wanted a 5 seater SUV with pep and the Outback met my needs. I purchased the Limited XT model. I test drove the non-turbo model, but did not have the horsepower I wanted. The XT was perfect. Seats are comfortable. The infotainment center takes a little getting used to. Auto start/stop can be a little annoying but you can turn it off if you want to. I really like the way it handles. Today there was some icy spots in the roadway, and the vehicle was excellent in keeping the vehicle moving and not skidding. Overall very happy with my purchase.
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