Current generation vs. 2019 Outback
7 Answers
I have a decided bias toward the 2016-2019 OBs as their native soft suspension can be GREATLY improved with a simple $300 Sti mod. The new-platform 2020+ is decidedly as soft, with no remediation possible save for replacing all springs and shocks ($$!). As always, Subaru's Leg/OB quality suffers in the first year of a redesign. This was certainly true in in 2005, 2010, and 2015. This is normal for ALL manufactureres, however, as it takes many months...or even a year or more...to iron out crap. This can make buying the last couple of years of the prior design the better bet. This is indeed the case with the 2018-2019 Legs/OBs, which may go down in history as Subie's best. (Disclaimer: I still trade in modified 2017-2019 Leg/OBs in Boston.) I've driven several 2020+ iterations. The "normal" 2.5i soldiers on well, but with anemic passing power as always. But it's been a nice motor since intro in 2013. The new 2.4t is another matter, as it hasn't learned to "dance" with its partnering CVT very well yet. Reprogramming in a subsequent (2023?) "refresh" may be needed, but turbos and CVT's speak different languages. If you're forced to buy a 2020, at least get a LATE production one...let's say manufactured after 02/20...to increase odds of better QC. Other than that advice, you should ask actual Dealer Service Managers what they're seeing for new product teething pains. I REALLY wanted the 2021 2.4t to drive and handle better, but it clearly doesn't. I've given my wife and daughter each 2018-2019 OB Limiteds, and will continue to do so until retirement this year or next. 2016-2017 are just as good (once modified), for lower budgets. But the better lane detection monitoring and actual tire pressure readouts are cute stuff introduced in 2018; but this minor. I do NOT know if Toyota's direct-injection expertise in the 2020+ 2.5i is as reliable as Subaru's own heads used in 2013-2019. Again, ask the guys who see the new stuff come in with teething pains. If the 2020+ 2.5i is as bulletproof as its predecessor that would be a good thing. I also don't know if the OEM batteries are still crap, nor the fragile rear wheel bearings. But these are cheap ($100, $200) to address. Let me know what you've found out, and I'll ask around once visiting my dealer buds is easier. Cheers. Ern
I have a decided bias toward the 2016-2019 OBs as their native soft suspension can be GREATLY improved with a simple $300 Sti mod. The new-platform 2020+ is decidedly as soft, with no remediation possible save for replacing all springs and shocks ($$!). As always, Subaru's Leg/OB quality suffers in the first year of a redesign. This was certainly true in in 2005, 2010, and 2015. This is normal for ALL manufactureres, however, as it takes many months...or even a year or more...to iron out crap. This can make buying the last couple of years of the prior design the better bet. This is indeed the case with the 2018-2019 Legs/OBs, which may go down in history as Subie's best. (Disclaimer: I still trade in modified 2017-2019 Leg/OBs in Boston.) I've driven several 2020+ iterations. The "normal" 2.5i soldiers on well, but with anemic passing power as always. But it's been a nice motor since intro in 2013. The new 2.4t is another matter, as it hasn't learned to "dance" with its partnering CVT very well yet. Reprogramming in a subsequent (2023?) "refresh" may be needed, but turbos and CVT's speak different languages. If you're forced to buy a 2020, at least get a LATE production one...let's say manufactured after 02/20...to increase odds of better QC. Other than that advice, you should ask actual Dealer Service Managers what they're seeing for new product teething pains. I REALLY wanted the 2021 2.4t to drive and handle better, but it clearly doesn't. I've given my wife and daughter each 2018-2019 OB Limiteds, and will continue to do so until retirement this year or next. 2016-2017 are just as good (once modified), for lower budgets. But the better lane detection monitoring and actual tire pressure readouts are cute stuff introduced in 2018; but this minor. I do NOT know if Toyota's direct-injection expertise in the 2020+ 2.5i is as reliable as Subaru's own heads used in 2013-2019. Again, ask the guys who see the new stuff come in with teething pains. If the 2020+ 2.5i is as bulletproof as its predecessor that would be a good thing. I also don't know if the OEM batteries are still crap, nor the fragile rear wheel bearings. But these are cheap ($100, $200) to address. Let me know what you've found out, and I'll ask around once visiting my dealer buds is easier. Cheers. Ern
I just responded at length, but it got dropped! Sigh....
I got your long post via email, will post below for others' benefit. Super helpful! I'll ask service techs. I had read that 2018s had a lot of quality issues, especially electrical/tech breaking. Sounds like that hasn't been your experience. Maybe I won't rule that year out. Tks
ernest meunier answered your question: "Current generation vs. 2019 Outback". They wrote: "I have a decided bias toward the 2016-2019 OBs as their native soft suspension can be GREATLY improved with a simple $300 Sti mod. The new-platform 2020+ is decidedly as soft, with no remediation possible save for replacing all springs and shocks ($$!). As always, Subaru's Leg/OB quality suffers in the first year of a redesign. This was certainly true in in 2005, 2010, and 2015. This is normal for ALL manufactureres, however, as it takes many months...or even a year or more...to iron out crap. This can make buying the last couple of years of the prior design the better bet. This is indeed the case with the 2018-2019 Legs/OBs, which may go down in history as Subie's best. (Disclaimer: I still trade in modified 2017-2019 Leg/OBs in Boston.) I've driven several 2020+ iterations. The "normal" 2.5i soldiers on well, but with anemic passing power as always. But it's been a nice motor since intro in 2013. The new 2.4t is another matter, as it hasn't learned to "dance" with its partnering CVT very well yet. Reprogramming in a subsequent (2023?) "refresh" may be needed, but turbos and CVT's speak different languages. If you're forced to buy a 2020, at least get a LATE production one...let's say manufactured after 02/20...to increase odds of better QC. Other than that advice, you should ask actual Dealer Service Managers what they're seeing for new product teething pains. I REALLY wanted the 2021 2.4t to drive and handle better, but it clearly doesn't. I've given my wife and daughter each 2018-2019 OB Limiteds, and will continue to do so until retirement this year or next. 2016-2017 are just as good (once modified), for lower budgets. But the better lane detection monitoring and actual tire pressure readouts are cute stuff introduced in 2018; but this minor. I do NOT know if Toyota's direct- injection expertise in the 2020+ 2.5i is as reliable as Subaru's own heads used in 2013-2019. Again, ask the guys who see the new stuff come in with teething pains. If the 2020+ 2.5i is as bulletproof as its predecessor that would be a good thing. I also don't know if the OEM batteries are still crap, nor the fragile rear wheel bearings. But these are cheap ($100, $200) to address. Let me know what you've found out, and I'll ask around once visiting my dealer buds is easier. Cheers. Ern"
There is no way to know how reliable the current year car is until several years have passed. Ern. You can delete your extra posts if you want.
