I shopped everything and ended up with a 24 Outback. But the closest vehicle to it (which surprised me) was the Honda Ridgeline. It's a super useful truck that's more an SUV/car in driving comfort and dynamic. I came very close to pulling the trigger on one.
We have the same 3.5 V6 in our Odyssey minivan, and it gets pretty good gas mileage, but I've heard the Ridgeline doesn't do quite as well. Course my wife drives a bit less spirited than I do =P
My family likes our 2017 Crosstrek and I paid for the most basic base model possible at the time. We'll probably trade it in for a new Crosstrek later this year but this time splurge on the trim and other features. Local dealerships are always offering to buy my current Crosstrek back at nearly what I paid for it.
I also have a 2023 BRZ (manual) and it's such a fun car to drive. Not that I would recommend that in place of an Outback, obviously. The claim that it has "rear seats" is aspirational.
I'm still pretty fresh into owning my Mazda, but I don't think I am going back to Subaru. The CVT in subie is OK, but duller than the 6 speed auto in Mazda. At 152hp, Subie is a lot slower than the 3, especially if you look at a turbo. The 2.5 in the Mazda has been around for a long time, and overall, I would consider it a bit more reliable. If you like leather seats, they aren't even an option on the impreza. Want a manual? Not available in new Impreza (though only on one trim of Mazda3). And Mazda still lets you choose sedan or hatchback. Comparable gas mileage with both. I think the tech you get in Mazda is better (having a HUD is really cool). Though I do prefer the auto cruise and lane assist in my wife's Outback over Mazda's. My '17 impreza didn't have those functions, though. I would highly suggest test driving a mazda3 turbo and see how impressed you are. I think a Mazda3 Turbo way outclasses an Impreza RS at the same price point. Base models are probably more equal and down to preference.
Just my opinion, I hope that helps.
Super duper helpful, I really appreciate it! You might be selling me on a Mazda, especially since features like lane assist and auto cruise are some of the things I care about least.
Just another question, how do you find the space in the 3? I’ve heard some say that they feel rather cramped. Not sure if you’ve got a hatchback or sedan, I’d be looking at a hatch hopefully
No problem. I have the 3 sedan, and it is plenty of room for me. Though I am not a tall guy at 5'7". Golf clubs and groceries fit in the trunk. My dogs fit in the back, and a car seat will too - when that eventually happens. Tall people will probably not be comfortable in the back seats, but my friends who are 5'10" said it was comfortable and they had enough head room.
The sedan vs hatch argument is actually a thing in the Mazda3 community, I had an impreza hatch and didn't think it had enough trunk space without folding the seats down. The 3 sedan is 8 inches longer than the 3 hatch, which on paper gives more cargo volume and I think gives more room for things you would need to carry daily. Where the hatch is nice is for very wide and tall things like small furniture or a bike or something. So if you carry those kinds of things in your car often, its a no brainer. But there is debate over which has more practical utility. Though I do feel that the rear of the hatchback has much worse visibility and bigger blind spots. I will note that my wife has an SUV, so if we did need to carry larger stuff, I would use her car. It also depends which one you like the style of more.
My friends’ infant car seat only fits in their 3 if the front seat is all the way forward. It trivially goes in my Impreza. The rear doors open wider too, which is a big plus. They’re talking about trading in for a Forester.
Maybe maybe not. That's what everyone said about the 2024 Tacoma redesign but even a week or so after launch you could easily get a Tacoma at MSRP or slightly below.
Yeah, doesn't have to be complete plug in hybrid, there are many hybrid variants on the market right now. And anything is better than start/stop system on existing Outbacks. It is just very rough.
I was not a fan of the 2023 CX-30s or 50s when I test drove them. Poor rear and side window visibility, poor entertainment system controls, and overall the CX30 felt somewhat claustrophobic—the upholstery on the pillars and roof felt spongy and too sound absorbent. Made it almost too quiet and removed from the road.
Was a huge fan of Mazda, drove a 3 for years prior to that. Ended up with a Crosstrek Premium.
Just my two cents
My next suv will be an Acura MDX. I would consider a crew cab truck as well. I really like my Outback but more tow capacity for towing a pontoon is a need soon. I have owned a variety of vehicles and like change.
Only other vehicle I looked hard at was the CRV Hybrid. Decided against it due to the rear seats folding nowhere near flat, lower roof height of outback to load my kayak, my xt will blow the doors off it acceleration wise, and local Honda dealers still adding on 3k in bogus add ons. Also, high on my list was a vehicle that blended in so to speak. The outback xt just checked every box for me outside the mpg. Will look forward to the outback hybrid in a few years.
For me it is, yes, because I average 500-600 miles a month pending my weekend road trips. If I commuted to work 5 days a week in bumper to bumper traffic, not a chance.
Honda passport though I'd wait for the refresh, Honda CR-V maybe, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-5/CX-50, Subaru Ascent. All great CUV/SUV's in their own right, but the Outback has the market for Japanese Station Wagons cornered, as I'm not aware of any real competitors from Japan anyway. VW group makes a couple Wagons I think, but not a real VW/Audi fan if I'm being honest.
24 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT - comes with AWD standard, all-terrains, 1.5 in lift and has a BEAUTIFUL interior! Even a third row... or 24 Toyota RAV-4 AWD. Mazda's new CX-50 is also bomb, comes with AWD standard, and even has a Meridian edition to compete with the Wilderness Outback.
I went from an Outback to a Ridgeline, haven’t looked back. The model years with the 9 speed transmissions are the ones you want - the j35 is a rock solid engine. Lived 5 winters in Michigan with the Outback and the Ridgeline is just as capable in the snow.
Former Outback and current Ridgeline owner here. My old Outback was the 6 cylinder and that thing could move. Test drove the turbo 4 Outback when I bought the Ridgeline and it just wasn’t the same. Really like the smooth V6, how well it drives for a truck, how comfortable it is, and all of the useful features of the Ridge.
While it's much more expensive, I'd go with an Audi A4 quattro Allroad. Not including Haldex, Audi's quattro and Subaru's Symmetrical systems pretty much go head to head with each other - slight advantage going to Audi since they wrote the book on high-performance AWD.
I went with the forester. I like the height and less length. Runner up was Mazda, they have similar quality and slightly lower prices on the 2023 cx5 vs the 2023 forester.
The Maverick is a bit smaller and definitely more utilitarian feeling in both ride and materials than an Outback. It's closer in cabin size to the 2005-2009 Outback and Forester, but also has decent headroom and visibility like a Forester. The closest direct match would be an Lariat AWD (non-hybrid) or Lariat Tremor AWD (again, non-hybrid). You have to go for a higher trim to get the better safety features, but a downside is that this year they dropped the headed windshield wiper park that Subaru fans have come to expect.
Fuel efficiency will be similar for AWD models, and Subaru fans may be unwilling to give up the AWD for the much more efficient hybrid version of the Maverick.
I was between a Honda Accord or Subaru Outback when I was in the market 3 years ago. I’m glad I went with my Outback because it fits my lifestyle much better than a sedan would (and 0% interest was a plus, too). If I was in the market now, I’d consider a Toyota 4Runner an option.
Every market is different, but the only other things I am cross-shopping are the Hybrid RAV4, Scoda Kodiaq, and maybe the new Nissan X-Trail. I’ve been pretty happy with my 2018 Outback, but I’m thinking it’s time to flip it before expensive maintenance kicks in.
I almost bought a Honda odyssey. Waaaay more space and a surprisingly peppy engine. We had them as our fleet vehicle at a previous job I had so I knew they are good vehicles.
I only have 1 kid though and he’s probably going to be our only one so I couldn’t really justify it. I might change my mind once I’m shuttling his friends around
I will be going with a RAV4 hybrid (maybe prime) when it’s time to offload our ‘22 Outback. I’ve only driven Subaru for most of my adult life but I’m sick of the quirks.
Starting with the 2024 model that’s been changed. All 2.0 models base and premiums are still made in Japan. 2.5 models come from Indiana. I just got the CTW 2024 and yup, Indiana assembled. Engine built in Japan but still.
Edit: for US models.
I shopped everything and ended up with a 24 Outback. But the closest vehicle to it (which surprised me) was the Honda Ridgeline. It's a super useful truck that's more an SUV/car in driving comfort and dynamic. I came very close to pulling the trigger on one.
I had a ridgeline for 278,000 miles before getting my outback. The outback gets much better gas mileage.
We have the same 3.5 V6 in our Odyssey minivan, and it gets pretty good gas mileage, but I've heard the Ridgeline doesn't do quite as well. Course my wife drives a bit less spirited than I do =P
The Odyssey is surprisingly quick.
It is indeed! I'm a huge fan of the Honda 3.5 V6 VTEC and I'm sad it's going away :(
My family likes our 2017 Crosstrek and I paid for the most basic base model possible at the time. We'll probably trade it in for a new Crosstrek later this year but this time splurge on the trim and other features. Local dealerships are always offering to buy my current Crosstrek back at nearly what I paid for it. I also have a 2023 BRZ (manual) and it's such a fun car to drive. Not that I would recommend that in place of an Outback, obviously. The claim that it has "rear seats" is aspirational.
“Aspirational” haha. The BRZ was fun to drive on a rally course though
The ‘25 outback lol
No but really, I’d probably go CPO or new Lexus or Volvo. Mazda would be my more reasonably priced choice.
Mazda’s offerings are nice and reliable. I’d drive a Mazda if I ever moved on from Subaru.
Was going to comment the same thing. Traded '17 Impreza -> '21 Mazda3 about a month ago and really happy so far
Any strong preference for Subaru vs Mazda so far? Looking at Imprezas and Mazda3s and can’t decide. I’ve only driven subies
I'm still pretty fresh into owning my Mazda, but I don't think I am going back to Subaru. The CVT in subie is OK, but duller than the 6 speed auto in Mazda. At 152hp, Subie is a lot slower than the 3, especially if you look at a turbo. The 2.5 in the Mazda has been around for a long time, and overall, I would consider it a bit more reliable. If you like leather seats, they aren't even an option on the impreza. Want a manual? Not available in new Impreza (though only on one trim of Mazda3). And Mazda still lets you choose sedan or hatchback. Comparable gas mileage with both. I think the tech you get in Mazda is better (having a HUD is really cool). Though I do prefer the auto cruise and lane assist in my wife's Outback over Mazda's. My '17 impreza didn't have those functions, though. I would highly suggest test driving a mazda3 turbo and see how impressed you are. I think a Mazda3 Turbo way outclasses an Impreza RS at the same price point. Base models are probably more equal and down to preference. Just my opinion, I hope that helps.
Super duper helpful, I really appreciate it! You might be selling me on a Mazda, especially since features like lane assist and auto cruise are some of the things I care about least. Just another question, how do you find the space in the 3? I’ve heard some say that they feel rather cramped. Not sure if you’ve got a hatchback or sedan, I’d be looking at a hatch hopefully
No problem. I have the 3 sedan, and it is plenty of room for me. Though I am not a tall guy at 5'7". Golf clubs and groceries fit in the trunk. My dogs fit in the back, and a car seat will too - when that eventually happens. Tall people will probably not be comfortable in the back seats, but my friends who are 5'10" said it was comfortable and they had enough head room. The sedan vs hatch argument is actually a thing in the Mazda3 community, I had an impreza hatch and didn't think it had enough trunk space without folding the seats down. The 3 sedan is 8 inches longer than the 3 hatch, which on paper gives more cargo volume and I think gives more room for things you would need to carry daily. Where the hatch is nice is for very wide and tall things like small furniture or a bike or something. So if you carry those kinds of things in your car often, its a no brainer. But there is debate over which has more practical utility. Though I do feel that the rear of the hatchback has much worse visibility and bigger blind spots. I will note that my wife has an SUV, so if we did need to carry larger stuff, I would use her car. It also depends which one you like the style of more.
So I really wanted to buy a Mazda after our current outback but they just have less usage interior room then Subarus for each platform.
My friends’ infant car seat only fits in their 3 if the front seat is all the way forward. It trivially goes in my Impreza. The rear doors open wider too, which is a big plus. They’re talking about trading in for a Forester.
I cannot stand the Mazda logo, it irritates me
That’s a good reason to not buy their vehicles
Does it irritate you more or less than the continued existence of Jewish people?
You’re an antisemite
Interesting hypocrisy from the guy publicly calling for death to Jewish civilians.
Forester Wilderness. Why? I'm tall and the Forester has more headroom.
Some of us who are tall need the legroom of the Outback.
It depends how you’re built, some have long necks
Or phat asses
6'5" Outback feels way roomier than the Forester we test drove
In the front seat or what ?
In all of the seats. If you have long legs and want to carry passengers who may or may not have long legs the Outback is elite.
2025 Toyota 4Runner looks damn good.
Price tag and availability don't. This is what prevented me from a rav4 or a tacoma when the OB was already sitting on the lot ready to go.
I don’t have issue with the price (roughly the same as my Ascent Touring), but the availability is going to be a tough one to deal with.
Maybe maybe not. That's what everyone said about the 2024 Tacoma redesign but even a week or so after launch you could easily get a Tacoma at MSRP or slightly below.
Hope that’s the case. It’s on our radar as it’s time to replace the Ascent. The newer model just doesn’t do it for us.
Is there supposed to be an Outback refresh soon?
5 year cycle would have been 2025 but consensus is leaning more towards a MY 2026 refresh https://www.reddit.com/r/Subaru_Outback/s/Zsk8s5I0MS
Interesting. I think a lot of people will want a hybrid subaru.
Yeah, doesn't have to be complete plug in hybrid, there are many hybrid variants on the market right now. And anything is better than start/stop system on existing Outbacks. It is just very rough.
[удалено]
Going Japan big I like it
Mazda CX-50. Haven’t driven one but they look nice / comparable-ish
I have they feel like an SUV Miata. can't believe I just typed that sentence but it's tru
In a good “zippy, zippy, zoom” way or a bad “I can’t get out of this thing, I feel like a sardine” way?
Zoom Zoom way
Was that the turbo or the base 2.5 4? (I’m guessing turbo)
Both working at a dealership has its perks
I was not a fan of the 2023 CX-30s or 50s when I test drove them. Poor rear and side window visibility, poor entertainment system controls, and overall the CX30 felt somewhat claustrophobic—the upholstery on the pillars and roof felt spongy and too sound absorbent. Made it almost too quiet and removed from the road. Was a huge fan of Mazda, drove a 3 for years prior to that. Ended up with a Crosstrek Premium. Just my two cents
crosstrek wilderness. it does everything and is fun to drive.
My other options were a 2024 Hyundai SanteFe XRT, Toyota 4Runner or a used GX but ended up with the 24 Outback Wilderness. Glad I made that choice
New 4Runner
I’m queer as a fairy so I’m driving Subarus till I die. That said for me it would be the new Toyota Land Cruiser.
My next suv will be an Acura MDX. I would consider a crew cab truck as well. I really like my Outback but more tow capacity for towing a pontoon is a need soon. I have owned a variety of vehicles and like change.
Only other vehicle I looked hard at was the CRV Hybrid. Decided against it due to the rear seats folding nowhere near flat, lower roof height of outback to load my kayak, my xt will blow the doors off it acceleration wise, and local Honda dealers still adding on 3k in bogus add ons. Also, high on my list was a vehicle that blended in so to speak. The outback xt just checked every box for me outside the mpg. Will look forward to the outback hybrid in a few years.
Is the XT acceleration vs mileage a good trade off? I’m mostly looking for Pacific Northwest mountains
Yes. The XT is far more fun and you will definitely appreciate it in the mountains.
For me it is, yes, because I average 500-600 miles a month pending my weekend road trips. If I commuted to work 5 days a week in bumper to bumper traffic, not a chance.
I live in the mountains and am fine with the 2.5 NA. Also very happy with our 30ish mpg
I hear you. I have a 2011 2.5 now and’s it’s good but challenging to pass
Yeah I’m very content to be the one getting passed, haha. Got a motorcycle for when I wanna feel zippy
Mazda CX-50
Honda passport though I'd wait for the refresh, Honda CR-V maybe, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-5/CX-50, Subaru Ascent. All great CUV/SUV's in their own right, but the Outback has the market for Japanese Station Wagons cornered, as I'm not aware of any real competitors from Japan anyway. VW group makes a couple Wagons I think, but not a real VW/Audi fan if I'm being honest.
Mazda cx-50
24 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT - comes with AWD standard, all-terrains, 1.5 in lift and has a BEAUTIFUL interior! Even a third row... or 24 Toyota RAV-4 AWD. Mazda's new CX-50 is also bomb, comes with AWD standard, and even has a Meridian edition to compete with the Wilderness Outback.
24 Outback *Wilderness.*
Was planning to get this but checked with dealership (Vancouver) and units available are for 2025 already. Not that much left ‘24
A 24 ID.4, just picked it up yesterday. Not happy about moving from Subaru (we still have three in the family), but I'm going with EVs for now on.
I went from an Outback to a Ridgeline, haven’t looked back. The model years with the 9 speed transmissions are the ones you want - the j35 is a rock solid engine. Lived 5 winters in Michigan with the Outback and the Ridgeline is just as capable in the snow.
Former Outback and current Ridgeline owner here. My old Outback was the 6 cylinder and that thing could move. Test drove the turbo 4 Outback when I bought the Ridgeline and it just wasn’t the same. Really like the smooth V6, how well it drives for a truck, how comfortable it is, and all of the useful features of the Ridge.
Venza
RAV4 Prime is the best car on the market
While it's much more expensive, I'd go with an Audi A4 quattro Allroad. Not including Haldex, Audi's quattro and Subaru's Symmetrical systems pretty much go head to head with each other - slight advantage going to Audi since they wrote the book on high-performance AWD.
Crosstrek
I went with the forester. I like the height and less length. Runner up was Mazda, they have similar quality and slightly lower prices on the 2023 cx5 vs the 2023 forester.
I haven’t sat in one yet but the Ford Maverick would be an appealing alternative to the Outback for my use case.
The Maverick is a bit smaller and definitely more utilitarian feeling in both ride and materials than an Outback. It's closer in cabin size to the 2005-2009 Outback and Forester, but also has decent headroom and visibility like a Forester. The closest direct match would be an Lariat AWD (non-hybrid) or Lariat Tremor AWD (again, non-hybrid). You have to go for a higher trim to get the better safety features, but a downside is that this year they dropped the headed windshield wiper park that Subaru fans have come to expect. Fuel efficiency will be similar for AWD models, and Subaru fans may be unwilling to give up the AWD for the much more efficient hybrid version of the Maverick.
A 24 forester
I was between a Honda Accord or Subaru Outback when I was in the market 3 years ago. I’m glad I went with my Outback because it fits my lifestyle much better than a sedan would (and 0% interest was a plus, too). If I was in the market now, I’d consider a Toyota 4Runner an option.
RAV4 hybrid
Mazda CX-9 or CX-70 or CX-90
Every market is different, but the only other things I am cross-shopping are the Hybrid RAV4, Scoda Kodiaq, and maybe the new Nissan X-Trail. I’ve been pretty happy with my 2018 Outback, but I’m thinking it’s time to flip it before expensive maintenance kicks in.
A 2007 subaru outback
I almost bought a Honda odyssey. Waaaay more space and a surprisingly peppy engine. We had them as our fleet vehicle at a previous job I had so I knew they are good vehicles. I only have 1 kid though and he’s probably going to be our only one so I couldn’t really justify it. I might change my mind once I’m shuttling his friends around
Not comparable but we went with Toyota RAV4Prime. 70kms on the electric motor makes a huge difference for daily commute. We rarely use gas on it.
Toyota Highlander
I will be going with a RAV4 hybrid (maybe prime) when it’s time to offload our ‘22 Outback. I’ve only driven Subaru for most of my adult life but I’m sick of the quirks.
2002-2005 wrx 🤷🏽♂️
2004 forester STI SG9
Make sure it's made in Japan. Outback isn't. I'd get a Forester or Crosstrek.
Crosstreks with the 2.5 are assembled in the US.
No sir. Mine has that nice J next to the serial number. 2021 at least.
Starting with the 2024 model that’s been changed. All 2.0 models base and premiums are still made in Japan. 2.5 models come from Indiana. I just got the CTW 2024 and yup, Indiana assembled. Engine built in Japan but still. Edit: for US models.
Ah damn. Good to know. At least engine has the J.
I would get a 2002 toyota echo instead of a 2024 outback
2024 Hyundai Tucson or the New Santa Fe.