We test drove an Outback 3.6R and a Cherokee V6 in exchange for gift cards

"KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time" (kngt)
07/02/2019 at 13:01 • Filed to: test drive, test drive review, subaru outback, jeep cherokee, outback, outback 3.6r, quick review, oppo review

The missus was interested in checking them out as well this time hence the “SUVs”. $65 from Subaru and $50 from FCA. The promotion might be over now but still maybe !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . We went some time back but never got around to making a post about it.

The Cherokee was one of those middle trims Latitude/Altitude. It was meh- interior quality, the way it drove, general quietness and refinement. V6 had some pull but you really had to get into it. Best part was the uConnect system- so simple and easy to use. Maybe a 2.0T Trailhawk is a better version of this, dunno.

Impressed by the Outback though. Spacious, comfortable, easy to use infotainment and controls that are well laid out, Great visibility and practicality. Subaru interiors have come a long way.

I’d rather go all black but to each his own

The engine pulls strong, has more torque than I expected. They do fool you a little bit with a very aggressive throttle tip in initially that makes it looks like it’s got gobs of torque down low. And then the damn CVT comes into the picture and spoils the fun. It’s the biggest negative for me with this vehicle which would otherwise be the perfect family car. Sorry to say it’s not even as good as the Nissan CVT from the Maxima and Honda CVTs. It drags, drones and moans.

Handling was very good for what it is. I was on the power on some off-ramps and the AWD system makes it very neutral. Quiet and smooth on the highway as well. It’s a very easy car to drive.

My wife really, really likes the Outback. Curious to see if the new 2.4 turbo makes the effect of the CVT less dreary. But it’s fine I have to understand this is a family car and temper my expectations accordingly. Definitely going back to test drive the new Legacy and Outback XTs.

P.S. I received the Subaru Gift card in my email even as I was driving back from the dealership (the salesguy was super friendly and helpful), still waiting over a week for my Jeep dealership to send the card and I had to call them twice now. Maybe that tells something about the dealerships.

DISCUSSION (28)

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 13:03

I think a larger screen on the Cherokee would do a fair bit on your interior impressions. We have a Compass with the 8.4" uConnect screen and it’s still the class leader in OEM infotainment.

Not sure if a 2.0T / uConnect upgrade will price the Cherokee out of your budget, but IMO it’s worth finding that spec and trying it.

PS9 > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 13:04

The Cherokee is no longer judging everyone from a distance. But don’t expect that friend request you sent it to be answered any time soon.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
07/02/2019 at 13:15

Nah, even the base uConnect was good enough and like I said it was the highlight of the interior. I have used the 8.4 on other vehicles I do like it better but that's not going to compensate for material and switchgear desgin and quality.

Arrivederci > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 13:17

Looks like the FCA rebate is still working, but the Subaru one doesn’t work (at least in my area). I printed out two vouchers - one for Ram and one for Hyundai. If I get bored, I’ll use them, if not, oh well.

gettingoldercarguy > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 13:25

Apparently the 2.4 in the Ascent had plenty of power. Best thing I've done to my outback and the cvt is junk the factory fluid. It does transform how it performs and feels.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > gettingoldercarguy
07/02/2019 at 13:27

I am sure they will tweak the CVT to best use the 2.4. Also this one didn't have the si drive modes. Hoping the XTs have it. Will definitely try them out to compare.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 13:28

Yeah that’s all standard Chrysler/Dodge switchgear which is OK but nothing impressive these days.

Shift24 > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 13:30

My God how a little design tweak can drastically improve a cars look.

Also still not a fan of Subaru. Granted a ll interactions I have had with them are friends or family that have owned one.

14 forester had head gasket issues (what a surprise). Owned from new and dealer serviced

2015 legacy 2.5L eats oil. 1qt every 1k.

2015 legacy 3.6l no issues

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
07/02/2019 at 13:32

Funny because I was ready to excuse even worse stuff in the Charger I test drove last year because fast V8 RWD sedan

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Arrivederci
07/02/2019 at 13:47

Hopefully I get the Jeep gift card this week. This combined with the Hyundai one is $165 man, nothing to scoff at for a couple of hours of your time on a weekend .

412GTI > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 13:55

My mom has a 18 Cherokee V6 (and had a 14 V6 prior) and I agree it is kind of a meh choice. The ride isn’t great, power is there but it’s still a heavy CUV, fuel economy barley reaches 22 unless on road trips. I will say though back it 2014 the interior was quite great. Both of hers have had no issues, rattles, etc.

I really like the Outback when I worked at a Subaru store in 2016. It’s still handsome inside and out today. The powertrains were always annoying though.

gettingoldercarguy > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 13:56

Yeah, I'm stoked about the turbo outback, but love getting nearly 40mpg on the highway.

Arrivederci > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 14:01

Exactly - I plan to do it during my lunch hour at work, lol. I suppose I’ll be looking at a Palisade and a Ram 1500.

mincz > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 14:05

I wish Subaru would nix the lineartronic CVT and just put in a conventional slushbox. My wife’s Crosstrek takes like 5 seconds to switch from Reverse to Drive, but according to Subaru it's in spec . Doesn’t make backing out of the driveway too fun

Ash78, voting early and often > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 14:08

The Outback is so much a 90% perfect car for me in every way. But that CVT. Argh. Absolute dealbreaker. I’d happily give up 1-2mpg for a proper auto.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Ash78, voting early and often
07/02/2019 at 14:11

It is so well rounded, I honestly wouldn’t mind owning one if I can get around the CVT. Hope the Turbo’s torque is so good that you never have to hear and feel the CVT drone and whine. But seriously 99% of Subaru owners will not care.

I will say, that abomination of a transmission should have NEVER been put in the WRX. Completely ruins the car.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > mincz
07/02/2019 at 14:13

The Regal TourX is a good alternative to the Outback but I wish it weren’t tuned to behave so lazily- Transmission, engine response, suspension.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 14:20

I can’t get any of these to pop-up or work for me :(

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
07/02/2019 at 14:24

Use Incognito mode, Delete cookies, disable adblockers. refresh and try again

Usually going to the new inventory section and selecting a vehicle helps (Not valid for WRX/STI, i think they know better)

WIll work for any Dodge/Chrysler/Ram/Jeep though.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 14:34

Got them to work on mobile. Yay! $150 here I come! lol (the Subaru one was only $50)

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
07/02/2019 at 14:36

Cool! Hope to see Oppo Reviews soon.

Textured Soy Protein > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 14:58

Main reason to go for the Cherokee in my mind is if you’re going to use its more Jeep-ly capabilities, whether that’s light off-roading or you live somewhere with lots of winter. In which case the Trailhawk is the move.

If you’re specifically looking at options with step-up motors, it’d be good to check out the CX-5 and Sportage. The RAV4 Hybrid sorta makes its way into this group as it’s quicker than the regular version, and the CR-V 1.5T is technically the step-up motor since the base model has the 2.4 NA.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Textured Soy Protein
07/02/2019 at 15:04

We are at least 4 years away from upgrading my wife’s car. I like the CX5, and now knowing it has the 2.5t will only make it better.

We have driven a newish sportage. It’s ok. My wife already drives a kia Niro, she prefers hybrids, may not want something different . Maybe the same vehicle, now plug in hybrid or even the electric Niro or even the electric Soul .

We saw the Rav4Hybrid XSE at the NY auto show. 95% sure this is what her next vehicle will be ( as of today)

CRV is too common we have like 15 in our street along with Camrys and Accords. If they bring the Hybrid stateside she will be interested but still prefers the R av4' s #Rugged look and two tone roof.

TheRealBicycleBuck > gettingoldercarguy
07/02/2019 at 20:32

What fluid did you put into it?

TheRealBicycleBuck > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/02/2019 at 20:34

The absolute worst thing about our Outback (2014 3.6r) is the touchy throttle. Our son is learning how to drive and he’s having trouble learning the gentle touch necessary to keep from giving everyone in the car whiplash.

gettingoldercarguy > TheRealBicycleBuck
07/02/2019 at 20:45

Amsoil cvt. I now changes the fluid every 10k miles since dropping the pan only changes ~5 quarts out of 12.5.

TheRealBicycleBuck > gettingoldercarguy
07/02/2019 at 21:35

Thanks.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
07/05/2019 at 23:34

just had a bad dealership experience. ugh. not falling for that gift card nonsense again.