Subaru Outback goes Electric: 2026 Trailseeker Tested
- Thread starter buster
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A friend of mine had to replace the CVT in his Outback. But I don't think he used a proper fluid change interval. Personally, I think CVTs are great. More efficiency and faster acceleration...what's not to like? I think the noises and rubber band feel are just something you get used to. When I drive my Expedition, I have to reacclimate myself to the lack of torque off idle as compared to my EV. The CVT is never really in the wrong gear like the a regular auto.
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It's funny to me how acceleration times are focused on so much for EV's. I would guess a vast majority of people buying an SUV care nothing about it. No way is my mom buying a forester EV because she heard it does 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. In fact she wouldn't even know if that's fast.
Not a critique of this car, just an observation in general.
Not a critique of this car, just an observation in general.
I actually like a good CVT. I'm not pro any particular transmission IF it's good. There are good/bad of every type. The manual blowhards are annoying and need to grow up. With that said, having no typical transmission is even better.
The incredible acceleration is a big equalizer in exchange for the range anxiety. Hit it!
I like that they have instant torque and are quick. Helps with merging and other maneuvers. Can't drive above 80mph in most places so the quickness is a plus in my book. And you don't have to worry about oil loss.
With that said I'm sure the range will be a problem for some. Not sure who needs more than 280 miles per change but some likely do that live in rural areas.
True, but gas also gets consumed at a fast rate when you drive fast.
Boxer Battery?
Live hard and fast and leave a good looking corpse!True, but gas also gets consumed at a fast rate when you drive fast.
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EV motors are a bit difference from gas engines in that they're more efficient when larger, as they'll generate less heat at high loads. So the extra power and improved acceleration is just a byproduct of trying to make the powertrain more efficient.
Subaru needs to go eCVT across the line up. Make it standard and it will be a point of differentiation for the brand that makes their offerings cohesive, more drivable, better mpg, range anxiety isn't an issue, and it gets rid of the issues with the regular CVT.
No doubt EVs have some impressive features. I'm more skeptical of acceleration as a marketing feature. The average buyer really doesn't care as long as a car doesn't feel unsafe because it's so slow. Which i would argue no new passenger car has that issue (if people are realistic).
The microcosm of BITOG is much more likely to care about tech specs and performance features.
That would be a great great idea. Completely agree.
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Don't these rely on an electric motor to function? The only one I'm familiar with is Toyota's design. So the vehicles would have to be hybrids? Would Subaru have to license the tech from Toyota? Honestly, I'm not sure why all manufacturers don't just go series hybrid. A vehicle that mimics an EV without the range limitations is the optimal ICE strategy IMO. It reduces complexity (generator > transmission) and cost (less battery) while enabling the ICE to stay in the most efficient operating range. Nissan is bringing this architecture to the US with e-Power. And of course, there the Ram and Lightning as well.
Autoblog e-Power review
MotorTrend e-Power review
They already use an eCVT in the Forester Hybrid. I was really surprised this wasn't offered in the new Outback.
I couldnt agree more.
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I think that with no multi gear transmissions, for an electric motor/speed controller to have enough torque/current starting from a stop and low speeds, the vehicle is going to end up having a good 0-60 time. They accelerate up to a 70-80mph as hard as a ICE vehicle would in 1st gear.
I'd assume this vehicle has to be able to pull its GVWR plus the tow rating, up a pretty steep ramp, which needs ~4-5000 ft-lbs at the wheels, or have enough torque to rock crawl?
I would be interested to see if some of the slower EV's with 6s plus 0-60 times, can actually have the motor stalled out, in something like a fully loaded fwd Leaf, trying to back up a very steep incline where it has maximum weight on and grip on the drive wheels?
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The corollary is, once you get used to the right-now pull of an EV, ICE vehicles can feel too slow at times. Not 0-60 per se, just in general everyday use. I imagine the electric motor flat torque curve would be beneficial in a bigger vehicle.
I believe most vehicle reviews reviews include acceleration times, for comparison, right?
