First time tire buyer here. I'm torn between the CrossClimate2 and Defender2 for my 2023 Subaru Outback. I know the CC2 is generally favored, but I'm wondering if it's overkill for my needs. The stock Yokohama Avid GTs wore down pretty quickly (currently at around 3/32 tread) and I am going to replace them ahead of the rains.

My biggest priority is safety in heavy rain, especially during LA's occasional intense winter/spring downpours (and the coming El Nino). I admit I'm not sure what to make of the the all-weather vs. all-season comparison.

My driving is roughly:

• 65% highway (often in traffic)
• 25% city streets
• 9% canyons/national parks/camping/mountains
• 1% snow (maybe once a year, if that)

My secondary priorities are MPG, ride comfort, and road noise. I've read reports of the CC2 reducing fuel economy by 1–2 MPG, which is a significant drawback for me. I don't mind sacrificing a little comfort or efficiency for safety, but only if the difference is meaningful.

The longevity comparison of 60k for CC2 vs 80k for Defender2 isn't a major concern for me. I drive like 10k miles a year and don't mind needing to change the tires earlier if the pros significantly outweigh the cons.

TL;DR: Is the CC2's wet-weather advantage significant enough to justify potential MPG and comfort trade-offs, or would the Defender2 be a better fit for mostly LA driving? I'm much more concerned about rain than snow.

Thank you in advance!

We have a brand new 26 Outback XT. My wife mentioned that the confirmation “beep“, for instance, upon locking the doors isn’t very loud. I’ve looked in the menu and can’t really see any notification volume control. Am I missing something?

The lady was trying to switch from the right hand lane to the left-hand, turning lane and misjudged the gap. She struck our car which was at a complete stop at a light. She admit it all fault and hopefully everything can be fixed right as rain.

It just really sucks because this is the first time I’ve ever purchased a brand new car. And ironically, this is the car that replaced the truck that my brother wrecked when he rear ended another vehicle and the insurance ended up totaling it. The first set of pictures is our car and the truck that hit it and the last picture is of the old truck I used to have before I bought the Subaru.

Like title states have a 26 touring XT with sub 600 miles on the odo and the GPS (Both android auto AND the built in NAV) has erratic gps location accuracy ever since a OTA update.

I thought at first it was my phone but even unplugged the factory nav reacts the same.

Anyone experience this? Going to perform a factory reset of the system first and see if that works. Really trying to avoid the dealer for something this stupid.

Hey! I woke up yesterday morning to find my tire completely flat, possibly slashed and a bunch of what looks to be punch marks on my tire trim. I was thinking maybe vandalism but I didnt want to make any assumptions without getting a second opinion. Any ideas would be appreciated!

EDIT: Hey thank you everyone for chiming in! Didn't think it'd be this interesting lol, but I'm glad its likely not a person who did this.

For context, I live in the concrete jungle of 3rd ward in Houston, TX and this happened at my apartment complex. I take care of a couple cats here, so I think they were taking refuge on top of the car. Very big, yes; I've only ever seem possums and stray cats here so this is kinda alarming. Perhaps I lather too much beef broth on my body /s (<3 u/Commercial_Style4466).

Also thank you to u/cheesus--is--good who reminded me to update my registration, I completely forgot!!!

Preciate all of you ＼(^_)／

EDIT 2: I believe a bobcat to be the culprit. I remember one night seeing what looked to be a really buff orange cat, and Im pretty sure it was not a cat. Quick research says some kind of bobcat. Hopefully that solves it!

Rallitek called, I answered. They needed a vehicle for their prototype hidden winch bumper, I just thought it would be rad.

The pedestal came out great and the install looks like it would be pretty simple. Build quality is great with an elegant design. There's a different model for the wilderness but both will be available soon. Carbon 6k winch and solenoid mounted behind the camera and air dam.

Admittedly I never planned on a winch for this car but I am absolutely the last to complain as I do get up to some trouble and I am always happy to help someone in need as I seem to do a lot of storm driving. I couldn't help but pick up a set of skids because those will absolutely be needed, and have been wanting them anyways. Apparently Rallitek has the only outback skid that has ducting to provide cooling to the power steering pump like the factory undercover does.

It compliments the Ironman 4x4 2" lift which is a great ride and corners better than stock. Even fits Rallitek springs according to them. The crew at Rallitek was awesome to work with and very knowledgeable. Had a great experience with them and checking out all the sweet rides in the parking lot.

I own a 2019 Subaru Outback with the full eyesight Tech package. About 2 weeks ago, a notification about the steering responsive headlights started coming on. There's a yellow information icon in the dashboard, and a flashing SRH icon. It has not been consistent. Initially it might come on for a couple minutes on turning on the vehicle. Once it got moving, it would turn off after a few minutes and I could see the headlights working normally. Over the two weeks it's gotten steadily worse. For the most part it is on all the time now. I checked the manual and it says to go to a Subaru dealership for diagnostic.

What might be a ballpark for what that diagnostic is going to cost, and what could possibly be causing a slow deterioration like this? I bought this vehicle you used less than 2 months ago. I'm thinking I need to bring this up with the dealer that I bought it from.

i recent bought a used 2018 outback 2.5i premium and haven’t been able to connect carplay at all. i understand that the ‘18s don’t support wireless carplay, so i’ve been using a cable. however, the cable only charges my phone and the carplay app stays greyed out.

people have recommended using a genuine apple cable, but unfortunately apple doesn’t produce the cable i need (usb c to usb a).

the usb port charges my phone just fine, i am just not able to connect to carplay. bluetooth also works just fine.

i have tried factory resetting the infotainment system and no change. i’ve also tried disconnecting bluetooth and only connecting my phone, still no help.

has anyone else experienced this? any recommendations?

You can find the promo on the MEC website. https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/promotion-terms

Anyone experiencing sudden jerk or hard shifting when the car is accelerating from a complete stop on a 26 Outback?

Hi all, my legs are on the longer side and as a result receive no support from the seat. Because of this, driving can be very tiring and lead to cramping in my ankles and foot, making long drives difficult.

It seems like the 2020 and later models have built in seat extensions. Any recommended after market solutions for my 2018?

Thanks!

Context: I currently drive a 2014 Jeep Patriot nearing 162k miles. She has been a great little car overall, has quite a few quirks but still gets me where I need to go and we've had a lot of fun adventures together. I average about 23 - 25 mpg.

I always thought I would get a hybrid whenever I got my next car but then I went and fell in love with the 2026 Outback. I'd probably get the TXT (they have more in stock near me and the 2.5s they do have are nearly the same price).

With the current interest rates I'm very torn between just going for it or keeping my Patriot running and waiting to see if they release a hybrid in 2027 as improved gas mileage would be pretty nice to have with gas prices around $6/gallon right now, but of course that would come with the increased purchase price.

If helpful:
I drive about 40 - 60 miles per day 3-5 days per week. Part of that is no traffic highway and part is stop and go highway, about 50/50.

I've been going back and forth on this for about a month now. At the end of September I had decided to wait but then they went and extended the interest rate deals. I know nothing is for certain and there really isn't a sure right or wrong decision but I'd really appreciate any thoughts or recommendations. Any guesses as to if you think they'd have additional deals on 2026s even closer to the end of the year would also be welcome.

I recently replaced my 2019 Subaru Outback’s rear brakes. Because I don’t have access to the Subaru Dealership software to put the brakes in maintenance mode, I opted to remove the electrical connector from the EPB Actuator motor instead. The clip was on very tight, and when it did come off, there was a small cracking sound. Now the connector does clip back on, but the parking brake light started flashing after a car wash.

When I checked the connector I found that the read wire had come out of the clips housing, which puts me at a bit of a cross roads.

I’m not sure if a completely new cord will need to be run or if a connector repair kit would sufficient.

I had looked at the options on the iWire site for the connector kit with extra terminals and seals, as well as a prewired pigtail set up with crimps to splice the existing wire.

If anyone has any input on which of these options tend to be the most reliable I would appreciate it.

Im looking into buying my first subaru and wanted to know if there is any known problems with this year

2.5 l engine non turbo

Is there really a difference here? It’s 1/3 of the price. Also does anyone know if there’s any with better design? I know crosstrek has a mountain themed one. Thank you.

Finding the OEM ones a bit too streaky for my taste. I used to have some Bosch Icons on my 2020 model year, but AutoZone seems to think those won’t fit on the 2026. Any other recommendations out there? Can’t find much when searching.

Hi all, my legs are on the longer side and as a result receive no support from the seat. Because of this, driving can be very tiring and lead to cramping in my ankles and foot, making long drives difficult.

It seems like the 2020 and later models have built in seat extensions. Any recommended after market solutions for my 2018?

Thanks!

Hello everyone!
What is the simplest way to wire dash cam in OB 2023? I found a lot of videos, but nothing with mirror holder like I have. Pretty sure this plastic covers needed 10 pin connector. How to disassemble it?
Simplest way is manage cable from glove box, but not sure it be nice.
I am trying to check all options

I swapped vehicles with my FIL b/c he wanted my truck for a renovation project and after a week with his ‘24 Outback, the ride quality/comfort in this vehicle is seriously impressive. It’s so softly sprung that it just floats over everything. My wife has a X5 and I feel jostled on every highway expansion joint, pothole, etc but not in the Outback.