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Greetings all, I figured it’s about time for me to start a thread for my overland build progress on my 2020 Subaru Onyx XT. I’ll start with a little back story on why I went with the 2020 Subaru Outback, particularly the Onyx trim level.
BACKSTORY/ Why use a Subaru Outback ????
Ive been a big fan of Subaru since my first one in 2013, a 2013 WRX STI Sedan. When I discovered it was time to start exploring the outdoors more rather than hitting the mountain curves in my STI was actually due to the impulse purchase of a 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R that came through my dealership as a trade. It already had a 2” spacer lift on it with big BFG K02’s wrapping black Motegi wheels.(I’ll drop a picture in my next post). I had it for about 2 years before I heard about all the improvements for the new Outback. It does of course help that I work as a Subaru Service Advisor at a dealership, so I know these cars inside and out. They are comfortable for me. So.... why stay with an Outback and not a Forester? Why not a 4runner or a Tacoma? A: After driving the 2013 OB for the first time, I was hooked! They are comfortable, a ton more capable than most give them credit for, and lastly, it’s different. Toyota’s interior for me is just disappointing for their trucks, esp given how the Highlander is. I do know that Subaru has its limits and downsides, but is definitely perfect here in GA for the Sunday off-reading I do. And very comfortable for daily use, I might add!
The Onyx XT trim is the lowest level of the Outback Trim levels that comes with the 2.4 Turbo Flat Four. It deletes the majority of the chrome, adds black wheels, a front camera, a 2-Mode X-Mode for increased traction(Yes I have used it to get unstuck!), and these awesome Startex Seats that are super durable and easy to clean after a day on the trails. Additionally, I opted for the in car nav, BSD, RAB, and RCTA.... All a part of the only option package. In car nav just as a last ditch “Where the hell am I?”
Wheels and Tires
LP Adventure LP1 17x8 LP1 Bronze Wheels
Yokohama Geolandar G015 245/65R17 AT Tires
Suspension
Flatout GR Lite 2” Coilover lift
Exterior
Yakima Load Warrior Rack with Extension
ARB 2000 Awning
Orsini Designs Overlays
Gear:
Coleman 2-Burner Stove
Home built Drawer/Platform System
Luno Life Camping Mattress
Mountain Summit Deluxe Roll Top Camp Kitchen Table
Mountain Summit Small Table
Gerber Knives(machete, flip, etc)
Gerber Hatchet
Navigation- Combo of GAIA GPS App and in-car nav.
Much, much more.......
Midland Mounted MTX1000 Radio
Future Upgrades
Prinsu Modular Roof Rack (In garage)
Mounted ROAM Adventure Co 83L box (In Garage)
LP ADVENTURE Skidplate and bumper guard
Bright Source Light Pods
KC Highlites Ditch Lights
Aright, so here’s some pictures from when I first got her to now:
@jeffrey-bowman Well, you don't need the Wilderness Edition of the Outback -- you already have one! 👍 And, your lift looks awesome. I am so tempted to do one on my Crosstrek, but so far, I have been able to navigate almost any dirt road I've chosen without any troubles. I think my biggest problem is stock A/T tires -- a bit more grip from KO2s or something similar would help when I'm trying to get up a steep loose rock road. X-Mode has helped big time with those moments, but I know my limits and won't try anything more extreme unless someone else is driving with me.
Keep us posted on the upgrades!
Yeah the tire upgrade is arguably the most important of any overland/off-roading vehicle. A nice set of Yokohama Geolander G015'S or Falken Wildpeak A/T trails will do you some serious good.
I will definitely post up future upgrades...the next of which is definitely coming soon!
Looking great, Jeff. I agree with Deb, you don't need a Wilderness! Thanks for sharing all the photos.
Finally, the Prinsu Rack I purchased Black Friday last year is installed!