That's why I got the 2022 Outback Touring XT. I didn't like all the plastic cladding and I like the fog lights. The fog lights can be changed pretty easily and Diode Dynamics have great quality fogs and electronics.
The big plastic cladding that goes all the way up the fender was something that I just didn't like or want.

 

This is a result of the marriage between Toyota and Subaru. Angles and ledges seem to be design themes. It also seems to be exacerbated by Subaru's affinity with black-ish cladding and treatment.

Muscular, maybe?

But if you look at the current WRX. It looks like a dated Honda Civic with black body cladding and flares.

Gross

 

But if you look at the current WRX. It looks like a dated Honda Civic with black body cladding and flares.

Yeah... the WRX hasn't looked like a WRX for many years now.

THIS is a WRX! (My 2002)

And THIS is an STI! (My 2004)

 

You should paint it. Definitely.

 

Subaru Aztec
Darker color would mask this fugliness a little bit. (And no carwashes).

 

Subaru Aztec

Could Be Walter's New Ride.

 

The cladding with get dull and crappy over time.

303 Aerospace Protectant. You're welcome.

Also, this was beaten to death a couple years ago. Literally the first result with 'cladding' in the search box - https://www.subaruoutback.org/threa...threads/cladding-on-2023-is-a-deal-breaker.556601/?post_id=6401468#post-6401468

 

With all of the weird angles and shapes I think they were going for the "unfinished jigsaw puzzle" look.

 

Doesn't bother me. Can't see the cladding or other exterior features when I'm behind the wheel.

 

Not as noticeable on dark colored cars but I don't see the cladding when I'm driving and I don't care what other observers think about the cladding either. Like it or don't, buy it or don't, what does it really matter?

 

The cladding doesn’t bother me a bit.

 

I am looking at a 2024 Limited but, man the cladding on these looks hideous to me. I do not care for the 2020-2022 LED fogs but the overall look with the wheel well modeling and front bumper may make me look for a <10,000 mile used one.

The cladding with get dull and crappy over time.
I aggree that the cladding is overdone. However, I like the wheel well trim on the 2020-2022 Outbacks. My 2020 Outback (purchased in October 2019) cladding still looks new

 

I had a 2021 Limited XT and now have a 2024 Limited XT. I didn’t like the rectangular fogs on the ‘21 but liked the black bumpers. When we got the ‘24 I originally did not like the updated front but now I really like the look. With my PPF applied the painted parts look great. Have Luminox yellow film on the round fogs and love the look.
I’ve found the Subaru black plastic parts are some of the better wearing black parts. Don’t get dull if you keep after them.

 

I like the black accents that have been added in recent years. However, I have to agree that the new additional black plastic cladding on the 2024 Outback front corners is excessive and detracts from the cars appearance. Maybe too much of a good thing (?)

 

I agree 100%. The wheel arch cladding and front end end cladding are absolutely ugly and hideous. The cladding on my 2020 OB Touring is tolerable, but in the years since it has gotten worse. Subaru has to remove the cladding before I will be another OB.

 

The cladding with get dull and crappy over time.

It will if you don't look after it. Don't be one of those people who buy a brand-new car and then never wash it.

 

Wash it? Next you will want me to clean and vacuum the interior, too.

 

Was planning to buy a new 2023 Outback, but when I saw that the Wilderness cladding had spread to all models for 2023, I searched the Midwest to find a leftover 2022 in the color I wanted that was at or near MSRP. Got one that was likely one of the last 2022 vehicles off the assembly line.

 

"Wipe New Trim Restorer" from Rust-Oleum will keep all the black plastic pieces looking new forever. Apply to a clean car about twice a year. It may be at Lowe's, etc., but I have ordered it on Amazon for my 2020 Outback Touring XT. It used to come in a small bottle with a couple of cloth applicators. It now comes in a presoaked cloth in a foil pouch, which is not as easy to use in my opinion. Use the gloves it comes with, you don't want this stuff on your hands. If you buy the presoaked cloth version, squeeze the excess out into the pouch before applying. Then, freshen the cloth with the excess liquid as you go around the car. If you use the presoaked cloth without squeezing out the excess liquid, it will go on too thick and may leave "runs" in the finish.