Subaru offers them in other countries, like headlight washers, but not here. Closest we get is the front camera on a few models.

 

Seems odd that these options and others are not offered. Could it be because our Indiana plant is not equipped to add them? However, that does not seem likely. I think it has to do with production cost/versus reward while dealing with federal requirements.

 

It costs a company money to design and support any given option or accessory, advertise it, etc. even if no one ever buys it. The company is still out money.
On the other hand, I don't understand why things already incorporated in the same cars in other countries can't be added here reasonably cheaply. The design work is already done, they already have part numbers, they already have a supply network of some kind, are equipped to handle warranty work on them, etc. Power-folding mirrors, headlight washers, 360-degree cameras, front parking sensors, the rear camera washer and air dryer, etc. are all on Subarus in other countries, many have been for years, and some used to be available in the USA as well. One might think they could be (re)introduced in the USA for a relatively low additional cost, and could also serve to further separate Subarus from competitors.

 

Most 360° systems have cameras mounted in the side mirrors so it would take quite a bit more development and extensive wind-noise testing to add that feature. Sube is obviously moving in that direction by offering a front-view camera so my guess is you'll see the full 360 in the next refresh. It's definitely the next "must-have" feature that you'll see available on most vehicles over the next couple years. Self/Autonomous parking should be common shortly thereafter.

 

One of those things that I suspect that down the road the insurance institute will be lobbying the government to make mandatory.

I rented two vehicles last year that had 360º view systems. One of the few tech features I actually like.

 

360 cameras are great tech. Seen one in use on an E Class before. Great feature.

I wouldn't expect it on an Outback (US) until 2025 ish. Even then as an option and likely not standard.

If you want you could adapt the JDM as the global platform should take well to it.

Or you can add an aftermarket one.

I've seen them before and they work surprisingly well and aren't as expensive as one would think.

 

I'm actually not sure Subaru's existing system is a 360-degree one. I think you just toggle through the front, rear, and each side-view camera individually. There may be a screen which shows all four as well, but I don't think they are "stitched" together.

 

... I think you just toggle through the front, rear, and each side-view camera individually.

Our Australian spec 2019 MY19 Outback 3.6R is similar, but it depends on which gear is selected at the time (Drive or Reverse).

Using the camera switch on the centre console, I get the following if I have music playing from a USB flash drive & give the switch one press at a time to go to the next camera or camera combination.

In Drive: USB music => passenger side camera & front camera => front camera => passenger side camera => USB music => same sequence as previous.

In Reverse: Rear camera => passenger side camera & rear camera => rear camera => same sequence as previous.

I find the passenger side camera in the bottom of the passenger side mirror housing isn’t that useful, but the front one in the centre of the grille is once the guide line distances are understood. The side camera only views from just aft of the side mirror forward & the guide line indicating the outside edge of the mirror isn’t quite parallel to the side of the car. Other owners of Australian spec 2018 & 2019 Outbacks have also found this. In most cases I just use the side mirror angled slightly downwards instead.

The rear camera is quite good, as it always has been in the various Subaru models I’ve owned. It doesn’t require operation of the camera toggle switch to select that camera; it just comes on whenever reverse is selected as per previous models. The steering guide lines are useful at times.

I just hope Subaru do a better job of the side camera & the camera sequence in upcoming models.

 

They need to improve resolution/ quality first on their camaras before going to 360

 

Serious question....What advantage(s) would a higher resolution back up camera offer?

The current camera, plus the sensors, keep us from backing into or backing over things.

 

If there is a 'next car' for me, it will have the bird's eye view. Before buying my OB I road tested a Murano that had it. My friend's Highlander has it as well. Not interested in starting a price point or CVT reliability debate here. Just saying I want it over some of the other techno junk that Subaru thinks we want.

 

We?

A bird’s eye view is the very definition of techno junk, for me.

 

Next time you scrape your tire/rim on a parking lot curb you might wish you had it.

A bird’s eye view is the very definition of techno junk, for me.

Then you must really hate touch screen controls for heating/cooling, nanny reminders to keep your eyes on the road, rear cross traffic alerts and so on. I make the distinction between features that are designed to prevent accidents/damage versus all that other stuff but it seems some do not.

EDIT- come to think of it, I said "what Subaru thinks we want" not and that I want the feature, not "we want bird's eye view" so the retort is unnecessary IMO.