[kebler]

I owned a 2022 Outback Wilderness and sold it for a 4Runner after getting more into off roading. Now that the 2024+ outback resolves some of the flaws I had with mine (and the 4runner is getting tiring to drive over distance), I'm thinking about getting back into an OBW. Did the 2023 head unit refresh ever change the screen polarization to work with polarized sunglasses, or is it still an issue?

I have Smith polarized sunglasses and do not notice any issues with the information screen.

 

[OldGnome]

I did a bit of digging around today and the consensus seems to be that issues with depth perception are individualized - that is, the issue isn't polarized lenses, but that some people have a depth perception issue with polarized lenses.

That may seem a nit, but there is a difference between "polarized lenses are a problem" and "some people have a problem with polarized lenses."

 

[gls]

The glare is extra bad with light colored seats.

 

[nb10111]

I got my 2024 in and am happy to report no issues with my polarized glasses. Reflections (and a lack of screen brightness) yes, but the screen itself is totally visible!

 

[Roundabout2021]

I have a bigger issue with my 2012 Sonata than I do with the 23 OB. The former doesn't have a fancy infotainment center.

When I had my 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, it was near impossible to see the small LCD-type radio/audio screen with polarized lenses on. It would practically go black.

That was a test point for me when we were looking at Outbacks. My 2021 is fine with Polaroids, a bit less contrast, but very visible and readable with an old pair of prescription polarized sunglasses and also with my current drugstore cheapo polarized clip-ons. I prefer polarized sunglasses for glare and especially on the water and at the beach for fishing.

 

[Fr3lncr]

This is one thing I was worried about when I got my Outback as I could barely see the aftermarket head unit I had in my RAV4. But with my Maui Jim polarized sunglasses, I generally don't have a problem. I do wish the screen could be a bit brighter as if the sunroof is open, the screen can get washed out but it's washed out with or without the sunglasses.

 

[bucket_of_frogs]

When I had my 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, it was near impossible to see the small LCD-type radio/audio screen with polarized lenses on. It would practically go black.

That was a test point for me when we were looking at Outbacks. My 2021 if fine with Polaroids, a bit less contrast, be very visible and readable with an old pair of prescription polarized sunglasses, and my current drugstore cheapo polarized clip-ons, are fine and are actually better for fishing.

Yeah that color combo, and the screen itself, just don't cooperate with ANY of my sunglasses. It's hard to figure out what I'm doing when going anywhere on a sunny day so I just let it go. It's like the old days of cassette players in the car, I get surprises each time a song pops up.

 

[bleubaru]

I have a 2024 Outback Wilderness and Oakley Holbrook Prizm Polarized, and they cause rainbows on my screen. No issues with these glasses on any other screens, except maybe the random gas station. I can still read what's on the screen but it's annoying.

If I switch to non-polarized lenses, I see the reflection of the dashboard in the windshield. The polarized lenses eliminate this. It's quite a conundrum.

Do any of those aftermarket screen protectors eliminate the rainbow with polarized lenses?

 

[csroc]

There's different types of polarisation. One pair of my polarised glasses don't have a problem with screens, the other does. Sometimes you can turn the screen thru 90° (e.g. phones) and it will cause or cure a problem.

They should offer a consistent angle, but maybe cheaper sunglasses aren't made with with care. The best orientation for polarization in sunglasses is generally to block horizontally polarized light.

Screens would presumably be designed with this in mind.

 

[denissh]

They should offer a consistent angle, but maybe cheaper sunglasses aren't made with with care. The best orientation for polarization in sunglasses is generally to block horizontally polarized light.

Screens would presumably be designed with this in mind.

most sunglasses do have consistent angle...
but in year of 2023 it seems car manufacturers still don't test screens to work with them correctly

you can add +1 contrast in your setting ... its not a cure but it helps

 

[csroc]

most sunglasses do have consistent angle...
but in year of 2023 it seems car manufacturers still don't test screens to work with them correctly

you can add +1 contrast in your setting ... its not a cure but it helps

All I can say is the Subarus I've driven all worked fine with my properly polarized sunglasses. I would probably raise hell if they sold me a car with a screen that's unusable when wearing polarized lenses.

 

[Buddy]

I just picked up a new pair of prescription polarized sunglasses. The lenses are Crizal by Essilor of America. They are fine for the dashboard, but nearly unreadable for the infotainment system. There's no improvement from tilting or turning my head. It's not that the sunglasses are dimmer - they simply eliminate the contrast of everything on the info screen, except the top row. Yuck.

YMMV, but if it's serious $$ for your lenses, as mine were, my recommendation is to stay away from polarized, unless you have actual good experience with the specific lenses that will be used. Ask your optometrist what they will be using. And don't get Crizal.

I can't speak for 2023+ cars, mine is a 2022 Touring.

 

[Portland Bill]

I just picked up a new pair of prescription polarized sunglasses. The lenses are Crizal by Essilor of America. They are fine for the dashboard, but nearly unreadable for the infotainment system. There's no improvement from tilting or turning my head. It's not that the sunglasses are dimmer - they simply eliminate the contrast of everything on the info screen, except the top row. Yuck.

YMMV, but if it's serious $$ for your lenses, as mine were, my recommendation is to stay away from polarized, unless you have actual good experience with the specific lenses that will be used. Ask your optometrist what they will be using. And don't get Crizal.

I can't speak for 2023+ cars, mine is a 2022 Touring.

That's not good. How are they with phone screens, tablets, etc? Any difference if you turn them thru 90°?

 

[Buddy]

That's not good. How are they with phone screens, tablets, etc? Any difference if you turn them thru 90°?

Fine with the phone. My neck isn't flexible enough to get my head horizontal and I'm not interested in rolling the car over on its side.

 

[OldGnome]

I ordered polarized Cocoons (www.cocoons.com) sunglasses to fit over my trifocals. There is a very minor polarization issue with the lower right-hand corner of the head unit that I can get around by moving my head.

The glasses work great. I highly recommend them.

 

[MNsaint]

I have a 2024 Outback Wilderness and Oakley Holbrook Prizm Polarized, and they cause rainbows on my screen. No issues with these glasses on any other screens, except maybe the random gas station. I can still read what's on the screen but it's annoying.

If I switch to non-polarized lenses, I see the reflection of the dashboard in the windshield. The polarized lenses eliminate this. It's quite a conundrum.

Do any of those aftermarket screen protectors eliminate the rainbow with polarized lenses?

Exactly this for me - same car, same exact sunglasses, same annoying behavior. Geez, you must be my long-lost twin! 😉