2023 Subaru Outback XT Review | Turbo power for popular large SUV, but does it better the old H6?

The 2023 Subaru Outback range has a pair of new flagships, with two born-again XT nameplates joining the Japanese brand’s second most popular model line for this year.

Borrowing their 2.4-litre turbo-petrol boxer four from the Subaru WRX, the Subaru Outback XT Sport and Subaru Outback XT Touring also bring sportier suspension.

But they are also positioned $5000 higher than their non-turbo siblings, so is the price premium worthwhile? Sam Charlwood attended the national launch to find out.

Fast Forward
00:00 Intro
00:35 Pricing and specs
02:25 Interior review
04:25 Infotainment & safety
04:37 Passenger and Luggage space
05:25 On the road
10:45 Service and warranty
11:07 Verdict

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[craigelliott]

Excellent review… probably the best initial review on the internet, thanks Sam.

[Roku-qpoc]

The best value wagon in Australia. So versatile and comfortable across many terrains. Considering most Australians drive 90% of our time on tar the Outback still manage masters luxury offroad when needed.

As for the turbo its glorious and provides the power you need to keep you going and get you out if trouble on roads at times.

The main negative everyone always brings up is fuel consumption compared to other brands however when filling the tank its such a minor difference. The extra cost is worth it.

Still made in Japan and still remains a high quality build.

[mrdpwr]

Yesterday, i just bought a gently used Touring XT, fully loaded, as I had them add a factory remote start with additional fobs and the trailer package. Since the 2023 in the 2024 are pretty much identical, I saved $9, 300 of what the MSRP would be over a 2024. Signed the paperwork yesterday and pick it up in a couple of days as I bought it out of state at the dealer and getting the plates I guess is an ordeal. I originally wanted a black one or maybe even gray, but you can't have black rims unless you do aftermarket. After looking at a couple of white ones, they really grew on me, so that's what I got. I have a 2014 RAM 1500 Laramie Crew Cab, but it is a problem driving it around in the city. I am keeping it though as well.

[fiddlestickzmuzik]

Can anyone tell me as a potential buyer, what happens after and the CVT transmission ? is it serviced or replaced or what happens ? Ive read they last so that's why I ask. thanks

[williegitau]

I love an analogue instrument panel...happy day's

[adambester]

wow the front of the Australian subaru outback looks so much better than the North American one.

[MaxFromSydney]

Thanks, Sam,

As a guess, how would you compare the cabin noise on coarse bitumen roads between this Outback / Forester / CX-5?

[johnnumbat]

Thank goodness the temperature gauge is back instead of the blue light red light n my previous ‘09 XT Forester - I never liked the absence of this important gauge because it’s probably cooked a few Subarus post ‘2009 to now as the red light most likely means ‘cooked’ engine - my old Outback tended to find steep track inclines a problem due to the long nose hitting the ground regularly - a 2” lift would fix this but my standard Forester had no issues due to the short nose/tail approach and departure angles - a new Forester Turbo with normal problem free torque converter would be ideal and definitely be my first choice.

[creditelectric]

2.4 Tonne tow capacity, taken with a chunk of rock salt.

[sandilemajiya]

What a beast! I love the interior a lot, love infotainment system

[electricdiesel]

Subaru Outback XT first turbocharged crossover wagon since the former Subaru Liberty GT, it also known as the Outback 'GT' or Outback WRX and needs a hood scoop for the external intercooler.

[saab]

still waiting for the wilderness version .

[andrewd]

No turbo lag mentioned? Sam you’re the only reviewer thus far to get less than 12L per 100. Others reporting 12L per 100. Bit of a difference. Soft review.

[waggaclint]

Still didn’t answer the question about being better then the old H6 3.6R ??

[tonycoz]

Thank goodness we didnt get the American new outback front! It would be great if the Forester XT made a comeback.

[grandpaears]

The "6 star logo" is actually a representation of the Pleiades constellation, and I believe that's what "Subaru" means in Japanese ... but I could be wrong. Regardless, I love my 6 year old Outback Diesel. 6.5 liters per 100km. Tell that to a hybrid w*nker.

[TheHarmont]

"8-speed CVT transmission" ahaha

[NicholasCox]

"8 speed CVT auto".... lol that's not even a thing.

[wayneschenk]

In 10 years time if this hasn’t cost you an arm and a leg to keep on the road I will be surprised.

[twodogswalking]

Subaru XT Touring is FROM $61, 559 drive away.