Subaru Outback XT Turbo vs Non-Turbo Compared: Fuel Economy, Power, Refinement & Value Tested

Is it worth spending the extra $5000 on the Outback XT over the regular non-turbo version? We test out all the factors that matter in making that important decision.

We compare the fuel economy (tested at the bowser, not the trip computer), in-cabin noise and refinement, power, acceleration and braking times and value for money of the Outback XT Sport vs the regular Outback Sport.

Many of the findings may surprise you - especially the annual fuel and servicing costs.

A tow test of the Outback XT is coming soon.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:51 - Engine Power Levels
1:49 - Fuel Economy Comparison
3:11 - Annual Fuel Spend
3:47 - Servicing Costs
4:25 - Comprehensive Insurance
4:46 - 0-100km/h Times (0-62)
5:15 - Emergency Braking Distances
5:31 - Driving the Non-Turbo
7:00 - Cabin Noise While Accelerating
8:24 - Driving the XT Turbo
11:55 - Visual Differences
12:44 - Interior & Tech
14:12 - Back Seats
15:05 - Boot & Cargo Room
15:50 - Verdict: Is The Outback XT Worth It?

The Outback competes with the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack 162TSI, Audi A4 Allroad, Skoda Superb Scout, Volvo V60 Cross Country and other cladded wagons.

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct.

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[rustyjackhammer]

I’ve had my XT for 3 weeks, zero regrets, best 5k I’ve ever spent.

[JP-rbjs]

I just leased a 2024 outback xt and I couldn’t be happier! This is my 3rd outback and I can definitely tell the difference. I love it!!

[NGMonocrom]

0-60mph = 9.6 seconds with the non-Turbo. 6.6 *with the Turbo.*
Absolutely worth it! Might not seem much, but take it from someone who lived with a slow car for years, it is definitely worth the $5K extra. My current vehicle does that in 6.5 seconds. Effortless acceleration. Merging onto highway traffic is easy. I can accelerate away from an oncoming potential accident due to thoughtless other drivers. I can never go back.

[gregcoops]

More reviews like this please. As you say in your review, most shoppers are looking for a quite comfortable car for their daily drive. So many reviews bang on about carving up back roads etc. The vast majority want info on NVH, comfort, drivability and performance. Measuring the noise (dB) was a great addition. Thanks for a great review.

[billszymanski]

I am facing exactly this decision today. I appreciate your test, your style, and you taking a clear stand at the end!

[vn]

I have a non-turbo 2021. I can confirm from my recent Sydney-Melbourne that the return trip gave me a fuel economy of 6.8L/100Km after following the set highway speed limits. As you guys said, in the city, it is thirsty, though, ranging from 10L/100Km to 13.8L/100Km based on how hard you hit the accelerator. Thanks for the excellent video with good comparisons, as usual.

[gregcarr]

I have a Outback Wilderness (US model) with the 2.4t and hp specs are 260hp (194kw) with 277 ftlbs (375 Nm) of torque. Was interesting to see the Australian model is different. Also for fuel the 2.4t here can run just fine on 87 octane. I know US uses a different calculation for octane fuel octane rating (RON vs AKI) so 91 RON is similar to our 87 Octane. I do really like the 2.4t. Just finished my first year owning it and put about 13k miles on it so far and all I have had to do was a few oil changes, so far so good.

[hiwa]

I got 2023 outback XT, very happy with it, we did a trip from brizzy to Sydney, certainly having an XT worth every dollar we paid for.

[gary]

I’ve had a non-turbo outback for five years now. Great car, but when loaded up you start to notice the lack of power. Especially if you start climbing up in elevation as well. Going for the turbo for the next one!

[markdare]

Excellent review thanks Tom. I took delivery of my Touring XT a couple of weeks ago and can attest to the reasonable fuel economy. On a 500 km trip last weekend the car returned 8.4 litre per 100km combined highway and urban driving. I note some concerns about the CVT from a comment below, and to that I can only say that the CVT is not only a real gearbox but is probably the best gearbox for this engine. The power delivery is so smooth I have to wonder if there is a gearbox there at all. This car is a joy to drive in every respect, and a huge refinement over my previous 2017 2.5i Outback Premium. Cheers.

[stuartferguson]

Subaru - thank you for bringing back the XT. Over 17 years I owned both the GT and XT Forester and loved them but drifted away when you discontinued those models - while not currently in the market for a new car the XT Outback would be short listed for a test drive if I was.

[creaturefeature]

Thanks Tom have to totally agree, had my XT Touring in same colour for two weeks now, just ticking over 1, 000ks, best, most comfortable ride I’ve ever owned and I’m a first time Subaru owner.

[RandThompson-ddsk]

I ordered then received my '22 Onyx in Aug '21. It currently had 41k miles in it. Not a single regret.
Its slightly less MPG than the 2.5. It has the get up and go whenever it's needed. So worth the purchase.

[rossmangano]

Great review. I drive previous gen diesel and the 350nm torque, the same as the new XT, really makes it a relaxing vehicle to drive. The turbo XT should be the standard offering in my opinion in the current gen since the demise of the diesel.

[charlesnoska]

It's one of the best analyses that I have ever seen.

[tonycoz]

Thanks for the review. Let's hope Subaru Australia continue with this new found enthusiasm and bring back the Forester GT/XT

[robertfearnside]

Great, concise and helpful review for a future buyer of the Subaru OUTBACK XT. Thank you 'Chasing Cars' for a 'no nonsense review/ have subscribed and look forward to future videos on the 'Outback' and hopefully will be able to my many outback tours planned for the future.

[bobball]

Living in the mountains of Canada, I am looking at upgrading to the turbo so this was a convincing presentation. 🇨🇦

[alexlawsontas]

Great review. Very practical. Would like to have seen the addition of the highway noise levels. Traveling long distances at 110km/hr, having a quieter car is a real bonus.

[brookmiller-lee]

185hp and 180ftlb torque is inadequate?? That used to be V8 power numbers in the 80s dude. That is loads of power for a car!!