Subaru Outback 2.5 vs XT vs 3.6R 0-60 Test & Comparison!

The regular Outback catches criticism for pokey performance, but how much more do you truly get with the turbo, and is it worth it? Let's find out, and while we're at it, let's see if the 3.6R can still hold its own with its successor!

FULL Review

Thank you, Royal on the Eastside

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[letsgo_inc]

Imagine sitting in your Focus ST crying after getting beat at a traffic light by a Dad in a turbo outback with his kid in the back...

[TownAndCountry]

My mom was recently in the market for a new Outback, her first brand new car. She has always had the H6's since 2004, an '02 LL bean for about 15 plus years, then a '13 3.6R. for about 5-6 years. She tested a 2021 XT, and she was not impressed with the smoothness of it! She ultimately went with a 2019 3.6R Touring with 14k miles. She was more than impressed with the power, loved how silky smooth it was, and wanted to stick with the reliability that was proven to her with her H6's over the last 20 years. Thanks for the great video Tyler!!

[db]

We've owned a 2016 2.5i Premium, and retired it after 366K miles. We replaced it with a 2023 Outback XT Touring; and love the upgrade. It's a great car for our long haul trips, and off road adventures. Very happy with the upgrade!

[sharkonwheels]

Went from an early 2016 2.5 Limited to a late 2017 3.6r Limited, to a 2020 Limited XT, to now a 2022 Wilderness. The 2.4 turbo is OK, but I really miss the 3.6r flat six. Shame that this engine has gone to history…

[ichabodjones]

the 2.4 motor is a lovely sleeper. drive it normally its fine. then sometimes you just want the power. this thing just flies. .so glad i got the turbo. . the ride and feel is so good .have had other subaru cars . this is the nicest one. outback xt 2023 model

[niuhuskieguy]

I think the 3.6 was a bit of an underappreciated powerplant. It was quick, but certainly no speed demon. I think its biggest advantage was its more refined experience that may be more expected from the Limited/Touring trims. I always found it to be quiet and smooth, but willing to play with a good sound if you wanted it to.

[DBravoer]

2011 3.6R Premium with 5EAT here. After a Takeda intake and 93 octane fuel, I'm at 5.5 to 60 at sea level. Properly quick and easy to outrun the suspension and tires into corners, lol. 170k miles without any trouble. TURBINE smooth. No 4 will ever be this smooth. Can't feel the transmission shift. Driven it across the country twice. Once towing a trailer.

[allanmatiri]

I also wish that Subaru should have added a turbo to the 3.6r engine instead of discontinuing it

[roberthenry]

This is far and away the best Subaru Outback review video on the internet. Thank you.

[penponds]

Reading this as a Brit who grew up with imperial mpg, living in Australia with litres per 100km, with an American wife…

10 litres per 100kms = 23 US mpg

10 litres per 100kms = 28 UK mpg

And 30 US mpg = 36 UK mpg.

UK gallon is 1.2x bigger than US gallon.

I’ve a 2011 2.5 auto Forester, now considering a used manual (Legacy or OB). I have lots of hills and tricky minor roads with big trucks, occasional gravel, soft shoulders, lots of winter wet leaves. Will share with my learner son, so must be manual.
I get around 9 litres / 100km (26 US, 31 UK mpg) on my 2.5 NA Forester.

Tending to a late 2000s 6 cylinder for the extra torque. I’ve been used to my dying auto 3L diesel Jeep which is 160 kW and a phenomenal 510Nm at 1600rpm.

After that my current NA 2.5 feels very exposed trying to accelerate going up anything worse than a 1:10 gradient.

[steve]

I have an older 3.6. I like how smooth it is and feels really comfy. It is great for highway driving. Also runs on standard fuel as opposed to premium and it’s a lower stress engine.

[MeiklesAndDimes]

Awesome video! I picked up a 2020 Limited XT about a month ago, and love it. The power is enough for me, especially on the highway while passing. I was coming from a 2015 Legacy with the 2.5 engine. I knew I wanted the extra power, so I didn’t even consider getting the 2.5 on the Outback.

[mervstone]

I bought a new 2021 touring xt… love it & 16, 000 miles later no issues at all .. to get the best performance, use “manual” mode with the CVT to hold the lower gears up to 4500 rpm .. I’ve measured 0-60 at 5.7 seconds .. not bad for a station wagon ! Use voice controls for the aircon control .. The touring is fully loaded and with ventilated leather front seats was a must for desert living .. No regrets for this super versatile and fun to drive vehicle

[alaskasharkbear]

When my wrx was getting fixed, I got the XT as a loaner car and I had no idea how quick it was, so when I pulled out of Subaru, I gunned it because there was car coming and the power was so strong it shocked me. I would for sure trade my WRX for one

[KurtisKain]

I ended up going for a used 2012 3.6R Outback with a regular automatic transmission instead of the CVT. I'm happy with it and the pull off the line, especially in S# mode just makes you smile every time.

[nazzartareev]

One of the nicest reviews on Outbacks out there.

[Syne]

Been waiting 3 months for my 2022 XT Limited. I test drove both and I couldn't imagine getting the base engine. The difference is night and day.

[JT-olxo]

I bought the Outback Touring XT back in 2020 and have had no regrets. I came from a Honda CRV so wanted something that would provide the same utility with the bonus of the turbo and better cabin features/comfort. The turbo really sold me since I need it for highway driving pulling out into traffic or passing power. The touring model had all the features I wanted while the others seemed to have one or two but none had them all. I was fortunate to be able to test-drive my choice which was on the dealer's lot.

I love my 3.6 plus I got the best color combo with Navy blue over orange brown leather

[MaureenStapletonFan]

I cannot thank you enough for the comparison of the Outback Limited and Outback Touring XT. Currently I'm driving a 2017 Outback Premium, and looking to trade next spring. The Subaru Outback Touring XT (Green!) is the one for me. Again, I appreciate the review!