Subaru Outback 2023 review: Turbo brings big power boost to updated VW Passat Alltrack wagon rival

Subaru has updated the new Outback with what could well be the most vital change to come to the mid-sized SUV in this generation - a new turbo-petrol engine which increases the towing capacity and offers much better acceleration.

In this review CarsGuide senior journalist Richard Berry tests the turbo-petrol XT Outback at its Australian launch along with the rest of the updated range.

At the end of this video you'll know what all variants of the Outback are like to drive, how much they cost and if they're good value for money.

Also covered in detail is the Outback's fuel economy, engine specs, safety features, practicality and boot size, plus the ownership costs from the servicing prices to the warranty.

How much more can the new turbo-petrol Outback tow? What's rear legroom like? Does it have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? It's all here.

Finally, Richard will tell you a secret about the Outback that even many owners don't know - how to activate a pin code to access your Outback without needing the key.

That's right, Subaru has fitted the Outback with an Easter egg which will allow you to leave the key behind so that you can go for a swim or run and come back to the car and unlock it without the key, using a special code.

#subaru #outback #review

--

00:00 Intro
01:00 Under the bonnet
02:38 Driving
06:01 Pricing and features
07:47 Design
08:17 Efficiency
08:56 Practicality
09:34 Safety
09:59 Ownership
10:54 Verdict

--

--

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

--

#2023Subaru #2023SubaruOutback #2023SubaruReview #2023SubaruOutbackReview #Subaru #SubaruReview #Outback #OutbackReview #SubaruOutbackReview #Wagon #StationWagon #WagonReview #StationWagonReview #CarReview #CarsGuide #CarsGuideReview #Towing #OffRoad #Car #Review #FamilyCar #Family #FamilyCars #FamilyCarReview

[ronaldov]

All you people dissing the CVT need to watch Engineering Explained on YT, he objectively analizes at the Subaru CVT transmission...its quite interesting.

[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.

[mardovenadap]

I just wish Richard does more car reviews. Very entertaining always.

[aaronwilson]

This is exactly what I was waiting for. Always thought the outbacks were a great car but just didn't have the grunt they needed. Well now they do and I just placed my order for a Touring XT. Now to wait for June delivery haha

[johnnumbat]

Thanks Richard and love your theatrical comic presence - I now own a Hilux and still have a 2006 Forester in the driveway as my general runaround - I’ve owned several Foresters normally aspirated and XT Turbos, Outback, Leone wagon, ‘98 WRX hatch and ‘90 Liberty - my ‘09 Forster XT Turbo had poor turbo lag like the Mitsubishi Triton ute - they’ve all been safe, reliable and well built but have limitations for real off-road touring hence my Hilux for Australian outback treks - the introduction of the awful ‘rubber bands and glue’ CVT was a deal breaker for me - my ideal Subaru would be a turbo Forester with conventional automatic transmission, 2” factory lift, no bling chrome and plenty of protection cladding - I can accept the fuel consumption and fire engine red duco would look great 👀 - I’m pleased to see a strong Subaru/Toyota alliance now which may deliver a better designed Forester hybrid than the last one.

[australianmade]

I’ve ordered an XT. I’ll be honest fuel is not a factor for me. $400 extra fuel over 10, 000kms is chicken feed given the low purchase price

[didixon]

Richard Berry, you handsome man. I did go get to see Rat Fink today - sleeves up! It’s warm world out there

[graemereardon]

Great review, I love your humour, I know its subjective but in your option is the XT Touring worth the extra $$$ over the XT Sport..

[b.deslashdriver]

I believe the Outback actually had a flat six, not a V six as stated.

[erker]

We used to be Surbaru people, from 2008 to 2018. Had exclusively, ca 100 Forries and Outback (Diesel) in our association. If maintained properly, no short-distances, proper maintenance, they were quite good. Switzerland is the Subaru country, and in the mountain regions, Subaru used to be #1.
Also the Forester never was a Landcruiser or a Discovery, and they were half the price of a comparable Volvo 70 XC D5. After Sub dropped the Diesels, for whom they never had a like, we dropped them Fuel economy was good.
But the lack of a diff and a transfercase made the Forester D even with their Lineartronic unfit for really steep tracks with gravel, to get e.g up to the Alp Zirbel, at 2300 m height !
What do we drive now, besides Discos 4 and 5 ? Volvo V90 CC D5, with air-suspension. Cheap ? No....our Subaru time is over, ...had one when I was a post-doc in physics at UCLA....in the mid 80's, a petrol of course...pretty small, compare with all those F-150 and RAMs'....

[barryroberts]

I love my old Forester 12 years old and a reliable workhorse. I have been waiting for the outback to lose the almost useless plastic roof rails. Now this turbo has the usable rails I thought haha! But the fuel economy will I think be the killer as I have two kayaks to get around. Oh well you can't please us all Subaru, I'll have to stick to the old girl.

[simonmajura]

Ahhh. Is there nothing more perfect than the pairing of my favourite CarsGuide editor and a Subaru?

[tonycoz]

Now will Subaru Australia bring back the Forester XT?

[daveemery]

I currently own a 2021 Subaru Outback Sport and was seriously considering the new Turbo. But after much consideration and research decided to get the new Ford Everest as an overall tow vehicle. I don’t have faith in the CVT nor do I have confidence in the suspension package they offer on the Outback. While it does tow my current 15ft van weighting in 1459kg. The Outback struggles and the CVT labours. I honestly don’t see the Turbo improving as a tow vehicle and if it does the fuel economy would be excessive. While it has been a great weekender and city car I would not think it is cut out as tow vehicle.

[joshash]

Dude great review I have had one of these on order since December...
I didn't know that about the PIN code.. that's cool!

[petron]

As a current owner I am content with the vehicle as it is. I honestly don't think it is worth the extra 5 or 6 grand for essentially the same vehicle, especially when it will cost more for fuel and use more of that fuel. A bit like choosing to buy an EV which is 20000 dollars more than the same car with an ICE. Not justified.

[AmboscottUK]

I want to know where the missing kw are. WRX has the same engine but has 202kW @ 5600 rpm & 350nM 2000-5200 rpm while the XT Outback has 183 kW & 350 Nm @ 2000-4800. Both require 95 RON. The USA version has the same power as the WRX. Any thoughts?

[MYM]

Replace Outback with Forester and you’d have made my dreams come true lol

[sebastiankang]

The next upsize would be a hybrid 2.4 turbo ... with electronuc centre locker

That's the sweet spot for most family outdoor adventures

[BLHARD]

I hope they have sorted out all their previous reliability problems with their CVT gearboxes, boxer engines, windscreens cracking and infotainment systems failing. If Subaru has built these properly and actually made these reliable I definitely want one.