Subaru Outback XT 2025 review

The new Subaru Outback Sport Touring XT costs more than any other version of this model, and looks different, too. It has a unique exterior finish, some interesting trim elements, and it remains a spacious and thoughtful crossover SUV model.

And it's the turbo engine version, and it's a great thing... so, with a new-generation Outback seemingly just around the corner, should you buy one?

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00:00 Subaru Outback
00:27 Is it the right price?
01:56 What are the best alternatives?
03:30 Is it the right size?
05:35 Interior
11:21 Under the bonnet
12:06 Driving
15:43 Efficiency
16:38 Is it safe?
17:34 Ownership
18:22 Verdict

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#subaru #outback #review

[ashjurius]

After buying my first Outback, I wondered why I never bought one before. It is the best vehicle I've ever driven. My previous vehicles were VW Polo, then Golf R, then VW Amarok. The Outback is very underrated.

[SteveM-nv]

I’ve had mine for three months now, after purchasing it in Perth. The dealer mentioned that only two were sold in the area at the time, so I knew I had to act fast. I’m so glad I did—I absolutely love it! I highly recommend it, and if you get the chance, don’t hesitate to grab it!

It's just has the best or both worlds, high end features plus that sporty look.

Also the colour is constantly complimented! 🎉😊

[adamhend]

I got the XT and it just does everything effortlessly. I'm on my forth Subaru now, but my first turbo model and I'm very happy with it.

[FatGuntah]

I've got the non turbo 2022 Touring and it's my favourite car ever. It just does everything well, it's wonderfully comfortable, and the AWD system means it handles like it's on rails. Could it be better - sure, but not a lot IMHO.

[andrewiverach]

I have done 198, 000km on a 2018 model and 60, 000km on a 2023 model. Both base model and just regular service. Not one thing has gone wrong with this car. I do a lot of freeway driving and achieve 7.1/100km. Very comfortable car to tour in.

[franklinchen]

I’m going to pick up my Touring on Friday next week, exciting. We’ve owned a Forester for over three years, a great family car. I do like Subaru.

Update- have driven my Outback Touring for a few days, and travelled about 300kms.
Pros: comfy, better ride quality and body control than Forester, another level
Cons-only the touch screen, so annoying, you can accidentally touch any button but the one that is supposed to be touched, quite unsafe while you are driving.
9/10

[brianhoward]

Great review - thank you! We have had a 2014 3.6R model since new and have 160K on the clock now. We have been told it will need probably $13K worth of work on front gaskets and other stuff inside the next 12 months so we're looking to replace it within 6 months. I've seen pics of the new platform 2026 model and it looks horrendously large and boxy like all the other box-on-wheels 4WD things. The current car handles and looks like a sedan-based old-school wagon, which I love. Looks like this 2025 turbo model may be the one to get and keep for another 10 years. The price is fairly rude though but have to think about that one. Our 3.6R has been fairly reliable but services more exxy than other brands. Bit to think on here. Maybe the baby version, a 2.5L Crosstrek? We shall see. Happy '25 everyone!

[hansjkruger]

I bought a 2023 Outback Touring XT new, and it's now on 37000 km. What an excellent car so far. We really enjoy it. The turbo version is bloody quick, and the ample and flat torque curve pairs surprisingly well with the CVT. It cruises effortlessly and quietly at 1500 rpm @ 100km/h. We live in a regional area, and drive mostly freeway. Consumption averages around 8.5 l/100 per tank, easily better than the claimed 9 l/100 km. That said, in an urban traffic environment it will be a lot thirstier. Cons: safety tech is too noisy and intrusive and gets switched off. Rear springs could be firmer, especially when carrying 4 passengers and load.

[markdalton]

Absolutely love my 2024 XT Sport Touring!😊

[shaktishaker]

I actually love mine. Super comfortable, fast and lots of cargo room.

[gregturner_awod]

I nearly bought the XT version of the Outback some time ago, but went to EV instead. For distance road travel regionally this would be a comfortable and and safe car that has the clearance to manage lousy regional roads. Thanks for an excellent review.

[simonmanners]

It’s a nice vehicle, quality build as well. I think the thing about Subaru is my understanding is they really back their vehicles warranty wise without being jerks and having to be threatened with legal action.

[scott-wright]

Love they retained analogue dials. Maybe I’m old school

[andrewleventis]

My first outback 3 years ago, way better than the bmw x3 and x5s that I owned over the last 20 years, damn I wish I discovered Subarus then

[martinburns]

These Sport Touring spec models are just the leftover 50th anniversary addition cars they couldn't sell. Just change the badge on the tailgate and you have a "new" model, simple. I own an XT Touring, and I love it. The rear shocks could be a bit firmer, to remove the tendency of a secondary bounce, would be my only criticism of the ride and handling.

[frankb]

Just bought our first Outback, a 2019 3.6r. Got it instead of a 2020 XT specifically because it has physical knobs for most common functions. Can keep my eyes on the road. Outdated? Only if you consider useful to be outdated.

[A]

I went for the wrx sports wagon 😊 Very close in getting the Xt outback but didn’t like the slower steering and jack up looks. Perhaps next time or next version. Great review as always.

[crashtestcal]

I have a 2023 XT Sport and its service intervals are every 15, 000 km’s, not 12, 500.

[russellchristison]

I’ll be getting a touring XT in March.
By the way the sun visors slide so when they are on the side windows you won’t be getting sun in your eyes

[scott-wright]

I wish they still made the Liberty wagon