2023 Subaru Outback Sport XT AnyAuto

Subaru says Outback is an SUV but in reality, is a high-set station wagon, thus has a lovely svelte profile that no SUV can match.

It has a sport wagon feel, the type a muscled water-sports lover can toss wet gear into the back of without feeling precious about ruining the cabin. The 2023 model has updated wheels, wireless Carplay, rejigged X-Mode for light off-roading, and a range of new alloys. The spare is also an alloy, so Hallelujah, no space saver needed at a distant site for wayward and weary campers. Getting a flat is still painful, but once changed, you’re good to go.

The seats have been tastefully redesigned, and somehow feel firmer yet more comfortable. An hour in the saddle was a doddle. Likewise the 11.6” centre screen has been fettled climate-wise. Subaru reps pointed out the clearer layout, but I had trouble picking from last year’s model. Despite the enormous screen, most of its real estate is taken by permanent controls.

The car’s settings are under the car symbol, at the bottom right hand corner. Infuriatingly, Brake Hold (keeping brakes on at lights without your foot being on the pedal) and stop/start have no memory. If you switch brake hold on, and stop/start off, you need to repeat it whenever you press the starter on the old girl. You have to schlepp into the menu again, and select the 2 options, whereas, most brands have stop/start and brake hold on/off buttons secreted about the dash or console. Apart from anything else, the notion that stop/start saves any fuel is a complete nonsense.

[SSchithFoo]

I think CVT is the only way for them to make symmetrical all wheel drive fuel efficient. Subarus have bad gas milage anyway and without CVT it might even be worse.

[SSchithFoo]

Thanks for also mentioning the bad stuff. Everyone else seems to be fingering themselves over this car.