Is the Outback Turbo worth the extra $$$? (Subaru Outback XT turbo 2023 review)

Iain reviews the 2023 Subaru Outback XT Touring wagon with the new 2.4-litre turbo engine and standard AWD, now available in Australia.

The Subaru Outback is a raised station wagon with good ground clearance and Subaru’s AWD system. It competes with SUVs, but also wagons like the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack and Volvo V60 Cross Country.

The problem with the Outback until now has been its slow 2.5-litre engine. Now, you can optionally specify a 2.4T turbo engine with 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque. The transmission is still a CVT auto.

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Subaru Outback.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Important Changes
1:57 - Interior
4:03 - Back Seat
4:40 - Boot Space
5:10 - Running Costs
5:52 - Driving
16:34 - Verdict

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[elidanceali]

3:50 "I'd prefer a normal conventional button" he says, while reaching past the normal conventional temperature buttons on either side of the screen. I do, however, agree that I'd prefer the other AC functions to not be through the touch screen.

[rexthesheep]

I'm one of those weirdos that's really into physical media so I do appreciate that Subarus still come with CD players. Especially considering this is the sort of vehicle you'd be taking out to remote areas with poor-to-zero radio and data reception. No need to worry about streaming music/podcasts cutting out on road trips!

People in cars media comments tend to get really upset with me for saying I like audio CDs though. So to cover my bases, yes I know you could just have offline media stored on your phone or a hard drive too, but i feel like that's intentionally missing the point somewhat. :P And you act like I'm not also the kind of person to take a fat collection of DRM-free digital media on trips too.

[australianmade]

Just got back from a test drive. The performance is effortless. You have to check the speedo to realise how quickly it moves. The sales guy said to me yeah it moves in sports mode. I said what’s sports mode as I had only used standard. So bottom line is this is the outback WRX we wanted

[PH-mdxp]

Test drove a 2023 Outback a couple days ago over here in the US. It was the top Touring XT trim level with all the bells and whistles. The interior was beautifully appointed in Nappa leather and was very comfortable, just as nice as my 2018 BMW X3, maybe even nicer. As time marches on the safety tech in this car has evolved significantly. I had also driven the naturally aspirated 2.5 L version a week earlier and it was not a bad car to drive, but the XT felt so much more alive and responsive. Yes! This is the WRX wagon we’ve been wanting for a long time. It costs about $41, 000 USD, but is really such a great combination of refinement and utility, all in one car.

[ertcom]

Iain Curry you are an excellent presenter and story teller. Loved your review especially the driving impressions.

[ichabodjones]

have had our xt ouback for around 2 months now. done about 5000ks. this is one of those cars that i just love to drive. love the ride so comfortable. the power is why i bought it. fuel consumption dont really care. i just love the power this thing has. test drove wrx sports wagon but it was too low for me to get in and out comfortably. outback is no problem. have a prado also prefer my new outback though. you review is pretty spot on . defineitly one of the better reviewers

[oggyoggy]

3:45. Surely the red and blue arrow buttons change a/c temp (for both driver & passenger), without going into the digital menu?

[chrisb]

Yes! The turbo is worth it. We bought a 21 XT Touring. It’s a bargain for what you get. It’s fast with almost diesel like torque & we only lost about 2mpg from our 17 non turbo. It’s a very smooth sleeper for road trips.

[tadstertrolley]

Excellent review thanks (apart from not noticing the separate non screen temperature buttons), no bs about water bottles, honest and straight to the point unlike most reviewers. I was expecting more in the terms of power, disappointing to say the least and will now be cancelling my order that i had in since October.

[HyRax_Aus]

You didn't compare acceleration between Intelligent and Sports SI-Drive modes. Intelligent mode de-tunes the car further for greater fuel efficiency. You don't get the full beans and reduced throttle lag unless you put it in Sports mode. It's unfortunate that S# mode has been removed for this year.

Other neat features not mentioned in this review: Tailgate access PIN code (not new, but rarely mentioned by anyone), autonomous emergency steering (new for this year), and Adaptive Driving Beam (improved, and now standard across all variants for night driving).

Other than that, good review!

[rogerbanister]

I just picked up my XT today and hadn't driven one until today. Night and day between the NA and XT for me. NA felt underpowered, XT feels perfect. Not talking about trying to get speeding fines, just general driving in urban areas and on the motorway.

(BTW I don't buy new cars to save money on fuel. I would just keep my perfectly fine older car to save money).

[grantreid]

Being an engine reconditioner we get to see what"s good and what"s not so good when the mechanics bring the parts into us. Being in a low paying job i tend to keep my cars for a long time so personally i stay away from turbos as a normally aspirated engine will go for a lot longer with basic services. I have dabbled with a falcon turbo and i am pretty sure a subaru with a turbo would be a great disappointment for me anyway. The 2.5 na outback may be my next car and possibly my last as i am a fan of wagons but not suvs.

[cbrown]

3:46 - "To get in to alter your temperature." As he ignores the Red and Blue physical buttons that alter your temperature.

[carlosortega]

Congratulations, i like a lot your review. I am from Mexico City and here is just arrived the turbo version. I think this is a very complete and interesting car. Regards from Mexico

[TheAmazonamy]

Im absolutely reassured going with the XT was the best option! Thank you! Although I wish we had sapphire blue in the States

[gene]

Looks so much Better without the Extra Front cladding that we get here in the states. I always thought we should have the option or a Trim choice. Thank You

[rsg]

How can this dude don't do more videos than our kiwi mate? This dude articulate the details very well which is useful rather than all fluffery stuff all the car reviews are out there.

[OzBloke]

Great review thanks - just ordered might - can’t wait 😎👍

[mikesubito]

A bit strange why subaru does not put this same engine on foresters. Should sell more than outbacks.

[jsnmrtn]

A tow test pulling the same weight as the atmo (e.g. Tom's MX5) would be good