Turbo time! 2023 Subaru Outback review: Sport XT | Fast family wagon you should consider over an SUV

The 2023 Subaru Outback is an outlier in the Large SUV segment, mostly because it's actually a high-riding wagon and not a Sports Utility Vehicle - but those lines keep getting blurred as the years go on.

Either way, the Outback levelled with the recent introduction of a turbocharged engine option. That's right; the go-fast XT badge has returned to Subaru Australia's model line-up, now proudly worn by the segment-straddling crossover.

Specifically, under the bonnet is a 183kW/350Nm 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder petrol unit, which is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru's signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

So, in this expert review, CarsGuide Contributing Journalist Emily Agar finds out whether the Outback XT was worth waiting for, by putting to test its 'entry-level' Sport variant. After all, it might be a better bet than a Nissan X-Trail or a Kia Sorento.

#subaru #outback #review

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Timecodes:

00:00 Intro
00:32 Pricing and features
01:13 Design
02:15 Practicality
04:15 Under the bonnet
04:42 Efficiency
05:04 Driving
05:54 Safety
06:27 Ownership
06:56 Verdict

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CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[stephenabram]

Thank you for a realistic informative review. This vehicle is on our list.

[grahamreinbott]

Really funny that an ad before the video was for a Mazda C60 lol

[StigsSlovakCousin]

Nice review Emily, thank you! Just a question on the material on the seats you didn't seem to be a fan off... what does it feel like, is there anything comparable? Is it extra sticky in the heat or something? Reason enough to look at the Touring spec instead? Thanks!

[robertceroli]

They just need to drop that in the Forrester

[andrewleventis]

I wish I discovered Subaru years ago ….

[craigelliott]

Not a great review…. Didn’t build on any of the other reviews out and about…