Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT
Specs
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gas Financial system | B |
| Worth | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not mirror Client Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | A- |
| Tall Man | A |
| Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 260-horsepower 2.4-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4-cyinder |
| Transmission | CVT automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Class: Midsize Crossover
Nation of Manufacture: U.S.
Coloration: Crimson Crimson Pearl
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 136
Actual-world gas economic system: 24.6 mpg
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 22/29/25 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas kind: Common Fuel
Base worth: $42,795 (not together with $1420 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: All-weather flooring mats ($141)
Worth as examined: $44,356
Audio-System Model
Harman Kardon
Audio-System High quality
Poor Truthful Good Very-Good Glorious
Execs and Cons
The nice: Roomy, properly completed cabin, off-road/foul-weather prowess
The great: Ample energy from turbocharged engine; wagon utility
The not so good: Energy supply uneven at low speeds
Overview
There was some argument about whether or not or not the Subaru Outback is a station wagon, or as an alternative a crossover. Right here at Client Information, we’ve been a bit of inconsistent in our labeling of Subaru’s well-liked woodsy mannequin, however we lean in direction of calling it a compact crossover. However, if you wish to name it a midsize automobile, we’re cool with that, too.
However no matter you name it, the Outback is, and has been, based mostly on the maker’s now discontinued Legacy midsize sedan, and, all advertising and segmenting apart, is, in actuality, a station wagon. A very nice and useful station wagon.
Why this issues a lot proper now’s that the Outback is being utterly redesigned for the 2026 mannequin yr, and the brand new ‘Again seems to be way more like a standard crossover than the present instance.
And, should you thought of the Outback a station wagon, it was the final non-premium-brand station wagon accessible within the U.S. When the final 2025 Outback is offered, wagons will change into the unique purview of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo—and none of these carmakers promote very a lot of them. Lengthy reside the station wagon.
Because the final Wagon, the Outback deserves credit score for representing the breed so nicely. Subaru’s most carlike crossover is famously refined, snug, and useful, and has earned a repute for reliability and resale worth. The Outback is basically all the things a cautious shopper may need from a private or household automobile.
For these not within the know, the Outback is positioned in dimension and worth between Subaru’s well-liked Forester compact crossover, and fewer well-liked Ascent midsize 3-row crossover. Subie’s subcompact Crosstrek anchors the crossover lineup.
Because the Outback is being utterly redesigned for 2026, Subaru made just a few modifications to the mannequin for ’25, none of which have an effect on our common impressions of the automobile.
For 2025, the Outback is obtainable in a staggering 9 trim ranges, all of that are geared up with Subaru’s branded Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Right here’s a breakdown:
- Outback ($31,415)
- Premium ($34,480)
- Onyx Version ($39,390)
- Restricted ($41,140)
- Onyx XT ($42,645)
- Wilderness ($43,130)
- Restricted XT ($43,480)
- Touring ($43,700)
- Touring XT ($46,150)
Engines
Most Outbacks are powered by a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Fashions together with the XT designation benefit from the added increase of a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4. Each engines mate to a CVT-style automated transmission. And, each engines run fantastic on regular-grade fuel.
Client Information not too long ago spent per week behind the wheel of a 2025 Outback Touring XT in Crimson Crimson Pearl. Together with vacation spot cost, our check automobile got here to $44,356.
Cabin Trim
Our complaints relating to the inside supplies of the subcompact Subaru Crosstrek don’t prolong to the Outback, no less than not in Touring trim. The black-leather-based trim in our check automobile, punctuated tastefully with shiny accents, felt upscale, and completely on model for Subaru. And although designed on automobile structure, the Outback is crossover roomy with massive doorways, massive and welcoming seats, and loads of glass space. Rear-seat area is equally beneficiant.
Connectivity
We’ve change into accustomed to Subaru’s “Starlink” infotainment system, and usually discover it accommodating. The massive, vertically oriented console touchscreen is straightforward to achieve and straightforward to learn, even in shiny gentle. As in different Subaru’s of current classic, we did undergo quite a lot of Bluetooth “disconnects,” forcing us to delete our units from the system and relink. It is a time-consuming annoyance we hope the manufacturing unit has a repair for.
As soon as linked, the system operates nicely, and we now have solely good issues to say concerning the Harman Kardon sound system, which punches above the Outback’s worth class.
Trip and Dealing with
On the street, the Outback feels tight and substantial, in the absolute best manner. The journey is agency but compliant, lending itself to sporty conduct, must you be so inclined. The steering has some old-school heft to it, and communicates street situations successfully. Likewise, the Outback consists in corners, and the brakes are responsive and really feel robust.
Energy and Efficiency
Energy from the burly turbocharged engine is greater than ample, although the CVT automated transmission might be gradual to answer throttle inputs, a situation which may show irritating in heavy visitors. The answer is to use further throttle, which typically expedites issues, however probably on the expense of gas economic system. This, by the way in which, is basically our solely Outback grievance.
Gas Financial system
Talking of gas economic system, our check automobile averaged 25 mpg. We’d name that first rate mileage given the Outback’s energy and heft.
Worth
Like all Subarus, the Outback is someway greater than the sum of its elements, particularly in luxurious Touring trim. We suggest stepping as much as the turbocharged engine on trim ranges on which it’s accessible. And sure, we all know the Outback can be a automobile, however who cares? It’s elevated journey top will assist in deep snow or throughout informal off-road adventures, and the roomy wagon physique serves up crossover-style utility. Additionally, at comfortably lower than $50,000 absolutely loaded, the Outback Touring XT additionally represents actual greenback worth.
Should you’re not on the lookout for greater than 5-passenger area, and don’t must tow, the Outback completely deserves a spot in your buying record. And, if you wish to personal one of many final actual station wagons, you’ll must hurry. The all new, much-less-wagonny Outback goes on sale later this yr.
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2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT Footage
Click on under for enlarged photographs
