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+ |
| Gasoline Economic system | B |
| Worth | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Client Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A- |
| Tall Man | A |
| Large & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 260-horsepower 2.4-liter |
| Engine Kind | Turbocharged 4-cyinder |
| Transmission | CVT computerized |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Class: MidsizeCrossover
Nation of Manufacture: U.S.
Coloration: Crimson Pink 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)
Gasoline kind: Common Gasoline
Base worth: $42,795 (not together with $1420 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: All-weather ground mats ($141)
Value 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 nice: Ample energy from turbocharged engine; wagon utility
The not so good: Energy supply uneven at low speeds
Evaluation
There was some argument about whether or not or not the Subaru Outback is a station wagon, or as a substitute a crossover. Right here at Client Information, we’ve been a bit inconsistent in our labeling of Subaru’s standard 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, primarily based on the maker’s now discontinued Legacy midsize sedan, and, all advertising and marketing and segmenting apart, is, in actuality, a station wagon. A very nice and purposeful station wagon.
Why this issues a lot proper now’s that the Outback is being fully redesigned for the 2026 mannequin yr, and the brand new ‘Again seems to be far more like a traditional crossover than the present instance.
And, should you thought-about 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 develop into the unique purview of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo—and none of these carmakers promote very a lot of them. Lengthy dwell the station wagon.
Because the final Wagon, the Outback deserves credit score for representing the breed so effectively. Subaru’s most carlike crossover is famously refined, snug, and purposeful, and has earned a status for reliability and resale worth. The Outback is basically every thing a cautious shopper might need from a private or household automobile.
For these not within the know, the Outback is positioned in measurement and worth between Subaru’s standard Forester compact crossover, and fewer standard Ascent midsize 3-row crossover. Subie’s subcompact Crosstrek anchors the crossover lineup.
Because the Outback is being fully redesigned for 2026, Subaru made only some adjustments to the mannequin for ’25, none of which have an effect on our basic 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 computerized transmission. And, each engines run high quality on regular-grade gasoline.
Client Information just lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2025 Outback Touring XT in Crimson Pink 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, at the very least not in Touring trim. The black-leather-based trim in our check automobile, punctuated tastefully with vivid 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 develop into accustomed to Subaru’s “Starlink” infotainment system, and usually discover it accommodating. The massive, vertically oriented console touchscreen is simple to succeed in and simple to learn, even in vivid gentle. As in different Subaru’s of current classic, we did endure plenty of Bluetooth “disconnects,” forcing us to delete our gadgets from the system and relink. This can be a time-consuming annoyance we hope the manufacturing unit has a repair for. We did NOT expertise the difficulty this time round.
As soon as linked, the system operates effectively, and we’ve got solely good issues to say concerning the Harman Kardon sound system, which punches above the Outback’s worth class.
Journey and Dealing with
On the highway, the Outback feels tight and substantial, in the very best manner. The trip 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 highway 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 computerized transmission might be sluggish to reply to throttle inputs, a situation which might show irritating in heavy site visitors. The answer is to use extra 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.
Gasoline Economic system
Talking of gas economic system, our check automobile averaged 25 mpg throughout a scorching spell which necessitated full-time use of the air conditioner. We’d name that first rate mileage given the Outback’s energy and heft.
Worth
Like all Subarus, the Outback is one way or the other 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 is mostly a automobile, however who cares? It’s elevated trip peak 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 totally loaded, the Outback Touring XT additionally represents actual greenback worth.
If you happen to’re not searching for greater than 5-passenger area, and don’t must tow, the Outback completely deserves a spot in your procuring checklist. 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.
Take heed to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2025 Subaru Outback Touring XT Photos
Click on under for enlarged photographs